"Unanimously passed."
Qian Daoliu's calm voice rang out.
Looking at the people around the round table who had already expressed their positions, he nodded impassively.
"Since that is the case, I hereby announce—"
"From today onward, Saintess Bi Bi Dong is the new Pope of Spirit Hall!"
Upon hearing the result,
even though Magic Bear Douluo and the others had long been prepared, they couldn't help but feel somewhat dazed at this moment.
The succession of the papal throne!
For Spirit Hall, this was undoubtedly an immensely important matter. Moreover, it would have far-reaching implications for the entire Soul Master Realm.
Yet such a crucial matter was resolved with just a few words from Qian Daoliu.
This was enough to demonstrate
Qian Daoliu's absolute control over the Hall of Worship and the upper echelons of Spirit Hall!
Before his words had fully faded,
and without giving Magic Bear Douluo and the others time to collect their thoughts, Qian Daoliu stood up.
As was well known,
Spirit Hall was the Qian Family's Spirit Hall!
With the current head of the Qian Family rising, naturally no one else dared to delay. They immediately followed suit, standing up and focusing intently on Qian Daoliu, awaiting his next command.
Qian Daoliu's gaze swept over Gui Bao, Magic Bear, Hai Gui, and Bi Bi Dong, among others, as he instructed, "Seven days from now, the papal inauguration ceremony and the funeral of the previous Pope will be held on the same day. These matters will be entrusted to you and the new Pope to discuss together."
"Yes!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, along with the others, immediately responded in unison:
"We respectfully obey the Grand Elder's command!"
"Thank you, Grand Elder, for your support. For the development of Spirit Hall, Bi Bi Dong will certainly devote all her efforts."
Bi Bi Dong did not put on airs.
She directly bowed slightly toward Qian Daoliu, offering a respectful gesture.
She understood clearly that under the current circumstances, she absolutely must not break openly with the Hall of Worship. The necessary formalities still had to be observed.
Otherwise, she would have even less say.
"Hmm."
Qian Daoliu did not linger his gaze too long on Bi Bi Dong, the murderer of his son, merely responding with a deep hum before proceeding with official business, inquiring:
"Does anyone else have anything to say?"
"..."
The conference room fell into silence. Golden Crocodile Douluo and the other six Worshipers had always followed Qian Daoliu's lead, so naturally they had nothing to say. The many Elders of the Elder Hall also exchanged glances, unsure of what to say, and one by one shook their heads.
It was Bi Bi Dong who suddenly spoke up.
"I have something to say."
"Oh?"
Qian Daoliu looked curiously at Bi Bi Dong.
Hadn't this woman already obtained what she wanted? Could it be that she still harbored other ambitions?
Qian Daoliu tentatively inquired, his form of address for her already changed: "I wonder what the Pope wishes to say?"
Bi Bi Dong stood tall and straight, her head held high, pride and determination shining in her eyes as she declared firmly, "I propose to appoint my disciple, Ye Tian, as the Holy Son of the Papal Hall. The conferment ceremony will be held concurrently with my inauguration."
"..."
As Bi Bi Dong's words fell,
the several Elders present, including Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo,
could not help but feel a sense of surprise.
Aside from Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, the other Elders were naturally also aware of Ye Tian's existence.
Even during the previous Pope's lifetime, Ye Tian's status had been elevated above that of the Elders, regarded as a strategic weapon and a foundational pillar of the Hall!
They had all tasted Ye Tian's Soul Skills, and the effects were indeed incredibly miraculous.
They had also received gifts from Ye Tian.
They even knew that Ye Tian possessed a Pope Order!
His status was already extraordinary.
In terms of status alone, making Ye Tian the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall was certainly no problem.
He was completely qualified!
However, the Holy Son of the Papal Hall was not just a simple title. Historically, it had always represented the right to succeed as the future Pope.
From this perspective, Ye Tian's talent as a Soul Master was entirely sufficient, even exceeding expectations. But no matter what, he was still just a Food-type Soul Master!
Could it be...
That in the future, they would let a Food-type Soul Master with no combat ability become the Pope and preside over Spirit Hall City, the sacred land for all Soul Masters in the world?
Without strength, it would ultimately be difficult to command respect, right?
Bi Bi Dong was well aware of this.
That was why she made this proposal now, while the Hall of Worship had not yet left. She believed that Qian Daoliu would not refuse!
Bi Bi Dong was over seventy percent confident.
In her view,
Qian Daoliu had likely already learned, like that ghost Qian Xunji, about Qian Renxue's feelings for Ye Tian and had already agreed to this marriage.
To some extent,
Ye Tian had already been regarded as one of his own by Qian Daoliu.
Although Bi Bi Dong deeply resented this kind of forced matchmaking,
it was undeniable
that this was exactly what she could now exploit.
By leveraging Qian Renxue's feelings for Ye Tian, Qian Daoliu's confidence in Qian Renxue winning Ye Tian over, and Qian Daoliu's trust in Food-type Soul Masters, she could easily place Ye Tian on the throne of the Spirit Hall Saint Child without having to argue with the other Elders!
After all, Qian Daoliu's words carried more weight than hers.
"Agreed."
"???!"
To the surprise of all the Elders, Qian Daoliu didn't even hesitate before nodding in agreement to Bi Bi Dong's proposal.
He even praised Ye Tian generously.
"That child is indeed qualified to become the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall."
"Hah... Thank you, Grand Elder!"
Bi Bi Dong couldn't hide the smile on her face.
Indeed,
There really seemed to be some progress between Ye Tian and that child...
How infuriating!
Yet the slight resentment that arose in her heart was overshadowed by overwhelming joy.
Bi Bi Dong's face still wore a smile.
The vow she had made back then could finally be fulfilled!
