Bibi Dong's Progress, Named Disciple

This was an absolute single-target finishing move.

Beside him, Yue Guan took a sharp intake of breath as he watched the terrifying destructive power caused by this strike.

Was this the kind of destruction a mere Soul Grandmaster could unleash?

He knew that from this day on, any soul master of the same rank facing Su Ming would have no hope of survival.

Su Ming slowly withdrew his right hand, the black currents of energy around his body dissipating.

He turned his head to look at the still-stunned Yue Guan, his tone calm:

"Elder, let's go. It is time to return to Spirit Hall."

After returning to Spirit City, Su Ming first went to the Pope Palace.

Inside the magnificent main hall, Bibi Dong had already changed back into her majestic pope robes, sitting upright on the high throne.

Su Ming walked to the center of the hall and bowed: "Your Holiness, the third soul ring has been successfully absorbed."

Bibi Dong nodded slightly, her expression composed.

Given the foundation of Spirit Hall and Yue Guan's personal escort, taking down a two-thousand-year soul beast was well within expectations.

She picked up the teacup from the long table and asked casually: "Mm, it is good that it was completed on schedule. Now that you have returned, what level has your soul power stabilized at?"

Su Ming replied: "Reporting to Your Holiness, my soul power has successfully broken through to level thirty-nine."

Clatter.

The teacup in Bibi Dong's hand stopped in mid-air without warning.

Her previously calm face froze the instant she heard the words "level thirty-nine."

Her eyes stared fixedly at Su Ming below.

Level thirty-nine?

Just by absorbing a two-thousand-year soul ring, his soul power had surged directly to level thirty-nine?

He was only one step away from the level forty Soul Ancestor realm?

How could this be possible?

From level thirty to level thirty-nine, that was a span of nine full levels!

Bibi Dong quickly set down the teacup, her voice carrying undisguised shock: "Level thirty-nine? How did this happen?"

Su Ming did not need to hide anything and told the truth: "Reporting to Your Holiness, this is due to the effects of the Immortal Herb, Narcissus Jade Bone, as well as the feedback of energy from the soul beast."

"In the Star Dou Forest, I did not absorb the originally intended two-thousand-year soul beast, but instead chose a five-thousand-year Hell Soul Yama Vulture."

Hearing this, Bibi Dong's brows twitched violently.

"The two-thousand-year soul beast was prepared for you by This Seat personally, yet you took it upon yourself to absorb a five-thousand-year fierce beast?"

Bibi Dong's voice deepened, carrying the pressure of a superior: "Do you know that for a Soul Grandmaster to absorb a five-thousand-year soul ring, the result is usually death by explosion?"

Su Ming lowered his head and replied in a calm tone: "I know, but after consuming the Immortal Herb, I felt that the strength of my meridians and bones had undergone a qualitative leap. Books say that the age of a soul ring is related to the quality of one's physical constitution."

"I felt the energy contained within that two-thousand-year Nether Ghost-Faced Swallow was too small to satisfy the needs of my martial soul."

"To better adapt to myself, I took the liberty of choosing the five-thousand-year Hell Soul Yama Vulture. Fortunately, I succeeded, and I hope Your Holiness will forgive my transgression."

Listening to Su Ming's explanation, Bibi Dong's heart finally calmed slightly.

Another Immortal Herb?

Was the effect truly that powerful?

"Release your soul power and let This Seat see."

"Yes."

Su Ming did not waste words; his body trembled slightly.

In an instant, a thick wave of soul power erupted from within him.

Bibi Dong sensed this soul power; there were no superficial secret techniques used, nor any signs of an unstable foundation.

It was as steady as a ten-thousand-year boulder—he was truly a level thirty-nine Soul Grandmaster.

Bibi Dong let out a breath.

A trace of shock rose in her heart.

She thought she had seen through the effects of the Immortal Herb, but she had clearly underestimated it by far.

Bibi Dong looked at Su Ming before her once more.

Twelve years old, level thirty-nine, a top-tier Evil Phoenix martial soul, plus a terrifying physical body capable of withstanding a five-thousand-year soul ring.

If such a monster could fully grow in the future, his strength would reach an unimaginable realm.

Facing such a peerless prodigy, Spirit Hall should exhaust all resources to treat him well, granting him the highest status and resources; they must never let him feel disheartened and choose to leave.

Looking at the youth before her, a strong impulse suddenly surged in Bibi Dong's heart: she wanted to take Su Ming as her personal disciple immediately.

Yet, the very moment this thought surfaced, the shadow of the former Pope, Qian Xunji, flashed through her mind.

An unavoidable, visceral disgust welled up in her heart.

Suppressing the impulse within, Bibi Dong took a deep breath to steady her emotions.

She looked at Su Ming and announced, "Su Ming, although you acted without authorization this time, considering your pursuit of the ultimate and your eventual success, This Seat will not hold you accountable. However, remember that next time, should a similar situation arise, you must inform This Seat in advance and proceed only after This Seat has confirmed it."

"Yes!" Su Ming nodded.

Bibi Dong is looking out for me.

Bibi Dong continued, "In view of the astonishing talent you have displayed, This Seat officially announces today that I am taking you as a registered disciple. From this day forward, you shall enjoy the same top-tier core resources and treatment as Hu Liena."

Su Ming was slightly taken aback.

He had not expected Bibi Dong to suddenly announce taking him as a disciple at this moment, even if it was only as a registered one.

Yet, the status of a registered disciple within Spirit Hall meant that he had already entered the core circle of the Pope's faction.

Previously, although he enjoyed the same treatment as Hu Liena and the others, Hu Liena was, after all, a personal disciple, so their treatment still differed.

His treatment had actually been on par with Xie Yue and Yan.

But now, he was truly and genuinely on the same level as Hu Liena.

"Thank you for your cultivation, Teacher. This disciple will certainly not fail your expectations." Su Ming immediately changed his form of address and bowed in salute.

He was also clear in his heart that the reason Bibi Dong did not take him as a personal disciple was likely related to Qian Xunji.

Is she afraid she might become the Secret Chamber Douluo?

Or is she afraid that I might become the Secret Chamber Douluo?

Su Ming thought nonsensically.

"Mm, withdraw. Spend these two days properly stabilizing your realm." Bibi Dong waved her hand, signaling that he could leave.

"Yes, this disciple takes his leave."

Su Ming turned around and strode out of the Pope Palace.

Bibi Dong watched his departing back, her star-like eyes lost in thought.

Su Ming returned to the Golden Hall.

Just as he reached the entrance, he saw an orange-red figure sitting on the stone steps.

Hu Liena was resting her chin in her hands, boredly kicking at the pebbles at her feet.

Hearing the rhythmic footsteps, she suddenly looked up. Upon seeing Su Ming, her eyes lit up, and she immediately brushed the dust off her backside and stood up.

"Su Ming! Where on earth have you been these past two days?"

"I went to the Cultivation Room to look for you but couldn't find you, and when I went to the Pope Palace to ask Teacher, she just told me not to meddle. How come I haven't seen a shadow of you for two days?" Hu Liena pouted, complaining slightly.