Up on the platform, Bibi Dong reached out and accepted the Pope's Scepter.
The golden shaft felt solid and weighty in her hand. She gave the scepter a gentle sweep, her purple-and-gold sleeve billowing with it.
Her cold voice carried across the entire square:
"I, Bibi Dong, hereby assume office as the new Pope of Spirit Hall."
As her words fell, every Spirit Hall cultivator in the square rose in unison, their voices shaking the heavens:
"We pay our respects to His Holiness the Pope!"
The leaders of the various sects also rose and cupped their hands in greeting. Their expressions differed, but none dared neglect the proper courtesies.
Standing below the platform, Jiang Qingyu watched the scene, a faint smile curling his lips.
Finally, that was settled.
With Bibi Dong holding the Pope's seat at the forefront, he could withdraw completely and focus on the godhood inheritance and his plans for ascension, while also raising Jiang Lingtian with peace of mind.
Once the succession ceremony concluded, attendants guided the guests to the banquet hall at the rear.
As the new Pope, Bibi Dong naturally had to go and entertain the various powers.
As she descended from the platform, she met Jiang Qingyu's gaze from afar, nodded slightly, then turned and left with her attendants.
Jiang Qingyu did not go to the banquet hall.
Bibi Dong alone was enough for this sort of social occasion.
He turned away from the square and headed straight back to the Holy Son Palace.
The moment he stepped through the doors, two figures materialized beside him.
The Snow Empress, dressed in robes whiter than snow, stood to one side with a somewhat awkward expression and gave a soft cough.
The Ice Empress stood nearby with her arms folded, her cheeks still faintly flushed. Her