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Early the next morning, Bibi Dong excitedly rushed to Lin Yongming's room.
"Xiao Ming, get up! After breakfast, we're heading to the Pope's Hall. There's going to be a big announcement today," Bibi Dong barged in, pulling Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor out of bed, blankets and all.
"What's the big deal? I'm just a small branch hall bishop. How can I participate in discussions at the Pope's Hall?" Lin Yongming sat up, feeling helpless.
"Don't you remember? The Grand Elder is announcing his retirement today. Plus, we just returned from Sea God Island. Especially you, Xiao Ming, you covered the Spirit Hall's retreat. That's a huge contribution. This is your chance to be rewarded and rise in status within the Spirit Hall," Bibi Dong said excitedly.
She seemed even happier about Lin Yongming's achievements than he was.
"But it's still early," Lin Yongming said, yawning.
"Exactly. The Grand Elder's retirement isn't something that can be settled in a few words," Blue Silver Emperor agreed.
"Well, you two still need to get up. No sleeping in," Bibi Dong insisted, pushing them out of bed.
Under Bibi Dong's urging, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor followed her to the cafeteria for breakfast.
"Bibi Dong, after the Grand Elder's retirement is settled, if there's nothing else, A'yin and I will head back to Thunderstorm Village for a while," Lin Yongming said after taking a few bites.
In the Spirit Hall, Lin Yongming addressed Bibi Dong directly by her name.
"So soon? Aren't you going to stay in Spirit City for a few days?" Bibi Dong was surprised, her smile fading.
"It's not that soon. Don't forget, we've been traveling together for three years—well, almost three years. It's been about two and a half years, plus the month at Sea God Island. Xiao Ming and I have been away for too long," Blue Silver Emperor chimed in.
"That's true. Alright then. We still have plenty of time. I'll focus on my training in the Spirit Hall and reach Soul Sage as soon as possible. When I do, I'll talk to my teacher," Bibi Dong nodded reluctantly.
"What's wrong? With your Six-Winged Purple Light Wings, you can reach Thunderstorm Village in less than a day. If you get bored with your training, you can come visit us. It's just that after all the traveling we've done these past few years, it's time for us to settle down for a while," Lin Yongming said, gently patting Bibi Dong's hand to comfort her.
"I know. It's just that after being together for so long, it feels strange to be apart," Bibi Dong said softly.
"Dong'er, don't forget the bet we made on the ship. If you don't reach Soul Sage within a year, I won't share Xiao Ming with you," Blue Silver Emperor whispered in Bibi Dong's ear.
"I know, I know. I'll definitely prove you wrong," Bibi Dong rolled her eyes and lightly pushed Blue Silver Emperor.
"Let's eat."
On the ship back, Lin Yongming had already discussed with Blue Silver Emperor about returning to Thunderstorm Village for a while to rest.
After breakfast, around 10 a.m., they arrived at the Pope's Hall. The doors were closed, but faint voices could be heard from inside.
"Father, have you really decided to retire from the martial world and take over the Elder Hall?" Qian Xunji was shocked that Qian Daoliu had made such a decision after returning from Sea God Island.
"Yes. With no worthy opponents left, I will take over the Elder Hall. Unless the Spirit Hall faces existential danger, I will no longer interfere," Qian Daoliu said firmly, addressing the hall full of elders and high-ranking members.
"Alright, if your mind is made up, I won't stop you," Qian Xunji said reluctantly.
"Of course, even after I retire and take over the Elder Hall, I will still intervene in major decisions concerning the Spirit Hall. I will also oversee you from the Worship Hall," Qian Daoliu added, glancing at Qian Xunji.
"Understood," Qian Xunji nodded.
"Announce to all Spirit Hall branches across the continent that I am retiring to the Elder Hall due to old age," Qian Daoliu declared, standing up.
"Yes, Grand Elder."
Qian Daoliu then left the Pope's Hall with the other elders and high-ranking members, leaving only Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo behind.
By noon, the doors of the Pope's Hall finally opened, and Chrysanthemum Douluo appeared at the entrance.
"Holy Maiden, you've been waiting for a while. Please come in," Chrysanthemum Douluo invited.
"Lin Yongming, you two come in as well," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, noticing Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor.
"Yes, Elder Chrysanthemum," Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor nodded.
Entering the Pope's Hall, they saw Qian Xunji deep in thought, his head lowered.
