The self-sacrifice of the soul beast, combined with the explosive energy from the immortal herb Gu Han had consumed earlier, instantly pushed his soul power to level 39—just one step away from becoming a Soul Sect.
After being tempered by the Ice and Fire, today's Gu Han was practically reborn. At this pace, it would take only a few days to break through again.
Upon confirming his soul power level, Yueguan sighed.
"You two shot up so many levels in one go. Forget Donger—her background always been a mystery, even to some Soul Douluo.
"But you, Xiaohan, are different. You're still a student. If news of such a sudden jump spreads, some with ill intentions will dig into your details, leak them, and stir up trouble.
"So… once you return, His Holiness will probably hide your light as well."
"I've already considered that."
Gu Han nodded. Jumping from level 23 to 39 overnight would definitely raise eyebrows. Once they were back, Qian Xunji wouldn't let him stay in the Martial Soul Academy any longer.
And that wasn't the only issue. The three upper sects and the Martial Soul Hall had a long history of intercepting each other's young talents.
This wasn't paranoia—it was reality. It was also one of the reasons Qian Xunji kept Bibidong so carefully hidden.
A genius was only a seed with potential, not a tree. Many such seeds never made it to maturity on this continent.
"If you can't learn it, don't push it." Bibidong waved her small hand dismissively, then tiptoed up to pat Gu Han's shoulder with mock solemnity. "Brother, you'll practice with me from now on. If you get stuck, we'll ask the Master together."
"Senior sister is right." Gu Han smiled.
"Hehe, nothing wrong with that. And in the future, you'll have even more time to tell me stories."
Bibidong's pretty face lit up, her eyes lively and playful. Just thinking that her younger brother would spend more time spinning tales for her made her almost giddy. No more having to savor each story in short bursts—soon she could listen for hours.
Gu Han smiled outwardly but was speechless inside. Was he just a walking story machine to her?
Still, when he saw that mischievous grin, he didn't mind. A few extra stories were nothing.
She might be sly and spirited, but Bibidong was still a child—easily distracted. If she liked the Sword Fairy so much, then fine—he'd teach her swordsmanship, along with channeling soul power through weapons.
And maybe… she'd even owe him a favor for it.
"Brother, what's with that look?"
Bibidong caught him staring thoughtfully, puffed her cheeks, planted one hand on her hip, and jabbed a finger into his chest.
"Spill it—are you plotting something against me?"
"Uh…"
He hadn't been, but having her call him out made him feel strangely guilty.
"Hmm?"
She tiptoed closer, her flawless little face inches away, eyes brimming with curiosity and mischief.
Gu Han quickly coughed into his hand. "Senior sister, we're still young. I was just wondering… if our teacher knew swordsmanship, would the Master let me learn it?"
"Really?"
Hearing he didn't outright refuse, Bibidong's eyes brightened—though she quickly masked it with a mock-suspicious squint.
"Really."
"Then it's settled! When we get back, you'll teach me swordsmanship. I'll be like the Sword Fairy from your stories—riding the wind and slaying demons across the land!"
She turned her back dramatically, pointing to the sky as if declaring an oath.
"There she goes again…"
Yueguan had been watching the exchange with interest, but seeing her dive back into her fantasies, he could only sigh.
The Ghost Douluo's lips twitched in a half-smile, half-grimace.
Gu Han's lips curled upward. As easy to fool as always.
Not that he was just playing along—he fully intended to teach her. Even if her martial soul had nothing to do with swords, that didn't matter. Raise the soul power high enough, and everything else could follow.
There was no rule saying one couldn't blend sword arts with a martial soul.
Soul power was energy—whether used as internal force, spiritual force, or to empower weapons, it could be devastating.
Even Tang San's hidden weapons, so often criticized in martial arts tales, could pierce divine defenses. A sword, enhanced with the right craftsmanship and soul power, would be no weaker.
He even thought the Pope's scepter in her future hands could be reforged from the right metal into a formidable blade—if she wanted.
Gu Han had noticed that while Bibidong was bright and confident, she carried a quiet sense of inferiority toward her own martial soul. That explained why she resisted using it in battle.
Though hers was a top-tier beast martial soul, she loved beauty and elegance—hardly qualities she saw in a pair of spider spirits.
Overcoming that mindset would take time. Better to redirect her focus and fan her enthusiasm for training her soul power.
Because in the end, on this continent, soul power was absolute.
Look at Sword Douluo Chen Xin's father—level 98, a fearsome Nine-Slaying master. Even Golden Crocodile Douluo couldn't best him.
Yet in front of Qian Daoliu, a level 99 Limit Douluo, all skill was meaningless before overwhelming power. Even Chen Xin's father couldn't crack Qian Daoliu's shield at full strength.
With Bibidong's talent, even without relying on her martial soul—and with the help of immortal herbs—reaching level 99 was only a matter of time.
As for the Rakshasa God? Gu Han thought it best she never set foot in the Slaughter Capital.
He remembered the god being stingy—not even granting a full soul ring age or divine soul ring. Its divine will also warped one's temperament, for reasons unknown. Best to avoid it entirely.
Not just for her—he had no plans to go there himself.
The so-called Killing Field? It was hardly the only one on the continent. And with his martial soul approaching the ultimate ice attribute, his own domain would manifest naturally—no need to borrow someone else's.
And even if he had no domain at all?
So what.
With the sword in his hand, Gu Han had full confidence he could cut down any enemy who stood before him.