Bibidong stopped in front of the towering, majestic Martial Soul Hall. Her chest swelled with a second wave of pride as she opened her hands and felt the aura around her.
"Wuhun Hall… I'm back."
The two chrysanthemums beside Gu Han exchanged puzzled looks, silently asking, What's going on?
Along the way, Bibidong often gave off bursts of energy—the so-called "second breath"—which naturally made the two chrysanthemum spirits curious. They learned that the young saint was influenced by the stories Gu Han told her. Being young, she enjoyed such things and sometimes got a little playful.
Gu Han smiled and walked up beside Bibidong.
"Senior sister, you're not satisfied with just this, are you?"
"Huh?"
Bibidong turned with a doubtful look.
Gu Han raised a confident hand, as if lifting the entire Martial Soul City itself, brimming with spirit:
"One day, I'll become the top cultivator of this continent, standing at the peak of the Martial Soul Hall, looking down on all sentient beings!"
His expression softened into a warm smile.
"That's right."
The two chrysanthemums could only stare blankly.
Bibidong felt a little speechless herself. She'd just reached the second level, yet her younger brother was already two levels ahead.
Slowly, she gave Gu Han a thumbs up.
"You're awesome."
"Senior sister, you're amazing."
Gu Han smiled softly. Dad wasn't wrong—magic could only be defeated by magic.
"Enough talking, you two. Hurry inside."
Yueguan had truly had enough of the soul duo's antics and quickly urged them into the hall before they could say more.
"Okay, Uncle Ju."
Though sometimes mischievous, Bibidong was obedient enough. Gu Han wanted to motivate her, and with Yueguan's urging, they all entered the Martial Soul Hall.
Just then, Chihiroji had finished leaving the memorial hall and returned to the papal hall.
Seeing the group enter, Qian Xunji remained seated on the papal throne, but his eyes fixed on Bibidong. Surprise flickered across his face before settling into a frown.
"Dong'er, how many years have you absorbed the soul ring? Why did you break through from level 30 all the way to 40?"
"Master, I absorbed a 9,700-year-old soul ring."
Bibidong immediately summoned the soul ring—a deep purple and black, as if sharing her joy with the elders. She vividly recounted her experiences.
"An external soul bone!?"
Qian Xunji leapt to his feet, shocked.
"Yes, master, see this."
Bibidong unfolded six shining purple wings behind her.
"It really is an external soul bone!"
Qian Xunji's eyes gleamed fiercely. He immediately recognized the special nature of the soul bone.
"Excellent! Truly excellent. My disciple Dong'er is indeed a child of heaven. Her potential is limitless!"
He laughed happily and looked at Ju, Gui, and Gu Han.
"Remember, Dong'er's external soul bone is a Martial Soul Hall secret. Only the offerings may know—no one else is allowed to speak of it."
"Understood."
The three nodded, fully aware of the seriousness.
"Dong'er, you must also keep this secret. Don't reveal it until it's fully integrated, alright?"
"I understand, Master."
Bibidong nodded solemnly.
Only then did Qian Xunji relax and shift his attention.
"By the way, what about the fairy grass Dong'er mentioned?"
"Master, it's like this…"
Gu Han and Yueguan clearly explained the Xiancao situation and Gu Han's talent.
"Well then, Xiaohan, you're truly exceptional."
Chihiroji nodded after hearing about the fairy grass. After examining Bibidong and Gu Han's progress, he fully believed in the grass's effects.
"This jade box contains fairy grass specially chosen by my subordinates for you under the Pope's crown."
Yueguan opened the jade box, revealing a glowing Bright Paradise Grass that shone with divine power. Qian Xunji's eyes lit up.
"This Bright Paradise Grass is sacred and luminous—perfect for the Pope's Martial Soul. After absorption, the Pope's crown will definitely reach the next level."
Before Yueguan took out the grass, Qian Xunji felt a deep yearning within his heart.
A voice whispered that absorbing this grass would gain recognition from angels and gods, elevating him to a level 99 existence and proving himself to his ancestors.
"Good! Good! Who knew my path forward lay in a plant!"
Qian Xunji carefully cradled the Bright Paradise Grass, excitement pouring out in waves.
"There are still many rare fairy herbs and advanced medicines in that place under the Pope's crown. If transplanted, their power might weaken. But if left alone, no one will guard them…"
Yueguan's plan was simple: keep the plants in the Ice and Fire Two Eyes valley, while cultivating some remaining flora in the special environment there.
He also wanted to try cultivating new immortal products. Although unlikely, even failure would yield many advanced herbs.
Hearing this, Qian Xunji nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, it must be guarded. If you find suitable people to help, let them take charge. Don't rush to harvest the grass. If trustworthy young talents want it, give it to them."
Though excited, Qian Xunji remained practical. He hadn't thought through how to allocate the remaining fairy grass yet.
Regarding the talented youths at the Martial Soul Hall Academy, honestly, he wasn't eager to hand out resources. Many grew dependent on the Hall's resources early on, only to leave later.
The Hall never forced anyone to stay. It gave its people freedom—whether to act alone or form their own forces. Even if they joined others, the Hall never opposed it, as long as they remembered the Hall's kindness.
But this wasn't something he could guarantee, especially with fairy products. News of them would surely attract greed.
Not out of fear, but to avoid unnecessary complications, the Hall only fully trusted the offerings, Qian Xunji, and a few elders.
Yueguan was secretly pleased to be entrusted with this task but still bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Pope. My subordinates will not disappoint you."
"Hmm."
Qian Xunji nodded, then handed two soul bones to Bibidong and Gu Han.
"You two, these are soul bones I personally obtained from the offerings. I hope you live up to the worshipers' trust and the Martial Soul Hall's expectations."
"Yes, Master! We will practice hard and live up to the master, the worshipers, and the Hall's careful cultivation!"
The senior sister and brother looked serious and determined.