Meanwhile, in Spirit City, a grand coronation ceremony concluded. Bibi Dong wore the Pope's crown, held the Pope's scepter, and sat upon the throne of Spirit Hall's Pope.
"Three cheers for our new Pope, Bibi Dong—!" cried a red-robed bishop.
"Long live! Long live! Long live—!"
Elders and invited sect representatives bowed, while the rest of Spirit Hall's members prostrated themselves.
Bibi Dong raised the scepter and declared, "From this moment on, I am the Pope of Spirit Hall. I now announce the retraction of the Pope's Decree previously granted to the Three Upper Sects."
The sect leaders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were stunned.
"Your Holiness, what do you mean by this?" asked Yu Yuanzhen.
Ning Fengzhi reminded her, "Your Holiness, the Pope's Decree was a symbol of balance between Spirit Hall and the Three Upper Sects. Are you certain you want to abolish it?"
Looking down from her throne, Bibi Dong replied, "Of course. The Clear Sky Sect is no longer qualified to be one of the Three Upper Sects. Moreover, they bear enmity toward Spirit Hall. How can we permit them to flaunt their power within Spirit Hall under the protection of our Pope's Decree?"
"After reclaiming the Pope's Decree, I will convene a Grand Sect Assembly to re-select the Three Upper Sects and forge new decrees." As she spoke, Bibi Dong gripped the scepter, and soul rings descended around her.
Yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, red, red, red!
"This soul ring configuration—" Chen Xin's expression turned grave.
Cold sweat ran down Ning Fengzhi's face. "It's said that Bibi Dong has twin spirits—could it be…"
Chen Xin said, "Even if she's cultivating both spirits, how can her first soul ring be a century ring?"
"This proves that Bibi Dong not only has twin spirits but has developed her first spirit to its limit."
"With this configuration, only the Body Sect can match it. Both Spirit Hall and the Body Sect must have methods to absorb soul rings beyond traditional limits," Ning Fengzhi said worriedly. "Bibi Dong's strength and potential may be far greater than Qian Xuanji's. Coming after us—the Three Upper Sects—right at the start, it's clear her ambitions are vast."
After the coronation, Ning Fengzhi returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with heavy concern and relayed the news to Gu Rong.
"This is the invitation from Spirit Hall for our sect to attend the Grand Sect Assembly," he said, handing it to Gu Rong.
Glancing at the invitation, Gu Rong dismissed it lightly, "With Sword Douluo and me, plus your support, there's no way we'll lose our seat among the Three Upper Sects."
"Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone, I trust your strength completely," said Ning Fengzhi. "What I'm truly worried about is how Spirit Hall is controlling the pace. Now, Bibi Dong is using the decree as a pretext to reshuffle the Three Upper Sects. If we participate, we play by her rules; if we don't, we risk being isolated."
"That's true," Gu Rong mused, then suddenly had a realization. "Sect Leader, there seems to be one sect missing from Spirit Hall's invitation list."
"Oh?" Ning Fengzhi quickly checked and smiled. "The Body Sect—they weren't invited."
"Even though the Body Sect only recently re-emerged, their strength is well known. Why would Spirit Hall ignore them?" asked Chen Xin.
"Hahaha, I get it now," said Ning Fengzhi. "This re-selection must've been premeditated by Spirit Hall. They split the Dragon family off and merged them with the Elephant Armored Sect to form the Dragon-Elephant Sect. Both Tuoba Xi and Huyan Zhen have already reached the Titled Douluo level. Spirit Hall intends to elevate them to replace the Clear Sky Sect. But with the Body Sect now emerging, things got complicated."
"So, Bibi Dong isolated the Body Sect to forcibly push the Dragon-Elephant Sect into the Three Upper Sects," Gu Rong concluded.
"Exactly," said Ning Fengzhi with a smirk. "We can work with this—deepen the conflict between the Body Sect and Spirit Hall."
He then ordered, "Prepare suitable gifts. I'm going to visit the Body Sect."
A few days later:
"Hahaha, Sect Leader Ning, to what do I owe the honor of your visit to my humble Body Sect?" asked Huo Qiang.
Ning Fengzhi replied, "Senior Sect Leader Huo, are you unaware that Spirit Hall has decided to re-select the Three Upper Sects?"
"Oh? Is that so?" Huo Qiang was taken aback. "I've been too busy handling mundane matters lately to keep track of Spirit Hall. Tell me what happened."
Ning Fengzhi then explained everything from Bibi Dong's ascension to the re-election plans.
