Even standing just outside the Douluo Hall entrance, Ye Tian could see the Douluo Golden Plaque shimmering with a golden luster within and sense the dense, sacred aura emanating from inside.
A sudden curiosity arose in his heart.
Did this resting place for Titled Douluos have the effect of gathering lingering souls?
After all these years since those Titled Douluos passed away, had they left something behind on the Douluo Golden Plaque due to the empowerment of faith?
Ye Tian had no way of knowing.
As he was now, he did not have the qualification to step inside.
Even Her Holiness the Pope could only enter to pay respects on the annual day of worship.
However, Ye Tian felt that this authority... Qian Daoliu probably would not delegate it to Bi Bi Dong. After all, inside rested many ancestors of the Qian Family. If anything were to happen to them, Qian Daoliu would become the eternal sinner of the Qian Family.
The ancient, heavy doors emitted a deep, rumbling sound.
Qian Daoliu, carrying Qian Xunji's coffin, walked inside and did not emerge again, only transmitting a voice as calm as an ancient well.
"This is far enough. The Succession Ceremony should begin."
As the words fell,
a low, solemn bell toll suddenly resonated from within the Douluo Hall.
The mournful sound waves rolled down from the mountain peak, spreading throughout the entire Spirit Hall City and continuing to surge outward...
Announcing to the world the complete conclusion of the former Pope, Qian Xunji!
What the Soul Master Realm was about to welcome
might be an entirely new era.
The corner of Bi Bi Dong's mouth lifted almost imperceptibly as she looked at Ye Tian beside her. In this era under her control, Ye Tian would undoubtedly be the most dazzling genius Soul Master.
From today onward, Ye Tian's name as a genius would resound throughout the entire Soul Master Realm.
"Hmm?"
Bi Bi Dong slightly furrowed her delicate brows.
Beside her, Ye Tian was slowly walking forward, stopping in front of Qian Renxue.
Ye Tian blocked Qian Renxue's resentful gaze directed at Bi Bi Dong. Under Qian Renxue's sorrowful and confused eyes, he retrieved a large jar from his Soul Guidance Device. It was filled with purplish-black Marrow Cleansing Pills and moon-yellow Bright Soul Nourishing Pills. He generously offered it to her, softly comforting:
"Xue Er, please accept my condolences. Tomorrow will be better."
Having said that,
Ye Tian raised an eyebrow playfully at the tearful Qian Renxue.
"..."
A forced smile appeared on Qian Renxue's face as she reached out and cradled the large jar in her arms.
"Thank you, Xiao Tian~"
"..."
Everyone else watched silently.
Bi Bi Dong was no exception,
only her brows were knitting tighter and tighter, growing increasingly displeased with this scene.
Those eyes, full of authority and even jealousy, turned toward Chrysanthemum Douluo. Bi Bi Dong's heart was also still preoccupied with the matter of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.
If Qian Renxue had truly plucked the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, what should she do?
How could she prove herself to Ye Tian!
Bi Bi Dong's mood couldn't help but grow somewhat agitated.
Ye Tian was far too important to her. Bi Bi Dong was unwilling to take even the slightest risk, to gamble or speculate that the Lovesick Heartbreak Red might be nothing but an empty reputation.
But the scene before her also served as a reminder.
Regardless of whether Qian Renxue had plucked the Lovesick Heartbreak Red or not, she found it necessary to sever the connection between Ye Tian and Qian Renxue!
She absolutely could not allow Qian Xunji's dying words to come true!
Thinking of Qian Xunji, a thunderbolt seemed to flash through Bi Bi Dong's mind. The key to severing the connection between the two seemed to lie within the legacy left by her teacher.
Bi Bi Dong's eyes brightened slightly.
This might just work!
"Ye Tian, Sister Xue is so sad right now. Why don't you stay and keep her company?"
Jin Yue'er's intelligence suddenly seized the high ground.
Peeking out from beside Qian Renxue, she addressed Ye Tian in a tone that suggested it was all for Qian Renxue's good, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's purple eyes couldn't help but hold a glimmer of hope as she looked at Ye Tian.
But how could Bi Bi Dong allow such a thing to happen? She immediately spoke up, "Enough. The ceremony is about to begin. He doesn't have time to stay here right now."
"..."
Ye Tian gave Qian Renxue and the other girl a helpless smile.
Jin Yue'er frowned slightly, hiding behind Qian Renxue, and pressed on, "Then... then after the ceremony? He'll have time then, right?"
"If there is, we'll talk about it then."
Bi Bi Dong said impatiently, turning her head to look at Hu Liena beside her and instructing, "Nana, go bring your senior brother back. We're running out of time."
"Understood, Teacher!"
Hu Liena nodded, not daring to disobey, and immediately stepped forward to stand beside Ye Tian. She glanced somewhat nervously at Qian Renxue and Jin Yue'er, grabbed Ye Tian's sleeve, and called softly:
"Senior Brother, Teacher is calling you."
"Yes, I heard. Sorry, Xue Er, let's get together another time."
After speaking softly, Ye Tian turned with Hu Liena, passed by Chrysanthemum Douluo and the other three, and arrived at Bi Bi Dong's side.
Qian Renxue watched helplessly as Ye Tian walked to Bi Bi Dong's side.
"Esteemed Elders, Bi Bi Dong takes her leave."
Bi Bi Dong paid no heed to Qian Renxue, merely bidding farewell to Jin E and the other Elders before preparing to leave with Chrysanthemum Douluo, the other Elders, and Ye Tian's group.
