Boom!
Smoke and dust blocked everyone's view.
"Who won? Who won in the end?" Everyone was eager to see the outcome of the battle. It was hardly surprising: on one side was the personal disciple His Holiness the Pope had just taken in; on the other was Yan of the Spirit Hall Golden Generation, an undisputed standout among the younger generation. In a sense, their battle would also decide who would lead Spirit Hall in the future.
"Brother, who do you think will win... Will Junior Brother Xiao Yan get hurt...?" Hu Liena's small hands clutched tightly at her brother Xie Yue's sleeve. She was clearly nervous. It was hardly surprising: a One-Ring Soul Master fighting a Three-Ring Soul Elder was practically unheard of.
"I don't know either, but this young Brother Xiao Yan... His Martial Soul is clearly some kind of powerful Ultimate Martial Soul. It even suppressed Yan's Flame Lord," Xie Yue said thoughtfully. He and Yan were good friends, and they naturally sparred often. Of all the younger generation in Spirit Hall, he knew best just how outstanding and formidable Yan was. Yet now Yan, who gave him so many headaches, had failed to gain any advantage over Xiao Yan. It was truly hard to believe. "Don't be afraid, little sister. Even if young Brother Xiao Yan can't beat Yan, he can definitely protect himself. Besides..." He cast a meaningful glance toward the Papal Palace and said, "This fight is already over."
As the thick smoke gradually cleared, everyone saw that the Fire Lotus in Xiao Yan's hand had already dissipated, and Yan had also exited his Martial Soul Possession state. Both had fallen to the ground, and a healing-type Soul Emperor was treating their injuries. Pope Bibi Dong stood beside them, a trace of anger in her beautiful eyes.
Clearly, the Pope had intervened, stopping the two youths' strongest attacks from clashing head-on.
"Yan, Spirit Hall took you in because you had neither father nor mother, and gave you the best training out of regard for your extraordinary talent. Is this how you repay me?" As soon as Bibi Dong spoke, Yan dropped to one knee and cupped his fists, saying apologetically, "Your Holiness, I will never forget your kindness in taking me in and raising me. I went too far in this fight and am willing to accept punishment." With that, Yan lowered his head, admitted his mistake, and quietly awaited punishment.
"Teacher, setting up the challenge was my idea. I did it to prove myself and to show everyone that your judgment wasn't mistaken." Yan had never expected Xiao Yan to step forward and take responsibility at such a moment. Xiao Yan cupped his fists just as Yan had and said, "I should also thank Brother Yan. If he hadn't stepped forward to give me pointers, the challenge wouldn't have been such a success." With that, he bowed to Yan. Seeing this, Bibi Dong could barely hold back a smile. This Xiao Yan is so young, yet he already knows how to conduct himself.
"Since Xiao Yan has pleaded for you, we'll let this matter rest," Bibi Dong told Yan. "Xiao Yan will be the final piece of the Golden Generation. You must get along well from now on. I don't want to see anything like today happen again." With that, she turned to leave. A surge of powerful Soul Power lifted Xiao Yan into the air, and in an instant, both of them vanished without a trace.
"Teacher stepped in." Hu Liena breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest. This was the best outcome they could have hoped for.
"What a pity. I really wanted to see Yan take a beating," Xie Yue said with a smile. He led Hu Liena over to where Yan had fallen, intending to check on their poor teammate. After being beaten into such a state by a six-year-old child with one ring, Yan probably wouldn't be in a good mood for a while. "This Xiao Yan doesn't seem like a six-year-old. Whether it was setting up a challenge to prove himself and nipping the controversy in the bud, or pleading for Yan and leaving room for others, none of it showed the kind of calculating mind a six-year-old boy should have. He's no simple person..." Xie Yue sighed. Judging by the Pope's words, Xiao Yan would also be a member of their Golden Generation and a leading figure in Spirit Hall in the future, perhaps even becoming the leader of the three of them.
"His Holiness the Pope holds him in such high regard, and on top of that, he has talent and strength never before seen in history. I'm afraid young Brother Xiao Yan's future will be no less bright than yours or mine." He patted Yan on the shoulder, offering his dejected brother some encouragement.
It was plain to see that young Brother Xiao Yan's legend on the Douluo Continent had only just begun.