"Reporting to Your Holiness the Pope, the Seven Kill Sect has sent a visitation letter. They say they wish to exchange knowledge and learn from us."
In Spirit City, inside the Pope Palace.
Qian Xunji was in a very good mood.
Earlier, he had gone to hold his newborn daughter, Qian Renxue. She had opened her eyes, and while he held her, she kept smiling sweetly at him. It had nearly melted the heart of the old father.
But little children tired easily. After just a quarter of an hour, his daughter had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Qian Xunji hadn't disturbed her and had returned to the Pope Palace to attend to his duties.
Just then.
Demon Bear Douluo, one of his subordinates, stepped forward to report.
As he spoke, Demon Bear Douluo presented the letter and cupped his hands. "Please take a look, Your Holiness the Pope!"
"The Seven Kill Sect?"
Hearing this, Qian Xunji furrowed his brow. "Why would they come to exchange knowledge and learn from us out of the blue?"
The Seven Kill Sect.
A renowned sect on the continent, though it kept a relatively low profile and rarely made public appearances. Naturally, it had little contact with Spirit Hall.
The only record of note was that the Seven Kill Sect's previous sect master had been a powerful figure, renowned alongside Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"I heard that the Seven Kill Sect's master, Chen Jianjun, went into seclusion some time ago. Now he suddenly wants to pay us a visit. Perhaps it has something to do with his breakthrough?"
Demon Bear Douluo's words made Qian Xunji pause. "Went into seclusion?"
"If I remember correctly, the Seven Kill Sect's master, Chen Jianjun, is a ninety-sixth-rank Titled Douluo, isn't he?"
"If he's breaking through, could it be... that he's reached rank ninety-seven?"
Demon Bear Douluo nodded. "That's probably it!"
"But even so, there's no need for them to come exchange knowledge and learn from my Spirit Hall, is there?"
Qian Xunji couldn't make sense of it.
Spirit Hall had never had much contact with the Seven Kill Sect. Even if the Seven Kill Sect's master, Chen Jianjun, had reached rank ninety-seven, what did that have to do with their sudden visit?
"Well..."
Demon Bear Douluo was at a loss too. He scratched his head. "This subordinate really doesn't know."
Qian Xunji couldn't make heads or tails of it either.
But after weighing it over, he finally nodded. "Send a reply. We accept."
"Yes!"
Early the next morning.
Chen Jianjun brought Chen Fan to Spirit City.
The Red-Robed Bishop, who had been waiting for them, immediately went to receive them and sent someone to inform Qian Xunji.
"Your Holiness the Pope, the Seven Kill Sect's Grand Sect Master, Chen Jianjun, has come with the new sect master to request an audience."
At this, Qian Xunji raised his brows. "Grand Sect Master? New sect master?"
"Has Chen Jianjun abdicated?"
"Yes. I heard he passed the position to his nephew, an eighteen-year-old young man."
Qian Xunji was surprised.
Why had Chen Jianjun abdicated out of the blue?
Could his breakthrough have failed, leaving him with an irreversible injury that required time to recover?
But if he needed to recuperate, then he should simply rest. What was the point of coming here to visit?
The more Qian Xunji thought about it, the less sense it made.
In the end, he stopped trying to figure it out. He could probe Chen Jianjun when they met.
"Invite them to the side hall."
"Yes!"
Soon.
With the Red-Robed Bishop leading the way, Chen Jianjun and Chen Fan entered the side hall. "Elder Chen, what brings you here?"
"Your Holiness is too kind. I came today because I wanted to..."
"Uncle."
Chen Fan suddenly spoke, interrupting Chen Jianjun just as he was about to propose a marriage alliance.
Chen Jianjun paused and looked at him.
Chen Fan didn't explain. Instead, he cupped his hands toward Qian Xunji. "Your Holiness the Pope, I've just arrived in Spirit City and would like to see its bustling streets. But I'm afraid I'll get lost. Could I ask someone to show me around?"
"Of course."
Qian Xunji paused, then understood. The matters they were about to discuss probably weren't something this junior could be involved in, so he was finding an excuse to leave.
That was fine.
He could have Bibi Dong entertain this callow youth first.
And he could use the opportunity to sound out Chen Jianjun.
If Chen Jianjun intended to bring the Seven Kill Sect back into the Soul Master World, it could have some impact on Spirit Hall.
After all.
A ninety-seventh-rank Titled Douluo.
Even across the entire continent, such a figure was not to be underestimated!
"Elder Chen, in that case, why not let the young people get to know each other first?"
Qian Xunji smiled.
Chen Jianjun glanced at Chen Fan. Though he didn't know what his nephew had in mind, he still nodded.
"Someone, summon the Saintess and have her show the Seven Kill Sect's new master around the city."
"Yes!"
Qian Xunji gave the order.
A moment later.