"Disciple Bibi Dong greets the Pope," Bibi Dong stepped forward and bowed.
"Greetings, Your Holiness," Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor said in unison.
"Dong'er, I'm glad you're safe. Rise," Qian Xunji said slowly, looking at Bibi Dong.
However, he didn't tell Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor to rise.
"Thank you for your concern, Teacher. I've caused you worry," Bibi Dong said as she stood up.
"It's good that you're safe. Step aside for now. I have something to ask Lin Yongming," Qian Xunji said coldly, his gaze shifting to Lin Yongming.
"Yes," Bibi Dong stepped aside, confused.
"Lin Yongming!" Qian Xunji barked.
"Your subordinate is here," Lin Yongming replied calmly, though puzzled.
"Lin Yongming, should I reward you for your great contribution, or should I throw you in prison?" Qian Xunji sneered.
"What? Is the Pope going to target Xiao Ming because of me?" Bibi Dong was shocked.
Blue Silver Emperor looked up at Qian Xunji, her expression tense.
"Your Holiness, I don't understand your meaning," Lin Yongming said, maintaining his composure.
"You don't understand? Hmph… Are you pretending to be clueless, or are you really that dense? You're quite impressive for a mere Soul Emperor. With your own soul power, you managed to disrupt a Supreme Douluo's domain skill."
"At the time, even several elders working together couldn't withstand the raging waves. Tell me, how did you do it?" Qian Xunji stood up, his voice filled with anger.
"Don't tell me it was just your own strength. Most importantly, you were able to control the power of the ocean, summoning massive waves. That's not within the scope of your martial soul's abilities, is it?"
"You're not from Sea God Island? Even the dead brothers wouldn't believe that," Qian Xunji continued to press.
"I didn't expect that after risking my life to give my comrades a chance to retreat, Your Holiness would suspect me like this."
"You're right. My martial soul doesn't have the ability to control the ocean. I used an external tool," Lin Yongming said, his tone tinged with disappointment.
"Oh? What kind of tool could unleash such power? I've never heard of such a thing. Can you show it to me?" Qian Xunji sneered.
"It was a soul tool, a one-time-use defensive item I obtained last year during my travels near the coast of the Star Luo Empire," Lin Yongming lied, describing the Sea God's Heart as a disposable soul tool.
He wasn't sure if Qian Xunji would confiscate the Sea God's Heart if he saw it.
Lin Yongming had promised Bo Saixi that even if he didn't inherit the Sea God's position, he would return the Sea God's Heart safely to the island.
"So you're saying the item is no longer in your possession. How can I be sure you're telling the truth?" Qian Xunji said coldly.
Bibi Dong, who knew about the Sea God's Heart, stepped forward to vouch for Lin Yongming. "Teacher, I can confirm it. Last year, during our travels, we obtained the soul tool from some fallen soul masters."
"Dong'er, can you describe what the soul tool looked like?" Qian Xunji asked skeptically.
Fortunately, Bibi Dong had seen the Sea God's Heart and described it in detail.
"I still find it hard to believe that a soul tool could unleash such power, even if you used your own soul power as a medium. Such a soul tool is unheard of," Qian Xunji said coldly.
"Your Holiness, I've explained the situation. If you still don't believe me, there's nothing more I can say," Lin Yongming replied firmly.
"Fine, fine… Lin Yongming, I've made my decision. You are hereby expelled from the Spirit Hall. All your previous honors are revoked. To prevent you from leaking any of the Spirit Hall's secrets, you are forbidden from joining any other organization. If you do, you will be hunted down by the entire Spirit Hall."
"From now on, you are also forbidden from entering any Spirit Hall branch or contacting any Spirit Hall members," Qian Xunji declared coldly.
"Teacher!" Bibi Dong exclaimed, shocked.
"Dong'er, you too. From now on, you are forbidden from contacting him. If you do, it will be treated as treason," Qian Xunji warned Bibi Dong.
"Teacher, I also…"
"Holy Maiden, the Pope is right. From now on, focus on your training in the Spirit Hall," Lin Yongming quickly interrupted Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong looked at him in confusion but noticed a subtle hand gesture from Lin Yongming, signaling her to stay quiet.
"Since Your Holiness no longer trusts me, I will return all the honors the Spirit Hall has given me—the Yellow Record Medal and the Purple Record Medal," Lin Yongming said, taking out the two medals.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, inform all Spirit Hall branches," Qian Xunji turned around, a faint purple-black light flickering in his eyes.
