As the heavy doors of the Papal Hall slowly opened, twelve Cardinals, ranked just below the Platinum Bishops, filed out through the side doors first.
They lined up neatly on either side of the three teams, their expressions solemn.
The Cardinal at their head proclaimed loudly, "His Holiness the Pope arrives!"
Dong! Dong! Dong!
As though by prior agreement, the sound of bells and chimes rang endlessly throughout Spirit City.
Solemn ceremonial music followed.
Amid the Palace Guard Knights' perfectly synchronized cries, everyone turned their gaze toward the main entrance of the Papal Hall.
The cheers rose ever higher.
Breathing gradually grew heavier.
Hearts could not help beating faster.
Apart from a very few, no one could maintain their composure in such an atmosphere.
For the person they were about to face held the most exalted position on the entire continent: the Pope of Spirit Hall-Bibi Dong!
Under the eyes of the multitude, a figure slowly emerged from the main entrance, surrounded by attendants.
Bibi Dong wore a glittering golden ceremonial gown and a purple-gold crown that shone with dazzling radiance. In her hand was the scepter symbolizing papal authority.
From the moment she appeared, she became the center of heaven and earth.
Once Bibi Dong stood still, everyone belonging to the Papal Hall, from Palace Guard Knights to Cardinals, dropped to one knee in unison and cried, "We pay our respects to His Holiness the Pope!"
In an instant, the cheers pouring in from every direction merged into one perfectly synchronized roar, shaking heaven and earth and setting blood surging.
The majestic, solemn presence emanating from Bibi Dong soared into the clouds.
For a moment, even the sun in the sky seemed dim and lusterless.
In such an atmosphere, not only those belonging to the Papal Hall but even