A graceful figure entered the Pope Palace.
Chen Fan turned to look and paused.
She was an exceedingly beautiful woman, seemingly in her early twenties. She wore a white dress, and her eyes were as cold as ice, yet as unfathomably deep as still water.
She was Spirit Hall's Saintess, Bibi Dong.
"Teacher."
Qian Xunji nodded, then said to Chen Fan, "Dong'er, take the Seven Kill Sect's new sect master around Spirit City."
Chen Jianjun looked at Chen Fan with some concern. Chen Fan gave him a reassuring look, then turned to Bibi Dong. "Then I'll trouble you, Your Highness the Saintess."
Bibi Dong turned without expression and led Chen Fan out of the Pope Palace.
Qian Xunji watched them leave, then turned back to Chen Jianjun with a smile. "Elder Chen, please sit."
"I've long heard that your swordsmanship is peerless. It's an honor to meet you today."
Chen Jianjun sat down and smiled faintly. "Your Holiness flatters me. By the way, how is your father...?"
Earlier.
Chen Fan's interruption had made Chen Jianjun realize that his nephew might have other plans.
So.
He didn't bring up the marriage proposal again. Instead, he chatted with Qian Xunji and took the opportunity to gather some information.
After all.
The Seven Kill Sect had been isolated from the world for quite a long time. With this opportunity, Chen Jianjun also wanted to bring it back into the Soul Master World, and naturally needed to learn more about the current state of affairs.
Meanwhile.
Bibi Dong walked through Spirit City with Chen Fan. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.
As they walked, Chen Fan sized Bibi Dong up from the corner of his eye.
He had to admit, the woman was beautiful, with a fine figure too. And especially... that faint fragrance?
Hm?
A fragrance?
Chen Fan paused slightly and instinctively drew in a deep breath. Sensing the fragrance, he immediately understood!
Wasn't this the scent of a woman who had just given birth?
He looked Bibi Dong over carefully. Though she wore a loose dress, he could still make out a few telltale signs.
There was a difference between a woman who had given birth and one who hadn't.
Looks like I came too late.
Bibi Dong had already given birth to Qian Renxue, so his proposal... was probably doomed.
Of course.
Chen Fan hadn't expected much from Bibi Dong anyway. Even if he really did propose, her heart probably belonged to Yu Xiaogang.
Wait!
Chen Fan suddenly realized.
Because Bibi Dong had given birth to Qian Renxue, she should hate Qian Xunji to the core by now!
In the original story.
Bibi Dong had given birth to Qian Renxue after Qian Xunji had forced himself on her.
Afterward.
Her hatred for Qian Xunji had reached its peak. She eventually killed him with her own hands, and that was how she obtained the Rakshasa God's inheritance.
If that was the case...
Then this was actually an opportunity!
A woman consumed by hatred was the easiest to manipulate!
Chen Fan had a plan. He stopped and looked into Bibi Dong's eyes before suddenly speaking. "Your Highness the Saintess, I heard... you just gave birth to a child?"
Bibi Dong abruptly stopped. Her face stiffened, and her voice turned cold. "Do you know what crime it is to slander Spirit Hall's Saintess?"
Hearing this, Chen Fan didn't panic. Instead, he sighed with feigned regret. "What a pity."
"You're a heaven-blessed prodigy, with the potential to become a Titled Douluo, yet you don't even have the right to pursue your own happiness."
"What a pity. Such a pity!"
Bibi Dong's expression shifted. "What do you mean?"
"I'm lamenting your lot, Your Highness the Saintess."
Chen Fan smiled. "I heard that you and a poor scholar were in love. You should have had a beautiful romance, but you were torn apart... It's truly a shame!"
"You don't even have the freedom to pursue love. You're so pitiful. Tsk~!"
Bibi Dong's body shuddered, and her face instantly turned deathly pale. "You..."
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Chen Fan ignored her and continued on his own. "I heard that poor scholar's name was Yu Xiaogang."
"For the sake of your love, you wanted to be with him at any cost, even if it meant leaving Spirit Hall."
"But because of that, Qian Xunji flew into a rage and used Yu Xiaogang's life to threaten you, forcing you to submit and bear him a child..."
"Shut up! Shut up!"
Bibi Dong finally broke, crying out hoarsely. "Stop talking!"
She suddenly seized Chen Fan by both shoulders. Her fingernails dug into his flesh as she screamed.
Chen Fan wasn't the least bit afraid. He even flashed a mocking smile. "Am I wrong?"
"You may seem to be Spirit Hall's lofty Saintess, high above everyone else, but what are you really?"
"What's the difference between you and a caged bird, a tool locked away?"
"You once had a beautiful love and a future free to choose. But look at yourself now. What do you have left?"
"I... I..."
At Chen Fan's relentless three questions, Bibi Dong trembled all over.
At that moment.
