On the plaza—
A sphere of dark-purple light suddenly condensed.
Within a few breaths, the light swirled, and Li Zhexian and Qian Renxue stepped out hand in hand.
The youth, clad in white, carried a lotus-like purity. His gaze was bright, as though a sheathed sword rested within, hiding a world-shaking sharpness.
Behind the young girl, Angel Wings fluttered gently. Her beauty was unearthly, her expression both cold and holy.
Only when her eyes fell upon the youth beside her did they soften into a smile capable of toppling cities.
Such a stunning pair appearing at once—
Not to mention, the terrifying might of Li Zhexian's earth-shattering sword strike in the secret realm still lingered in everyone's minds.
...
Outside the plaza—
The crowd first fell dead silent.
Then exploded into uproar.
"Li Zhexian finally came out!"
"A peerless beauty paired with a heaven-defying prodigy—truly a match made in heaven!"
"What a terrifying sword! He cut off the Scythe Demon Shadow's arm in one strike! Li Zhexian's sword is even sharper than before!"
"To have Titled-level strength at barely twenty… he's monstrous!"
"Tell me—what Titled Douluo would dare clash with him head-on now?!"
Not far away—
Atop a tall building—
Several Clear Sky Clan elders and Tang San hid behind the railing.
"He's grown even stronger!"
The Fifth Elder, Tang Gang, clenched his fists so tightly his bones crackled.
"All of this—Old Seventh's death, the humiliation of our sect—was caused by him!"
"If we don't eliminate him soon, he will become our greatest threat!"
The Second Elder, Tang Yue, stared into the distance at the white-robed youth being welcomed by Chen Xin, Feng Bailong, and others. He gritted his teeth:
"Li Zhexian has spread his wings!"
"All these powers possessing Titled Douluo are on good terms with him!"
"Even if I were to personally take action, capturing him would be… difficult!"
"When we return to the sect, everything must be discussed with the Sect Master."
For a moment—
The air inside the building grew heavy as iron.
Tang Yue's peripheral vision swept aside—only to see Tang San looking calm, as if none of this concerned him.
His tiger-like eyes narrowed sharply, fury igniting.
Boom—!
Several Spirit-Power-imbued ore stones shot toward Tang San.
"The sect suffers humiliation and you don't care at all?!"
"If we hadn't wasted time gathering these worthless stones for you—"
"I wouldn't have been late to support them!"
"Old Seventh might not have died!!"
Enraged—
The strength of a Titled Douluo's body erupted.
The ore stones tore through the air like arrows.
Tang San's expression changed drastically. Not daring to be careless, he unleashed his Level-61 Spirit Power and used the Tang Sect's ultimate technique—Jade Hands
His palms turned jade-white, absorbing force with Tang Sect skill as he attempted to catch the flying stones bare-handed.
But—
A Title Douluo striking in rage… how could it be withstood?!
The moment the stones touched his palms, Tang San's face twisted.
Bang!
Bang!
A series of muffled impacts.
His entire right arm cracked loudly; he stumbled backward again and again.
Every step sank into the wooden floor, until he slammed into a pillar, shaking the entire building.
Seeing Tang San kneeling on one knee, blood at the corner of his mouth, the Elders looked down coldly:
"You and Li Zhexian belong to the same generation."
"Li Zhexian's body has reached a flawless, no-leak realm, yet you cannot even withstand a few stones thrown by this old man."
"Tang San…"
"Compared to Li Zhexian—"
"You are nothing but a trash."
Tang San panted heavily. The agony of his shattered right arm pierced to the bone—
but it was nothing compared to the humiliation of the word "trash."
His head lowered, dark blue hair covering his expression; only blood dripped onto the floor.
A long moment passed.
He trembled, then raised his left hand and forced himself to salute, voice hoarse:
"Tang San…"
"Thanks Second Elder for the teaching."
"Your words today—I will remember them."
Seeing Tang San's docile attitude, Tang Yue had no reason to continue punishing him. He snorted coldly and turned away.
"Your strength is too weak. If you remain in the sect, you will only dull your determination."
"From today onward—you are to leave the Clear Sky Clan. Go out and temper yourself."
