Meanwhile, within the Worship Hall in Spirit City, the atmosphere was utterly different from the drawn swords and taut bowstrings of the Divine Realm.
The Pope's coronation had just ended, and representatives of the major powers had begun their journeys home one after another. The Worship Hall had returned to its usual tranquility.
Qian Daoliu sat at a stone table in the courtyard. Across from him sat Bibi Dong in her new purple papal robes, her expression calm, though it could not conceal the authority of her newly assumed position. Outside the courtyard, the four little girls-Qian Renxue, Ye Lingling, Shui Yue'er, and Shui Bing'er-were playing with Xiao Xi and Xiao Guang. Their clear laughter drifted over from time to time, bringing a touch of warmth to the solemn Worship Hall.
"Dong'er, you've only just taken over as Pope, and there are countless affairs to handle. But there is one matter I would like you to consider first."
Qian Daoliu lifted the spirit tea from the table and took a small sip, his tone gentle yet carrying a measure of solemnity.
Bibi Dong raised her eyes, a question in her gaze.
"Please go ahead, Father. Is it the expansion of the soul spirit system, or personnel changes in the various branch halls?"
"Neither."
Qian Daoliu shook his head and said slowly,
"I want you to begin formally bringing Skywater Academy into our fold, incorporating it into Spirit Hall Academy's branch system under Spirit Hall's direct jurisdiction."
A flicker of surprise crossed Bibi Dong's eyes before she began to ponder.
"Skywater Academy is renowned for Soul Masters with water and ice attributes, and its foundations are respectable. But its development has been mediocre in recent years. Why bring it into our fold so suddenly?"
"There are three reasons."
Qian Daoliu laid