Spirit City stood in the heart of the continent, where the three great empires met. With the Soul Master Tournament approaching, the city had grown increasingly lively.
Outside the Papal Hall, Bibi Dong stood with elegant poise, dressed in the Pope's regulation black robes embroidered with gold, the Nine-Curved Purple Gold Crown upon her head and the Pope's Scepter in her hand.
She listened to Chrysanthemum Douluo's report behind her.
"Your Holiness, that is how matters stand. The kings of the kingdoms and duchies on the list have agreed to pledge allegiance to Spirit Hall in secret."
The news stirred no emotion in Bibi Dong. Her gaze remained on the scenery below.
"Excellent! Thank you both for your efforts, Elders."
"Aside from Star Luo and Heaven Dou, how are things within the Sea God Empire?"
"The Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires are no cause for concern. Only the Sea God Empire is a true enemy of our Spirit Hall."
Deep wariness colored Bibi Dong's voice.
Spirit Hall, which had stood unrivaled on the continent for years, had finally met a genuine opponent.
Even the Clear Sky Sect once led by Tang Chen had not qualified.
The Clear Sky Sect had been powerful because of Tang Chen's presence. Only with his formidable might behind them had the Seven Great Sects and the Two Great Empires developed the ambition to resist Spirit Hall.
But once Tang Chen disappeared, that fragile alliance had dissolved.
The Sea God Empire was different.
Backed by the Sea God Hall, the Sea God Empire's Titled Douluo experts were like Spirit Hall's enshrined elders: loyal to Spirit Hall, loyal to the Sea God.
Its cohesion was stronger than that former alliance's by an immeasurable margin.
The same held true of its strength.
Mention of the Sea God