Pope's Palace in Spirit City.
Ning Fengzhi stood in the square in front of the palace, gazing at the distant streets that still reeked of a faint stench of blood, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
In just a few days, Spirit City experienced an unprecedented storm.
Pope Bibi Dong, with Thunderous Might force, personally took action, joining forces with the elders loyal to her, to carry out a bloody purge of the corrupt elements and tyrannical Soul Master nobles within the empire who had been completely exposed after the Xuan Ming intimidation.
Those on the list, regardless of their rank or background, were almost entirely wiped out! Many once powerful governors and bishops were reduced to ashes under the judgment of the Asura Demon Sword!
The entire upper echelons of the Spirit Hall Empire experienced a major upheaval!
The brutality and thoroughness of this purge terrified even Ning Fengzhi.
In the short term, the empire's operations will inevitably be greatly affected, and turmoil is unavoidable.
But Ning Fengzhi knew better than to suffer a short, sharp pain. If these malignant tumors were allowed to continue to fester, the Spirit Hall Empire would truly be in imminent danger. He was truly surprised that Bibi Dong had the courage to take such a risky move.
What he found even more unbelievable was that the trigger, or rather the catalyst, for all of this was Xuan Ming!
It was Xuan Ming's earth-shattering power that completely ignited the internal conflicts and created the perfect opportunity for Bibi Dong to take action.
This made him re-examine the relationship between Xuan Ming and Bibi Dong.
He knew the Spirit Hall of the past all too well. That top-down arrogance and greed were practically ingrained in their very bones.
The higher-ups are not entirely unaware of the corruption at the lower levels; in many cases, they even tacitly approve or condone it, because they are the ultimate beneficiaries. The wealth and resources plundered from the lower levels will eventually flow into the hands of the upper levels through various means.
How could such a deep-rooted problem be easily changed by a few words or actions from an outsider? Moreover, how could it possibly motivate a ruthless Pope like Bibi Dong to risk shaking the very foundations of the empire to carry out such a thorough purge?
He had never considered the possibility of romantic feelings between them. Firstly, Bibi Dong's image as an iron-blooded Pope was completely unrelated to love. Secondly, Xuan Ming had many beautiful women around him, and given Bibi Dong's domineering and powerful personality, how could she tolerate any secret affair? But if it weren't for that kind of relationship, how could Xuan Ming exert such a decisive influence on her?
" Sect Master Ning." Xuan Ming's calm voice rang out quietly, interrupting Ning Fengzhi's thoughts.
Ning Fengzhi composed himself and bowed, saying, "Lord Xuan Ming."
Xuan Ming looked at him and said, "You don't need to be so polite with me."
Ning Fengzhi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then gave a wry smile. Indeed, given Xuan Ming's current strength and influence, as well as the complex relationship between them, maintaining overly polite formalities would only seem distant.
"I was being too rigid," Ning Fengzhi relaxed his posture somewhat, but his tone still carried respect. "However... this upheaval has far-reaching consequences, and the entire empire is filled with unease. His Majesty's ruthless methods have deterred the villains, but the subsequent appeasement and reconstruction will likely be..."
"I know." Xuan Ming interrupted him, his gaze calmly sweeping across the somewhat desolate street. "Scraping the bone to remove poison will always be painful for a while. But if this poison isn't removed, the empire will ultimately perish from within."
He looked at Ning Fengzhi, "She has her own decisions and methods, but you know her style. Stabilizing the situation, selecting new talent, and balancing all parties—these are things that require time and patience, and that's up to you."
Ning Fengzhi understood. Xuan Ming was clearly telling him that he needed to play the role of "stabilizer" and "builder," and that after Bibi Dong violently destroyed the old order, he would assist in establishing a new one.
"I understand." Ning Fengzhi nodded solemnly. "I will do my best to stabilize the situation and restore the empire to normal operation as soon as possible."
Xuan Ming nodded slightly. "I'm going back to Sea God Island. Is there anything you want to say to Rongrong?"
Upon hearing his daughter's name, Ning Fengzhi's eyes immediately revealed affection and concern. After a moment's thought, he took out a pre-prepared letter and an antique-style brocade pouch from his bosom.
" Xuan Ming, please give this letter to Rongrong." Ning Fengzhi handed over the letter, his tone gentle. "Tell her that everything is fine at home, so she doesn't need to worry and can focus on her cultivation on Sea God Island."
He paused, then handed the brocade pouch to Xuan Ming, his expression becoming more serious. "Please give this brocade pouch to her as well. Let her... open it when she feels most confused or faces a difficult decision."
Xuan Ming accepted the letter and the brocade pouch, nodded, and asked no further questions. He could sense a faint spiritual imprint of Ning Fengzhi on the pouch, clearly left specifically for Ning Rongrong.
