The camera then shifts to reveal the majestic and imposing Papal Palace of the Spirit Hall.
The entire hall was constructed of pure white marble, its dome inlaid with seven-colored soul crystals, shimmering and sparkling when sunlight streamed in, the floor reflecting light so clearly. Angel statues stood on either side, their solemnity breathtaking. A faint, calming incense filled the air, yet it couldn't suppress the overwhelming aura of majesty that dominated the continent—this was the heart of the Douluo Continent's most powerful woman, Pope Bibi Dong, where she conducted her affairs.
Bibi Dong sat high on the papal throne, her long, gilded and purple papal robes trailing to the ground. Dark gold patterns outlined sacred yet eerie lines. Her long, black hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, and her skin was so white it was almost transparent. Her beautiful face was covered with a layer of cold weariness that remained unchanged for years.
Every day, she had to deal with mountains of official documents, the movements of forces on the mainland, memorials from branch halls, and the allocation of soul master resources. The tasks were so complicated that they were suffocating. Years of hard work had left an inescapable weariness and gloom hidden deep in her once clear purple eyes.
But today, she handled all the matters with unusual speed.
With a casual glance, Bibi Dong instantly noticed the inconspicuous manuscript among the pile of documents—
The State of Soul Power
Signed: Lin Chen.
The name made her frown slightly.
She had a very deep impression of this boy.
It wasn't because of talent, but because of the previous article, "The Ten Ferocious Beasts," which had thrown the Spirit Hall into chaos.
When she first saw that article, she almost believed it to be true. She even sent two Title Douluo, Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, to personally infiltrate the core of the Star Dou Great Forest for reconnaissance. However, apart from the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python, two known 100,000-year-old soul beasts, they found nothing. They didn't even see a shadow of any 200,000-year or 300,000-year-old ferocious beasts.
Later, she sent people to investigate Lin Chen's background, and the results were even more ridiculous—
A student of Notting Academy, with innate soul power at level three, a useless martial soul, and stagnant at level nineteen for many years—a complete waste.
Since then, Bibi Dong has regarded "The Ten Ferocious Beasts" as a novel for teenagers to scare people. However, out of caution, she ordered the strengthening of the defenses around the Star Dou Great Forest and then put it aside.
But what truly made her remember this boy was something else—
Lin Chen and Yu Xiaogang, the man she cared about most in her life, had an irreconcilable feud.
Yu Xiaogang complained about this "ignorant, incorrigible, and even defiant student" in his letters more than once. Bibi Dong heard these complaints and kept them in mind. She had no good feelings towards Lin Chen to begin with.
Looking at the manuscript now, she instinctively wanted to raise her hand and throw it into the pile of waste paper.
But for some reason, a strange intuition drove her.
As if possessed, she stretched out her long, slender, fair fingers, picked up the manuscript, and slowly unfolded it.
One glance
Two eyes,
Three lines.
The languor, fatigue, and disdain on Bibi Dong's face disappeared at a speed visible to the naked eye.
She leaned forward slightly as she sat upright, her previously indifferent purple eyes suddenly narrowing, and an unbelievable glint flashed in her pupils!
Breathing, at this moment, quietly stopped.
The only sounds in the entire Papal Palace were the soft rustling of pages turning and her increasingly rapid heartbeat.
The lines of descriptions on soul power compression, solid condensation, and essential transformation in the manuscript shattered her lifelong understanding of the soul power system, pointing directly to a completely new path that she had never imagined, yet was logically perfect and simple in its essence!
This is not the nonsense of a fake guru.
This is...
It is a supreme truth that can overturn the entire world of Soul Masters.
Bibi Dong's fingers, which were holding the manuscript, trembled slightly.
She finally realized—
I might...
I made a huge mistake.
Lin Chen, the good-for-nothing ridiculed by the entire continent, is not a fake master at all.
He is a...
A monster hidden in the dust.
The Soul Crystal on the dome shimmered with light, and the Papal Palace was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Bibi Dong still held the thin manuscript between her fingers, her purple eyes shining brightly—she was already a half-step Limit Douluo, and a prodigy who had passed the Rakshasa God's test; her understanding of the essence of power far surpassed that of ordinary Title Douluos.
While others might find "The State of Soul Power" merely a novel theory, Bibi Dong put it to the test on the spot.