"Yes, Your Holiness," Chrysanthemum Douluo said reluctantly.
He then took the medals from Lin Yongming with a sigh.
"Guards, escort them out of the city before nightfall," Qian Xunji called in the Hall's knights.
"Teacher, after all these years, let me see them off," Bibi Dong pleaded.
"Stay here. Focus on your duties in the Spirit Hall," Qian Xunji said coldly.
"A'yin, let's go," Lin Yongming stood up, his expression heavy.
"Alright," Blue Silver Emperor nodded.
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor turned and walked out of the Pope's Hall.
"Xiao Ming, A'yin…" Bibi Dong whispered, watching their retreating figures.
"Teacher, damn it! He's determined to tear us apart," Bibi Dong thought, shooting a resentful glance at Qian Xunji before leaving the hall and returning to her courtyard.
Meanwhile, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor, under the watchful eyes of twenty Hall knights, walked silently out of Spirit City.
"We've left the city. You can go back now," Lin Yongming said, noticing the knights showed no sign of leaving.
"We've been ordered by His Holiness to escort you a hundred miles outside the city to ensure you don't return," the captain of the knights said.
"No need. I have no intention of returning to Spirit City. Hmph," Lin Yongming summoned his Purple Lightning Wings, grabbed Blue Silver Emperor, and disappeared in a flash of lightning.
"Your Holiness, why did you do this? Lin Yongming's talent is extraordinary. Expelling him from the Spirit Hall is a great loss," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, unable to understand Qian Xunji's decision.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, no more questions. My decision is final. You may leave."
"Xiao Ming, what do we do now? Not only did Qian Xunji not reward us, but he also kicked us out and imposed such harsh conditions."
"Worst of all, we won't be able to see Dong'er anymore," Blue Silver Emperor said angrily.
"It's fine. I've wanted to leave the Spirit Hall for a while now. If it weren't for Dong'er, I would've resigned long ago."
"Besides, I signaled Dong'er in the hall not to act rashly," Lin Yongming said, though he was still furious about being expelled and the restrictions Qian Xunji had imposed.
"I'm worried about Dong'er. Will she be safe in the Spirit Hall?" Blue Silver Emperor asked.
"If Dong'er doesn't act impulsively, she should be fine for now. I think she'll focus entirely on her training," Lin Yongming said, though he was also worried about Bibi Dong.
Suddenly, Lin Yongming took out the Thunder God's Heart and summoned the Thunder God's remnant spirit.
"Kid, what do you want?" the Thunder God's remnant spirit asked.
"Thunder God, can your remnant spirit leave the Thunder God's Heart and travel far from it?" Lin Yongming asked.
"Yes, but I can only exist outside the Thunder God's Heart for a month at a time," the Thunder God's remnant spirit replied.
"Then do me a favor. You've met Dong'er before. Please protect her for me while I focus on my training to reach Soul Sage as soon as possible," Lin Yongming requested.
"No way. My mission is to protect the heir, not others," the Thunder God's remnant spirit refused.
"Thunder God, I left Sea God Island for you. If you won't help me, maybe I should go back and inherit the Sea God's position," Lin Yongming said with a smile.
"You…" the Thunder God's remnant spirit was stunned.
"Fine, but while I'm away from the Thunder God's Heart, you must channel your soul power into it every day to replenish its energy," the Thunder God's remnant spirit said.
"Why?" Lin Yongming asked.
"Do you want me to protect your woman or not? Just do it," the Thunder God's remnant spirit snapped.
"Fine, I agree. Please tell her not to act rashly and to wait for me to return to Spirit City to bring her back," Lin Yongming said.
"Remember, you must replenish the Thunder God's Heart with lightning energy. I'll return to it in a month," the Thunder God's remnant spirit said before transforming into a bolt of lightning and flying toward Spirit City.
"Thank goodness for the Thunder God's remnant spirit. With it protecting Dong'er, I can finally relax," Lin Yongming said, watching the lightning disappear into the distance.
"Yes, let's go back and focus on our training. We'll bring Dong'er back as soon as possible," Blue Silver Emperor nodded, her tone lighter.
"Let's head back to Thunderstorm Village."
"Alright."
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor flew off toward Thunderstorm Village.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 40 power stones I will publish the next chapter.