Golden Crocodile Douluo and the others all watched this scene unfold in silence.
Whether it was Ye Tian, Qian Renxue, or Bi Bi Dong, they were all juniors in their eyes. At such a time, it was indeed appropriate for them to remain silent. Yet, with remarkable coordination, they paired off in twos, forming a pincer formation behind Qian Renxue, a clear show of support!
Just as Hu Liena waved goodbye to Xie Yue and Yan, Qian Renxue finally couldn't hold back any longer and let out a sharp cry.
"Wait!"
Bi Bi Dong raised an eyebrow and stopped.
Glancing back at Ye Tian and Hu Liena who had just arrived behind her, she turned her gaze toward Qian Renxue and inquired:
"Is there something?"
Qian Renxue clenched her delicate fists, gritted her silver teeth, and stared straight at Bi Bi Dong, saying stiffly, "Senior Sister! By seniority, you are my senior sister, so I'll address you as such for now."
"Senior Sister? It should have been like this long ago."
Bi Bi Dong murmured, nodding in acknowledgment.
This dismissive attitude made Qian Renxue even more furious. It felt as if all her past sincerity had been thrown to the dogs.
"Senior Sister!"
"Just wait. Wait for the day I defeat you!"
"Hah~ So confident."
Bi Bi Dong chuckled lightly. There were some things she couldn't say in front of everyone.
But even if Qian Renxue defeated her, so what?
Make her admit her mistakes? Make her repent? That was simply impossible!
Bi Bi Dong looked at Qian Renxue and teased, "Your achievements are indeed impressive, but the winds at the summit are fierce and will still make you slip up. Save such words until you break through to the Titled Douluo level. Otherwise, you won't even have the right to stand before me."
"Keep your eyes wide open and watch closely. That day will arrive far sooner than you imagine!"
Golden light shimmered around Qian Renxue, mingled faintly with a crimson glow.
Chrysanthemum Douluo knew—
it was the power of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, still transforming Qian Renxue's body!
"I'll be waiting for your challenge in the Papal Hall."
With those light, dismissive words, Bi Bi Dong took Ye Tian's hand and began walking down the mountain path. "Let's go, Xiao Tian. From now on, you are my Holy Son."
"…"
Ye Tian glanced back at Qian Renxue with a smile. He believed that day would come.
"!!!"
Qian Renxue gritted her teeth.
Watching Ye Tian being dragged away by Bi Bi Dong, her reddened eyes filled with resentment.
This was the moment she needed Ye Tian's comfort the most, yet her dear senior sister had ruined it.
Jin Yue'er also pouted angrily.
She had been hoping to take advantage of Qian Renxue's distraction to sneak a little closeness with Ye Tian right under her nose.
Now it seemed her hopes were in vain.
As Bi Bi Dong led Ye Tian away, the many Titled Douluo Elders in formal attire followed behind her, gradually departing.
In the eyes of most Elders, Qian Renxue was merely seeking to challenge Bi Bi Dong—
a clash of genius against genius.
Before long,
only members of the Hall of Worship remained before the Douluo Hall.
Jin Yue'er whispered in Qian Renxue's ear, "Sister Xue, what should we do next? Should we snatch Ye Tian back?"
"…"
Qian Renxue pursed her red lips and shook her head.
"I have my own plans."
"Huh? What plans?"
Jin Yue'er was puzzled and pressed for answers.
If she couldn't understand the situation, how could she take advantage of the chaos?
But Qian Renxue shook her head again,
unwilling to say more.
She knew that during the day, as the Holy Son, Ye Tian would likely have little free time. She could only hope he might find a moment to be alone with her in the evening.
Even if it was just a simple embrace,
that would be enough!
As the morning sun rose fully, its golden radiance enveloped the Papal Hall, the entire Central Divine Mountain, and the Spirit Hall City surrounding the mountain.
The Pope's succession ceremony began!
There were no lengthy speeches about shouldering the responsibility of the Soul Master Sanctuary or guiding the development of the Soul Master Realm—only a simple and direct proclamation.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's sharp, high-pitched voice, amplified by formidable Soul Power,
echoed across the mountainside where the Papal Hall stood.
"All hail His Holiness the Pope!!"
A piercing cry that seemed to split the heavens heralded the arrival of Spirit Hall City's new Pope.
Boom—!
Above the dome of the Papal Hall, twelve sacred bells rang out in unison!
Their majestic tolling rolled forth,
reverberating across the mountainside, drifting up to the summit and tumbling down to the base. It spread throughout Spirit Hall City, struck the city walls, and surged outward!
The main doors of the Papal Hall slowly opened,
and a scepter studded with gemstones appeared mid-air, refracting dazzling light.
All eyes focused on it.
When the scepter struck the ground, the energy ripple it generated instantly suppressed the majestic bell tones, plunging the square before the Papal Hall into silence.
Before the Papal Hall...
As a honorary Elder of the Spirit Hall possessing the Pope Order, Ning Fengzhi stood in a row before the Papal Hall alongside Titled Douluos such as Sword Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, leaving the central position for the new Pope.
Bi Bi Dong wore a purple-gold Coronet Robe, holding a scepter in her hand and a purple-gold crown upon her head.
Step by step, she walked out from the main entrance of the Papal Hall, step by step she moved to the most prominent position in the square, overlooking the gathered multitude.