She sat upright on her throne, eyes closed, concentrating her mind. The vast, ocean-like soul power within her body was compressed wildly with a single thought. The soul power, which had originally been flowing in a gaseous state, rapidly condensed under her terrifying control. In an instant, it transformed into a warm and pure liquid soul power, flowing slowly through her meridians, its pressure several times heavier than before.
Bibi Dong's eyes lit up, and she exerted her strength again, attempting to compress the liquid soul power into the prototype of a solid soul core.
Bang--
A slight tremor came from within her body, the compressive force dissipated, she frowned slightly, and opened her eyes.
It failed.
But instead of feeling disappointed, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
She clearly felt that once she solidified, her cultivation would truly reach its limit, and she might even touch the threshold of godhood! This theory was not only useful to her, but also a heaven-defying opportunity for all Title Douluos stuck at their bottlenecks!
If this is used to win people's hearts, the Spirit Hall's strength will surely reach new heights!
Bibi Dong's mind was at peace, and her clear, authoritative voice resounded throughout the hall:
"Someone, go and invite Elder Ghost and Elder Chrysanthemum to an audience immediately!"
The guards outside the door dared not delay and immediately relayed the order.
A moment later, two figures stepped into the Papal Palace.
On the left, a man in a bright pink robe, with a delicate and handsome face, slightly curled hair, and a faint, strange fragrance emanating from him, was none other than Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan. Every move he made carried the eerie pressure of a Title Douluo. On the right, a man in a jet-black cloak, with a withered and eerie face, and a chilling aura emanating from him, was none other than Ghost Douluo Gui Mei. His aura was so cold that it sent shivers down one's spine.
The two titled Douluo bowed and greeted His Holiness the Pope!
Bibi Dong tossed the "State of Soul Power" over directly, her tone leaving no room for doubt: "You two, immediately try cultivating according to the method in the text."
Chrysanthemum Douluo took the manuscript, glanced at the name "Lin Chen," and was taken aback. He exchanged a glance with Ghost Douluo.
Isn't this the same Notting Academy loser who wrote "The Ten Ferocious Beasts" back then? Why would His Holiness the Pope make them practice the theories of a mere brat?
Although they felt it was unnecessary, the Pope's orders were absolute, and the two dared not disobey. They immediately closed their eyes and circulated their soul power.
In just a few breaths, their expressions changed simultaneously!
Although the soul power level did not increase at all, the soul power condensation, control, and explosive power all increased rapidly, and the compatibility between the physical body and soul skills reached an unprecedented level!
This theory... is true!
Seeing their shocked expressions, Bibi Dong said calmly, "You must have sensed it too. Lin Chen is definitely not a piece of trash. He possesses a shocking secret. Set off immediately and bring him back to the Spirit Hall."
Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, Ghost and I are titled Douluo. If we rashly go to Notting Academy, it will surely alarm the Hall of Worship. Last time, the 'Ten Ferocious Beasts' already aroused the curiosity of several of the Worshippers. This time... I'm afraid it will cause unforeseen complications."
Bibi Dong's eyes showed a slight pause.
She instantly regained consciousness.
The old monsters in the Hall of Offerings are extremely thirsty for power. If they knew that Lin Chen possessed such a heaven-defying theory, they would definitely interfere. At that time, Lin Chen's allegiance would be uncertain, and it might even expose the Spirit Hall's trump card.
Even an ordinary titled Douluo is equally eye-catching.
Bibi Dong was silent for a moment, then waved her hand: "You may all leave. This matter must be kept secret. I will send someone else."
Chrysanthemum Demon Douluo bowed and retreated.
The palace doors were tightly shut. Bibi Dong raised her hand and waved it, and two figures with restrained auras silently knelt on the ground.
Both were Soul Douluo-level bodyguards, with cold and stern faces, and their killing intent was restrained. They were the most secretive blades of the Spirit Hall.
"You two must immediately go to Notting City, infiltrate Notting Academy, and secretly bring Lin Chen back. Do not alert anyone, and do not reveal your identities."
"Yes, sir!"
Two figures rose up in response and disappeared into the depths of the Papal Palace like ghosts.
Bibi Dong gazed at the empty hall, her fingertips lightly tapping the armrest, her purple eyes gleaming with unfathomable light.
