The Vast and Majestic Pope's Hall
"Why hasn't she come yet…"
Yu Xiaogang stood beneath the enormous, six-winged angel relief symbolizing supreme power. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his furrowed brows revealed a hint of impatience.
After all, in the past, as soon as he announced his name, Bibi Dong would come to see him almost immediately.
Even if there was a wait, it wouldn't last long.
But today…
This waiting time far exceeded his expectations.
He paced silently, his gaze repeatedly darting toward the heavy side door that led to the Pope's private quarters, which remained tightly shut.
In his mind, he thought about the bet he had made with Tang Hao before coming here.
---
Three hours earlier, in an unnamed valley outside Spirit City.
Tang Hao's towering figure leaned against a weathered stone wall. The shadow of his bamboo hat obscured most of his face, leaving only a pair of eyes that remained sharp as an eagle's even in the dim light.
His voice was low and raspy, heavy with unshakable seriousness:
"Grandmaster, we must admit that this young brat from Star Luo, Dai Chengfeng, is a tough nut to crack."
"Xiao San's talent and hard work are undeniable, but now that he has become Bibi Dong's disciple—with her methods…"
"This upcoming match between him and Xiao San still holds too many variables."
"Even though his spiritual power… we've found a way to counter it, and Xiao San's secret weapon can bridge the gap in soul power—but does he have another hidden ace up his sleeve?"
"No one knows!"
Yu Xiaogang stood facing Tang Hao.
Upon hearing the name "Dai Chengfeng", memories of the humiliation he endured at the hands of this younger generation surged within him. Hatred flared instantly.
Behind his back, his hands clenched tightly, knuckles turning white.
But in front of Tang Hao, he forced himself to maintain his façade of calm rationality: "What Lord Tang Hao says is true—Dai Chengfeng is indeed troublesome."
"But…"
A glint of determination flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. "I can find out what his ace is!"
"Hmm?"
Tang Hao raised his head slightly, his gaze brightening under the shadow. "You can find out?"
Facing Tang Hao's skepticism, Yu Xiaogang straightened his back, meeting his eyes unwaveringly. "I can find out!"
"Bibi Dong!"
"Dai Chengfeng's biggest 'ace' likely comes from Pope Bibi Dong's teachings!"
"If I want to know, I will surely extract Dai Chengfeng's secrets from Bibi Dong!"
"What?!"
The shock in Tang Hao's eyes was unmistakable.
Who exactly was Bibi Dong?
She was the ruler of the Spirit Hall, a peak-level Douluo whom even Tang Hao himself had to tread carefully around!
And yet, Yu Xiaogang was so confident that he could pry Dai Chengfeng's secrets from her?
Between them…
Yu Xiaogang caught the astonishment on Tang Hao's face and felt a surge of smug satisfaction.
"Lord Tang Hao! I will go retrieve Dai Chengfeng's hidden trump card for Xiao San, ensuring he enters the battle fully prepared!"
Tang Hao gazed deeply at Yu Xiaogang. After a long pause, the slightest trace of a smile tugged at the corners of his perpetually stern face. "Yu Xiaogang, if you truly succeed…"
"Then, in the future, whenever I see you, I will bow and address you respectfully as 'Grandmaster.'"
"With full admiration!"
"Deal!"
Yu Xiaogang felt a surge of confidence, already envisioning the scene where Bibi Dong would spill everything to him and where Tang Hao's arrogant face would lower before him!
"Deal!"
Tang Hao's voice was deep and resolute.
Recalling this, Yu Xiaogang snapped back to reality. He had originally assumed that, thanks to his special relationship with Bibi Dong, he could subtly probe her for information about Dai Chengfeng's abilities. After all, with Bibi Dong's pride and the unique feelings she harbored for him, she wouldn't suspect him.
And as Dai Chengfeng's teacher, Bibi Dong naturally knew his techniques.
"But now…"
Yu Xiaogang looked again at the vast, empty hall, unease creeping into his heart.
Outside the hall, the night was as dark as ink.
Finally, after what felt like an endless wait, the side door of the Pope's Hall emitted a low sliding sound.
Click, click-clack…
Accompanied by the crisp, rhythmic tapping of high heels against the floor, a breathtaking figure entered the Pope's Hall.
Moonlight poured over her, outlining a flawless silhouette.
She wore the Pope's distinctive shimmering purple-and-gold robe. The wide sleeves and trailing hem exuded an aura of supreme authority.
Her wine-red hair flowed elegantly, styled into a dignified and ornate high bun. A simple yet subtly powerful purple-gold hairpin pierced through it at an angle, with a few strands of hair casually falling loose, adding a touch of lazy allure.
Her neck was long and fair, gracefully supporting her peerless beauty like a swan.
Her skin was as smooth and flawless as fine porcelain, showing no trace of age.
But what truly struck the heart were her eyes—deep purple, like an unfathomable cold pool, radiating a light that could make even titled Douluo tremble. Yet now, they were calm and unruffled, sweeping across the vast hall before finally resting on Yu Xiaogang.
"Bibi Dong…"
Yu Xiaogang's heart suddenly lurched, as if gripped tightly by an invisible hand.
This face, this presence, this commanding aura—it had been the most searing mark of his youth.
Even after all these years, even with his heart filled with resentment and complex calculations, upon seeing her again, those old emotions of awe, infatuation, and even humility still easily clouded his reason.
He could almost hear the hum of his rushing blood.
But quickly, Yu Xiaogang bit down sharply on his tongue.
The sharp pain, along with the accompanying sense of humiliation from being "abandoned" years ago, instantly quelled his momentary lapse, settling into a fleeting shadow of darkness deep in his eyes.
He slightly lowered his head and bowed, forcing his voice to remain steady:
"I pay my respects, Your Eminence."
Bibi Dong stopped several paces away from him.
She observed Yu Xiaogang's bowing posture, and a flicker of complexity passed through her deep purple eyes, quickly replaced by cold indifference.
"Elder Yu seeks an audience so late at night. What urgent matter brings you here?"
Yu Xiaogang's heart sank abruptly.
This tone… something was off!
In the past, when she met him privately, her gaze was never this icy, nor was her tone so formal, deliberately drawing a clear boundary.
But Yu Xiaogang quickly rallied his spirits…
He hadn't yet achieved the purpose of his visit and couldn't give up because of her unusual demeanor.
With that in mind, Yu Xiaogang straightened his body, striving to maintain his so-called "Grandmaster" demeanor. He forced a smile he believed to be gentle onto his face, his gaze probing.
"I apologize for disturbing Your Eminence's rest, but it's truly regarding…"
"The upcoming match among the younger generation. I have some doubts and, after much deliberation, thought perhaps I could seek your guidance. Consider it helping the children fill any gaps."
His voice was slow and deliberate, carefully choosing his words, wrapping his intentions in the guise of concern for the younger generation's growth.
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