The undercurrents within the Spirit Hall were far more turbulent than Ling Ye had imagined.
Inside the Papal Palace, Bibi Dong had just suppressed the Rakshasa divine power within her body, which was somewhat agitated due to emotional fluctuations, when an old man dressed in a golden elder's robe arrived uninvited.
He was not as respectful as Guiju and the other two; he merely nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as a hawk's.
"Your Holiness the Pope." The old man's voice was loud and clear, carrying an unquestionable air of authority.
He is the second-in-command of the Hall of Offerings, the Golden Crocodile Douluo, and a loyal follower of Qian Daoliu.
A barely perceptible hint of annoyance flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes, but her expression remained icy: "Elder Jin'e, what is it?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo stared directly at Bibi Dong and slowly said, "Recently, the Papal Palace has been making frequent moves. Ghost and Moon Pass seem to be secretly investigating something. The Grand Elder heard that His Majesty seemed to be unwell some time ago, so he specially ordered me to come and inquire whether the Hall of Offerings is needed?"
The words seemed concerned, but in reality they were putting pressure on and testing the waters.
"That old bastard Qian Daoliu is indeed keeping an eye on me all the time!" Bibi Dong thought with a cold smile.
"This matter is none of your concern, Elder." Bibi Dong's voice was completely calm. "It's just a matter of purging a group of traitors and rectifying internal discipline. It's a trivial matter. The Hall of Worship should focus on the glory of the Angel God."
Her words were watertight, directly characterizing the matter as an internal rectification, silencing Golden Crocodile Douluo, while subtly implying that the Hall of Offerings had overstepped its bounds.
Golden Crocodile Douluo frowned slightly. He could sense that Bibi Dong was hiding something. The faint killing intent and deeply hidden emotional fluctuations were definitely not just about reorganizing the internal affairs.
But the Pope remained adamant, and he had no concrete evidence to press for an answer.
"In that case, I will report back to the Grand Elder as truthfully." Golden Crocodile Douluo gave Bibi Dong a deep look. "I hope they are just some 'parasites.' The Spirit Hall is going through a turbulent time, and Your Majesty should prioritize the overall situation."
After saying that, he turned and left, the hem of his golden robe drawing a cold, hard arc.
Bibi Dong watched his disappearing figure, a cold glint flashing in her beautiful eyes.
Sendou-ryu! One day, I will uproot you old bastards!
Meanwhile, far away in the Heaven Dou Empire's imperial palace, Qian Renxue, who was infiltrating under the identity of Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe," also received a secret report from the Spirit Hall.
In the secret chamber, she shed her gentle and refined prince disguise, revealing her originally stunningly beautiful and aloof face.
She looked at the intelligence sent by her trusted aide, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.
"The Pope was secretly injured? Ghost Chrysanthemum Douluo is conducting a massive covert search? Even Grandpa Golden Crocodile has intervened?" She muttered to herself, her fingertips lightly tapping the table. "What is my 'good mother' up to now?"
She felt no maternal affection for Bibi Dong whatsoever; only competition, vigilance, and even hatred towards her.
Any unusual occurrences involving Bibi Dong would attract her close attention.
"Is it because the Soul Hunting Plan was thwarted? Or is there a problem with her own cultivation?" Qian Renxue pondered. "Or... is there something even more that cannot be told to outsiders?"
She keenly sensed that this might be an opportunity.
An opportunity to seize on Bibi Dong's weaknesses, weaken her prestige, or even bring her down.
"Pass down the order," Qian Renxue instructed the shadowy figure, "have our men also secretly keep an eye on the Papal Palace's movements, especially any unusual activity by His Holiness the Pope recently. Remember, absolute secrecy is crucial; do not alert them."
"Yes, young master." A respectful reply came from the shadows.
Qian Renxue walked to the window, gazing in the direction of Wuhun City, her eyes deep and cold: "Bibi Dong, whatever you are hiding, I will dig it out."
Meanwhile, Ling Ye, who had left the city, was resting in a secluded cave in the wilderness.
He toyed with the iron badge of the Spirit Hall between his fingers, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a slight smile appeared on his lips, and he said softly, "Since you're here, come out."
From the shadows at the cave entrance, a seductive figure slowly emerged—it was Hu Liena.
She had changed out of her tight-fitting clothes and was now wearing casual clothes. She had lost some of the aloofness of the Spirit Hall elite and gained more of a woman's gentle charm. Her gaze towards Ling Ye was extremely complex, containing awe, a trace of fear, but more than anything, a kind of submission after being conquered.
"Master," she whispered, her face slightly flushed.
That spiritual imprint and the absolute difference in strength had completely won her over.
"What's going on with the Spirit Hall?" Ling Ye asked.
Hu Liena immediately reported respectfully: "His Holiness the Pope seems to have recovered from his injuries, but his emotions are extremely unstable. He has ordered the two Douluo Gui and Ju to secretly investigate what happened that night. The commotion is quite large and has already attracted the attention of the Grand Elder. Today, Douluo Jin'e even went to the Papal Palace..." She recounted the situation in detail as she knew it.
After listening, Ling Ye nodded; it was pretty much as he had expected.
Bibi Dong was not going to let it go, and the power struggle within the Spirit Hall was stirred up as a result.
"You did a good job," Ling Ye praised. "What about the investigation into that minor bishop?"
"It's all been taken care of. All records about you have been destroyed, and he won't bother you again," Hu Liena said quickly, her tone carrying a hint of self-satisfaction.
"Very good." Ling Ye smiled with satisfaction and waved.
Hu Liena obediently walked to his side and nestled into his arms.
Feeling the vast and majestic aura emanating from Ling Ye, she not only did not resist, but her body became slightly hot and her eyes became hazy.
"He smelled so good, I felt like taking a bite out of him."
Her mind and body were completely conquered, and she had no defenses against Ling Ye.
Inside the cave, the firelight flickered, and the atmosphere gradually warmed up.
...
Nothing was said that night.
The next morning, Hu Liena served Ling Ye as he got up like the most docile cat, her eyes full of affection.
I never expected that contact with Ling Ye could improve my soul power.
The terrifying speed at which soul power was executed last night,
She almost fainted several times.
And it hit the bottleneck several times.
They succeeded at the last minute.
"Go back and continue to keep an eye on the Spirit Hall's movements, especially those of Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue," Ling Ye instructed.
"Yes, Master," Hu Liena replied respectfully, giving him one last lingering look. Though reluctant to leave, she obediently departed, her figure disappearing into the morning mist.
Ling Ye felt his soul power increase slightly, and looked in the direction where Hu Liena had disappeared, his gaze deep.
The chess piece has been placed, and he has stirred up the waters of the Spirit Hall more and more murky.
Next, it's time to seize the time to cultivate and strive to reach level 40 as soon as possible, and then go to obtain the fourth soul ring.
Moreover, it might be a good opportunity to make contact with the Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe" who is lurking in the Heaven Dou Empire.
A playful smile appeared on his lips.
(End of chapter)