บท 133: Joining the Spirit Hall
"Joining the Spirit Hall?"
Faced with Bibi Dong's invitation, Chen Xuan wasn't particularly surprised—he had long anticipated it.
Back in Heaven Dou, Qian Renxue had subtly tested him, trying to determine whether his allegiance lay with the Heaven Dou Empire or if he harbored greater ambitions.
"That's correct."
Bibi Dong smoothed her hair and said calmly, "Elder Yue Guan is quite fond of you. He's recommended you to me more than once. Are you willing?"
Chen Xuan remained composed. After a moment of reflection, he considered that the Spirit Hall's recruitment attempt was something he had foreseen and already deliberated on.
"Have you made your decision?" Bibi Dong's tone remained indifferent, showing no emotion, yet her eyes gleamed as she stared directly at Chen Xuan.
Chen Xuan felt uneasy. He deeply understood this woman's terrifying nature. Even her smiles carried hidden daggers.
Indeed, the Spirit Hall valued talent immensely and spared no expense in nurturing its prodigies. But this came with a condition: genuine loyalty. Agreeing to join meant a bright future, but refusal often spelled death within a month.
Rumors abounded across the continent. The Spirit Hall had extended invitations to many gifted youths. Those who declined met mysterious deaths shortly thereafter, with no cause ever found.
"What if I refuse?" Chen Xuan asked cautiously.
Bibi Dong smiled faintly, her eyes shining with a piercing light. "Why? Do you look down on my grand Spirit Hall?"
Her smile showed no anger at the prospect of rejection. Her gaze, deep and meaningful, lingered on Chen Xuan.
Chen Xuan clicked his tongue. The rumors were true—this woman was indeed a smiling tiger. He instinctively felt that refusing today would mean he wouldn't leave alive.
Still smiling, Bibi Dong said, "Think carefully, little one. If you miss this opportunity, you won't get another."
"I guess I don't really have a choice," Chen Xuan muttered, feeling exasperated.
This woman was undoubtedly a wolf in sheep's clothing. Her history was ruthless. If he dared utter the word "no" today, she'd surely snuff him out in the cradle.
"You're clever—far more so than Nana," Bibi Dong said with a faint smile, her gaze approving.
Chen Xuan knew she had her motives, but he had his own considerations. The beautiful woman who had once poisoned him had warned him never to join any faction. Now, he was curious to see what kind of sparks would fly between her and Bibi Dong. Perhaps, if they clashed, he could profit as a bystander.
Bibi Dong didn't overthink it. The Spirit Hall's strength was unmatched on the continent. If not for their current preparations, they would have launched their campaign to unify the land long ago.
In ten years, the Spirit Hall would begin its conquest. She was confident that within this time, Chen Xuan could be nurtured to the level of a Soul Douluo.
"Your Holiness, may I leave now?" Chen Xuan asked, eager to leave the oppressive atmosphere.
"You seem quite afraid of me," Bibi Dong remarked with an amused smile. She smoothed her hair before continuing, "Once the tournament concludes and you graduate from Shrek Academy, stay in Spirit City. I'll arrange for you to join the Golden Generation alongside Nana and the others."
"At that time, I'll give you a grand gift."
Chen Xuan could only grimace internally. A grand gift? More like a death sentence! When the tournament ended, he planned to run as far as possible. Stay in the wolf's den? Dream on.
"Then I'll thank Your Holiness in advance," Chen Xuan said, cupping his fists and mimicking the bow of the black-robed bishop from earlier.
One must bow under the eaves. For now, he had to play along and feign submission to Bibi Dong's oppressive authority.
"Alright, you may leave," Bibi Dong said with a wave, signaling his dismissal.
"Farewell!" Chen Xuan said, leaving the hall at lightning speed, not pausing for even a second.
Outside, Hu Liena and Xie Yue were waiting and spotted Chen Xuan as he exited.
Yan, brimming with hostility, was eager to provoke him but froze in place.
"Where did he go?" Yan's eyes widened in shock. The towering figure had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only faint ripples of light.
Under the noses of three Soul Kings, Chen Xuan had completely disappeared, leaving no aura behind.
"Interesting. As expected, anyone favored by Her Holiness is no ordinary person," Xie Yue remarked, a confident smile gracing his handsome features, his fighting spirit surging.
"What a surprising little brother," Hu Liena said seductively, her bright red lips and every gesture exuding charm.
Inside the grand, cold, and empty Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong sat alone.
"How is Xiao Gang doing now?" she asked, speaking into the air.
From the shadows, a figure emerged, eyes filled with reverence. "Reporting to Your Holiness: the Grandmaster was gravely injured and near death. However, after half a month of treatment, he is no longer in critical condition. However..."
"However what? Speak!" Bibi Dong's brows furrowed slightly, her tone already displeased.
The shadow hesitated before continuing. "Your Holiness, we've done everything possible, but his hand and foot tendons were severed and deliberately destroyed. There's no way to repair them. The Grandmaster is likely..."
He trailed off, not daring to finish for fear of angering her. He trusted she understood his meaning.
"You may leave," Bibi Dong said, her face dark. She already knew the answer.
The shadow vanished into the darkness, leaving no trace, as if he had never existed.
Bibi Dong's gaze turned icy. Her grip on her scepter tightened, veins bulging as the wood creaked under pressure. It was clear she was far from calm, her heart consumed by rage.
Meanwhile, Chen Xuan used the Flying Thunder God technique to escape, saving a great deal of time. He had already returned to his hotel, where the Shrek team had also reconvened after the day's elimination matches.
Three days passed quietly.
During this time, the Shrek team had a bye and didn't need to compete, instead observing other matches. Many formidable opponents emerged, while several familiar faces from the Heaven Dou Empire's teams were eliminated.
On the fourth day, Shrek's bye ended, and they faced a powerful opponent: the Star Luo Empire's seeded team—Star Luo Royal Academy.
At night, everyone gathered in the hall to discuss the upcoming match.
The Star Luo Royal Academy's captain, Davis, was a Level 49 Soul Master, nearly at the rank of Soul King. The vice-captain, Zhu Zhuyun, was slightly weaker but still an impressive Level 47. The rest of the team consisted entirely of Soul Masters.
To the Shrek team, it might just be another match. But to Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, it was a matter of life and death, tied to the royal power struggle within the Star Luo Empire.
For the two of them, losing to Davis and Zhu Zhuyun would mean falling into an abyss from which there was no return.
At this critical juncture, Zhu Zhuqing, normally cold and reserved, could no longer remain silent. Under everyone's puzzled gazes, she suddenly stood and approached Liu Erlong and Flender, bowing deeply.
"Dean Flender, Teacher Erlong, I know hiding our strength is important for Shrek, but this match is a matter of life and death for Mubai and me. I implore you—let the Shrek team use its full strength to face this challenge."
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