Bibi Dong, "You... do you have any more?!"

"Reporting to Your Holiness the Pope, the Seven Kill Sect has sent a formal request for a visit, claiming they wish to exchange and learn from us."

Inside the Pope Palace in Spirit City.

Qian Xunji was in a very good mood.

Earlier, he had held his newborn daughter, Qian Renxue. She had opened her eyes and smiled sweetly at him the entire time he held her, nearly melting the heart of this doting father.

However, infants tire easily. After just a quarter of an hour, she had fallen asleep, and Qian Xunji, not wanting to disturb her, returned to the Pope Palace to attend to his duties.

But just then.

His subordinate, Demon Bear Douluo, stepped forward to report.

As he spoke, Demon Bear Douluo presented the invitation and cupped his hands, "Please, Your Holiness, take a look!"

"Seven Kill Sect?"

Hearing this, Qian Xunji could not help but frown. "Everything is fine with them; why would they come here to 'exchange and learn'?"

The Seven Kill Sect.

It was a renowned sect on the continent, yet they kept a low profile and rarely made appearances, naturally having little interaction with Spirit Hall.

The only record in the archives was that the previous sect master of the Seven Kill Sect was a powerhouse on par with Golden Crocodile Douluo.

"It is rumored that the Seven Kill Sect Master, Chen Jianjun, went into seclusion some time ago. This sudden visit might be related to a breakthrough," Demon Bear Douluo suggested.

Demon Bear Douluo's words made Qian Xunji pause. "Seclusion?"

"If I recall correctly, this Seven Kill Sect Master, Chen Jianjun, should be a level 96 Title Douluo, right?"

"If he has made a breakthrough, could it be... that he has reached level 97?"

Demon Bear Douluo nodded. "That should be the case!"

"Even so, there is no need for them to come to Spirit Hall to 'exchange and learn,' is there?"

Qian Xunji could not quite understand it.

Spirit Hall and the Seven Kill Sect had never had any dealings. Even if Chen Jianjun had reached level 97, that had absolutely nothing to do with them paying a sudden visit.

"This..."

Demon Bear Douluo was also at a loss for words, scratching his head. "That, this subordinate is not clear on."

Qian Xunji was equally baffled.

However, after careful consideration, he finally nodded. "Reply to the invitation; grant it."

"Yes!"

Early the next morning.

Chen Jianjun brought Chen Fan to Spirit City.

A cardinal, who had been waiting, immediately received them and ordered someone to report to Qian Xunji.

"Your Holiness, the Seven Kill Sect's Supreme Elder Chen Jianjun has arrived with the new sect master to request an audience."

Hearing this, Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow. "Supreme Elder? New sect master?"

"Has this Chen Jianjun abdicated?"

"Yes, it is said he passed the position to his nephew, an eighteen-year-old youth."

Qian Xunji was somewhat surprised.

Why would Chen Jianjun abdicate for no reason?

Could it be that his breakthrough failed, leaving him with irreversible injuries, and he wanted to recuperate?

But if he wanted to recuperate, he should just rest properly. What was the meaning of coming here for a visit?

The more he thought about it, the less Qian Xunji could understand.

He decided not to dwell on it; he would find out once they met and he could probe them.

"Invite them to the side hall!"

"Yes!"

Soon.

Led by the cardinal, Chen Jianjun and Chen Fan walked into the side hall. "Senior Chen, your arrival is a great honor. May I ask what brings you here?"

"You are too kind, Pope. This old man has come this time because I wish to..."

"Uncle."

Chen Fan suddenly spoke, interrupting Chen Jianjun before he could bring up the marriage proposal.

Chen Jianjun was startled and looked at him.

Chen Fan did not explain, but instead cupped his hands toward Qian Xunji. "Your Holiness, as I am new to Spirit City, I would like to see its splendor, but I fear getting lost. I wonder if I might request someone to act as a guide?"

"Very well."

Qian Xunji was taken aback at first, but then he understood. He assumed the young man was looking for an excuse to leave because the matters to follow were not for his ears.

Very well.

Let Bibi Dong deal with this wet-behind-the-ears brat for now.

As for him, he could take this opportunity to probe Chen Jianjun's bottom line.

If Chen Jianjun truly intended to bring the Seven Kill Sect back into the soul master world, it would certainly have some impact on Spirit Hall.

After all.

A level 97 Titled Douluo.

Such an existence was not to be underestimated, even across the entire continent!

"Senior Chen, since that is the case, why not let the younger generation interact for a while?"

Qian Xunji smiled.

Chen Jianjun glanced at Chen Fan; although he did not know what the boy was planning, he nodded nonetheless.

"Someone, summon the Holy Maiden and have her take this new Sect Master of the Seven Kill Sect for a tour of the city."

"Yes!"

Qian Xunji commanded.

A moment later.

A slender, graceful figure walked into the Pope Palace.

Chen Fan turned his head to look and was slightly stunned.