She couldn't help thinking of what had happened in that secret chamber...
And of Xiao Gang's heartbroken expression when she had told him they were over...
"I hate him!"
Bibi Dong finally broke down, tears spilling from her eyes. "I hate Qian Xunji!"
"I hate that beast!"
"He... he ruined everything!"
"I'll kill them! I'll kill Qian Xunji! I'll destroy Spirit Hall!"
She was only an eighteen-year-old girl, after all.
With just a little prompting, Bibi Dong could no longer contain her emotions. She burst into sobs, her voice turning shrill.
The more she spoke, the more agitated she became, her voice rising ever higher, as if she wanted to pour out every ounce of hatred in her heart.
"I'll make them pay!"
"I'll make Qian Xunji wish he were dead!"
"I'll make all of Spirit Hall join me in the grave!"
"Xiao Gang... Xiao Gang loved me so much, but I... I..."
Bibi Dong crouched on the ground, clutching her head and weeping uncontrollably.
Chen Fan watched her quietly, the corners of his mouth curving upward.
Success.
He took an Image Recording Stone from his chest and toyed with it in his hand as he drawled, "Your Highness the Saintess, I've recorded everything you just said."
Bibi Dong jerked her head up and stared at the Image Recording Stone, her pupils contracting.
"You... How dare you set me up?!"
She sprang to her feet. Despair, fury, and murderous intent flashed through her eyes... Then, suddenly, she smiled.
It was a smile of utter despair.
"You think... one Image Recording Stone is enough to threaten me?"
Bibi Dong's voice turned unnervingly calm—so calm it sent a chill down the spine.
She walked toward Chen Fan, one step at a time, as Soul Power began to surge wildly around her.
Seven Soul Rings appeared in succession. Her Soul Power, brimming with killing intent, locked onto Chen Fan in an instant, leaving him unable to move.
"Then we'll just die together!"
She seized Chen Fan by the collar, her eyes blazing with madness. "If I die, that Image Recording Stone will be useless! And you won't leave here alive!"
Holy shit!
This woman really was a lunatic!
I'd taken this way too far!
Chen Fan cursed inwardly. This woman was genuinely insane.
"Wait!"
Chen Fan shouted, pulling a crystal-like object from his Storage Soul Tool and holding it up before Bibi Dong.
The object was entirely blood-red, as beautiful as colored glass.
The instant Bibi Dong laid eyes on it, she froze, staring at it in shock.
It wasn't its appearance that captivated her. Rather... she could clearly sense energy within the crystal comparable to that of a Soul Ring!
This blood-red crystal was none other than the Red God-Bestowed Spirit Ring from Chen Fan's beginner's gift pack!
"Hm?"
Bibi Dong froze, staring at the object in confusion.
On instinct,
she felt an inexplicable yearning for it. She wanted the thing in Chen Fan's hand very badly, but had no idea what it was.
Could it be a Soul Ring?
No, that couldn't be!
How could a Soul Ring look like this?
But... why did it give off the energy fluctuations of a Soul Ring?
"Your Highness, I don't like taking things too far."
While she was distracted, Chen Fan broke free and stepped back twice. He held the God-Bestowed Spirit Ring out to Bibi Dong. "Consider this a gift to welcome you."
"It's a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring!"
"I heard you have Twin Martial Souls. Why not try absorbing it with your Second Martial Soul?"
A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring?!
At those words, Bibi Dong's eyes widened. "What did you say?!"
"How is that possible?!"
She whipped around to face Chen Fan. "Are you trying to fool me?"
"Your Highness, whether it's real or not, you can find out for yourself by absorbing it."
At Chen Fan's words,
Bibi Dong bit her lip, hesitating for a long moment.
In the end,
she trusted the yearning she felt in her body for the God-Bestowed Spirit Ring. She took it, sat cross-legged, summoned her Second Martial Soul, and began to absorb it.
The instant the Soul Ring entered her body, a terrifying surge of energy flooded through her. She couldn't help letting out a muffled groan.
But Bibi Dong had Twin Martial Souls and peerless talent. She quickly steadied herself and began guiding that energy.
About the time it took to burn a stick of incense later, she opened her eyes, stunned and overjoyed. "This... it's real?!"
She summoned her Second Martial Soul. At once, a blood-red Soul Ring appeared with it, floating lightly behind her.
At the same time!
Her Soul Power Level shot straight from level seventy-one to level seventy-four!
"This... This..."
Bibi Dong was too excited to speak. She sat there in a daze, her mind completely blank.
"Well?"
Chen Fan's hand slid from her shoulder to her waist, then ventured lower. "I didn't lie to you, did I?"
Only then did Bibi Dong snap out of it. But she paid no attention to that. Instead, she turned and stared hard at Chen Fan, her eyes burning with eagerness. "You... Do you have any more?!"