The air inside the Pope's Hall seemed frozen in solemn majesty.
Angel reliefs carved into twelve towering gilded pillars came alive in the colored light, as though they might spread their wings and fly free at any moment. The crystal chandelier suspended at the center of the dome scattered countless points of light, weaving with the golden threads of the crimson carpet into a sea of splendor.
Qian Daoliu tapped the armrest with his fingertips. The wings of the Six-Winged Angel phantom trembled faintly, stirring a flurry of golden motes.
His gaze swept over everyone in the hall before he spoke slowly:
"I summoned you today to introduce several new colleagues who have joined Spirit Hall."
He first looked toward Dugu Bo, his voice steady and strong:
"This is Dugu Bo, a level ninety-two Titled Douluo with the Jade Phosphorous Dragon Serpent martial soul. You already know something of him, so I will not elaborate."
After a pause, he added:
"In Sunset Forest, I helped his martial soul evolve into the Jade Phosphorous Dragon Serpent, resolving the martial soul backlash that had plagued his family for generations. He is willing to gift Spirit Hall his medicine garden in Sunset Forest and join the Elder Hall, overseeing medicinal plants alongside Elder Yue Guan."
Dugu Bo stepped forward, the hem of his dark green robe brushing the carpet. He inclined his head slightly, and the faint poisonous mist lingering around him receded a little.
"From now on, we are colleagues. Let us wipe the slate clean of past grudges."
Yue Guan immediately rose from the elders' seats, his scarlet robe resembling a dancing flame in the golden light.
"Having you here, old poisoner, is wonderful news! Our medicine garden happens to need someone who knows poisonous herbs. Come with me, and let