Chrysanthemum and Ghost's Thoughts

"A Soul Master's Martial Soul fell into one of three categories: Beast Martial Soul, Tool Martial Soul, or Body Martial Soul.

"A Body Martial Soul was a part of one's own body. An arm, a leg, the heart, or the eyes could all be Body Martial Souls.

"People with Body Martial Souls were exceedingly rare. Their potential was immense, and their Martial Souls could undergo a Second Awakening.

"Once that happened, diligent cultivation would surely carry them to Soul Douluo.

"If the Second Awakening reached Gold Level, they would even have a chance to become a level 99 Peerless Douluo.

"My Body Martial Soul is my own soul, an exceptionally unusual one even among Body Martial Souls.

"I have yet to undergo a Second Awakening. According to the Young Hall Master's analysis, if I do, I'll most likely reach Gold Level. My Martial Soul's quality will transform, giving me the foundation to strive for level 99."

Gui Mei's talent was extraordinarily high. Without training his body or tempering his soul, he had reached level 95 through the same cultivation methods as ordinary Soul Masters.

With talent like that, he would have been a sect heir in the Body Sect ten thousand years later, at the very least.

Fortunately, it was not too late to begin. If Gui Mei strengthened his body and soul further, he would have a chance at a Second Awakening.

Only then would Gui Mei truly set foot on the proper path of Body Martial Soul cultivation.

"So such a thing is possible."

Bibi Dong fixed her gaze on Gui Mei. Shock rose in her heart, and a trace of unease crept into her expression.

Qian Zong acted without restraint. With the Worship Hall behind him, he showed no regard for her as the Pope.

Since becoming Young Hall Master, Qian Zong had repeatedly gone over her head to interfere in Spirit Hall's affairs. She had long marked him as someone to guard against.

Now he had secretly made contact with a Spirit Hall elder and offered him benefits.

Given Qian Zong's position, if he won over Spirit Hall's elders as well, her standing in Spirit Hall would plummet.

"Gui Mei, since you've found a new cultivation method, focus on your training.

"If you lack resources, you may request them from me.

"Another top-tier expert in the Elder Hall would be a great boon to Spirit Hall."

Bibi Dong's tone softened, and her manner toward Gui Mei grew considerably warmer.

Gui Mei and Yue Guan were high-level experts, but their combat strength was not particularly impressive. Apart from their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, they had little to recommend them.

Bibi Dong's attitude toward the two had therefore always been ambivalent. She wanted to win them over, but had never felt a pressing need to do so.

Once she saw that the pair could carry out Spirit Hall's work as usual, she had kept them at arm's length.

Now Gui Mei's strategic value had soared, and Qian Zong clearly thought highly of him. She considered trying to win him over again.

Gui Mei lowered his head slightly and bowed. "Thank you, Your Holiness."

"Yue Guan."

"At your service."

"Find Qian Zong and bring him here. I have matters to discuss with him."

Qian Zong put immense pressure on Bibi Dong, and she had too many questions she wanted to ask him.

Before, her pride had held her back. But now that she sensed the two Titled Douluo edging toward Qian Zong, she had no choice but to lower herself and invite him.

To accomplish great things, one could not be bound by trifles.

"Yes."

Recalling what Qian Renxue had said before leaving, Bibi Dong asked,

"One moment. Yue Guan, Gui Mei, do either of you know what 'Joker' is?"

Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a glance. Each understood what the other was thinking.

"We do not, Your Holiness," they replied.

After a pause, Yue Guan continued,

"Your Holiness, would you like me to investigate 'Joker'?"

Bibi Dong suspected it was nothing good. Seeing that neither of them knew, she waved them away.

"No need. You may go."

Yue Guan and Gui Mei took their leave and departed the Papal Hall.

Bibi Dong watched them go, her gaze growing ever more inscrutable.

Qian Zong, Qian Renxue, the Worship Hall... what exactly are you plotting?

Bibi Dong had long suspected that the Worship Hall was plotting something behind her back. Only today, with Qian Renxue's arrival and the two Titled Douluo's attitude toward her, had she confirmed it.

But she still did not know what those Titled Douluo in the Worship Hall were planning.

Perhaps she could find a clue through Qian Zong.

Once they were well away from the Papal Hall, Yue Guan grumbled, "Old Ghost, you were too rash. That was His Holiness the Pope."

Despite his words, his eyes were filled with concern.

Gui Mei said coldly, "Chrysanthemum, my preparations are nearly complete. I intend to enter seclusion for a while."

Yue Guan broke into a delighted smile. His expression kept shifting as he hurried up to Gui Mei and looked him over.

He pressed a finger to Gui Mei's chest, sending a faint thread of Soul Power into his body.

The next moment, Yue Guan's smile widened until it nearly contorted his face.

"Hahaha! How many years has it been? I thought we'd be stuck here for the rest of our lives."

He had been trapped at level 95 for far too long. Now that he saw hope of breaking through, he could no longer contain his excitement.

"Old Ghost, is your Soul Core about to form?"

Yue Guan's eyes shone as he stared intently at Gui Mei.

Gui Mei nodded. "Over the past two months, I've mastered the method for forming a Soul Core. I need only spend some time in seclusion to complete it."

"Good! Good! Wonderful!" At Gui Mei's confirmation, Yue Guan grew even more excited, his voice rising with a sharp tremor. "The Young Hall Master was right. You really are a genius found only once in ten thousand."

Yue Guan threw both hands into the air, overjoyed.

"You worked out how to form a Soul Core in just two months. Old Ghost, one day you're certain to reach that realm."

Gui Mei had grasped the Soul Core method, and Yue Guan was sincerely happy for his old friend.

Gui Mei was long accustomed to Yue Guan's behavior. He nodded calmly.

"Chrysanthemum, the Young Hall Master said your Martial Soul's quality is second to none. It won't be long before you can form a Soul Core too.

"With your foundation, reaching level 96 or even 97 won't be difficult. Then we can enter the Worship Hall together and repay the Young Hall Master."

For Titled Douluo, levels 90 through 94 were one hurdle. At that stage, they needed only to accumulate Soul Power and hone their Soul Skills. It was the least difficult stretch.

At level 95, the Martial Soul and physical body began to merge. This was the first great barrier on a Titled Douluo's path to greater strength.

Beyond level 95, Soul Masters had to do more than accumulate Soul Power. They also had to deepen their understanding of the laws of heaven and earth, and the difficulty rose exponentially with each level.

Yue Guan reined in his emotions a little.

"You're right. I'll have to work hard from now on. I can't let you leave me too far behind."

Qian Zong's encouragement had already changed Yue Guan's outlook.

He believed in his Martial Soul, and he believed in himself. One day, he would reach a higher realm.

Elsewhere.

After leaving the Papal Hall, Qian Renxue went to the Elder Hall and summoned Ling Yuan Douluo.

"Greetings, Young Hall Master."

Ling Yuan had just completed her previous assignment and was preparing to take another in the Elder Hall's outer chamber. Before she could enter the Elder Hall, she ran into Qian Renxue.