"Fengzhi, are you truly going to cooperate with the Spirit Hall Saint Child? Aren't you afraid that the foundation passed down through generations of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will be snatched away?"
Before Ning Fengzhi's desk, beside the white-haired yet youthful-looking Sword Douluo, a tall, gaunt man with a large frame standing over two meters tall—the other Titled Douluo powerhouse of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Bone Douluo—voiced his concerns.
"Uncle Bone, I have already considered this matter thoroughly during those days on the road," Ning Fengzhi shook his head, raising his eyes to explain. "If our partner were the Spirit Hall itself, then I would indeed share your worry. However, our cooperation partner has been cleverly set by the Spirit Hall Saint Child as the Longevity Pavilion he founded. To some extent, this avoids the very concern you have in mind."
"That's right, old bone," Sword Douluo nodded beside him. "Fengzhi and I have already discussed this. The function of the Longevity Pavilion within the Soul Master Realm is actually quite compatible with the nature of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. By cooperating with the Longevity Pavilion, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can preserve its unique characteristics as much as possible."
"What characteristics? Might makes right. Is this cooperation absolutely necessary?" Bone Douluo, having risen from the ranks of rogue cultivators, understood the law of the jungle in the Soul Master Realm all too well.
"Uncle Bone, precisely because it is a world where the strong prey on the weak, we should cooperate with the Spirit Hall Saint Child. Have you forgotten the terrifying talent of Ye Tian that we told you about? Even now, having only revealed his cultivation and Talent Domain during the Succession Ceremony, he is already hailed as the number one genius Soul Master in the world," Ning Fengzhi looked at Bone Douluo, sighed, his eyes still filled with emotion as he explained quietly. "But what the world does not know is that his Spirit Ring configuration, as well as his junior sister's Spirit Ring configuration and cultivation level, can be described as monstrous among monsters. The Pills in his possession can mass-produce peerless geniuses like his junior sister. By cooperating with him, is our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School not also seeking change and strength? As long as we firmly grasp this opportunity, why worry about not being able to survive in this law-of-the-jungle Soul Master Realm? He is the Saint Child. Even though he is only a Soul Venerable, his status alone means he has already established his influence. His every word and action can stir waves across this vast Soul Master Realm. What we can do is participate in his plans, get ahead of others, and board this fast ship."
Indeed, as the various forces returned to their strongholds, the cultivation and talent displayed by the Spirit Hall Saint Child had already spread throughout the entire Soul Master Realm. Having awakened his Martial Soul for only three years, as a Food-type Soul Master—the most difficult to cultivate—he had already become a level 38 Soul Venerable and had even awakened a Talent Domain.
Ye Tian's name as a genius now resounded throughout the entire Soul Master Realm. He was the undisputed number one genius!
In the eyes of many forces, the records for breaking through to Soul Grandmaster, Soul Venerable, and even the upcoming breakthroughs to Soul Grandmaster, Soul King, and even Soul Emperor would all be shattered and subsequently dominated by Ye Tian.
Ye Tian's prestige in the Soul Master Realm even overshadowed that of the new Pope, Bi Bi Dong.
"Ah! My brain."
Bone Douluo tugged at the sparse black hair on his head, unable to find any words to refute Ning Fengzhi, yet still feeling somewhat displeased.
"Old Bones, what's so hard to understand? Haven't you already tasted that kid's first and second soul skills? As Fengzhi said, as long as his cultivation reaches a higher level and he's willing, he can transform ordinary people into soul masters."
Sword Douluo crossed his arms, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.
"Even if they're just low-level soul masters, once he opens that door... this world is not short of ordinary people who yearn for the Soul Master Realm. Tsk tsk, if we ever become his enemies, it would mean opposing the entire Pan Continent. This is the trend of the times, a rewriting of the soul master profession."
"Hmph, Sword Guy, don't show off to me. Do you think I can't see it? I just haven't fully accepted it yet, haven't seen it with my own eyes..."
As he spoke, Bone Douluo tried to use his imagination but still couldn't picture a Soul Venerable standing before him with a Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring. His somewhat gaunt, almost withered face wore an expression of disbelief.
"I still can't believe that the Spirit Hall could possess a genius of this level? To make even Fengzhi, who always favors balance, unable to help but yield..."
"Uncle Bone, this isn't yielding, it's simply going with the flow."
Ning Fengzhi twitched the corner of his mouth, correcting him.
"Save that for outsiders, Fengzhi. Don't use your usual tactics on me."
Bone Douluo showed no mercy, cutting straight to the point.
Ning Fengzhi felt somewhat awkward.
"Haha... you old bones halfway into the grave, with your outdated mindset, it's normal you can't accept it."
Sword Douluo couldn't help but laugh, patting Bone Douluo's shoulder and teasing, "Let me loosen up your joints with my Seven Kill Sword, maybe then your brain will work better. In the end, you're just itching for a fight."