Seven days later,
She would become the Pope of the Spirit Hall.
And Ye Tian would be welcomed into the Papal Hall and enshrined as her Holy Son!
She would stand above all others, with Ye Tian just below her...
Whatever Ye Tian wanted, she would do her utmost to give it to him.
Even what he didn't want, she could force upon him...
Thinking of this, how could Bi Bi Dong not be overjoyed?!
As for that child,
Once she truly became the Pope, she would have plenty of ways and means to separate them. The discarded plan left by Qian Xunji earlier was quite good!
"..."
Qian Daoliu ignored Bi Bi Dong and instead looked at Magic Bear Douluo and the others, asking, "Do any of you have objections to Ye Tian becoming the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall?"
Meeting Qian Daoliu's gaze, Ghost Leopard Douluo and the others trembled and quickly shook their heads.
Even the Grand Elder had praised Ye Tian and directly confirmed his position as Holy Son—how could they dare to object?
Even if they had objections, could they voice them?
Were they tired of living?
"Then this matter is settled."
Qian Daoliu nodded with satisfaction.
When he looked at Bi Bi Dong again, a warning glint involuntarily flashed in his eyes as he reminded her, "I hope you don't rejoice too soon."
Hearing this, Bi Bi Dong immediately snapped out of her joy and met Qian Daoliu's gaze. The smile on her face faded, replaced by a solemn expression. She could sense the threatening aura emanating from him.
"Please speak, Grand Elder."
Bi Bi Dong bowed slightly and inquired.
Qian Daoliu clasped his hands behind his back, turning away, but the meaningful gleam in the corner of his eyes was unmistakable.
"As members of the Hall of Worship, we have both the right and the obligation to oversee the proper functioning of the Spirit Hall. If you prove unworthy as Pope, we reserve the right—and the capability—to reclaim the position of Pope at any time... including that of the Spirit Hall Saint Child."
"Bi Bi Dong understands!"
Bi Bi Dong lowered her eyes and responded perfunctorily.
At present, she indeed lacked the strength to contend with the Hall of Worship. However, with the inheritance of the Rakshasa God within her, Bi Bi Dong believed that the day she could stand shoulder to shoulder with Qian Daoliu was not far off.
"Take care."
Qian Daoliu gave Bi Bi Dong one last deep look.
His figure then dissipated like a warm golden breeze, gradually vanishing from the spot, leaving behind only a voice that only Bi Bi Dong could hear, lingering in her ears.
"Wait patiently for the day Little Xue passes judgment upon you."
"..."
As Bi Bi Dong stood frozen in place,
Golden Crocodile Douluo, Azure Luan Douluo, and the others withdrew one after another, following Qian Daoliu back to the Hall of Worship.
In no time at all,
the entire conference room was left with only the newly appointed Pope Bi Bi Dong,
along with several other Elders from the Elder Hall.
Such a grand and important meeting had concluded so hastily and abruptly, ending so quickly that Magic Bear Douluo and the others had not yet recovered from the shock.
"..."
Bi Bi Dong straightened up once more, a complex light flickering in her eyes.
Judging her? How laughable.
Even if the Qian Family enshrined the Angel God, so what? She, Bi Bi Dong, was not afraid!
"Your subordinate greets Your Holiness the Pope!"
Suddenly,
in the quiet conference room, two voices of greeting sounded one after another—
one hoarse, the other shrill.
They were none other than Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, who had long since pledged allegiance to Bi Bi Dong.
Hearing the voices of Yue Guan and Guimei, Ghost Leopard Douluo and the others snapped out of their daze. When Bi Bi Dong shifted her gaze to them, Magic Bear Douluo and the others immediately followed in the footsteps of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, bowing and greeting:
"We greet Your Holiness the Pope."
Seeing this, Bi Bi Dong set aside the intimidation from the Hall of Worship and Qian Daoliu's warnings, offering a slight smile. "There is no need for such formalities, esteemed Elders. Next, let us discuss the specific arrangements for the numerous grand events seven days from now, as well as which factions should be invited to witness the ceremonies. Please, everyone, take your seats."
"Thank you, Your Holiness!"
Magic Bear Douluo, Sea Turtle Douluo, and the others expressed their gratitude and prepared to sit down again. However, Chrysanthemum Douluo raised his hand, pointing and gesturing toward the head seat:
"Your Holiness, please take the seat of honor."
"..."
Hearing this and observing Chrysanthemum Douluo's demeanor, Magic Bear Douluo and the others couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat on their foreheads. Their movements to sit down froze midway.
They were caught between standing and sitting.
No wonder the previous Pope took Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo with him wherever he went.
Now it seemed it wasn't just because of their Spirit Fusion Skill. The key was that this dazzling yellow chrysanthemum really knew how to play the game—disgustingly so.
Sea Turtle Douluo and the others stared quietly at Chrysanthemum Douluo.
It seemed they were asking: next time he flattered and fawned like that, could he bring them along too?
They also very much wanted to improve!
――
The roundtable meeting in the Papal Hall continued even without the members of the Hall of Worship.
Given the speed of the worship masters,
Qian Daoliu and the others quickly returned to the Hall of Worship.
Entrusting the Spirit Hall to Bi Bi Dong to manage was already an arrangement he had made after careful consideration. He had long since informed the other worship masters, so they had nothing further to ask.
Apart from Golden Crocodile Douluo, they all dispersed to continue their secluded cultivation in pursuit of breakthroughs.
In the most spacious and expansive main hall of the Hall of Worship,
Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo appeared simultaneously, watching the Six-Winged Angel fluttering and dancing ceaselessly at the center of the hall. Accompanied by scorching magma, blades transforming into full moons, and a golden crocodile spiraling skyward.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!