Qian Renxue (20)

Night was black as ink, and Spirit City's outline looked especially solemn and still beneath the starlight. Deep within the Pope's Hall, the final order was whispered and delivered in a secret chamber. Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo knelt on one knee, their figures receiving the command seeming to melt into the shadows as they quietly withdrew. Hu Liena stood before Bibi Dong, those eyes that always carried a charming smile now filled with gravity and a trace of worry too faint to notice.

"Teacher, be careful."

Bibi Dong raised a hand and gently stroked her disciple's smooth hair. She said nothing more, only nodded. She removed the magnificent Pope's Robe and changed into a deep purple fitted outfit better suited for movement, tying her long hair high. She wore the Tear of the Wind God close to her body, and even through the fabric, she could feel waves of increasingly distinct heat, like the beating of a heart, guiding her toward a west-southwest direction.

Dai Chengfeng had likewise changed into an unremarkable ink-black robe, his aura withdrawn, as if he were merely an ordinary Soul Master guard. Yet the occasional gleam in his eyes revealed his Titled Douluo-level strength and vigilance. The two did not leave through any open passage. Beneath the Pope's Hall were several hidden routes known only to past popes and a very small number of trusted confidants, leading straight outside the city. They chose a teleportation Secret Passage constructed with the aid of underground water veins and ancient soul tool formations. Though its range was limited, it was enough to send them silently to a hidden stronghold a hundred li outside Spirit City.

After a brief wave of dizziness, a fresh night wind carrying the scent of grass and trees rushed against their faces, replacing