As soon as the words fell,
Bone Doulro immediately confronted him, battle intent flashing in his eyes.
But he didn't forget to retort.
"Hmph, Little Sword, haven't fought in over half a month, so your hands are itching, right? I don't believe that after seeing that kid's soul ring configuration, you're still as stiff as an iron lump. Bet your eyes nearly popped out."
"Hmph! Whether my eyes popped out or not, Fengzhi can testify."
Sword Douluo showed no fear, sword intent boiling in his eyes.
Ning Fengzhi, who was bent over examining the map, smiled helplessly without looking up. "Uncle Sword, I didn't have time to notice your expression then. Uncle Bone, I've already chosen the location. I'm afraid I'll need to trouble you to accompany me out later."
Ning Fengzhi seized the opportunity to end the confrontation between Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
Then he bent down again,
picked up a brush, and drew a red circle across the street from the Moon Pavilion.
This main street was of high standard.
With the Moon Pavilion there, those coming and going were all members of the nobility.
Indeed, a good location.
"No problem."
Bone Douluo shot a challenging glance at Sword Douluo before nodding in agreement.
Then he couldn't help but ask,
"Speaking of which, Fengzhi, why didn't this food system genius appear in our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? How wonderful it would be if we could recruit him."
"Uncle Bone, you must not do anything foolish."
Hearing Bone Douluo's words, Ning Fengzhi immediately looked up and cautioned, "Setting aside Ye Tian's status as the Pope's personal disciple and the Spirit Hall Saint Child, just considering his own capabilities alone—even attempting to harm him, let alone simply trying to win him over, would likely earn the Spirit Hall's resentment, perhaps even provoke a thunderous response."
"Ah, Fengzhi, don't be so tense. I was just thinking out loud," Bone Douluo waved his hand dismissively.
"..."
Though the speaker might not have meant it, the listener took it to heart. Ning Fengzhi's eyes flickered again as he thought of Zhao Rong'er, who had returned to her family home and had yet to come back, and the little life growing in her womb.
"Ah..." Ning Fengzhi sighed and shook his head.
Slowly rolling up the map in his hand, he prepared to leave with Bone Douluo.
"By the way, Fengzhi, should we inform the Po Clan about Yang Wushuang, the second-in-command of the Po Clan, to build some goodwill?" Sword Douluo suddenly called out to Ning Fengzhi.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi paused mid-step and shook his head without much thought. "No need. Right now, those Four Single-Attribute Clans are still under pressure from the Spirit Hall, struggling to protect themselves. Even if they knew, they couldn't do anything about it—it would only add to their worries."
As he spoke, Ning Fengzhi's eyes gradually brightened. "However, Sword Uncle, your words reminded me: perhaps we could contract the construction of the Longevity Pavilion to the Yu Clan in the name of our sect. That way, the positioning of the Longevity Pavilion would better align with the Saint Child's intentions."
"Oh? Fengzhi, that idea is indeed quite clever," Sword Douluo frowned slightly, quickly grasping the implications.
Just imagine: a Longevity Pavilion initiated by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, one of the Three Upper Sects, and constructed by the Yu Clan, which had been driven out like stray dogs by the Spirit Hall. Who in the entire Soul Master Realm would suspect that this Longevity Pavilion was actually the work of the Spirit Hall Saint Child?
"Fengzhi, you old fox, you're still as cunning as ever. And you'd also make the Yu Clan owe you a huge favor," Bone Douluo couldn't help but praise.
"I hope things can proceed smoothly. At this time, the Yu Clan is in a state of rebuilding from the ground up, so I imagine their enthusiasm for work is at its peak. Their efficiency should be excellent," Ning Fengzhi said, gripping his cane.
He rose from his seat, his face once again wearing that gentle, spring-like smile. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: places where the Spirit Hall Saint Child was absent were truly his comfort zone.
"Bone Uncle, let's go."
"..."
————————
Night gradually deepened.
Spirit Hall City, Wisteria Residence.
For the past seven days, even though Ye Tian had become the Saint Child, due to his young age, Bi Bi Dong's indulgence, and the tacit approval of the higher-ups, his life remained largely unchanged from before he became the Saint Child.
Apart from cultivation, it was pill refining.
Other trivial matters were practically nonexistent.
Through Ye Tian's efforts, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan now each possessed a Soul Ascension Pill, waiting to take it after breaking through to level 29.
The appearance of the Soul Ascension Pill undoubtedly ignited their passion for cultivation, driving them to practice tirelessly, even forgetting to eat and sleep.
"Senior Brother, why hasn't Teacher returned today? The food is getting cold," Hu Liena complained, resting her chin on her hands as she sat by the dining table. Her fox ears stood upright amidst her hair, and her two fox tails swayed gently.
Even during meals, she never neglected her cultivation.