Lin Chen...
Who exactly are you?
This time, I'm going to see for myself what kind of earth-shattering secret this "fake master," who is ridiculed throughout the continent, is hiding.
The camera suddenly shifts to the most solemn, sacred, and untouched hall in Wuhun City.
The entire hall was constructed of angelic stone, gilded and pure white. A nine-winged angel statue hung high in the dome, and when sunlight streamed through, it cast a holy golden glow. The floor was paved with millennia-old warm jade, and the air was filled with the purest aura of angelic spirit. It was as silent as the eternal resting place of the gods. Here, there were no complexities of the papal court, only an unchanging solemnity, reverence, and supreme authority.
Deep within the hall, a majestic figure stood silently.
It was none other than Qian Daoliu, the Grand Elder of the Spirit Hall.
He wore a pure white robe inlaid with gold, embroidered with nine-winged angel patterns. His long hair, as white as snow, cascaded over his shoulders. Though his face was aged, it was still sharply defined, his eyes as deep as the starry sea. A faint golden light surrounded him, and every movement exuded the supreme majesty of a level 99 Limit Douluo and the representative of the Angel God. His figure was as upright as a spear, and although he was old, he still possessed an aura that could suppress the heavens and the earth, like the backbone of the entire Spirit City.
At this moment, Qian Daoliu was staring intently at the manuscript in his hands—
The State of Soul Power.
He was completely absorbed in reading, his gaze fixed on the paper, his aged fingers trembling slightly.
Lines of text about soul power compression, liquid condensation, and solidification transformed into a grand path leading to a completely new realm in his eyes. He had lived for hundreds of years and, as the High Priest of the Angel God, had long stood at the pinnacle of the continent. Yet, this text opened a door to power he had never imagined before.
Qian Daoliu immediately closed his eyes and tried it.
The vast and unfathomable soul power circulated wildly within his body, easily transforming from gaseous to liquid state.
But when he tried to completely compress the liquid soul power into the prototype of a solid soul core—
Buzz!
An invisible barrier suddenly rebounded.
It failed.
Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes, a hint of solemnity and shock flashing in his golden pupils.
He slowly put down the manuscript, his fingertips gently tracing the pages, and fell into a long period of contemplation.
He is a level 99 Limit Douluo, a half-step God.
However, as the High Priest of the Angel God, he could never break through level 100 to become a god in his lifetime. His level was forever fixed. The only way to improve was to hone the essence of his power and explore the limits of his soul power.
And this article, "The State of Soul Power," is the key he has been longing for.
Throughout the entire continent, only the author, Lin Chen, knows how to completely solidify liquid soul power.
Qian Daoliu's heart was stirred, filled with an unprecedented greed and desire.
He originally wanted to invite a titled Douluo to accompany him, but the old brothers of the Hall of Worship were either in seclusion or performing their duties. As the Grand Elder, it was inconvenient for him to easily send out a titled Douluo for a mere youth, as it would be too ostentatious.
Moreover, he had to stay in the main hall and could not leave for even a moment.
More importantly—
We must not alarm Pope Bibidon.
He and the Pope were already locked in a power struggle, both overt and covert, so he had to seize this incredible opportunity.
Qian Daoliu raised his hand and waved it, his golden soul power rippled gently.
Two figures shrouded in black armor knelt silently, their auras as steady as mountains. Both were angel guards at the level of eight-ring Soul Douluo, known for their secrecy, loyalty, and astonishing combat power.
Qian Daoliu's voice was deep and authoritative, carrying an unyielding sacred will:
"You two, immediately head to Notting City, infiltrate Notting Academy, and secretly bring Lin Chen back to the Hall of Worship."
"remember--
He must be seen alive, but without alerting anyone, and absolutely without leaking any information to the Papal Palace.
"Yes, sir!"
The two figures vanished without a trace.
The ancestral hall returned to silence.
Qian Daoliu picked up the book "The State of Soul Power" again, his golden eyes blazing with intense light.
Lin Chen...
The whole mainland thinks you're a useless fake master.
