All-Continent Manhunt for Tang San

When Lin Chen returned to Spirit City, dawn was just breaking.

The Spirit Hall banners atop the city gates snapped in the morning breeze, yet the atmosphere within the city remained grave.

The aftermath of last night's battle in the Star Dou Great Forest had clearly already spread among Spirit City's upper ranks.

Upon seeing him, the gate knights immediately dropped to one knee in salute and respectfully stepped aside. Lin Chen did not stop. He passed straight through the mist-shrouded streets and hurried toward the Papal Hall.

Bibi Dong was already waiting for him in the main hall.

She sat upon the papal throne, holding the scepter that symbolized supreme authority.

After a night of recuperation, her complexion was much improved from the night before. Yet the cold severity between her brows had not diminished in the slightest. Her gaze carried an almost harsh sharpness, locking firmly onto Lin Chen the instant he entered the hall.

"You're back." Bibi Dong spoke in a calm voice. "I see the killing intent around you has yet to fade. This trip... must have been worthwhile."

Lin Chen stopped in the center of the hall and gave a slight nod. "Tang Hao is dead."

Bibi Dong's pupils contracted slightly. She fell silent for a moment, as though processing the result, before slowly asking, "Dead. How did he die?"

"I killed him." Lin Chen did not beat around the bush. He briefly yet completely recounted the events of the night to Bibi Dong.

How he had followed the blood trail Tang Hao left behind to that secluded valley; how he had found Tang Hao, his soul rings completely shattered, alongside the severely wounded Tang San; how Tang Hao had used the last of his strength to stop him; and how he had slain Tang