The Holy Hall of the Pope radiated grandeur and majesty. Leaf Chen and Hu Liena stood side by side in front of the towering throne. Sitting regally above them, Bibi Dong examined the two quietly, her eyes sharp yet contemplative.
After a long pause, her voice finally echoed through the hall.
"From today onward," she said solemnly, "Hu Liena is your fiancée, Ye Chen. You are not to treat her lightly. Should you dare, I will not forgive you."
Her red lips parted as if she wanted to say more, but upon glancing at Hu Liena's gentle expression, she hesitated. A thought stirred in her heart: They truly are a perfect match… perhaps I should never have entertained those thoughts...
Suppressing her feelings, Bibi Dong leaned back on her throne, rubbing her temples.
"You may both leave."
Hu Liena bowed her head obediently and reached for Ye Chen's hand. "Let's go."
But Ye Chen gestured for her to leave first. "You go ahead. I'll catch up."
Once she was gone, Ye Chen stepped forward.
"I've had a question lingering in my mind for a while," he said slowly. "Why didn't Master kill me when she brought me to Spirit Hall? Now, I think I finally understand."
"Oh?" Bibi Dong arched an elegant brow. "Enlighten me."
Seeming more relaxed now, Bibi Dong removed her crown and reclined on the wide throne. Her silken dress spilled over the steps like liquid midnight, revealing long, alabaster legs so flawless they seemed sculpted from jade.
Without her crown, Bibi Dong looked less like a deity and more like a mortal woman — but a breathtaking one. Her purple hair flowed over her shoulders, and her relaxed demeanor gave her an almost intimate allure. The contrast between her usual divine authority and this softer beauty was spellbinding.
Ye Chen's gaze lingered too long. He snapped out of it just as her eyes briefly met his — eyes that shimmered with something softer than usual… before the warmth vanished like a fleeting illusion.
"Ahem," he coughed, looking away to hide the heat rising in his face. But deep down, he made a vow: One day, I'll be strong enough to truly conquer this woman… and earn her heart.
Clearing his throat, Ye Chen spoke again, voice firmer now.
"You didn't kill me because you want me to take on the Elder Hall… or more precisely, the Grand Worshipper himself."
"You?" Bibi Dong chuckled, shifting languidly on the throne. "You think you alone are enough?"
"No," Ye Chen replied confidently. "Not me alone. But my spirit… might be."
With that, twelve dark wings erupted from his back in a burst of shadow, casting the hall into dim twilight. He summoned his martial spirit — the Twelve-Winged Fallen Angel.
The moment it appeared, Ye Chen's already handsome face seemed to sharpen, becoming almost demonic in its allure.
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed in intrigue.
"Smart boy. But do you really think that's enough for me to place all my hopes on you?"
She smiled cryptically and pulled out a black map threaded with gold from her robes, unfolding it before his eyes.
---
Later – Spirit Hall Academy, West Dormitory
Back in his room, Ye Chen lay on the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, the map's details still dancing in his mind. Strange events and obscure locations — if they were real, they could completely alter the course of his plans.
Suddenly, a faint noise broke the silence.
Tap.
Ye Chen sat up instantly, eyes scanning the room. Two shadows had somehow appeared inside without a sound.
Seeing their faces, he smirked.
"Want to talk? Let's find a better place. You seem… prepared."
The intruders exchanged a glance.
"You're arrogant," one of them said with a grin. "But perceptive."
Without another word, the two leapt out the window, heading toward the undeveloped East Ridge Mountains behind the academy. Ye Chen followed without hesitation.
Soon, the three of them stood in a shadowy bamboo grove. Fallen leaves covered the ground, and the thick darkness felt suffocating.
The two revealed their identities — Qiu Xiaoxiao and Qiu Bin, the brother-sister duo who had previously challenged him during the engagement trials.
Qiu Xiaoxiao eyed him curiously.
"You're not afraid to die?"
Ye Chen shrugged. "If it's fate, I'll face it. Running wouldn't have saved me anyway. So why not enjoy the fight?"
"Hah! You're bold — or stupid." She laughed, raising her hand. "Martial spirit, Breakspace Soulwheel!"
Five glowing rings — yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black — rose from beneath her feet. Above her head, a giant hollow ring materialized, ghostly silver in color, with strange mist-like fractures swirling across its surface.
The moment it appeared, Ye Chen felt his soul power waver. Something inside him… disconnected.
"This spirit suppresses spatial and mental techniques," Qiu Xiaoxiao grinned. "A perfect counter to your specialties."
Her brother frowned. "Xiaoxiao, don't reveal your trump cards mid-battle, idiot."
"I just want to have fun!" she giggled, sticking out her tongue.
Qiu Bin summoned his martial spirit — a dark spear with blood grooves carved into the shaft.
Ye Chen's eyes narrowed.
"The Godslayer Spear…"
A weapon known for its terrifying power at peak mastery. Rare, dangerous — and a nightmare to train.
But for all its potential, Qiu Bin was only at level 52. His younger sister had already surpassed him in power.
Still, the threat was real.
Ye Chen's tone turned cold.
"I'll give you one chance — end yourselves. It'll be less painful."
The siblings laughed.
"You must really want to die!"
But Ye Chen only smiled. The Seven-Star Devil Abyss Sword appeared in his palm. His twelve wings spread wide once more, lifting him into the air.
A pulse of dark energy exploded from him, swallowing the bamboo forest in an ominous glow.
The moment the shadows touched them, both siblings gasped. Their martial spirits — the Soulwheel and Godslayer Spear — began dissolving before their eyes, as if consumed by some ancient, devouring force.
"What the hell is this…?" Qiu Xiaoxiao's voice trembled for the first time.
Ye Chen's smile deepened.
"I warned you. Now, scream if you must."
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