"And..." Ning Fengzhi looked at Xuan Ming, his tone serious, " Rongrong a rather stubborn child sometimes, and... she's been spoiled a bit too much by her Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone. If she's willful in any way, or encounters any trouble, please... be understanding."
Xuan Ming raised an eyebrow slightly. "Do you really need to be so polite with me?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled wryly, "You are now Peerless Douluo, and you are only one step away from the legendary level 100 of the Dou Tian realm. I'm being polite out of respect for Soul Grandmaster."
Upon hearing this, Xuan Ming's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness. He had never been used to such formalities, but he could understand Ning Fengzhi's feelings at this moment.
He's better than those guys in the Elder Hall who get weak in the knees just looking at him.
" Rongrong is doing well on Sea God Island," he said simply. "She's stronger than you think."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's eyes flashed with a hint of relief. As a father, he was well aware that his daughter was growing up, but he couldn't help but worry.
"That's good." He nodded gently. "This child has never been away from me for long since he was little, this time..."
"Everyone has their own path to walk," Xuan Ming interrupted his lament. "You can't protect her forever."
These words were blunt, yet they startled Ning Fengzhi slightly. He understood this principle perfectly well, but...
"I understand." Ning Fengzhi a deep breath, his expression regaining its usual composure. "In that case, I won't keep you any longer."
"Goodbye."
High in the sky, amidst a sea of clouds.
Xuan Ming and Gu Yuena flew side by side at a slow pace, as if admiring the vast and boundless blue ocean below.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty and damp scent, couldn't dispel the barely perceptible solemnity between Xuan Ming's brows.
He gazed at the faint outline of the island on the distant horizon, remaining silent.
Gu Yuena glanced at him sideways, her silver-purple eyes calm and unwavering, her cool voice breaking the silence. "Worried about Bo Saixi?"
Xuan Ming did not deny it, and simply hummed in agreement.
"I need to tell her about Tang Chen."
"But... I haven't figured out how to say it yet."
The image of Bo Saixi's gentle and tolerant sea-blue eyes came to mind.
The high priestess of Sea God Island Sea God Island had taken great care of him since his arrival, in many ways exceeding the scope of her duties as high priestess. He remembered this kindness.
Now, he has to tell her that the person she has waited for half her life died at his hands.
Even if Tang Chen had already fallen from grace, even if it was a choice he had to make to save Bibi Dong and seize the Asura Divine Power, the outcome would not change— Tang Chen died because of him.
How would Bo Saixi react? Grief? Angry? Or... hatred?
Would she want revenge for Tang Chen?
What should I do if she really attacks me?
Standing still and letting her beat him up to vent her anger? That seems too dramatic, and it might not be what Bo Saixi wanted.
To actually fight her? That would be absurd. Bo Saixi was the high priest of Sea God Island, the Sea God's most loyal servant, and a friend who had been kind to him. To fight her was absolutely not his wish.
Furthermore, Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing are undergoing the Sacred Pillar Trial on Sea God Island. Although the content of the trial is determined by Sea God Poseidon, the specific implementation and evaluation criteria are largely in the hands of Bo Saixi.
If their actions cause Bo Saixi to take her anger out on them and affect their assessment, that would be even more troublesome.
Thinking about all this, Xuan Ming felt a sense of unease.
What he fears most are these kinds of issues involving emotions, especially when he feels indebted to the other person.
Chapter 373 Liberation
"I'll go," Gu Yuena suddenly said.
Xuan Ming was slightly taken aback and looked at her.
" Bo Saixi can't beat me. Besides, as a woman myself, there are some things that she might be more likely to accept if I say them," Gu Yuena said.
By having her step in, she could not only ensure that the situation did not get out of control with her absolute strength, but also communicate from a woman's perspective, which might be better able to soothe Bo Saixi's emotions.
Xuan Ming was somewhat tempted. Gu Yuena's suggestion was indeed the safest option. With her strength and status, even if Bo Saixi was furious, she couldn't cause any trouble.
Moreover, recently, Gu Yuena's relationship with Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong and others seems to have improved a lot, and the atmosphere is much more harmonious than before. Having her step forward can indeed minimize the impact on others.
But... once he thought about it again, a lingering concern arose in his mind.
Bo Saixi, after all, is the high priestess of Sea God Poseidon Sea God Island, his representative on Earth. If Gu Yuena, the Silver Dragon King, were to handle this matter in a manner bordering on "threat," wouldn't that anger the Sea God?
After all, the Sea God had always treated him fairly well, and even secretly helped him on several occasions. To fall out with the Sea God over this matter would be a loss for him.
More importantly...
Xuan Ming shook his head, his eyes regaining their resolve.
"No, I'll go. This matter started because of me, and I should resolve it personally. Avoiding and shirking responsibility won't solve anything."
He took a deep breath and turned his gaze back to Sea God Island in the distance. "What must be faced must be faced. Whatever the outcome, I should personally give her an explanation."
