Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo had been lifelong friends.
Both had been stuck at the bottleneck of Level 95 for decades.
But now, Yueguan — Chrysanthemum Douluo — had broken through to Level 96, making Ghost Douluo incredibly envious.
"You really came out ahead on this mission," said Ghost Douluo. "Not only did you break through the Level 95 barrier and reach Level 96, but you also earned the favor of the Holy Son. Don't forget your old buddy in the future!"
Yueguan laughed heartily: "We've been brothers for life, and with our Martial Soul Fusion Technique, we won't ever be apart. Besides, His Highness the Holy Son is no ordinary man — he's got sharp eyes. All we need to do is follow His Grace the Pope and His Highness steadily, and leave the rest to them."
"Let's hope nothing goes wrong," replied Ghost Douluo, "The Spirit Hall has been unstable for years now. While you were away, things were anything but calm."
Yueguan sighed: "Sigh! Is the Grand Worship still as overbearing as ever?"
"Yeah, nothing's changed. The Spirit Hall has always belonged to the Angel Clan, after all. Even Her Holiness the Pope is under great pressure. This time, she's even made a bet with Qian Daoliu. Whether we can stand tall again depends on the Holy Son!"
Yueguan smiled: "Relax. I know His Highness's strength better than anyone. Among all the current competition teams, not one person is his match. The championship this time is already in the bag!"
"That's great news."
Inside the Pope's Hall—
Bibi Dong sat upon her throne.
Jiang Xiaofeng and Hu Liena stood on either side of her, recounting their experiences over the years.
"Teacher, they were awful! They even forced me to drink beast blood!"
"Teacher, you don't know how bad Brother Feng was!"
"Teacher, Brother Feng, he..."
It was all Hu Liena complaining to Bibi Dong.
Jiang Xiaofeng stood off to the side, face darkened, letting Hu Liena babble away.
Bibi Dong occasionally chuckled lightly, sometimes frowned, and more than once cast a few extra glances at Jiang Xiaofeng.
But ultimately, her interest was piqued by the support-type spirit master.
"Feng Lingling!"
Hearing her name called, Feng Lingling immediately straightened up.
"Your Holiness the Pope, at your command!"
"I heard from Xiaofeng that your Martial Soul has surpassed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda?"
Feng Lingling shook her head and said: "I'm not entirely sure, but since the Holy Son said it has surpassed it, then there shouldn't be any issue."
"May I see it?"
"Mm. Martial Soul, Celestial Tome!"
"First Soul Skill: Increases team speed by 50%, lasts for 3 minutes!"
"Second Soul Skill: Increases team strength by 50%, and soul power by 1 level, lasts for 5 minutes."
"Third Soul Skill: Accelerates soul power recovery by 200% during battle; 500% when out of combat!"
Head Spirit Bone Skill: Golden Armor Barrier — when activated, grants 3 seconds of invincibility.
"Fourth Soul Skill: Radiant Shield — summons a shield around the user, capable of blocking three soul skill attacks. The higher the user's soul power, the stronger the shield's defense!"
Upon sensing the effects of the Celestial Tome, Bibi Dong was visibly shaken.
"So powerful! No wonder Xiaofeng said it surpassed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. This isn't just surpassing—it's a complete crushing! I didn't expect our Spirit Hall to overlook such an extraordinary support-type soul master!"
Feng Lingling replied: "If it weren't for Brother Feng's help, my Martial Soul would've just been an ordinary one, nothing special. Everything I have now was given to me by Brother Feng!"
Bibi Dong nodded, glancing at Jiang Xiaofeng who stood nearby. She hadn't expected this little guy's insight to be sharper than hers — to be able to discover such a unique Martial Soul.
"Alright, your rooms have already been cleaned. After traveling for so long, you all deserve a rest. Go on back!"
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Everyone turned to leave, except Jiang Xiaofeng, who remained still.
"You all go ahead. I still have something to discuss with Teacher."
No one questioned it. Whatever Jiang Xiaofeng decided, they couldn't stop him anyway.
Hu Liena hesitated, seemingly wanting to stay, but was eventually dragged away by Xie Yue.
Now only Jiang Xiaofeng and Bibi Dong remained in the hall.
"Xiaofeng, is there something you want to tell Teacher?"
Jiang Xiaofeng shook his head: "No."
Bibi Dong smiled gently: "Then what's going on in that little mind of yours?"
Jiang Xiaofeng said: "I heard you made a bet with the Grand Worship?"
Bibi Dong nodded: "That's right. He and I have never gotten along, but this time I think the odds are well in our favor."
Jiang Xiaofeng still didn't quite understand — why would Bibi Dong gamble over something like this?
"The bet is about whether I can win the Advanced Spirit Master Tournament, right?"
"Yes. And I even secured you a chance to take the Angel Trial. You better treasure it — not everyone gets that chance!"
"Angel Trial? Why should I take it? Do you think my talent isn't enough to become one of the continent's strongest without it?"
Bibi Dong froze. She had expected Jiang Xiaofeng to be thrilled. But instead… this?
"You don't like it?"
Jiang Xiaofeng shook his head: "It's not that. I just don't think you need to think of me all the time. I want you to think of yourself for once."
"Me? Heh… what's there to think about? As long as you become successful, that's my life's greatest wish."
Jiang Xiaofeng took a step forward, standing right in front of Bibi Dong.
Their faces were less than ten centimeters apart.
They could feel each other's breath.
Staring at Jiang Xiaofeng's handsome face, Bibi Dong felt a rare moment of bashfulness.
Jiang Xiaofeng whispered: "I told you before — if no one wants you, I do. If no one protects you, I will. I've grown up now. When I become a Titled Douluo, that's when I'll confess to you for real. Just wait for me."
The sudden confession left Bibi Dong flustered.
As she watched Jiang Xiaofeng walk away, she gently touched her blushing cheeks.
"What am I doing? Getting flustered by a kid… Forget it, we'll talk about it later. Maybe once you see my true self, you won't like me anymore."
In truth, Jiang Xiaofeng was incredibly nervous inside.
Only after walking out of the hall did he finally let out a long breath.
"Scared me to death… I thought she was going to push me away. As expected, a woman is still a woman — no matter how domineering she is, she's still just a woman in the end."
Wearing a smug grin, Jiang Xiaofeng headed back to his private courtyard.
(End of Chapter)