Everyone Broke Through in Succession

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

Fang Mo knew better than anyone what had happened over that month.

Bibi Dong's pace in taking control of Spirit Hall far exceeded what had been needed in the original story.

Fang Mo deserved some credit for that, but even more of it came from Bibi Dong's own methods.

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, Bibi Dong's right-hand men in the original story, had pledged themselves to the Pope earlier than they had originally.

The allegiance of two Title Douluo, combined with the chain reaction Whale Rubber had triggered within the Elder Hall, rapidly expanded Bibi Dong's sphere of power.

The elders who had originally remained on the sidelines pledged their loyalty to Bibi Dong one after another.

And there was also Qian Daoliu's tacit approval.

The chief consecrator of the Consecrated Hall had never publicly stated his position, but his silence was itself a stance.

After he withdrew his secret support for the Old Minister Faction, the Elder Hall's final resistance completely collapsed.

From then on, Spirit Hall, the strongest force on the continent, fell completely under the Pope's control.

Fang Mo sat on a stone bench in the rear garden of the Pope Palace, holding a scroll of cultivation notes handwritten by Bibi Dong. Yet his gaze was not on the writing.

Because he was waiting for someone.

"Little Brother Fang Mo."

A cool voice came from behind him, deliberately lowered with cautious care so that no one else would hear.

Fang Mo did not turn around.

"You're here, Sister Xue'er."

Qian Renxue stepped out of the shadows.

She wore a light golden casual outfit, her hair tied into a high ponytail with a silver hairpin tucked into it.

After several months together.

Qian Renxue's temperament had changed.

She was no longer spoiled or sharp. In their place was a composed steadiness with a touch of gentle ease.

"Grandfather removed the hidden guards protecting me."

Qian Renxue sat opposite Fang Mo, her movements natural and casual. "He said Spirit Hall had stabilized internally and there was no need to send people to protect me anymore."

Fang Mo set down the notes.

"Do you believe him?"

The corners of Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly. "Half and half. Spirit Hall has indeed stabilized, but that isn't Grandfather's only reason for withdrawing them."

"Oh?"

"He thinks I'm safe with you."

As Qian Renxue said this, her gaze fell upon Fang Mo's face again, her eyes carrying an indescribable meaning.

Fang Mo did not reply.

Nor did Qian Renxue continue.

The silence was not awkward. Instead, it carried a certain tacit understanding.

Ever since that evening, the secret meetings between mother and daughter had become routine.

Every few days, Qian Renxue would come to see Fang Mo. Officially, it was to "cultivate together" or "discuss tactics," but in truth, she came to see Spirit Dong'er.

Fang Mo understood that perfectly well.

And he was happy to cooperate.

Every time Qian Renxue saw Dong'er, her emotions became much more stable.

The girl who had once been covered in thorns was softening at a visible pace.

More importantly...

Qian Renxue's attitude toward him had changed from initial hostility into a complicated feeling of dependence and trust.

It was not love.

At least, not yet.

It was more like an older sister's trust in her younger brother, mixed with an unspoken understanding.

"By the way."

Qian Renxue suddenly spoke. "Have you heard what happened at the training grounds recently?"

Fang Mo nodded.

Of course he had.

Because the effects of Whale Rubber had found their clearest proof in the future Golden Generation.

First, Xie Yue broke through from level eighteen to level twenty. Then Yan rose from level seventeen to level twenty, and Hu Liena also advanced from level seventeen to level twenty.

All three of them reached level twenty within practically the same month. Their speed left the instructors utterly dumbfounded.

Qian Renxue's expression turned serious.

"I heard the instructors say Mother used some special method. Do you know what it was?"

After thinking for a moment, Fang Mo answered.

"Whale Rubber. It's the essence of a deep-sea soul beast that can strengthen the meridians and physical constitution.

Teacher made arrangements to purchase a great deal of it in advance, and it has recently been used in the Golden Generation's training."

Qian Renxue nodded slightly.

She did not press him for details.

Because in her view, any decision her mother made must have had a reason behind it.

"What about me?"

Qian Renxue suddenly asked.

"You?"

"I'm already level thirty."

Qian Renxue's tone was calm, though a trace of hidden pride could be heard within it. "Among everyone, I was the first to reach level thirty."

Even Fang Mo had to admit that Qian Renxue's cultivation talent was extraordinarily high.

She had not gone undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire, one of the greatest changes from the original story.

In the original story, Qian Renxue had been sent to the Heaven Dou Empire this year, disguising herself as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and remaining undercover in an enemy nation for more than ten years.

During those more than ten years.

She had received no systematic training. All her cultivation had been carried out secretly, making it extremely inefficient.

Now, she remained in Spirit Hall.

Every day, she trained alongside Fang Mo, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, and the others, receiving Spirit Hall's resources and guidance.

Combined with her already exceptional talent.

With innate level-twenty Soul Power, the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, and Whale Rubber's meridian enhancement, her Soul Power advanced far ahead of the entire Golden Generation.

Now she had also reached level thirty and could obtain her third Soul Ring.

"When do you want to go?"

Fang Mo asked.

"The sooner, the better."

Qian Renxue's answer was crisp and decisive.

Then she abruptly changed the subject.

"But before that, I need to visit your room tonight."

Fang Mo raised an eyebrow slightly.

The tips of Qian Renxue's ears reddened faintly, but she quickly hid it.

"I want to speak with Mother about Soul Rings and hear her advice as well."

The person Qian Renxue referred to was naturally Fang Mo's Spirit Dong'er.

Fang Mo nodded. "All right. Same as usual, come secretly to my room at three quarters into the Hour of the Pig."

Qian Renxue rose to her feet and brushed the dust from her skirt.

"All right, I'll be going first."

With that, she turned and walked toward the Consecrated Hall, her steps light and elegant.

Late at night.

Only faint lights remained in the corridor.

Fang Mo had already washed up and was now sitting by the bed, waiting.

Three quarters into the Hour of the Pig.

A knock sounded on time.

Fang Mo opened the door.

Qian Renxue stood outside. She had changed into a plain casual outfit, her hair falling over her shoulders, without the restraint and distance she had carried during the day.

"Come in."

Qian Renxue slipped directly inside, shut the door, and locked it in one fluid motion.

This scene had repeated itself countless times, and the two had developed a familiar routine.

Qian Renxue sat by the bed.

Fang Mo sat cross-legged on it, closed his eyes, and sank his spiritual power into the Sea of Consciousness.

In the darkness, Dong'er's phantom floated there.

Those dark red eyes were half-open, her posture languid and indifferent. Fang Mo knew she had been waiting all along.

"She's here."

Fang Mo said inwardly.

Dong'er's phantom trembled slightly.

The maternal instinct from the depths of her soul was awakened the instant Qian Renxue was mentioned.