This was the choice he made; he personally ended Tang Chen's life.
This responsibility should rightfully be borne by him.
Sea God Island, Sea God Mountain.
Xuan Ming and Gu Yuena landed on the mountaintop and headed straight for the magnificent Sea God Hall. However, the temple doors, which were usually open, were now tightly closed, enveloped by a soft yet resilient golden halo that separated the inside from the outside.
A maid dressed in white stood respectfully outside the hall. Upon seeing Xuan Ming, she immediately stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Lord Xuan Ming, the High Priest has instructed that she is currently in seclusion for meditation and will not be receiving guests at this time."
Seclusion?
Xuan Ming frowned slightly. He had just returned, and Bo Saixi had just gone into seclusion? This was too much of a coincidence. A bad premonition rose in his heart.
He didn't say much, only nodded, but his powerful Divine Power spread out silently like an invisible tide, directly penetrating the heavy doors of the Sea God Hall and probing towards Bo Saixi's usual bedroom.
His Divine Power merged with the Sea God's Heart. Although he could not actively control the Sea God's Light, the Sea God's Light did not reject him at all, allowing his spiritual perception to be almost unimpeded on the Sea God Island.
However, just as his Divine Power was about to reach the core area of Bo Saixi's palace—
Buzz!
A gentle yet undeniable golden divine light suddenly shone forth, acting as a barrier to gently deflect his Divine Power. Simultaneously, a voice tinged with a hint of mockery and helplessness resounded directly in his mind:
"Kid, that's not a good habit of yours. Using your Divine Power to probe a girl's room without permission?"
It is the divine thought of Sea God Poseidon!
Xuan Ming's lips twitched slightly as he mentally replied, "Stop talking nonsense. Are you the one playing tricks?"
He suspected that Poseidon had informed Bo Saixi of Tang Chen's death beforehand, which was why she avoided seeing him.
"Hey, hey, hey! Don't you dare wrong an innocent person!" Poseidon's divine sense immediately retorted, his tone tinged with grievance, "I always keep my word! I said I'd let you handle it yourself when you get back, and I never said a word beforehand!"
He simply shared with Xuan Ming, in an "objective record" manner, the "wonderful" experiences he and several other God King had witnessed through the light screen after Xuan Ming left Bo Saixi Sea God Island. These experiences included the destruction of the Slaughter City, Tang Chen's fall from grace, and the final battle.
He didn't say a word more, he just let her watch the "live recording" herself.
Xuan Ming naturally didn't believe his nonsense, but he had no intention of arguing with him at the moment. He was more concerned about Bo Saixi's condition.
Deep within the Sea God Hall, in Bo Saixi's chambers.
The bedchamber was softly lit and filled with a faint scent of the sea. Bo Saixi was not in seclusion as the maid had said, but was sitting quietly alone on the edge of the bed.
She was still wearing that solemn red priest's robe, but her usually calm and gentle sea-blue eyes were now filled with confusion, struggle, and a hint of... a sense of relief that she herself could hardly understand.
Before her floated a crystal ball emitting a soft glow. Inside the crystal ball, the thrilling battle that had taken place not long ago above the ruins of the Slaughter City was being clearly replayed.
In the scene, the fallen and crazed Tang Chen burns his remnant soul and the essence of his Parasitism to condense a dark red Clear Sky True Body, which crashes down on Xuan Ming with earth-shattering power. Xuan Ming, on the other hand, transforms into a hundred-meter-tall Slaughter Dragon Emperor Battle Soul, wielding Blood Spear, and fiercely meets the attack!
In the end, the Blood Spear pierced Tang Chen's chest, devouring everything he had...
The image freezes on the moment Tang Chen turns to ashes and vanishes.
Bo Saixi's gaze lingered for Jiujiu on the empty scene.
She thought she would burst into tears, feel her heart ache, and be overwhelmed with a deep-seated hatred for Xuan Ming.
But... no.
The expected heart-wrenching pain didn't come. Her heart felt as if shrouded in a thick fog, sensing instead a... settled emptiness, and a... unspeakable... relief?
Yes, liberation.
This realization filled her with fear and shame.
Tang Chen, the man who had captivated her for so long, the man she had waited for for decades, the man she thought would be her lifelong bond... In the instant he truly died, what she felt was not grief, but a sense of relief.
It was as if a heavy shackle that had been borne for far too long had been removed.
Decades of waiting brought not the joy of reunion, but endless torment and repeated disappointments. She hated his slowness, his lack of romantic understanding, and how he had allowed her to gradually exhaust her youth and passion in endless waiting.
Especially after Xuan Ming arrived, watching this young man relentlessly push his limits for his goals, risking his life, and feeling the ripples constantly spreading across her long-dormant heart because of him... her inner struggle and pain intensified.
On one hand, there are the constraints of morality and the past; on the other hand, there is an irrepressible stirring and longing deep within the heart.