Four chopsticks spun rapidly above her head, moving so fast that Ye Tian's naked eye could only catch afterimages.
When it came to cooking, with Hu Liena's control ability, she could indeed be considered a qualified master of the "two-pot style."
With Split Mind Control, it was like adding wings to a tiger.
"Perhaps there's some urgent matter that needs handling, which is why she's delayed."
Ye Tian propped his cheek on his hand, sitting somewhat lazily by the table, watching the chopsticks above Hu Liena's head and silently counting their rotations with a bored expression.
If he were to find out
that the auspicious location Ning Fengzhi had chosen for him was right across from the Moon Pavilion,
Ye Tian would probably come up with some devious idea again.
After all, what Ye Tian sought was merely longevity; he wasn't particularly enthusiastic about fighting and killing. When dealing with enemies, Ye Tian always adhered to a two-pronged strategy.
Not only must the enemy feel physical pain, but they must also experience deep-seated torment in their hearts.
Killing someone is as simple as a flick of the blade;
true torment has never been solely about attacking the body, but rather about tormenting the enemy's heart. Ye Tian loved to crush spirits the most!
Tang Yuehua, the mistress of the Moon Pavilion.
She would clearly make an excellent 'spirit-crushing weapon.'
"Oh~ alright."
Ye Tian's words made the fox ears on Hu Liena's head droop, and a look of disappointment appeared on her face.
Seeing Ye Tian idle beside her,
Hu Liena felt a pang of heartache and immediately transformed into a little comforter. The swaying fox tail behind her gently rested on the dining table and extended toward Ye Tian.
"Senior brother, if you're bored, you can play with Nana~"
Speaking softly and gently,
Hu Liena's cheeks, which she covered with her hands, grew somewhat hot, and her body movements became a bit awkward.
This made Ye Tian chuckle.
But the fox tail was indeed soft and resilient, and its fluffy texture was an added bonus.
Having two at the moment was just right.
Holding them in his hands, he could gallop an extra two miles.
"Then thank you, Nana."
Ye Tian smiled, naturally not refusing.
But he wasn't too rough either, simply treating the fluffy tail like a small pet, gently stroking it.
In essence, he was just caressing the fur on the fox tail.
Yet even so, as the fur trembled and the sensation traveled up the tail, it felt like an electric shock, sending waves of tingling numbness. The fur on the fox tail stood on end, making Hu Liena grit her teeth, and the chopsticks flying above her head became chaotic.
The fox ears on her head seemed to nod,
drooping and then perking up, then drooping again, repeatedly rising.
Finally, Hu Liena gradually adapted.
Enduring that strange sense of pleasure, she lowered her gaze, staring at her own small hands fiddling with the chopsticks, and asked curiously, "Senior brother~ don't you think that after teacher became Pope, she seems to have become much more normal?"
"Oh~ elaborate, in what way is she more normal?"
A cold, elegant woman's voice sounded from the second floor.
Ye Tian's playful handling of the fox tail stiffened, and he silently pushed Hu Liena's tail away, letting it fall from the table.
He even straightened his back considerably, sitting almost formally upright.
Hu Liena's mind was overwhelmed by the tingling sensation.
She hadn't yet processed what was happening, simply following the woman's question and answering, "Nana doesn't know either, it's just that teacher seems gentler, no longer having that terrifying sense of madness."
"Ahem!"
Ye Tian struggled to let out a dry cough.
Even though a jade-like hand had already climbed onto his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
But as her senior brother,
could he really stand by and do nothing?
Especially since he had just been playing with her fox tail—that alone meant he owed her a favor.
He had to save her!
"Senior brother, what's wrong?"
Hu Liena followed the sound of the dry cough and looked over. The first thing she saw was Ye Tian's hands, fingers interlaced on the table, followed by his handsome face, and then the third hand on his shoulder.
A third hand?!
Hu Liena realized belatedly, her eyes showing a hint of fear.
That jade-like hand was slender as scallion shoots, fair as polished jade.
Even though Ye Tian was also quite fair-skinned, Hu Liena remained clear-headed enough to recognize it.
The true owner of that jade-like hand!
Her pupils contracted slightly, the scene before her gradually magnifying.
"Ah! Teacher!"
Hu Liena let out a startled cry, her face turning deathly pale as she hurriedly stood up.
The chopsticks in her hair clattered onto the table.
Appearing before Hu Liena, behind Ye Tian, was none other than Bi Bi Dong, whom Hu Liena had just described as having become much more normal.
Clad in the Pope's exclusive Coronet Robe, wearing a purple-gold crown, and holding the Brilliant Golden Scepter.
She appeared lofty and unapproachable, radiating an imposing aura.
Her right hand gripping Ye Tian's shoulder, her proud, firm, and ample bosom hovered just above Ye Tian's head—a light bounce would have it dancing across his scalp.