She was an exceptionally beautiful woman, appearing to be in her early twenties, dressed in a long white gown. Her eyes were as cold as ice, yet deep and bottomless like stagnant water.

It was none other than the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong.

"Teacher."

Qian Xunji nodded and said to Chen Fan, "Dong'er, take this new Sect Master of the Seven Kill Sect and show him around Spirit City!"

Chen Jianjun looked at Chen Fan with some concern, but the latter gave him a reassuring look before turning to Bibi Dong. "Then I shall trouble Your Highness the Holy Maiden."

Bibi Dong turned around expressionlessly and led Chen Fan out of the Pope Palace.

Qian Xunji watched them leave before withdrawing his gaze and smiling at Chen Jianjun. "Senior Chen, please, have a seat."

"This Seat has long heard that your swordsmanship is peerless. To see it today is a great honor."

Chen Jianjun sat down and smiled faintly. "Your Holiness is too kind. I wonder how your father is doing..."

Earlier.

Because of Chen Fan's interruption, Chen Jianjun realized that Chen Fan might have other plans.

Therefore.

He did not bring up the matter of the marriage proposal again, but instead chatted with Qian Xunji, taking the opportunity to gather some intelligence.

After all.

The Seven Kill Sect had been isolated from the world for a long time. Since this opportunity had presented itself, he naturally needed to acquire some information if he intended to re-enter the soul master world.

Meanwhile.

Bibi Dong led Chen Fan on a stroll through Spirit City. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat stifling.

Chen Fan walked along, using his peripheral vision to size up Bibi Dong.

He had to admit, this woman was truly beautiful, and her figure was excellent, especially... a faint fragrance?

Hm?

A fragrance?

Chen Fan paused slightly and subconsciously took a deep breath. Upon sensing the scent, he suddenly understood something!

Was this not the scent of... a woman who had just given birth?

He carefully examined Bibi Dong's figure. Although she was wearing a loose long dress, he could still discern some clues.

There was a difference between a woman who had given birth and one who had not.

It seems I have arrived too late, Chen Fan thought to himself.

Since Bibi Dong had already given birth to Qian Renxue, his marriage proposal... was likely doomed to fail!

Of course.

Chen Fan had not held high hopes for Bibi Dong to begin with; even if he had proposed, he suspected that Bibi Dong's heart was already occupied by Yu Xiaogang.

Wait!

Chen Fan suddenly realized.

Precisely because Bibi Dong had given birth to Qian Renxue, she should be harboring deep hatred for Qian Xunji right now!

In the original story.

Qian Renxue was born only after Bibi Dong was forced by Qian Xunji.

Afterward.

Her hatred for Qian Xunji reached its peak, and she eventually killed him with her own hands, which was how she obtained the inheritance of the Rakshasa God.

If that were truly the case...

Then this was actually an opportunity!

A woman filled with hatred was the easiest to manipulate!

Chen Fan made up his mind, stopped in his tracks, looked into Bibi Dong's eyes, and suddenly spoke, "Your Highness, I heard... you just gave birth to a child?"

Bibi Dong's footsteps came to an abrupt halt, her expression stiffened, and her voice turned cold, "Do you know what the penalty is for slandering the Saintess of Spirit Hall?"

Hearing this, Chen Fan was not the least bit flustered; instead, he feigned a sigh of regret, "What a pity."

"As a heaven-gifted daughter with the potential to become a Titled Douluo, you don't even have the right to pursue your own happiness."

"It's a pity, such a great pity!"

Bibi Dong's expression shifted slightly, "What do you mean?"

"I am lamenting for you, Your Highness."

Chen Fan smiled, "I heard that you and a commoner scholar were deeply in love and should have had a beautiful romance, yet you were forcibly torn apart... it is truly a shame!"

"You don't even have the freedom to pursue love; you are truly pathetic, tsk~!"

Bibi Dong's body trembled violently, her face turning deathly pale, "You..."

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Chen Fan ignored her and continued on his own, "I heard that this commoner scholar's name is Yu Xiaogang."

"For the sake of your love, you were willing to do anything to be with him, even if it meant leaving Spirit Hall."

"But it was precisely because of this that Qian Xunji flew into a rage, using Yu Xiaogang's life to threaten you, forcing you to submit and bear him a child..."

"Shut up, shut up right now!"

Hearing this, Bibi Dong completely snapped, shrieking, "Don't say another word!"

She grabbed Chen Fan by both shoulders, her fingernails digging into his flesh as she roared.

To this.

Chen Fan showed no fear, even flashing a playful smile, "Am I wrong?"

"You appear to be the high and mighty Saintess of Spirit Hall, but in reality?"

"What difference is there between you and a caged bird, a tool kept in confinement?"

"You once had a beautiful love and a free future, but look at you now—what do you have left?"

"I... I..."

Hearing Chen Fan's three soul-piercing questions, Bibi Dong trembled uncontrollably.

