A few days later.
Late autumn, continuous autumn rain.
The weather is getting colder, and pedestrians on the street are wrapping their collars tightly and walking in a hurry, eager to step into a warm house.
The battle between the Star Luo Empire and Heaven Dou Empire is becoming increasingly fierce.
Along the border, beacon fires were raging in the sky, gunpowder smoke filled the air, and the shouts of killing shook the heaven and the earth.
Both sides are investing more and more troops, the battle lines are getting longer and longer, and the number of casualties has reached a terrifying six figures.
Every battle report is filled with blood and tears, and behind every number is a broken family.
But strangely, Two Great Empires's two "loyal allies", Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect and Clear Sky Sect, achieved an extremely weird "zero casualties" record.
Two Great Empires is fully aware of the fishy nature of this. Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect and Clear Sky Sect are clearly doing their jobs without putting in any effort, doing things half-heartedly, and taking the salary from the empire but not doing any real work.
But they could only hold their noses and admit it.
Not only that, Two Great Empires must also increase supplies and increase food and salary for them so that they can continue to stay on the front line.
There is no way, both sides still need to contain the other party's Soul Master power.
Once one of the Soul Master forces leaves the front line, a devastating blow will be waiting for them.
For this reason, they must spend money to support these uncles.
Even if they do nothing but go through the motions on the battlefield and drink, eat and sleep in the military camp every day, money must be spent to support them.
This is reality, cruel and helpless.
At this moment, at home.
The light in the main room was dim, and the autumn rain outside the window dyed the sky gray, making the room feel gloomy.
Zhao Linchuan is sitting in the main room with Yan Lingji and Bibi Dong, discussing future plans.
The three of them sat around a square table. A map of the Douluo Continent was spread out on the table. It marked the territory of Two Great Empires, troop deployment, distribution of Soul Master and other information. It was densely packed and dizzying.
Zhao Linchuan's fingers were lightly tracing on the map, Bibi Dong would interject a few words from time to time, and Yan Lingji would listen quietly, occasionally nodding or frowning.
"My lord--!"
Ling Yuan's voice came from the yard, cutting through the rustling rain.
She walked quickly to the door of the main room, patted the water drops on her body, then stepped in and said in a hasty tone:
"Sir, His Holiness the Pope and Great Worship are back, saying they want to see you and Your Majesty Holy Maiden."
"The teacher is back with Great Worship?"
Bibi Dong was a little puzzled when he heard this, his brows furrowed slightly, his eyes full of confusion.
She put down the teacup in her hand, leaned forward, and asked:
"Didn't Great Worship go to sea with that Tang Chen?"
"Why did you come back suddenly?"
"Maybe we have finished the matter." Zhao Linchuan stood up, straightened his robe, and said in a calm tone, "Let's go, let's go see them."
Outside the Pope Hall.
The autumn rain was misty, and fine raindrops fell from the sky, shrouding the entire Pope Hall in a hazy mist.
The stone steps in front of the temple were washed shiny by the rain, reflecting the gray sky and the curtain of water dripping from the eaves of the temple.
Qian Daoliu was standing under the eaves, looking at the drizzle falling from the sky, with a lonely expression on his handsome face.
He was wearing a golden robe, his back was straight, and his blond hair stood out in the gray sky.
Although Qian Daoliu is already a figure from the previous era, his face is still handsome, and the years do not seem to have left many traces on his face.
Zhao Linchuan and Bibi Dong came from the aisle. Bibi Dong walked up to Qian Daoliu, bowed slightly, and said in a respectful voice:
"Great Worship!"
"Brother." Zhao Linchuan nodded slightly, his tone indifferent.
"Hmm."
Qian Daoliu came back to his senses after hearing the sound. His eyes withdrew from the rain curtain and fell on Zhao Linchuan and Bibi Dong. He looked around in a circle, and a complicated light flashed in his eyes.
After a long time, he spoke slowly, his voice low and gentle, with a hint of sincere admiration.
"The future life is terrible..."
He sighed, withdrew his gaze, turned around, and walked towards the palace.
"Come with me, I have something serious to talk to you about."
Bibi Dong straightened up, looked at Zhao Linchuan, and asked with some confusion:
"Why haven't you seen my teacher?"
"Maybe there's something important that I can't get away from."
Zhao Linchuan replied casually, took steps towards the palace.
"Let's go, if Great Worship can come forward in person, there must be something big happening."
inside the palace,
The light was dimmer than outside, and the stained glass windows filtered the rainwater into colorful patches, casting a blur of light and shadow on the ground.
Qian Daoliu stood in front of the Pope throne and did not sit down.
He set his sights on Bibi Dong and said in a gentle tone:
"Dong'er, what do you think of the position Pope?"
"That position is so tiring."
Bibi Dong answered truthfully, with a bit of emotion in his voice.
"The responsibility is too great and the burden is too heavy."
"Do you think you can take over this responsibility from your teacher and make Spirit Hall even greater?" Qian Daoliu asked, looking directly into Bibi Dong's eyes, as if looking for something.
"This..."
Bibi Dong heard this and glanced at Zhao Linchuan. There was dependence, trust, and a bit of "you have to help me" in that look.
She withdrew her gaze, took a deep breath, and answered affirmatively:
"I have Linchuan to help me, it will definitely be possible."
"The last question." Qian Daoliu continued to ask, his voice softened a bit, but became more solemn.
"Do you think you are suitable to be Pope?"
"Can you guarantee that you will not be influenced by emotions when dealing with important matters?"
"I..."
Bibi Dong hesitated, her eyes flickered, her lips opened slightly, but she didn't know what to say.
Qian Xunji had asked her this question before, and she answered simply - "I can".
At that time, she was high-spirited and sharp, feeling that she was omnipotent and that nothing in the world could stump her.
But since she went out with Zhao Linchuan and saw the mixed flavors of the world, her mentality has changed somewhat.
She began to understand that the world is not black and white, and some things cannot be judged simply as "right" or "wrong."
This also leads to her being a bit soft-hearted when dealing with some matters.
If placed in peacetime, she might be a good ruler.
She will be considerate of people's sentiments, treat people well, and implement benevolent governance.
But the problem is that this continent is about to undergo unprecedented changes.
As a ruler, the last thing you should do is to be soft-hearted.
If you continue to cut off, you will suffer from chaos.
Be ruthless or not, the consequences will be endless.
Questions about the birth of Qian Renxue.
One, born as Qian Xunji daughter.
Second, she appears as a god-given child (the protagonist pinches her body).
I prefer the second option, and no one objects to my decision.
(I can only update once in the past few days, sorry...)