"I will report this matter to the Sect Master myself."
"…Yes."
Tang San answered softly, clutching his broken arm as he staggered away.
"We should leave as well."
Tang Yue's gaze drifted far away, landing on the white-robed youth. Deep within his eyes, a sharp killing intent flashed.
"After returning, our top priority is to inform the Sect Master that the Worship Hall is suspected to be emerging."
"If necessary, the Clear Sky Clan should avoid this sharp edge."
"We might need to hide from the world once more."
..
On the other side of the plaza—
Li Zhexian and Qian Renxue had already taken their seats in the Wind Sword Sect's area.
He smiled and cupped his hands to Chen Xin, Feng Bailong, Dugu Bo, and the others who rose to greet him:
"Thank you, seniors, for your concern."
Ning Fengzhi replied warmly:
"As long as you're safe."
Before they could finish exchanging greetings—
Li Zhexian suddenly sensed something and lifted his gaze toward the throne.
Bibi Dong was looking back at that exact moment.
Even with the jade hair ornaments between them—
Li Zhexian could clearly feel Bibi Dong's gaze.
Even with Qian Renxue beside him—
The strange, chilling smile at her lips did not fade in the slightest.
What shocked Li Zhexian even more was the oppressive force spreading from her—
As if an abyss had descended.
As if the Rakshasa herself had come to pass judgment.
"She's perfectly completed the Rakshasa God Trial…"
A chill ran through Li Zhexian's heart.
In the future, Bibi Dong might become even more terrifying than she was in the original timeline.
Dugu Bo's low voice echoed in his mind:
"Zhexian, be careful. That woman's condition isn't normal."
Li Zhexian nodded slightly.
Just as everyone was about to speak—
Dark-purple Spirit Power gathered above Spirit Hall City, forming a massive bell suspended in the heavens.
Bibi Dong rose to her feet.
Her sleeve swept fiercely.
CLANG—!!!
The bell's peal shook the entire city, echoing with her majestic voice:
"The Seven Sect Re-Selection Ceremony ends today in complete success."
"Congratulations to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Wind Sword Sect for ascending as the new Upper Three Sects."
"As all remaining sects have been eliminated, the Lower Four Sects will be reselected at a later date."
As her voice fell—
All Spirit Masters throughout the city bowed and shouted:
"We obey Your Holiness the Pope!"
The powerhouses of various sects exchanged looks, then also bowed reluctantly.
When the noise subsided—
Bibi Dong spoke again.
But her next words made Li Zhexian, Ning Fengzhi, and the others instantly pale.
"Since the Upper Three Sects now stand established, they must set an example for all sects and share responsibility for the affairs of the continent."
"Upon this auspicious day, I, the Pope, hereby proclaim to the world—"
"For a thousand years, Spirit Hall has been trusted by Spirit Masters across the land. Spirit City is revered as the Holy City."
"To promote the prosperity of Spirit Masters—starting today, Spirit Hall establishes a nation."
"The nation shall be called: 'Spirit.'
The era shall be called: 'Soul Dawn.'"
The entire city fell dead silent.
Then erupted in thunderous celebration:
"Congratulations to Her Holiness the Pope!" ×3
"Congratulations to the Spirit Empire!" ×3
From both sides of the plaza—
Ranks of Spirit Masters marched in, their coordinated steps shaking the earth.
A vast tide of Spirit Power surged into the heavens, forming clouds of seven-colored brilliance that pressed upon the skies above Spirit City.
Many sect powerhouses glanced at the silent Li Zhexian and his group, then sighed helplessly as they bowed:
"Congratulations to Her Holiness the Pope!" ×3
"Congratulations to the Spirit Empire!" ×3
Bibi Dong lifted her arms gently, waves of immense Spirit Power sweeping out, lifting all present back to their feet.
Her hands folded before her.
Her gaze returned to where Li Zhexian and the others sat.
Her gentle voice exploded like thunder in everyone's ears:
"Honored members of the Upper Three Sects."
"I, the Pope, have founded a nation and proclaimed myself Empress."
"Why do you…
not offer congratulations?"