When he finished, Ning Fengzhi feigned regret, saying, "Sect Leader Huo, with the Clear Sky Sect in decline, your Body Sect is the only one worthy of being called the number one sect in the world. Yet Spirit Hall didn't even include your sect in the candidate list. It's as if they don't take your sect seriously at all."
"What did you say? How dare Spirit Hall treat my Body Sect with such contempt!" one of the Body Sect elders slammed the table in anger.
Inside the great hall, the Body Sect elders were furious.
Though Huo Qiang remained stoic, Ning Fengzhi could still sense the faint anger radiating from him. A subtle smile crept onto Ning Fengzhi's lips. "Now, all that's left is to push the Body Sect to confront Spirit Hall head-on. Their emergence will be a direct blow to Bibi Dong's authority. At the same time, it will deepen the rift between them. I, Ning Fengzhi, truly am a genius."
"Everyone, please calm down," said Xiao Zhi quickly. "As the saying goes: A ruler should not act out of anger, and a general should not start a war in haste."
Then he turned to Ning Fengzhi and questioned, "We would have learned about Spirit Hall's re-election eventually and would've addressed it ourselves. But you came all this way to provoke us—what is your true goal? If a single comment from you could push our sect to war with Spirit Hall, then where is our dignity?"
Ning Fengzhi was stunned. He had nearly succeeded in manipulating Sect Leader Huo, but to his surprise, there was still someone clear-headed within the Body Sect.
After Elder Xiao Zhi's reminder, the elders of the Body Sect, who had been full of righteous indignation, immediately cooled down.
An elder from the Body Sect said, "Elder Xiao Zhi is right. This matter is between us and the Spirit Hall. If we let your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect provoke us into action, wouldn't that be humiliating?"
Ning Fengzhi said awkwardly, "I didn't come to provoke you into opposing the Spirit Hall. I just came to inform your Body Sect of this matter. What to do about it is for you to decide."
"Hmph!" Zhao Quan snorted coldly. "Ning Fengzhi, the Spirit Hall has indeed been deliberately excluding us, but we can also choose not to get involved. It's you, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, who want us to stir up this mess, isn't it?"
Lu Yuan added, "Since you want our Body Sect to jump into this mess, if you're the one asking for help, shouldn't you have the attitude of someone asking for help? Or do you, Sect Master Ning, think that with just a few words, you can provoke us into standing in front of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
In just a few words, the elders of the Body Sect exposed Ning Fengzhi's real intentions, leaving him in an awkward position.
Gu Rong quickly stepped forward to ease the situation for his sect master. "Our sect master came here out of goodwill to inform you. Whether to act or not is your decision. But are you saying your Body Sect plans to be a bunch of cowardly turtles?"
The next moment, an overwhelming pressure descended on Gu Rong. Though he was a Level 95 defensive-type Douluo, he was completely immobilized by this force.
So powerful! Cold sweat poured down Gu Rong's back.
"The Body Sect cannot be insulted." Huo Qiang intensified the pressure, forcing Gu Rong to his knees, cracking the floor tiles beneath him.
Seeing a powerful ally of his instantly suppressed, and then feeling Huo Qiang's gaze turn to him, Ning Fengzhi also broke out in cold sweat.
Huo Qiang spoke: "The Spirit Hall's plan to reselect the Upper Three Sects cannot be hidden from the major powers of the continent. Sooner or later, we would have found out. How to act is our own decision. But your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect came to inform us personally, which changes the nature of this."
"If we choose to do nothing, wouldn't that confirm what that Bone Douluo said — that our Body Sect is a bunch of cowardly turtles?"
"On the other hand, if we do act according to your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's wishes and go against the Spirit Hall just because you provoked us, wouldn't that be a loss of face for us? Sect Master Ning, what do you propose we do?"
Ning Fengzhi, drenched in sweat, suddenly felt he had overstepped. "Then, Sect Master Huo, what do you think we should do?"
"Very simple," Huo Qiang replied. "Since your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wants our Body Sect to stir up this situation, then someone asking for help should act accordingly, don't you agree?"
"Yes, yes," Ning Fengzhi quickly agreed.
So Huo Qiang made a lion's demand: 20% of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's accumulated wealth over the years. Not only that, the Body Sect would publicly declare that they were hired by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to stir up this situation.
Upon hearing this condition, Ning Fengzhi frowned. It wasn't the 20% wealth that truly troubled him—money could be earned again—but the public announcement was like placing his sect on a fiery grill.
If Bibi Dong learned that her re-selection of the Upper Three Sects was disrupted by the Body Sect because of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's hiring, she would certainly hate the Body Sect—but she'd hate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect even more.
"You… You're pushing us too far…" Gu Rong said through gritted teeth.