But in my eyes, you are the only hope that can bring me back to the top.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, shrouded in mist, sits nestled amidst the mountains surrounding Tian Dou City. The entire sect is built against the mountainside, its eaves and corners inlaid with colorful glazed tiles. Sunlight shines through, creating a dazzling display. The ground is paved with warm, jade-like bluestone, and rare flowers and herbs bloom everywhere, filling the air with a faint, refreshing spiritual fragrance. As the wealthiest of the three upper sects, it exudes refinement, luxury, and a deeply concealed, formidable security.
Inside the sect leader's main hall, the aura of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial spirit flickered, creating a calm and solemn atmosphere.
Sect Master Ning Fengzhi sat upright in the main seat, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe trimmed with gold. His face was as gentle as jade, his eyebrows and eyes refined and elegant, and a faint smile always played on his lips. He seemed mild and harmless, but his eyes concealed a worldly wisdom and unfathomable shrewdness. He lightly waved the feather fan in his hand, his gaze falling on the two people beside him, and asked softly, "Uncle Jian, Uncle Gu, how are you?"
To his left stood an old man dressed in white, with white hair and beard, yet possessing a handsome and ethereal appearance—none other than Sword Douluo Chen Xin. His figure was as upright as a sword, and he exuded an incomparably sharp sword aura. Even when standing still, he resembled a divine weapon about to be unsheathed. His brows and eyes were cold and aloof, his temperament otherworldly, and his gaze sharp as a sword's edge. Every gesture he made was as elegant and imposing as a celestial sword immortal.
On the right was a short, slightly hunched, yet vigorous old man—none other than Bone Douluo Gu Rong. His face bore a sinister smile; his skin was pale blue, and although he appeared frail, he was surrounded by a strange aura that seemed to distort space. His eyes were cloudy yet lively, revealing the shrewdness and unpredictability of an old fox. Seemingly amiable, he was in reality one of the most enigmatic Title Douluos on the continent.
Bone Douluo spoke first, his voice carrying a hint of undisguised surprise: "Indeed impressive! Although your soul power level hasn't increased at all, your power condensation, soul skill control, and physical body compatibility have all subtly improved. Your true combat strength has indeed increased significantly!"
Sword Douluo nodded slightly, his clear, cold voice concise and powerful: "Indeed, I share the same feeling. What this article describes points directly to the essence of soul power, and is far beyond the reach of ordinary theories."
The topic they were discussing was Lin Chen's article that had caused a sensation among the higher-ups of the Spirit Hall—"The State of Soul Power."
Ning Fengzhi was able to obtain the top-secret documents from within the Spirit Hall through an undercover agent planted within the Spirit Hall. This was an open secret among the continent's upper echelons—the Spirit Hall had infiltrated the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan also infiltrated each other. Only the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, arrogant and proud, considering themselves the number one beast spirit sect in the world, disdained to do undercover work and thus missed this incredible opportunity.
Ning Fengzhi noticed Lin Chen, also because of the previous article, "The Ten Ferocious Beasts".
When this article caused a stir within the Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School also received the news immediately. Ning Fengzhi even sent a Soul Douluo-level expert to infiltrate the Star Dou Great Forest to investigate, but ultimately found nothing and had to let the matter drop.
This time, the undercover agent sent back new intelligence, which Ning Fengzhi initially didn't take seriously, assuming it was just the young man making things up again. But the moment he saw the contents of the document, his expression changed drastically, and without the slightest hesitation, he immediately summoned the two pillars of stability: Sword and Bone.
It's better to believe it exists than to believe it doesn't.
This is the fundamental reason why Ning Fengzhi was able to secure his position as the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
The three spoke in hushed tones for a moment, exchanging glances, and soon reached an agreement.
Ning Fengzhi closed his feather fan, a resolute glint in his eyes, his gentle voice carrying an undeniable command:
"Immediately dispatch two reliable Soul Douluos to Notting City to treat Mr. Lin Chen with courtesy and invite him back to the sect. Remember, do not use force, do not disturb others, and do not let the Spirit Hall get there first."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
With a reply, he quietly disappeared into the shadows of the main hall.
Ning Fengzhi looked out the window at the drifting clouds, his smile deepening.
The whole mainland laughed at Lin Chen, calling him a good-for-nothing and a fake master.
Only Ning Fengzhi knew—
This young man could very well be a variable that overturns the entire landscape of the Soul Master world.
This is a move that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is determined to make.
(End of Chapter)