"Sister Yuan'er, are you happy to become an elder?"
On their way there, Gu Wuchen asked Ye Yuan'er how she felt.
Ye Yuan'er planted her hands on her hips, looking absolutely delighted. "Of course I'm happy, young master. You might as well not have asked."
"I'm practically bursting with happiness. Are you teasing me, young master?"
Ye Yuan'er chuckled, her eyes curving as she scooped Gu Wuchen into her arms and settled him on her shoulders.
"Young master, isn't the view nice from up there?"
Gu Wuchen paused. When he realized what had happened, he hurriedly said, "Sister Yuan'er, put me down. This is too conspicuous."
"It's fine, as long as you're happy, young master."
Ye Yuan'er strode toward the Pope's Palace.
She had heard about something like this from some of the neighbors: boys about the same age as the young master were very happy sitting on adults' shoulders.
That was why she had done it.
Gu Wuchen was a little happy, but his looks and Ye Yuan'er's actions still drew plenty of glances from passersby.
When they saw the Great Enshrined, they bowed and made way.
"Wuchen really doesn't put on airs."
Qian Daoliu gave a rare smile.
When the three arrived at the Pope's Palace, Ye Yuan'er finally put Gu Wuchen down.
Qian Daoliu's expression turned solemn. "Open the doors!"
"Yes, Great Enshrined."
The imperial guards on watch immediately pushed open the doors to the Pope's Palace.
The three entered the Pope's Palace. The Pope was sitting on her throne, reviewing memorials in her hands, all concerning issues submitted by the Platinum Bishops of the various empires.
Seated high on her throne, Bibi Dong watched Qian Daoliu, Ye Yuan'er, and Gu Wuchen approach. She immediately set aside her work and narrowed her eyes at the three.
"Great Enshrined, what brings you here?"
Apart from visiting the Gu Clan to take on a disciple last time, Qian Daoliu hadn't come out again. This time, he had brought Ye Yuan'er and Gu Wuchen with him.
This might be good news for him, but it certainly isn't good news for me.
"I've come to tell the Pope that Ye Yuan'er has been promoted to elder. She's a rank ninety-two Titled Douluo. Remember to find someone to fill the vacant position of Spirit City's Platinum Bishop."
Listening to Qian Daoliu, Bibi Dong found it all utterly unfamiliar. The pen she held suddenly slipped from her hand onto the desk.
Ye Yuan'er was stuck at rank eighty-nine Soul Douluo for so long. How did she suddenly become a Titled Douluo?
Bibi Dong fixed her eyes on her. "Since you've broken through to Titled Douluo, Bishop Ye, please let me see."
Upon hearing this, Ye Yuan'er immediately released her Blazing Fire Phoenix. Its fiercely burning flames were as scorching as the sun.
A phoenix's cry rang out. The instant its fiery wings unfurled, all nine Soul Rings appeared together: two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red.
Her rank ninety-two Titled Douluo cultivation was revealed as well.
"A rank ninety-two Titled Douluo?"
Bibi Dong couldn't believe it. How could so much have changed? And how had she known nothing about Ye Yuan'er advancing to Titled Douluo?
Instead, the Great Enshrined had been the first to learn of it.
"Since you've already advanced to Titled Douluo, I'll begin making arrangements for Elder Ye. However..."
Bibi Dong changed tack, her tone turning especially sharp. "What allowed Elder Ye to advance to Titled Douluo? And why did your Martial Soul evolve as well?"
"Your Holiness, I was only able to advance to Titled Douluo thanks to the young master's help."
"Gu Wuchen?"
Bibi Dong had never expected Gu Wuchen to have single-handedly arranged Ye Yuan'er's advancement to Titled Douluo.
"That's right..."
Ye Yuan'er gave a general account of her advancement, leaving Bibi Dong increasingly astonished. A single Immortal Herb could raise someone by an entire major realm.
After all, many people on the continent were stuck at Soul Douluo, unable to reach Titled Douluo in their entire lives.
This made Bibi Dong even more curious about Gu Wuchen's abilities.
"That's all I have to say. If there's nothing else, we'll be leaving."
Qian Daoliu had no desire to become too entangled with Bibi Dong.
He had long since arranged Gu Wuchen's position in Spirit Hall. When the Advanced Soul Master Tournament arrived, Gu Wuchen would lead the Spirit Hall Team.
Even if Bibi Dong put forward the three members of the Golden Generation, they paled somewhat in comparison to Gu Wuchen.
Just as the three were about to leave, Bibi Dong spoke.
"Young Master Gu, please wait. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you in private."
Hearing this, Qian Daoliu was about to object, but Gu Wuchen stopped him.
"Grandpa Qian, it's fine. You two go back first. I also wanted to discuss some business with the Pope."
Since Gu Wuchen had said so, Qian Daoliu couldn't very well object. He immediately took Ye Yuan'er and left the Pope's Palace.
Once the doors to the Pope's Palace closed again, Bibi Dong dropped the manner she had used with Qian Daoliu.
"Young Master Gu, you truly are capable. I admire that."
Bibi Dong crossed her legs, rested her elbows on the desk before her, and propped her chin on her hands, a smile on her face.
"Thank you for the compliment. What did the Pope wish to discuss?"
"Would you consider receiving my instruction? You're exceptionally gifted, Young Master Gu. With my guidance, I'm sure you could advance even further," Bibi Dong said with a smile.
Gu Wuchen shook his head in refusal. "I appreciate Your Holiness's kindness, but there's no need for instruction. Your Holiness has countless matters to attend to every day. If you ever find a way to help someone advance to Titled Douluo, perhaps I might agree."
Those words struck right at Bibi Dong's sore spot.
What way did she have to help someone advance to Titled Douluo?
Wasn't this a joke?
In truth, she greatly admired Gu Wuchen. If he were willing, she would certainly be willing to teach him everything she knew.
"There's really no room for discussion?"
Bibi Dong was reluctant to give up such a promising talent.
"There's no discussing that topic. Does Your Holiness think you know as much as Grandpa Qian?"
"Grandpa Qian is a Peerless Douluo, and his knowledge far exceeds the Pope's. That's a fact."
Gu Wuchen spread his hands.
Bibi Dong's expression darkened. He was refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. In the future, the entire continent would be hers, and she would be able to become a god. No matter how formidable Qian Daoliu was, could he become a god?
Wasn't the God of Angels' position being saved for Qian Renxue anyway?
She had been Pope for seven or eight years and had spent a long time as the Holy Maiden before that. Gu Wuchen was the most perfect youth she had ever seen, without exception.
If he were willing, she could teach Gu Wuchen some things she hadn't yet taught Hu Liena.
"Young Master Gu, you really know how to strike a sore spot. Do you truly think I'm inferior to the Great Enshrined?"
"Yes."
Gu Wuchen answered without hesitation.
Bibi Dong was furious. He had answered so readily. She was held in the highest esteem by outsiders, yet in Gu Wuchen's eyes, she was so lacking.
Gu Wuchen spread his hands helplessly. He might well have agreed if it were someone else, but he knew far more than Bibi Dong did.
"Your Holiness, are you finished?"
"Now that you're finished, it's my turn to speak."
Bibi Dong suppressed her displeasure. "What would you like to discuss, Young Master Gu?"
"Business, of course."
"In the coming days, the Gu Clan will send over new products. Please familiarize yourself with the market, Your Holiness. If sales on your end are poor, we won't provide you with the next new product."