The sun slowly rose, as large as a platter and the color of a salted egg yolk, yet without a dazzling glare. Wisps of warm currents drifted through the air, dancing with the breeze and bringing warmth wherever they fell.
Yellow light shone upon the Six-Winged Angel landmark atop Spirit Hall's Papal Hall, bathing the monumental structure in a sacred aura.
Inside Spirit Hall's Papal Hall, seven people already stood at the center of the great hall. Two orderly rows of people in red brocade robes stood along either side. They were all Spirit Hall's Red-Robed Archbishops, ranking below only the Elders and the Pope.
A woman sat in the center of the hall.
She was not tall, and her brilliant golden ceremonial gown fitted her perfectly from head to toe. The magnificent gown glittered with the radiance of more than a hundred red, blue, and gold gemstones. The Nine-Curved Purple Gold Crown on her head shone with myriad rays of light, and she held a scepter roughly two meters long, studded with countless jewels.
Her fair skin and almost flawless features made her look utterly extraordinary. In particular, the intangible nobility and sanctity she exuded inspired an irresistible urge to bow down in worship.
This woman was Spirit Hall's Pope-Bibi Dong!
Bibi Dong was breathtakingly beautiful, noble, elegant, and serene. Every lovely word seemed suited to this woman. Though she was no longer young, time seemed to have left no trace upon her! After two years apart, Su Chen felt that his teacher had grown even more beautiful!
"Li Kai, Xu Yu!"
As Bibi Dong's voice fell, the two youths in moon-white robes beside Su Chen stepped forward.
"Based on your performance in completing your missions, I hereby award you both Gold Merit Badges!" Bibi Dong waved her hand,