From a distance, Spirit City's walls towered like a giant black python sprawled across the earth.
Up close, they were magnificent. A lifelike statue of a Six-Winged Angel stood atop the walls, its expression filled with compassion.
"So this is Spirit City?" As the walls drew nearer, Ah Yin tightened her hold on Qian Renxue's and Qian Renfeng's arms. She was about to meet that Peerless Douluo.
She had no idea whether he could accept that she was a Soul Beast. And if he could not, what would she do?
Qian Xunji raised a hand and gently stroked Ah Yin's head. "Don't be nervous. I'm here."
The carriage entered Spirit City. Compared with a year ago, nothing had changed. A year could change so much, yet leave so much untouched.
As they passed the central square, Qian Xunji glanced in surprise at the spot where Bibi Dong had been. She was gone?
He did not dwell on it. Her presence there had probably caused too much of a stir, so his father and the others had moved her elsewhere.
Ah Yin followed his gaze. She, too, was surprised not to see Bibi Dong there, but said nothing.
"Looks like you won't be able to meet her now, Ah Yin. She's probably been moved because of the trouble it caused. When we have time, I'll take you to meet her. She's someone who brought about her own ruin..."
Qian Xunji spoke calmly. After a year, what had happened with Bibi Dong no longer affected him at all.
"Mm..." Ah Yin nodded.
As soon as Ah Yin entered Spirit City, several Titled Douluo sensed her presence. But when they realized His Holiness the Pope was also in the carriage, none of them made a move.
They were curious, though. His Holiness the Pope had been gone for a year, and now he had brought back a Transformed Soul Beast? Ah Yin was still far from the Mature Stage. Entering Spirit City was like walking into a tiger's den.
Once, that might have been true. But she was Qian Xunji's woman now. Even if the Titled Douluo elders knew what she was, would they dare touch her? Of course not!
More importantly, Ah Yin was the mother of the Qian Clan's young heirs. If those elders dared try anything, Qian Daoliu would come after them with his sword.
Inside the Elder Hall...
"His Holiness the Pope is back. But why is there a Transformed Soul Beast with him? It seems he wasn't exactly idle during that year away..."
"Quiet! Who are we to discuss His Holiness the Pope's affairs? The Great Enshrined and the others will decide what to do!"
"Yes, yes..."
The carriage soon reached the foot of Divine Mountain. It stopped, and Qian Xunji and Ah Yin stepped out and looked up at the mountain.
Finally back. It's been a year. Will Father and the others hit me when they see me? Surely not.
Qian Xunji was not so sure. The past year had surely been Spirit Hall's busiest, and its Pope had been nowhere to be found.
"Come on, Ah Yin. Let's go up..." Qian Xunji took one of the little ones from Ah Yin's arms, then held her hand as they climbed the steps toward the Worship Hall.
Meanwhile, inside the Worship Hall...
"So he does remember how to come home! He left us to clean up the mess he made! Big Brother, you have to teach that heartless little Xunji a lesson!"
"Exactly! He was gone for a year without sending a single letter. Big Brother, he has no respect for you!"
"I'd say little Xunji never paid Big Brother any respect. Why else wouldn't he write even once?"
"Exactly!"
The enshrined elders chimed in one after another. The past year had worn them out. Letting Qian Xunji off without a lesson was out of the question!
Qian Daoliu said nothing, but he was clearly angry too. Why had Qian Xunji not sent his own father a single letter all year? It was outrageous!
"But why is there a Transformed Soul Beast with little Xunji?" Golden Crocodile Douluo asked in surprise.
"Looks like little Xunji did accomplish something during his year away. At least he brought back a Transformed Soul Beast."
"Settle down. Little Xunji will be here soon. I'm sure he'll have an explanation for us," Qian Daoliu said.
Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on the doors ahead. Many of them had plenty to say to Qian Xunji.
Having reached the Papal Palace, Qian Xunji looked up toward the Worship Hall. For some reason, a chill ran down his spine.
It felt as though something terrifying awaited him. He could guess that his uncles in the Worship Hall had plenty of grievances against him.
"Xunji, why did you stop?" Ah Yin asked, surprised to see him halt.
"Ah Yin, you have to plead for me when the time comes!"
Qian Xunji looked at her bitterly. He had left for a year and dumped all the administrative work on the Worship Hall.
Neither his father nor his uncles would let him off! He was certain a beating awaited him!
"Huh?" Ah Yin stared at him, baffled. Why was he even more nervous about returning home than she was?
They drew closer to the Worship Hall and climbed the final step into the square before it.
Ah Yin gazed at the sacred Worship Hall ahead, her breathing quickening. She would soon meet his father.
"Xunji, I'm a little nervous. What if your father can't accept me?" Ah Yin turned to him.
But Qian Xunji was already sweating. He could almost see the resentment billowing out of the Worship Hall like black smoke.
His palms were slick with sweat, yet he still tried to reassure her. "Don't worry, Ah Yin. You're beautiful, and you've given me a son and a daughter. Father will have to accept you whether he likes it or not!"
"Besides, you have me. If it comes to that, I'll quit this blasted Pope business, and our family can go somewhere far away!"
"Xunji..." Ah Yin looked at him with tender eyes.
"You think you can stop being Pope whenever you please? Get in here!" The voice boomed like thunder!
Qian Xunji nearly dropped to his knees. Trembling, he turned to Ah Yin. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Ah Yin asked, puzzled. Why did he look even more nervous than she felt?
"What are you standing there for? Get in here and explain yourself to us!" When Qian Xunji did not move, the voice rang in his ears again.
It was his father, Qian Daoliu. And he was unmistakably furious. As for why, Qian Xunji did not need to ask!
Before you continue