At the Gates of Clear Sky

Leaving aside how the Clear Sky Sect was painstakingly discussing countermeasures.

At the gates of Spirit City.

A vast army of Soul Masters had assembled here. At its head sat Bibi Dong atop a luxurious carriage drawn by Dragon Horse Beasts, exuding an overbearing aura. Her long legs were crossed, and she held Pope's Scepter in one hand.

These Dragon Horse Beasts were mass-produced and tamed within Spirit Hall using a special secret method. Though they did not fall within the category of soul beasts, they possessed remarkable endurance and were exceptionally suited for pulling carriages.

As for the Pope's Scepter in Bibi Dong's hand, it did not symbolize the Pope's authority this time. Instead, it temporarily represented the deceased Pope, Qian Xunji.

After all, this war against the Clear Sky Sect had been ignited by Qian Xunji. Even if he could not be present in person, something of symbolic significance had to be there.

War was not as simple as fighting and killing. What it required even more was boldness tempered by caution; every detail had to be handled properly.

Behind Bibi Dong were the two Grand Priests, each seated in their own carriage, along with Ju and Ghost Douluo.

Further back were legion commanders such as Tuoba Xi and Ling Yuan, mounted on warhorses, followed by the army.

"Set out!"

When Bibi Dong raised her scepter high, the entire army swiftly began its campaign.

Within Spirit City.

On the roof of a residence, Wang Zhao and Die stood together, watching them depart—though Wang Zhao was mostly watching Bibi Dong.

This little teacher of mine is already beginning to show the bearing of the future Female Pope...

Wang Zhao could not help but sigh inwardly.

Yet at some unknown moment, a golden figure silently appeared at Wang Zhao's other side.

Though the movement should have been obvious, neither Wang Zhao nor the ever-alert Die noticed it.

This person seemed not to exist, yet undeniably existed.

"Young friend."

After a while, the golden figure finally spoke.

Wang Zhao and Die both shuddered and turned to look in astonishment, only to find a gentle, kindly elder with long golden hair.

"How about we have a chat?"

About fifty li from the Clear Sky Sect's grounds.

The Spirit Hall army suddenly came to a stop.

A returning scout hurried before Bibi Dong's carriage, bowed, and reported, "Saintess, we discovered many figures from other factions near the Clear Sky Sect."

They must be those restless people from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, along with people from the two great empires and other sects...

A faint smile curled across Bibi Dong's lips.

"Ignore them. Continue forward."

The army soon resumed its march.

Along the way, Ling Yuan's voice reached Bibi Dong.

"Saintess, Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is uncertain, but if people from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect have come, then Ning Fengzhi, the world's number one Support Type Soul Master, and Sword Douluo may have come as well."

"You think they may hinder this campaign?"

"...Yes."

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was renowned far and wide. If their unreasonable attribute boosts were combined with the Clear Sky Sect, they could likely unleash terrifying power in an instant.

Moreover, with Chen Xin, an Assault System Super Douluo whose martial soul was no weaker than the Clear Sky Hammer, this war might gain a few unforeseen variables.

"There is no need to take them seriously."

Bibi Dong held a crystal in her hand, her eyes brimming with confidence.

"With the item bestowed by the Grand Priest, no matter how much Ning Fengzhi jumps around or how much he wishes to stand united with them..."

"Does he truly want every member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect here, including himself, to be wiped out?"

The leaders of Spirit Hall's army immediately burst into cheerful laughter.

In contrast.

The atmosphere within the Clear Sky Sect was growing increasingly grave.

"Sect Master, reinforcements from the Seven Great Sects and the two great empires have arrived."

Suddenly, a Clear Sky Sect disciple rushed into the main hall and reported with delight.

However, while some in the hall rejoiced at the news, others remained unmoved.

"Big Brother!"

The Third Elder and Seventh Elder instinctively called out to the Grand Elder. Their meaning was obvious: they had sensed hope and intended to gamble on it.

If they won, the Clear Sky Sect could survive this calamity, and there would be no need to abandon any of their foundation.

But if they lost...

The two elders did not dare think further.

"Alas..."

The Grand Elder let out a sigh, then replied calmly, with a trace of sorrow, "We cannot fight."

"Why?"

"If we do not fight, Spirit Hall will fight us. If we fight, Spirit Hall may destroy us."

"This..."

The Seventh Elder's face immediately reddened.

"This is intolerable!"

The Grand Elder shook his head and said no more.

Sect Master Tang Xiao waved a hand, dismissing the disciple who had come to report and instructing him to arrange for the reception of the envoys sent by those major factions.

Of course, that was all.

Since Tang Xiao, as Sect Master, would not meet them himself, they would naturally understand the Clear Sky Sect's intentions.

Before long, several Clear Sky Sect higher-ups rose from their seats and headed outside the sect.

Because...

Spirit Hall had arrived.

Outside the Clear Sky Sect's grounds.

After leading the army to set up camp, Bibi Dong did not encounter a group of Hammer Men. Instead, she first received visits from the envoys of the major factions that had originally intended to reinforce the Clear Sky Sect.

Among them were Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, Prince Xue Xing of the Heaven Dou Empire, Yu Luomian, the Second Chief of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and a minister from the Star Luo Empire.

Bibi Dong received them with great interest. Although, in the vast expanse outside the encampment, people of their strength could easily communicate whether they met formally or not.

But as the saying went.

Appearances had to be maintained.

"Saintess."

As soon as the envoys arrived, they looked toward Bibi Dong and offered formal greetings.

So this is the mysterious Saintess with Twin Martial Souls whom Spirit Hall has kept hidden all this time?

Even as they greeted her, the envoys secretly scrutinized Bibi Dong.

Given Bibi Dong's identity, her ability to represent Spirit Hall on campaign, and the fact that she was a woman, even though these factions possessed little information about her, it was not difficult to guess who she was.

But guessing was one thing; seeing her in person was another.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin had already discreetly transmitted his voice to Ning Fengzhi and the surrounding envoys, revealing Bibi Dong's current strength in a single sentence.

A high-rank Soul Douluo...

It likely would not be long before she became a genuine Titled Douluo.

Terrifying!

Spirit Hall was truly unstoppable.

The envoys exchanged glances, each noticing the helplessness in the others' eyes.

As for killing intent...

Bibi Dong had already grown into a true powerhouse rather than merely a gifted talent. How could they possibly nip her in the bud now?

Alas...

Compared with the visitors' slight respectfulness, Bibi Dong's attitude was far less friendly.

After all, the envoy group, including Sword Douluo Chen Xin, respected her more because they respected Spirit Hall. And as Spirit Hall's representative, Bibi Dong had no need to give them any pleasant looks.

Appearances had to be maintained, but...

That did not mean being friendly.