In this moment.

She could not help but think of the events in that secret chamber...

And the way Xiaogang looked, heartbroken, when she told him they had to break up...

"I hate him!"

Bibi Dong finally broke down, tears streaming from her eyes, "I hate Qian Xunji!"

"I hate that beast!"

"It was him, it was him who destroyed everything I had!"

"I want to kill them! I want to kill Qian Xunji! I want to destroy Spirit Hall!"

After all, she was still only an eighteen-year-old girl.

Under a little bit of provocation, Bibi Dong could no longer hold back her emotions, wailing loudly until her voice turned shrill.

The more she spoke, the more agitated she became, her voice growing sharper as if she were pouring out all the resentment buried deep in her heart.

"I will make them pay the price!"

"I will make Qian Xunji wish he were dead!"

"I will make the entire Spirit Hall be buried with me!"

"Xiaogang... Xiaogang loved me so much, yet I... yet I..."

Bibi Dong crouched on the ground, clutching her head and sobbing uncontrollably.

Chen Fan watched her quietly, the corners of his mouth curling upward.

It was done.

He took an Image Recording Stone from his robes, toyed with it in his hand, and spoke slowly, "Your Highness, I have recorded every word you just said."

Bibi Dong snapped her head up, staring at the Image Recording Stone, her pupils constricting.

"You... you dare to backstab me?!"

She stood up abruptly, her eyes flashing with despair, fury, and killing intent... then, she suddenly laughed.

It was a laugh of extreme wretchedness.

"Do you think... a single Image Recording Stone can threaten me?"

Bibi Dong's voice became abnormally calm, so calm that it was bone-chilling.

She walked toward Chen Fan step by step, the spirit power on her body beginning to surge wildly.

Seven spirit rings appeared in succession, and the aura of her murderous spirit power instantly locked onto Chen Fan, rendering him unable to move.

"At worst, I'll drag you down with me!"

She grabbed Chen Fan by the collar, her eyes filled with madness. "If I die, the Image Recording Stone becomes useless! Don't even think about leaving here alive!"

Holy crap!

This woman is a total lunatic!

I've really messed up this time!

Chen Fan cursed inwardly; this woman was truly insane.

"Wait!"

Chen Fan shouted, taking a crystal-like object from his storage spirit tool and holding it up before Bibi Dong's eyes.

The object was blood-red throughout, as beautiful as glazed glass.

The moment Bibi Dong glanced at it, her movements came to an abrupt halt, and she stared at it in shock.

It wasn't its appearance that attracted her, but... she clearly sensed that this crystal contained energy equivalent to a spirit ring!

This blood-red crystal was none other than the Red God-Bestowed Spirit Ring from Chen Fan's previous novice gift pack!

"Hmm?"

Bibi Dong's movements froze, and she looked at the object, somewhat bewildered.

Instinctively.

She felt an inexplicable craving, wanting the item in Chen Fan's hand intensely, yet she had no idea what it was.

Could it be a spirit ring?

No, that's not right!

How could a spirit ring look like this?

But... how could it emit the energy fluctuations of a spirit ring?

"Your Highness, I'm not a person who likes to burn bridges."

Taking advantage of her daze, Chen Fan broke free, stepped back, and held the God-Bestowed Spirit Ring out to Bibi Dong. "Consider this a gift for our first meeting."

"It's a 100,000-year spirit ring!"

"I hear you have twin martial souls; why not try absorbing it with your second one?"

A 100,000-year spirit ring!?

As soon as these words were spoken, Bibi Dong's eyes widened. "What did you say!?"

"How is that possible!?"

She looked sharply at Chen Fan. "Are you trying to trick me?"

"Your Highness, whether it's true or not, won't you know once you absorb it yourself?"

Hearing Chen Fan's words.

Bibi Dong bit her lip, hesitating for a long moment.

In the end.

She trusted her body's craving for this God-Bestowed Spirit Ring, took it, sat cross-legged, activated her second martial soul, and chose to absorb it.

The moment the spirit ring entered her body, a terrifying surge of energy flooded into her, forcing a muffled groan from her lips.

But Bibi Dong was, after all, a twin martial soul genius with peerless talent; she quickly steadied her mind and began to guide the energy.

About fifteen minutes later, she opened her eyes, her gaze filled with shock and ecstasy. "This... it's real!?"

She activated her second martial soul, and immediately, a blood-red spirit ring floated lightly behind her, accompanying the release of her martial soul.

At the same time!

Her spirit power level had jumped directly from level 71 to level 74!

"This... this..."

Bibi Dong was too excited to speak, sitting there in a daze, her mind completely blank.

"How was it?"

Chen Fan's hand slid from her shoulder to her waist, then ventured lower. "I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Bibi Dong snapped back to reality, but ignored his actions, turning to stare fixedly at Chen Fan, her eyes burning with heat and urgency. "Do you... do you have any more?!"