"Too far?" Zhao Quan said coldly, "You came begging us. You really thought you could contribute nothing and still have us take the lead against the Spirit Hall for you? Is that how you treat your supposed allied sect? Do you still want to be united in spirit?"
Ning Fengzhi quickly stepped in. "Sect Master Huo, we agree."
"Hahaha, Sect Master Ning is truly magnanimous. Then, at your invitation, our Body Sect will walk this path with you," Huo Qiang laughed heartily.
"Thank you, Sect Master Huo," Ning Fengzhi forced a smile.
As they were about to leave, Zhao Quan pointed to the floor tiles cracked by Gu Rong's knees and said, "About those broken tiles, your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect should pay for the damages too."
Gu Rong clenched his teeth in anger, about to speak when Ning Fengzhi stopped him. With a smile, Ning Fengzhi said, "We'll pay. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will compensate for the damage."
Once they left the Body Sect's territory, Gu Rong complained, "What kind of sect is this? More like a den of bandits! We came to inform them out of kindness, and in return, they extorted us for 20% of our sect's wealth. Why don't they just rob us outright?"
He then asked, "Sect Master, we kindly came to warn them, and yet we got extorted. Why did you agree to their conditions? That's 20% of our sect's accumulated wealth!"
Ning Fengzhi adjusted his glasses, a flash of wisdom glinting off the lenses. "Uncle Gu, let me ask you—what do you think of Sect Master Huo's strength?"
"Very strong. He suppressed me effortlessly. Neither Level 96 nor 97 Title Douluos could do that. His strength is at least Level 98, perhaps even a Limit Douluo," Gu Rong said with a solemn expression. He had experienced Huo Qiang's might firsthand and had felt utterly powerless.
"Exactly. Wealth is external. It can be earned again. But one thing is certain—we cannot lose this ally. In today's world, the Clear Sky Sect has declined. Only the Body Sect remains capable of challenging the Spirit Hall. If we can use wealth to create mutual interests and tightly bind our two sects together—united in spirit—we can jointly resist the threat of the Spirit Hall. From my perspective, it's worth it," Ning Fengzhi said calmly.
That may be true, but Gu Rong looked at Ning Fengzhi, this brilliant young man he had watched grow up, and couldn't help but wonder: Why does his forehead practically have the words "Big Sucker" written on it?
Back in the Body Sect, Zhao Quan said, "Master, I think you asked for too little. In my opinion, we should've taken at least 60% of their wealth."
Huo Qiang shook his head. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is like a hen that lays golden eggs. As long as it keeps laying, we should keep it around. This is about long-term gains. We can't just kill the hen for one big payday. The money in Ning Fengzhi's hands is just temporarily stored there for us. We'll have plenty of chances to withdraw from that account—slowly, no rush."
Bibi Dong convened a Grand Sect Selection Assembly to reselect the ranks of the top three sects under the heavens. The former top three sects' leaders, Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen, arrived one after another. Ning Fengzhi greeted, "Sect Master Yu, we meet again."
"Indeed, Sect Master Ning, we meet again. Let me introduce someone." Yu Yuanzhen patted the young man beside him and said, "This is my son, Yu Xiaomen. He's at level 87 Soul Douluo strength, and his martial spirit is the Golden Holy Dragon."
"Oh? I didn't expect your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to have such a gifted treasure hidden away," Ning Fengzhi said in surprise.
"Hahaha, it's a bit of a pity. This Grand Sect Selection came a little too early. Otherwise, our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would have had two Title Douluo appearing at this assembly."
After some cordial greetings, the two sect masters parted ways. Gu Rong spoke to Ning Fengzhi, "Sect Master, the Golden Holy Dragon martial spirit is no simple matter. If this genius grows up, he might lead the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to challenge our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's current status. Do you want me to..." As he spoke, Gu Rong made a throat-slitting gesture.
Gu Rong, whose martial spirit has a rare space attribute, can traverse space and time. He often handles the dirty work for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, including assassinating many talented soul masters who awakened their spirits and intended to join Spirit Hall.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head and said earnestly, "Uncle Gu, I've told you many times already: the situation on the continent has changed. Spirit Hall now holds absolute dominance. As the upper three sects, we should stand united. If such talents rise, they can help counterbalance Spirit Hall's ambition. It would benefit our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as well."
"...Very well." Gu Rong could only set aside the killing intent stirring in his heart.
Aside from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the rest of the lower four sects—Dragon Elephant Sect, Black Tiger Sect, Wind Sword Sect, and Fire Leopard Sect—arrived one after another. Many other sect forces also received invitations.
