Ghost Douluo Returns, A Decision?

After bidding farewell to Qian Daoliu, Lin Xia walked along the stone path back to her residence, the afterglow of the setting sun casting long shadows of the buildings in Spirit City.

Qian Daoliu's deep words still echoed in my mind, like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples.

"The origins of the Spirit Hall... the shadows beneath the light... the dust of history... inherently kind?"

Lin Xia pondered these words, her heart heavy.

A level 99 Limit Douluo, a pinnacle existence on the continent, suddenly talks to his disciple, who has only recently joined the sect, about the possible bloodshed and helplessness at the beginning of the Spirit Hall's establishment?

This is by no means casual conversation.

Is this a reminder of the complex situations I might encounter in the future?

Or is it an indication that one is about to be drawn into some kind of vortex?

Or... is this setting the stage for some kind of upcoming conflict?

Lin Xia always felt that there was a deeper meaning in Qian Daoliu's eyes, like a lighthouse behind the fog, where you could see the light but couldn't figure out the specific direction.

"Sigh, my skills aren't enough; I can't even understand the riddles posed by the big shots."

Lin Xia rubbed her temples and shook her head in frustration.

If he can't figure something out, he'll put it aside for now; this is his consistent survival wisdom.

If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. Right now, it's more important to go back to my accommodation and properly review today's Harvest and the upcoming grueling training schedule.

However, just as he was about to step into the courtyard of his residence, a figure appeared in front of him without warning.

The handsome face, tinged with worry, belonged to Yue Guan.

Lin Xia paused, looking at Yue Guan, a hint of doubt arising in her heart. How could he be here?

Moreover... Lin Xia keenly noticed the rare expression on Yue Guan's face—his brows were slightly furrowed, his eyes were flickering, and his lips seemed to move a few times but then tightened again, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't, which was completely different from his usual elegant and even slightly seductive temperament.

Lin Xia composed herself slightly, took the initiative to speak, and tried to keep her voice steady.

"Elder Yue Guan? Excuse me... were you waiting for me? Is there something you need?"

Lin Xia looked directly at Yue Guan, her gaze questioning, but also carrying a hint of barely Frisk wariness.

Yue Guan was Bibi Dong's confidant, and his appearance often represented the Pope's will.

Could it be that Bibi Dong wants to get rid of me?

That's impossible!

If you wanted to deal with yourself, you wouldn't need to do it at a time like this!

Yue Guan heard Lin Xia's question, his body seemed to stiffen almost imperceptibly.

Looking at Lin Xia's young yet composed face, the question in her clear eyes instantly suppressed the hesitation and struggle in his heart.

Yue Guan took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and the worry in his eyes turned into a resolute look and a solemn, businesslike demeanor.

"Yes."

Yue Guan's voice was much lower, lacking its usual ornate tone.

"Lin Xia, His Holiness the Pope has decreed that you must immediately accompany me to the Pope Hall for an audience. There is an important matter that requires your... personal decision."

The last four words were Yue Guan with exceptional clarity, yet with extraordinary weight.

Make the decision yourself?

Lin Xia's heart skipped a beat.

His Holiness the Pope personally summoned him, and Elder Yue Guan personally came to invite him, and the word "decisive" was used?

This commotion... something's definitely going to happen!

Could it be Yu Xiaogang?

That ominous premonition expanded instantly, almost turning into a tangible chill.

For some reason, Lin Xia suddenly felt a strong urge to run away again.

Lin Xia Sheer Force suppressed her turbulent emotions and nodded.

"Yes, disciple obeys. Thank you for your trouble, Elder."

The two remained silent the entire way.

Yue Guan led the way, his steps quick, his golden robes drawing sharp arcs in the setting sun.

Lin Xia followed silently behind, with Ivysaur keeping pace at his feet. The huge flower bud seemed to sense its owner's tense emotions, and its light subtly dimmed.

The atmosphere was as oppressive as the calm before Hurricane.

Soon, the magnificent and solemn Pope Hall came into view. The palace doors opened silently, and the two stepped into the spacious and majestic hall.

Bibi Dong sat high on the Pope throne, her magnificent robes trailing on the ground. Her Viola eyes were lowered, obscuring her emotions, but the invisible pressure emanating from her was even greater than usual, heavily enveloping the entire space.

In the center of the main hall, slightly below, stood a figure that instantly made Lin Xia feel uncomfortable.

The man was completely shrouded in a large, black cloak, the hood pulled low to completely conceal his face, not even a sliver of skin showing.

He stood there silently, as if he were part of the shadows of the hall, as if even the light that approached him would be swallowed up.

A chilling, deathly aura emanated from him, creating an eerie contrast with the sacred and majestic atmosphere of the Pope Hall itself.

As soon as Lin Xia approached within a few meters of him, a chill that seemed to penetrate to the bone instantly swept over him, causing him to shiver involuntarily and break out in goosebumps.

Ivysaur immediately raised its forelimbs warily, its scarlet eyes fixed on the dark figure, the golden-red buds on its back shimmering with light, instinctively dispelling the intrusive chill.

Bibi Dong raised her gaze the moment Lin Xia entered and it fell on him.

Bibi Dong's voice rang out, still clear and cold, yet carrying a hint of gentleness, breaking the tense atmosphere in the hall.

Xiao Xia, you're here.

Lin Xia breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the gentleness in the voice.

It seems I was overthinking things, but I can't blame myself. Yue Guan's appearance is intimidating!

Bibi Dong turned her gaze to the man in black robes, her expression conveying an air of introduction.

"This is Gui Mei, titled Ghost Douluo."

Ghost Douluo!

No wonder the aura was so eerie and chilling!

Lin Xia dared not be negligent and immediately bowed respectfully.

"Lin Xia greets Ghost Douluo!"

Beneath the black robe, there seemed to be extremely subtle movements.

The Gui Mei nodded slightly, the shadow of its hood flickered, and a low, hoarse voice, as if rubbing against gravel, rang out, carrying an inhuman emptiness.

"Um."

Consider it a return gift.

He then fell into absolute silence once more, as if blending into the dark background of the hall. If it weren't for the lingering chill, one would almost forget his presence.

Bibi Dong's gaze refocused on Lin Xia's face, her deep purple eyes revealing no emotion.

"I summoned you here this time..."

"It's not that I'm arranging this for you, but rather there's something you need to decide for yourself."

Almost at the same moment Bibi Dong finished speaking--

The Gui Mei, which had been as still as a statue, suddenly became blurry!

There was no movement of light or shadow, no sound of wind breaking; it was as if the shadow beneath his feet had come to life and instantly swallowed him up.

The next moment, in a shadowy corner of the hall a few meters to Lin Xia's right, the Gui Mei figure reappeared silently, like ink dripping into clear water.

In his hand, he was holding... or rather, dangling a person!