Bi Bi Dong lowered her gaze, looking down at Hu Liena, her authoritative voice icy and cold.
"Do you think I've become normal?"
"Ah, no, no—ah, not yes, no—ah, wu!"
Hu Liena stammered incoherently, nearly choking on her words.
Saying "no" was wrong, saying "yes" was even worse. She was on the verge of tears, hastily pleading with a desperate expression:
"Teacher, Nana knows she was wrong... wu~"
"..."
Bi Bi Dong watched Hu Liena's tearful expression and raised an elegant eyebrow. The anger that had surged within her over Hu Liena's attempt to seduce Ye Tian gradually dissipated, quenched by the tears that had yet to fall.
After all, she was just a young girl.
Now, as the Pope, there was no need for her to hold a grudge against Hu Liena over such matters.
Besides,
ever since learning from Ye Tian,
Bi Bi Dong knew she truly had some issues.
If Ye Tian said so, it couldn't be wrong.
"You're quite quick to beg for mercy, aren't you? But don't let me see you acting so spineless again. You are now a disciple of the Spirit Hall Pope."
Bi Bi Dong spoke calmly.
"Yes, yes, Teacher, Nana will remember. Next time, I won't beg for mercy!"
Hu Liena immediately nodded repeatedly.
What "become normal"? It had all been her illusion.
The teacher hadn't changed at all—still as mad as ever!
Only senior brother could handle her!
"Heh~ Teacher, since you're back, why don't you sit down and eat? Otherwise, the food will get cold."
Ye Tian glanced back slightly, reminding her.
Smack!
A crisp sound echoed by his ear, and Ye Tian's forced smile froze on his face.
Bi Bi Dong's jade-like hand had lightly patted him.
Covering his right cheek.
"Having fun?"
A teasing question whispered in Ye Tian's ear.
There was no anger, only a smile that concealed a blade.
But the blade was hidden quite directly, without any other signs of madness.
In truth, Hu Liena wasn't wrong.
Bi Bi Dong had indeed become a bit more normal.
And all of this was thanks to Ye Tian's company over the past few nights. Having lent his knees, shoulders, and even his chest—leaving him sore and aching—how could Bi Bi Dong's mood not be good?
And that good mood continued to linger.
Take now, for example.
Even though Bi Bi Dong's smile hid a knife, Ye Tian didn't feel much sense of danger.
He casually found an excuse and replied:
"Just a joke between senior and junior."
Bi Bi Dong teased, "A joke? It better be a joke. If I find out that you, as the senior, have a bright path ahead but choose to toy with your junior's feelings—or even her body—I've prepared a dark, narrow road just for you."
"Of course, it's a joke."
Ye Tian nodded.
Standing beside them, Hu Liena suddenly blushed deeply, her two fox tails and the fox ears on her head standing straight up. She glanced shyly at Ye Tian.
She desperately wanted to clarify for Ye Tian, to tell Bi Bi Dong,
that her big brother Ye Tian could do anything he wanted to her, but in her heart, that could never be called toying. It was simply the most natural form of affection.
She was willing to do anything for her senior.
However,
as soon as she met Bi Bi Dong's gaze,
Hu Liena immediately lowered her head in fear, raising her hands to pinch her earlobes,
not daring to move a muscle.
"Heh~"
Bi Bi Dong looked at the unthreatening Hu Liena and chuckled softly. Her jade-like hand rubbed Ye Tian's face and gave it a gentle pinch. Then, with a wave of her sleeve, she stored the purple-gold crown on her head, the scepter in her hand, and the heavy crown robe into her Soul Guidance Device.
"Alright, sit down and eat."
Bi Bi Dong instructed Hu Liena and took a seat opposite Y
He absolutely did not want Qian Renxue and Bi Bi Dong to fight each other.
And Qian Renxue definitely would not want to see her either.
Therefore,
Bi Bi Dong gave Qian Renxue two options.
Either become the Saintess of the Papal Hall, or carry out the plan.
Of course, she only spoke these words to Qian Daoliu.
Everything was still uncertain,
but Bi Bi Dong believed that if nothing unexpected happened, Qian Renxue would definitely choose to go to the Heaven Dou Empire to execute the plan.
Because,
Bi Bi Dong knew of the existence of the Walking Corpse Pill.
To ensure absolute success,
she specifically mentioned this pill to Qian Daoliu.
To carry out this mission, there was no need to even use the Qian Family's Inheritance Spirit Bone.
All that was required was administering the medicine on time every day.
Apart from being unable to stay in Spirit Hall City, it would not affect Qian Renxue in the slightest. Bi Bi Dong could not imagine how Qian Renxue could refuse this legacy plan from her dead ghost of a father.
Just thinking about it made Bi Bi Dong unable to suppress the corners of her mouth.
Ye Tian, however, furrowed his brows.