Chapter 61 — Bibi Dong: Xiaogang, Why Do You Act Like a Dog?
Wuming had only made a single move in the Soul Master Tournament, yet with overwhelming power, he crushed the Shrek Team—even though they had a five-ring Soul King.
And he did it without releasing a single soul ring.
This young soul master with a Body Martial Soul posed a true threat to Bibi Dong. Suddenly, Spirit Hall Academy's championship didn't seem as guaranteed as before.
He had become an obstacle that needed to be removed—regardless of his status as a Royal Academy student.
Salas also reported Tang San's situation to Bibi Dong.
Aside from Wuming, Tang San was the brightest star among all competitors in the Heaven Dou division.
A five-ring Soul King, Dark Blue Silver Grass, an external soul bone—Eight Spider Lances—and even flight ability.
Except for his second martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San had displayed all his known abilities.
Without Wuming, Tang San would have been the undisputed number one genius of the Heaven Dou division.
He was indeed exceptional, but Bibi Dong didn't take him seriously.
However, when she learned that the Shrek team's supervising teacher was Yu Xiaogang, a faint ripple stirred in her heart.
"Fourteen years old… and he cultivated Blue Silver Grass to the Soul King level. Xiaogang, is this the outstanding student you trained? After all these years, you're still just as brilliant…"
Though Bibi Dong despised Yu Xiaogang, she thought about him constantly.
This conflicting emotion trapped her deeply—unable to escape, unable to let go.
"Xiaogang, no matter what, I'll make sure the Shrek Academy team reaches the final three. That way, I can witness your talent again. But the final championship will belong to Spirit Hall. You're destined to be disappointed."
Bibi Dong knew that Wuming alone had crushed Shrek.
To prevent them from losing to him again, she planned to eliminate Wuming herself—for Yu Xiaogang.
From intelligence reports, she also learned about the annihilation of the Strength Clan and that Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo were responsible.
She didn't quite understand why those two were targeting blacksmiths—first cutting off Lou Gao's arm, then wiping out the Strength Clan, who specialized in forging.
But those matters had nothing to do with her and didn't affect Spirit Hall, so she didn't bother to care.
Right now, winning the tournament was all that mattered.
Soon after, Bibi Dong summoned Spirit Kite Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo.
After Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo left Spirit Hall, these two had become her strongest and most trusted subordinates.
"I called you here because there is an important task that needs to be done."
Bibi Dong's cold voice echoed through the Pope's Palace, sending chills down one's spine.
"Your Majesty, the Pope, please give your command."
"In the Heaven Dou Empire's division, a prodigy has appeared. His name is Wuming. He has a strange Body Martial Soul, fought only once, released no soul rings, and his power was enough to force every team to surrender without a fight."
Hearing this, Spirit Kite Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo exchanged looks.
Ghost Leopard Douluo spoke first:
"Your Majesty, the Pope, for such a powerful young soul master to exist in the Heaven Dou Empire… he must be eliminated!"
"That is exactly the task I'm giving you. This person must not be allowed to live. Bring more men, do it cleanly. Remember—leave no evidence."
"Understood!"
"Go. Carry it out as soon as possible."
"Yes!"
The two left the Pope's Palace.
Watching their retreating figures, Bibi Dong shook her head slightly and sighed.
"If only Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were still here. This task should have been theirs—I would have been far more at ease. Unfortunately, those two ungrateful traitors actually betrayed me…"
After preparations were complete, Spirit Kite Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo led a large group of experts to ambush Wuming on his route.
A few days later.
Yu Xiaogang finally arrived at Spirit City.
Holding an Elder Token, he passed through every checkpoint without obstruction and made his way straight to the Pope's Palace.
After so many years, Yu Xiaogang's figure once again entered Bibi Dong's line of sight. In that instant, her heart surged like a storm crashing upon the shore—wild, chaotic, and impossible to calm.
However, she was now the exalted Pope, a figure above all others. She could only force down the turmoil in her heart and maintain a façade of cold serenity.
"Yu Xiaogang, it has indeed been a long time. What business brings you here today?"
Yu Xiaogang looked at Bibi Dong. Emotions too tangled to describe flickered in his eyes.
Time had passed, yet it seemed to treat Bibi Dong with extraordinary kindness—leaving not the slightest trace upon her face. Ever since she ascended to the position of Pope, her aura of dignity and authority had only enhanced her irresistible charm.
Facing the lover of his youth, Yu Xiaogang had countless things to say, yet for a moment, he didn't know where to begin.
But Bibi Dong's icy words were like a bucket of freezing water poured straight over his heart, instantly dragging him out of his daze.
He took a deep breath and bowed.
"Bibi Dong… it has been many years, yet you remain unchanged, as beautiful as ever."
His words carried a faint note of flattery.
But Bibi Dong showed no sign of appreciating it.
"Is that so? Yet you… have long lost the shine of your youth. All I see is age written all over you."
"Bi… Your Holiness, are you… doing well?" Yu Xiaogang asked cautiously.
A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corner of Bibi Dong's lips.
"As the Pope of the Spirit Hall, honored by millions, why would I not be well? On the other hand, you look as though life hasn't treated you kindly."
Her sarcasm was a blade, sharp and merciless, stabbing straight into Yu Xiaogang's chest—painful enough to suffocate.
Back then, they had loved each other deeply, yet their relationship ended in bitterness and misunderstanding.
Yu Xiaogang had always believed Bibi Dong left him because she grew tired of his mediocrity.
Later, after meeting Liu Erlong, he was finally able to slowly let go of that past.
But now, seeing Bibi Dong again, he could clearly feel the hatred in her eyes.
He truly didn't know what unforgivable wrong he had committed.
"Bibi Dong, I… came here to request your aid. Could we perhaps… speak calmly?"
"Yu Xiaogang, remember your place. I am no longer the naïve, innocent girl from back then. Now, you should address me as 'Your Holiness the Pope.'"
"Yes… Your Holiness."
Yu Xiaogang lowered his head, humble—almost like a beaten dog.
Seeing the proud man who once stood tall before her now reduced to such a state stirred a sharp satisfaction in Bibi Dong's heart. Yet behind that satisfaction was a faint, inexplicable ache.
"Enough. Speak. Why have you come?"
Although her tone was indifferent, there was a trace of concern hidden beneath it—so subtle it was nearly impossible to perceive.
Yu Xiaogang raised his head and said:
"In this year's Continental Soul Master Tournament, a student has appeared in the Heaven Dou division—someone who shouldn't exist. I believe you've already received news of him?"
"You mean… Wuming?"
"That's right. Him. This person is incredibly mysterious, possessing an extremely rare Body Martial Soul. He never released a single soul ring, yet his strength is at least that of a Soul Saint. I can't help but doubt—does he truly look like a seventeen-year-old? Could his appearance have been altered through some special ability of his Body Martial Soul? Perhaps… his true goal is the three soul bones awarded to the champions."
—
End of Chapter