Heading to the Star Dou Forest

The crowd bustled with noise, the sound of discussion rising and falling in waves.

"Have you heard? Martial Soul Hall is appointing a Holy Son this time? It's the first time in so many years, isn't it?"

"Indeed. The last time a Holy Son was appointed was ages ago. Besides, I heard Pope Bibi Dong never agreed to it; it was Great Elder Qian Daoliu who forced it through."

"What kind of background does this Holy Son have? To make the Great Elder protect him so fiercely?"

"No idea. They say he's just a boy, not very old, but his talent is monstrous."

"To have Qian Daoliu personally appoint him as Holy Son, he must be no ordinary figure. We'd better take a good look today."

On the side of the high platform, Bibi Dong stood in the shadows, dressed in her papal robes, her face as cold as ice. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her nails nearly dug into her palms.

She had argued with Qian Daoliu several times, her stance clear.

Why should a boy of unknown origin be the Holy Son of Martial Soul Hall?

Qian Daoliu's response had been crisp and decisive.

"As long as this old man lives, Martial Soul Hall belongs to the Qian family. If you obstruct this again, I have the authority to strip you of your position as Pope."

Bibi Dong was so furious she nearly lost control. Looking toward the high platform, her eyes held a hint of undisguised killing intent.

At the hour of the snake, the bells began to toll.

The crowd in the square fell silent, their gazes fixed upon the high platform.

Qian Daoliu walked slowly from the direction of the Worship Hall, clad in white robes, each step steady and powerful.

Behind him followed Golden Crocodile Douluo, Mighty Lion Douluo, Azure Phoenix Douluo, Feather Douluo, Qianjun Douluo, and Demon Subduing Douluo; the six elders stood in a line.

With seven Title Douluo standing on the platform at once, the sheer weight of their invisible aura caused the murmurs below to vanish completely.

Qian Daoliu stood in the center of the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the sea of people below before he spoke.

"I have summoned you all here today to witness the ceremony of appointing the Holy Son of Martial Soul Hall."

His voice was not loud, but bolstered by Soul Power, it carried clearly to every corner.

"The Holy Son is the weight of Martial Soul Hall's heritage, bearing the responsibilities of the future. This child possesses exceptional talent and a steadfast heart. In the name of the Great Elder of Martial Soul Hall, I appoint Ji Ye as the Holy Son of Martial Soul Hall. From this day forward, he shall enjoy the honors of an elder and exercise the authority of the Holy Son."

The crowd's eyes turned toward the entrance at the side of the platform.

Ji Ye stepped out from there.

He had changed into a brand-new deep gold robe, embroidered with the golden emblem of Martial Soul Hall and intricate dark patterns. A dark sash was tied at his waist, and a matching cloak draped over his shoulders.

The murmurs below grew louder in an instant.

Few people recognized him, but at this moment, everyone couldn't help but take a few extra looks.

Some gasped in low voices, while others drew in sharp breaths.

"Is that the Holy Son? So young?"

"This boy... he looks only twelve or thirteen, doesn't he?"

"This appearance... I had expected someone with three heads and six arms to be appointed personally by the Great Elder, but I didn't expect..."

His companion chimed in.

"Didn't expect him to be so handsome?"

The man nodded, then shook his head.

"It's not just that he's handsome... standing there among those elders, he doesn't look intimidated at all."

Ji Ye walked up the steps one by one and came to a halt before Qian Daoliu.

Qian Daoliu looked at him with a hint of gratification in his eyes. He took a golden token from a bishop beside him; the front was engraved with the characters "Holy Son," and the back bore the pattern of the Angel Six Wings.

Qian Daoliu handed the token to Ji Ye.

"Accept the token."

Ji Ye took it with both hands and bowed slightly.

"Many thanks, Great Elder."

Ji Ye's gaze shifted from Qian Daoliu to the crowd below.

The VIP seats were filled with representatives from major factions. On the side of the Heaven Dou Imperial family, Xue Qinghe sat in the center, dressed in bright yellow crown prince robes. A gentle, proper smile hung on his lips as he watched him.

Ji Ye's eyes landed on Xue Qinghe's face, his lips curving slightly before he withdrew his gaze and turned back to the crowd.

As the ceremony concluded, applause erupted once more.

Ji Ye stood on the high platform, watching Qian Daoliu and the elders depart before turning to walk down the steps.

He did not return to the Worship Hall, but instead headed straight toward his own quarters.

Half an hour later.

Ji Ye had changed back into his usual clothes—a simple gray tunic. A small bundle was tied at his waist, containing a few changes of clothes and a small pouch of Gold Soul Coins.

He walked to the entrance of the Worship Hall, where Qian Daoliu stood waiting, as if he had anticipated this.

"Leaving?"

Qian Daoliu's voice was flat, devoid of any discernible emotion.

Ji Ye nodded.

"I've broken through to level fifty. I need to go hunt for my fifth soul ring."

Qian Daoliu looked at him, silent for two seconds.

"Do you need someone to accompany you? Falling Devil has been idle lately."

"No need." Ji Ye shook his head.

"I have other matters to attend to on this trip; it's more convenient to be alone."

Qian Daoliu did not press the issue.

"Take care of yourself. If you run into trouble, return to Martial Soul Hall immediately."

"Understood, Senior. I will be careful."

Qian Daoliu nodded, said nothing more, and turned to walk into the hall.

Ji Ye stood at the entrance, watching his back for a moment before turning and heading toward the gates of Martial Soul City.

Once outside the city gates, he followed the main road heading south.

The first few hours were peaceful enough; he occasionally encountered merchant caravans and travelers, each minding their own business without interference.

But by the third day, Ji Ye sensed something was wrong.

Someone was following him.

The sensation was faint, so faint that he would never have noticed it had he not remained vigilant.

The figure kept a great distance, so far as to be nearly invisible, yet Ji Ye could still capture that trace of flickering Soul Power.

"Tracking me?"

Ji Ye quickened his pace without changing his expression.

"Second soul skill."

"Void: Inch-Distance."

Ji Ye's figure flashed and vanished from where he stood.

But when he reappeared, that feeling of being followed returned, like an invisible thread tied to his body.

Ji Ye's brows furrowed slightly.

Who exactly is tracking me?

If they started from Martial Soul City, it means the person must be from Martial Soul City.

And among those in Martial Soul City who hold a grudge against me...

Only that old woman!

Pope Bibi Dong!

Ji Ye wasn't sure what that woman was planning, but to be safe, he had better leave quickly.

With that thought, Ji Ye didn't stop, continuing to press forward.

Five days later, the outline of the Star Dou Forest appeared at the edge of his vision.

Ji Ye exhaled, quickening his pace as he stepped into the dense shadows of the forest fringe.

The layer of fallen leaves beneath his feet was thick, crunching with a rustling sound as he stepped on them.

He stopped under a large tree and tilted his head to listen for a moment.

There was nothing but the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind; the feeling of being followed had temporarily vanished.

Yet he did not lower his guard, continuing to push forward.

Shortly after he left, the shadow on the ground where he had just been standing suddenly rippled like water.