Bibi Dong appeared, followed by Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo. The three of them walked to the high platform, looking down at the sect leaders as they took their seats.
"Esteemed sect leaders, welcome to the Grand Sect Selection Assembly hosted by my Spirit Hall."
"Greetings, Your Holiness," the sect leaders all stood and saluted.
Bibi Dong nodded slightly and continued, "Let's get to the point. The Clear Sky Sect has strayed from the righteous path. Their soul masters have destroyed Spirit Hall facilities and killed many innocent civilians. They have long lost the virtues a soul master should uphold. Therefore, Spirit Hall has decided to strip the Clear Sky Sect of all its honors. It will no longer be among the upper three sects, nor the number one sect under heaven. Today, we have gathered all of you to reorganize the sect hierarchy on the Douluo Continent and reselect the upper three and lower four sects."
"I will now explain the rules of the reselection. First is the contest for the number one position among the upper three sects. With the Clear Sky Sect removed, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will take its place and defend the title. Other sects may challenge them. If a challenger defeats the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, they will take the title of number one sect. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan successfully defends it, they will become the top sect among the upper three."
"The same rule applies to the second and third positions among the upper three sects. Each sect may use its full strength to defend or seize rankings."
"For the upper three sects, only Title Douluo may enter the stage. Sect Master Ning Fengzhi may participate. For the lower four sects, only Soul Douluo level members may enter the stage."
Just as Bibi Dong finished half of her announcement, a burst of laughter rang out from the distant sky:
"Hahahahaha! With such a grand occasion as Spirit Hall's reselection of the top three sects, how could the Body Sect possibly be absent?"
Everyone immediately stood and looked outward.
In the distance, three powerful soul power fluctuations approached from different directions—golden light from the left, icy blue from the right, and fiery red from the center.
(the admirals are here)
The Body Sect's three strongest Title Douluo arrived, hovering in the air. Their soul ring configuration was astonishing: three purple, three black, and three red rings.
"How can this be..." Yu Yuanzhen, witnessing the Body Sect for the first time, had heard rumors of their abnormal soul ring configurations, but seeing it firsthand still shocked him deeply.
Behind the trio stood four elders, and the soul power radiating from them revealed that they were also Title Douluo.
Their soul ring configurations, though not as overwhelming as the first three, were also extraordinary:
Yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red
Or yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red, red
Even the weakest had yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black, black.
The Body Sect had seven Title Douluo elders, all under level 95. The strongest among them was Zhao Quan, a level 95 Title Douluo, yet clearly still young and full of potential.
"This is Spirit Hall's territory. How dare you act so presumptuously?"
From the shadows, two hidden Title Douluo—Qianjun and Demon Subduing Duoluo—rushed forward from both sides, wielding their Coiling Dragon Staff.
Though their soul ring configurations weren't as impressive as the Body Sect's, they had deeper cultivation. At level 95 and beyond, the difference made by soul rings and bones gradually narrows.
These two enforcers could easily suppress the three main Douluo of the Body Sect.
Suddenly, a rift tore open in the air before the two Spirit Hall enforcers. The soul power emanating from it forced them back.
This moment stunned all the gathered powerhouses. After all, Qianjun and Jiangmo had previously fought their way into the Clear Sky Sect and even killed Tang Ba, the sect's final guardian, a level 97 Super Douluo.
From the rift stepped Huo Qiqiang. His Destiny Origin Eye opened as he coldly stared down the two Super Douluo.
From Huo Qiqiang's soul power, Qianjun and Demon Subduing Duoluo sensed a vast, terrifying presence. Only Gold Crocodile and Qian Daoliu had given them a similar feeling before.
Neither dared make a move.
Behind Huo Qiqiang, the Body Sect's Title Douluo bowed and greeted:
"Greetings, Sect Master (Teacher)."
"You are... the Body Sect's Sect Master?" Bibi Dong asked in astonishment.
"I am," Huo Qiqiang replied.
Bibi Dong said coldly, "Coming uninvited isn't exactly proper conduct."
"A grand continental sect assembly such as this—how could the Body Sect be absent? More importantly, we are not uninvited. Isn't that right, Sect Master Ning?" Huo Qiqiang glanced meaningfully at Ning Fengzhi.
Instantly, the eyes of Bibi Dong, Qianjun, Jiangmo, Chrysanthemum, Ghost, and all Spirit Hall elites fell on Ning Fengzhi. He began to sweat profusely.
"Sect Master Ning spent twenty percent of his sect's wealth to invite us Body Sect to attend this event. With such sincere invitation, how could we possibly refuse?" said Huo Qiqiang.