Under Chrysanthemum Douluo's guidance, the two of them reached Spirit City in just a few days.
They didn't run into any melodramatic trouble. After all, a mighty Titled Douluo was clearing the way for them.
"I'll take you to meet His Holiness the Pope."
"Remember, when you meet His Holiness, be respectful and polite. Keep in mind the etiquette I've taught you during this time."
As they walked along the streets of Spirit City, Chrysanthemum Douluo reminded him sternly.
"Don't worry, Senior. I won't forget my manners." Han Xing nodded.
After the reminder, Chrysanthemum Douluo led Han Xing straight to Pope Palace.
The doors swung open, revealing a hall filled with solemn majesty.
On the dais, Bibi Dong sat on the Pope's throne, her expression cool and her presence imposing.
Chrysanthemum Douluo bowed. "Your Holiness, your subordinate Yue Guan has brought Han Xing."
Han Xing followed suit, his manner respectful and neither servile nor arrogant. "This junior, Han Xing, pays his respects to Your Holiness."
Bibi Dong's gaze settled on him. After examining him briefly, she spoke in an even tone:
"Rise. I've already read your records: Innate Full Soul Power, a Three-Legged Golden Crow Martial Soul, and level twenty-nine at eleven years old."
"Such talent is rare even among the gifted Soul Masters who have grown up in Spirit City. Few can compare to you."
Han Xing replied politely, "Your Holiness, you flatter me."
Bibi Dong said, "The fact that I sent someone to escort you here personally proves how highly Spirit Hall values you."
"From now on, you'll remain in Spirit Hall to cultivate. Our records and classics, cultivation resources, and dedicated training grounds will all be available to you."
Her voice lowered slightly. After a brief pause, she continued with a few words of advice:
"But remember, talent in Nuoding City doesn't amount to much."
"Spirit City is full of geniuses and teeming with powerful experts. The path of a Soul Master isn't just about competing with your peers."
"You must put aside your restlessness and devote yourself to cultivation. Only then will you live up to your talent."
Han Xing answered solemnly, "This junior will remember your teachings. I'll cultivate diligently and won't let Spirit Hall's investment in me go to waste."
"Good. That's how it should be." Bibi Dong nodded approvingly.
"A Three-Legged Golden Crow Martial Soul is truly rare. Possess your Martial Soul and let me see this legendary Divine Beast Martial Soul."
At her words, Han Xing focused his mind, and his Martial Soul instantly possessed him.
Scorching golden flames flared around him. Faint golden fire coiled around his limbs—not violent, but intensely concentrated.
After five years, Han Xing was no longer the little child he had once been.
Though he still looked somewhat young, as his Martial Soul possessed him, his black hair lifted slightly.
A blazing golden sheen touched his brows and eyes, and his pupils became clear, sharp Golden Crow Vertical Pupils, both fierce and sacred.
A pair of half-transparent wings of golden fire appeared on his back. Their feathered patterns shed tiny golden sparks in a steady rustle.
The Sun True Fire wreathing his body was gentle yet deeply oppressive, and the air around him shimmered faintly from the heat.
In an instant, the boyishness fell away from him. He took on the majesty, blazing intensity, and pride unique to an ancient Golden Crow Divine Beast.
Bibi Dong couldn't help freezing as she looked at Han Xing, whose sharpness and domineering presence radiated divinity.
She stared hard at him, her brows drawing together.
His sacred, radiant appearance brought back a few unpleasant memories.
Fortunately, she was still the Pope, and she had not yet had much contact with the Rakshasa God Position. Her reason had not yet given way to madness.
After frowning for a few seconds, she soon returned to her usual composure.
"The Three-Legged Golden Crow truly lives up to its reputation," Bibi Dong praised.
"Even its presence alone makes it clear that this Martial Soul is extraordinary."
But soon her expression settled back into calm. "Withdraw your Martial Soul."
Han Xing did as she asked and recalled his Martial Soul.
Bibi Dong considered this for a moment. "Your strength has already surpassed the bounds of a junior Soul Master, even though you're only eleven."
"Starting today, you'll attend Spirit High-Level Soul Master Academy."
"Yes!"
Han Xing nodded, then simply kept looking at Bibi Dong.
"Do you... have another question?" Bibi Dong asked, puzzled.
At her words, Han Xing immediately said, "I want to become your disciple, Your Holiness!"
This wasn't an impulsive decision. He had made up his mind long ago.
Among the Soul Masters he could currently approach, Bibi Dong was the strongest.
Besides, she held a noble position as the Pope of Spirit Hall. Becoming her disciple would greatly benefit him.
Of course, to Han Xing, those were only minor considerations.
His main reason for wanting to become Bibi Dong's disciple was the status.
Being known as the Pope's disciple would help him build up his reputation in the future.
Besides, Han Xing didn't want Spirit Hall to be destroyed because of Bibi Dong.
Apart from the period when Bibi Dong served as Pope, Spirit Hall had always performed its duties conscientiously and kept the whole continent free of major problems.
"Why?" Bibi Dong asked in return.
Han Xing's Martial Soul had already reminded Bibi Dong of some unpleasant memories.
Now his sudden request to become her disciple made her think he was currying favor, and her expression turned even colder.
"Han Xing!" Chrysanthemum Douluo looked anxious.
He had clearly reminded Han Xing along the way to mind his manners.
How could the boy forget everything he'd been told after receiving just a few words of praise?
"Why do you want to become my disciple?" Bibi Dong asked coldly.
If an ordinary child had faced Bibi Dong in this mood, he would have been so frightened he could barely speak.
But Han Xing clearly wasn't one of them.
He answered confidently, "Naturally, I want to become stronger."
"Your Holiness is the Pope of Spirit Hall. The dean has told me since I was little that you're the strongest and most esteemed Soul Master."
"I want to become stronger, so isn't it only natural that I'd want to become your disciple?"
Bibi Dong nodded slightly, accepting Han Xing's reason.
After years of effort, she had made sure that most Spirit Branch Halls knew only the Pope and not the enshrined elders.
In their eyes, the Pope truly was the strongest and most esteemed Soul Master.
Han Xing might seem mature, but he was still just a child. It was perfectly natural that he would want to become her disciple.
"But what have you done to make me take you as my disciple? I don't accept disciples lightly."
Bibi Dong continued, "Even a Soul Master with Innate Full Soul Power isn't necessarily worthy of my attention."
Bibi Dong had thought her words would be enough to make Han Xing back down—or, at the very least, drive him to prove himself in a fit of anger.
But instead, he merely smiled with confidence.
At Han Xing's thought, golden light gathered in his palm, and the phantom shape of a bow slowly took form.
Bibi Dong and Chrysanthemum Douluo watched in surprise.
A divine bow, red-gold from end to end and engraved with sun-wheel patterns, materialized in Han Xing's hands.
Its bowstring shimmered with blazing light, its sharpness intimidating. Even the patterns along its limbs radiated scorching heat.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes widened. He could no longer maintain his usual graceful composure.
"This... this... this is actually Twin Martial Souls!"
"And that bow is extraordinary. Even without a Soul Ring, its aura is in no way inferior to the Three-Legged Golden Crow."