Choice

The next day, in the arena.

Dongfang Yu noticed that today's opponent seemed different from the usual ones. His previous opponents had mostly been vile, bloodthirsty people, but this one did not carry that bloody aura.

Perhaps he understood Bibi Dong's intentions, because Dongfang Yu found himself conflicted once again. The next moment confirmed his guess.

"Kill him, and you'll pass." Bibi Dong remained as calm and detached as ever.

Dongfang Yu held a light sword. His opponent's soul power was around level 21, while he was already level 22 and had ample combat experience. If he wanted to kill him, the other man would most likely be no match for him.

Seeing Dongfang Yu standing still with a conflicted expression, Bibi Dong did not rush him. She had given him the chance. If he could not do it, then she would simply consider her hopes to have been an empty dream.

The other person on the stage was equally conflicted, though he was more afraid. Would he be killed? He did not know. The decision was entirely in the hands of the person across from him.

"Hah." Dongfang Yu let out a heavy breath, seeming to have made his decision. It was difficult for him to kill an ordinary person with whom he held no grudge, but... if that man did not die, then he would. Dongfang Yu had no doubt that if he did not act, Bibi Dong would definitely kill him. There would be no more exceptions.

Dongfang Yu did not consider himself a saint, and he was afraid of death too. It was a difficult choice, but to survive, he had no other option. Perhaps being weak... was a person's greatest sin.

Dongfang Yu charged forward!

The instant he rushed out, the gloom on Bibi Dong's face faded away, replaced by a faint smile.

Very quickly, the other man was forced back step by step beneath Dongfang Yu's fierce assault. The outcome had already been decided.

Ten minutes later, Dongfang Yu's light sword rested against the other man's throat. Cold sweat covered his head, and his legs trembled without stop.

"I..." His voice abruptly cut off. His pupils slowly dilated until only the whites of his eyes remained.

Putting away his sword, Dongfang Yu looked toward Bibi Dong and waited for her instructions. Bibi Dong soon appeared in the middle of the stage, appreciation in her eyes. She smiled lightly and said, "You've passed."

Even Bibi Dong had not expected Dongfang Yu to kill him so decisively. That strike had exceeded her expectations.

No change appeared in Dongfang Yu's eyes as he replied, "What other instructions does Teacher have?"

Decisive? Since he had decided to become a butcher, he had to do it properly. Hesitating would only make Bibi Dong dissatisfied, and that would not benefit him in the future.

"Xiaoyu, do you blame me?" For the first time, Bibi Dong stroked Dongfang Yu's little head. Not only had her form of address changed, but her voice was exceptionally gentle as well.

"Teacher has only acted for her disciple's benefit. This disciple has never blamed Teacher." Dongfang Yu answered steadily.

Bibi Dong nodded in satisfaction. "Good. There are too many examples in the soul master world of scheming, murder, and arson. If you are too softhearted, you will suffer greatly in the future. It is good that you understand Teacher's painstaking intentions."

Seeing Bibi Dong put on an act of caring for him, Dongfang Yu mocked inwardly, Save it for the ghosts. If it were really for my sake, would you have me kill so many people?

"Teacher is right. This disciple will listen to Teacher." Dongfang Yu said.

"In the future, Spirit Hall will ultimately belong to you young people. I am already old. Sooner or later, this position will be handed over to you and your senior sister. Do you understand?" Bibi Dong added.

Of course I understand. Isn't this the classic stick-and-carrot routine? Those damned capitalists are best at this sort of thing. Dongfang Yu scoffed inwardly. Look at this pie—it's so big and round!

"Teacher is very young." Dongfang Yu answered irrelevantly. It was not exactly flattery; Bibi Dong truly was young. Which Title Douluo was not already past fifty?

Hearing Dongfang Yu's praise, Bibi Dong smiled radiantly, and for a moment, he stared in a daze. If only this woman did not have such a venomous heart. If only she were not the Pope of Spirit Hall. Unfortunately, there were no ifs.

In any case, he was already aboard this pirate ship, and he could not yet escape her control. He could only take things one step at a time and slowly make his plans. Otherwise, if everything proceeded according to Bibi Dong's arrangements, he feared he would ultimately die without even a corpse left behind!

"Alright, rest for a few days. I have other arrangements for you." Bibi Dong gave Dongfang Yu a short break, then left first.

Only after Bibi Dong had left did Dongfang Yu finally breathe a sigh of relief. Being around her always put him under immense pressure. He glanced once more at the corpse on the ground, silently murmured an apology, then left as well.

Over the next few days, Dongfang Yu enjoyed the leisure. He read books when he had nothing to do, wandered the streets, and so on. To outsiders, he was merely a quiet little child. No one would likely imagine that this six- or seven-year-old child already had dozens of lives on his hands.

"Young Master Dongfang, His Holiness the Pope requests your presence." A maid spoke respectfully from outside the door.

Closing his book, Dongfang Yu replied casually, "Understood. I'll go right away."

Papal Hall.

As soon as he entered the hall, Dongfang Yu once again felt its desolation. Even the liveliest person would probably become gloomy here.

"Tap—tap." Beneath the papal platform, Dongfang Yu stopped, lowered his head, and bowed respectfully.

"Teacher."

Bibi Dong gave a faint hum, seeming to be in little mood.

"How was your rest?"

"This disciple is well in every regard." Dongfang Yu answered with his head lowered.

"Good. Come with me." Bibi Dong stepped down from the platform and, as always, walked ahead. Dongfang Yu continued to follow in her footsteps with his head lowered.

"From now on, raise your head when you see me." Bibi Dong said casually from ahead.

"This disciple obeys." Dongfang Yu raised his head and answered while looking at her back.

Spirit Academy, student training grounds.

Bibi Dong stood outside the ring, while Dongfang Yu took a small step back and stood slightly behind her to the side, not shoulder to shoulder with her.

"Do you know about Spirit Hall's Golden Generation?"

"This disciple does."

"Mm. Every one of them is highly gifted, and their martial souls are powerful. They can be said to be Spirit Hall's hope for the future." Bibi Dong said evenly.

"What does Teacher mean?" Dongfang Yu asked.

"I mean to have you join the Golden Generation as one of its members. But... you are still young, and your soul power is far below theirs. If I forcibly arrange for you to join them, I fear it may cause their dissatisfaction. There may also be many inconveniences in private." Bibi Dong rarely explained so much. After she finished, her phoenix eyes simply watched Dongfang Yu calmly.

Dongfang Yu considered it for a moment, then said, "Teacher means... that I should make them sincerely accept me? In other words, use my strength to earn their recognition?"

Bibi Dong smiled faintly. "That is exactly what I mean. You do not necessarily have to win, but you must earn their recognition."

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