Golden Key to the Library

Worship Hall.

"Big Brother, did you sense it too? There seems to be the aura of an evil soul master within Spirit Hall."

Golden Crocodile Douluo stood behind Qian Daoliu, his presence vast and majestic. The Soul Power around him had nearly condensed into substance, turning into a layer of golden radiance that flowed around his armor.

This was the power of a Super Douluo.

"No matter. He is only a brat; he cannot stir up much trouble. Before he grows into a Titled Douluo, I can crush him to death whenever I please."

Qian Daoliu did not care at all about Meng Xuanji joining Spirit Hall. If the boy truly was an evil soul master, he likely would not even need to act personally; others would naturally deal with him.

Inside the Worship Hall, the seven great offerings had gathered around a cradle, watching the sleeping Qian Renxue. Her fair, tender little face was round and chubby, making her look especially adorable.

The seven great offerings had assembled for only one reason: Qian Renxue had awakened her Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul today.

"Has anything happened on Bibi Dong's side recently?" Qian Daoliu asked, glancing sideways at Golden Crocodile Douluo.

"Since taking over as pope, she has been occupied with Spirit Hall's various affairs. Her influence has also been spreading into halls other than the Worship Hall. It is said that even Chrysanthemum Pass and Gui Mei are considering siding with Bibi Dong."

"Chrysanthemum Pass? Gui Mei? Ah, I remember now. They are merely two little fellows who recently became Titled Douluo. Hardly worth mentioning."

Qian Daoliu still displayed the arrogance and bearing unique to a great angel. Yet he truly possessed the qualifications to be arrogant.

A Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo, one of the three people on the continent closest to godhood! The chief offering of Spirit Hall, examiner of the Angel God's trials, and the strongest Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul wielder of the current era.

Any one of those accomplishments was enough to make the entire Douluo Continent tremble.

"However, they possess a Martial Soul Fusion Skill."

At the mention of a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, Qian Daoliu's brow finally twitched. A Martial Soul Fusion Skill at the Titled Douluo level was indeed something worth taking seriously.

"Then I will leave this matter to you."

"Yes, Big Brother."

Qian Daoliu turned his gaze back to Qian Renxue. As he looked at his only granddaughter, a trace of tenderness appeared in the eyes of this supreme expert.

"Xiaoxue, no matter what happens, Grandfather will never let Bibi Dong hurt you. In the future, you will surely become the leader of Spirit Hall and spread the radiance of angels throughout the Douluo Continent."

As he spoke, Qian Daoliu suddenly recalled Meng Xuanji's Dark Blue Silver Emperor.

"As for that boy, if he truly is an evil soul master, then he can serve as a stepping stone for Xiaoxue's growth. Of course, that is only if he has the qualifications."

If Meng Xuanji died before he had even grown stronger, he would not even qualify to serve as Qian Renxue's whetstone.

"Hu Liena, Meng Xuanji."

"This student is present."

Meng Xuanji returned from his thoughts and calmly cupped his fist and bowed to Bibi Dong.

"You two are rare soul masters with Innate Full Soul Power. If you cultivate diligently in the future, you will surely become Titled Douluo renowned across the continent. However, you must not become impetuous. Do not neglect your cultivation simply because you are my students. Otherwise, you will only bury your own talents."

"Yes, this student will remember Teacher's teachings," Hu Liena and Meng Xuanji answered in unison.

"In three days, Xie Yue, Yan, and the others should reach Rank 10. At that time, I will dispatch a soul-hunting squad to lead you to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt the soul rings you require."

"Once a soul master's soul ring has been chosen, it can never be changed. Therefore, you would do best to select soul beasts close to four hundred years old. Do not squander your bright futures."

"Yes, this student understands," Hu Liena said.

"Teacher, this student has a question." Meng Xuanji suddenly cupped his fists.

"Oh? What is it? As my student, there is no need to be so restrained. If you have any questions, I will naturally answer them for you." Bibi Dong raised her left hand, signaling Meng Xuanji to speak.

Though she said that, Meng Xuanji's respectful manner of asking for guidance did improve Bibi Dong's impression of him slightly. Since he showed her such respect, it would save them some trouble in the relationship between teacher and student.

"Teacher, how did you know that the maximum age for the first soul ring is around four hundred years? Is it impossible to absorb a soul ring with a higher age limit?"

Meng Xuanji asked deliberately.

He needed to confirm one fact: whether Yu Xiaogang's theory had truly been stolen from Spirit Hall. If Bibi Dong did not mention Yu Xiaogang's theory, that would mean Spirit Hall's library definitely contained unexpected secrets.

Perhaps he could learn many of Douluo Continent's hidden truths from within.

"This was summarized by Spirit Hall's scholars throughout the generations. Their research reports are stored in Spirit Hall's library. What? Are you interested in such things?"

I guessed right!

Just as I thought. How old was Yu Xiaogang when he managed to summarize the laws of soul ring age limits? Never mind the earlier rings, but how did he compile the age limits for the later ten-thousand-year soul rings? With only his three-ring Luo Sanpao, plus the social skills that got him scorned even for mooching meals at the academy, could anyone expect him to know a whole crowd of Soul Sages and Soul Douluo? Dream on.

Wasn't he relying on Bibi Dong after all?

"Yes, Teacher. To be honest, I have held a strong interest in knowledge concerning martial souls since I was young. I aspire to become a learned martial soul scholar and contribute to the development and research of martial souls. Only then can we cultivate more experts for Spirit Hall."

As Bibi Dong watched Meng Xuanji's earnest, ambitious gaze, she seemed to see Yu Xiaogang's shadow in him. At that moment, the images of the two in their youth nearly overlapped, and Bibi Dong unconsciously reached out to stroke him.

"Teacher."

Bibi Dong was awakened by Meng Xuanji's call and hastily withdrew her hand.

Meng Xuanji was also badly startled inside. Bibi Dong, a Titled Douluo, had suddenly reached toward him. If she had fired a spider spear, he would probably have dropped dead before getting another word out.

"Teacher, if you permit it, I hope to obtain authorization to enter and leave the library. I promise you that I will diligently study the materials left behind by the seniors and establish a more perfectly suited cultivation system for Spirit Hall."

"Mhm, you are thoughtful. Seeing you willing to devote yourself so wholeheartedly to Spirit Hall moves me greatly as your teacher."

"I grant your request."

Perhaps to make up for past regrets, or perhaps simply to encourage her student, Bibi Dong ultimately agreed to Meng Xuanji's request and handed him the golden key to the library's innermost section.

Beside them, Hu Liena watched Meng Xuanji's righteous expression, and her little face had already begun to flush.

Meng Xuanji looks so handsome. I never expected him to have such aspirations despite being around my age, while I am still smug over becoming the pope's student. Compared to him, I seem far too childish.

Mm, I have to learn from Meng Xuanji and become a great help to Spirit Hall in the future! Hu Liena thought.

Looking at the golden key in his hand, Meng Xuanji laughed inwardly. If Bibi Dong and Hu Liena had not been present, he would have nearly burst out laughing.

"Tang San, you have your Tang Sect arts, and I have my library. Let us see whose world's culture is truly stronger."

The library contained the intellectual legacy of every generation of Spirit Hall scholars since its founding, and that knowledge would become Meng Xuanji's sharpest weapon against Tang San.

For Spirit Hall's grand ambitions—or rather, for himself alone—he would never allow Tang San to destroy this place.

Thinking of that inexhaustible treasury of knowledge, an incomparably mad thought suddenly arose in Meng Xuanji's mind.

"I wonder whether this enormous library contains forbidden techniques for evil soul master cultivation? Heh heh, how exciting."