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Not every Title Douluo enjoyed being shackled.
Having cultivated to such heights, they sought freedom—why would they willingly bind themselves to a faction?
Hearing Yue Guan's words, Bibi Dong's expression darkened.
"If he refuses to join Spirit Hall, then it depends on whether Qian Renxue can control him..."
Such an unstable variable should have been dealt with before he grew powerful.
Yet by the time he first appeared in public, he was already at this level.
He was undoubtedly a wild card!
Unless absolutely necessary, provoking him would be unwise.
Bibi Dong was ruthless—but not stupid.
Zhongli was Qian Renxue's guest advisor. If Bibi Dong acted recklessly against him, most elders and供奉 would oppose her decision.
Wasn't maintaining the status quo preferable?
If pushed too far, he might flee.
And upon his return, his first target would undoubtedly be Spirit Hall!
A powerhouse of his caliber couldn't be countered by any single individual in Spirit Hall. If he abandoned all dignity, he could render Spirit Hall's members afraid to leave Spirit City...
"Should this subordinate test his strength?"
Bibi Dong glanced at Yue Guan in surprise before nodding.
"If the opportunity arises, Chrysanthemum Douluo may act at your discretion."
Title Douluo were notoriously hard to kill. Even Bibi Dong might struggle to eliminate Yue Guan if he fled single-mindedly.
Testing Zhongli's capabilities was a prudent move.
"Prepare for the journey."
"Yes. This subordinate takes his leave."
Once Yue Guan departed, Bibi Dong slumped into her throne as if deflated.
"Xue'er, you wouldn't share such major news with me?"
Without Saruth, she'd have remained ignorant of Qian Renxue's new advisor.
According to Saruth, this guest was erudite, mastering astronomy and geography, handsome, with a commanding presence, and exuding noble elegance in every gesture.
He had no vices—ranking among the most impeccable individuals Saruth had ever met.
For Saruth to offer such extravagant praise, Zhongli's excellence was beyond doubt!
To those unaware, one might think Qian Renxue hadn't recruited an advisor—but a son-in-law!
"If not for Qian Xunji, perhaps I could've been a good mother..."
Memories of Qian Renxue's childhood flooded Bibi Dong's mind.
It had been years since she last saw that stubborn little girl.
To say Bibi Dong didn't love Qian Renxue would be false.
Yet she'd always believed Qian Renxue should never have been born—that her martial soul was a mark of sin...
Had Qian Renxue resembled her more, Bibi Dong might not have contemplated killing her multiple times.
But in the end, she never acted, did she?
"Zhongli... Zhongli!"
"If you approach her with ulterior motives—no matter the cost, I, Bibi Dong, will end you!"
A flash of murderous intent flickered in Bibi Dong's eyes before fading.
The price of killing Zhongli was too steep. Unless absolutely necessary, pretending he didn't exist was the wisest course.
That way, everyone benefited.
But if Zhongli harbored sinister designs, she would strike with lightning ferocity!
Meanwhile, Yue Guan rushed to find Hu Liena and her team after leaving the Pope's Palace.
They had been preparing to train in a perilous region, gearing up for the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament in two years.
"Nana, your plans must change."
Hu Liena and the two young men with her blinked in confusion.
Their itinerary had been set long ago.
How could it be altered so abruptly?
The trio was led by Hu Liena—not just because she was the Pope's disciple, but due to her intelligence and status as the beloved of her teammates.
The young woman appeared to be in her early twenties, her perfect figure accentuated by Spirit Hall's uniform.
Her beauty wasn't strikingly dazzling, but rather subtly captivating.
Of the two young men, one stood over two meters tall, his side-swept bangs covering one eye, giving him an untrustworthy aura.
His cold, aloof demeanor only reinforced this impression.
The other was shorter but burlier, his flaming red hair radiating passion.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo..."
Hu Liena began, but Yue Guan waved her off.
"This was decided by His Holiness the Pope. We'll discuss en route—no delays."
Their eyes lit up at the mention of the Pope's involvement.
No objections could be raised now.
"Fantastic! We finally get to contribute to Spirit Hall!"
Yan clenched his fists, thrilled.
Young and brash, as one of the strongest among his peers, he feared nothing.
"Boy, you must temper this recklessness."
Yue Guan chided without malice.
"The individual we're meeting is terrifyingly formidable!"
"Records indicate he highly values propriety. If you're this careless, you might offend him!"
Yue Guan's grave tone sent a jolt through the trio.
For a Level 95 Title Douluo to describe someone as "terrifyingly formidable"—
Just how powerful was this person?
"I..."
Yan faltered, at a loss for words.
Without Yue Guan's warning, his blunder might not only get him killed but thwart the Pope's plans—a crime no amount of deaths could atone for!
Spirit Hall had raised and nurtured him—without it, he'd be nothing.
Gratitude burned in his heart.
"Thank you for the reminder, Chrysanthemum Douluo. I understand."
Yan bowed solemnly.
Having watched him grow up, Yue Guan knew his temperament all too well.
"Good."
"Let's depart. Questions can wait until we're underway."
"Yes!"
The four set off on foot—carriages were far slower than spirit masters of their caliber.
The Pope's mission demanded urgency!
Heaven Dou City Streets
Zhongli and Paimon stood before a street vendor, examining something intently, oblivious to the approaching "guests."
"Zhongli, is there something special about these rocks?"
Paimon tilted her head, puzzled.
He'd been staring at these stones for minutes—
Neither buying nor leaving, just gazing.
How peculiar...
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 85 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 45 power stones I will publish the next chapter.