"Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope!"
The three of them bowed respectfully to Bibi Dong.
During the past half year, all three had been wholly devoted to their special training — rising early, returning late, and rarely having time for anything else. As a result, they had seldom seen Bibi Dong in person.
"Rise."
A gentle smile appeared on Bibi Dong's face, her tone calm and composed.
"Teacher Lin tells me that over the past six months, through persistent and rigorous training, your combat abilities have greatly improved — to the point that you now possess the strength to contend with a Soul King–level opponent."
"Your Holiness, that's all thanks to Teacher Lin's excellent instruction," Xie Yue replied respectfully on behalf of the three.
Bibi Dong's gaze swept across them one by one before she continued:
"Although you've made commendable progress, you must not become arrogant or complacent. To help you take another step forward, Teacher Lin has proposed that you undergo practical experience in the Great Spirit Arena — and I find this to be an excellent idea."
Hearing this, Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena exchanged delighted glances, their eyes shimmering with anticipation and excitement.
Bibi Dong immediately caught the eagerness in their eyes — the three of them were clearly brimming with longing for the upcoming journey of real combat experience.
"Teacher Lin also suggested that the three of you should train separately in different arenas to stimulate a sense of competition among you. Since the Spirit Hall currently has no pressing matters, I've decided to assign Elder Chrysanthemum and Elder Ghost to accompany and protect you on this mission."
After saying this, Bibi Dong surveyed the six people gathered in the hall and began giving specific orders.
"Elder Chrysanthemum will protect Nana in secret. Elder Ghost will accompany Xie Yue. As for Yan — Teacher Lin, you'll be responsible for him."
As soon as Bibi Dong spoke, both Lin Zhendong and Yue Guan turned their eyes toward Yan. Yan also looked at Yue Guan.
From the subtle expressions and gestures between the three, Bibi Dong sensed that something was amiss.
"What is it? Do you have any objections to this arrangement?"
Yan drew in a deep breath and stepped forward with resolve.
"Your Holiness, I request to travel with Elder Chrysanthemum."
Yan understood very well that if he were to encounter Dugu Bo in the Sunset Forest while under Lin Zhendong's supervision, he would have no chance of victory.
That was why he had to seize this opportunity to travel alongside Yue Guan.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure appearing on her face.
"Yan, why do you wish to accompany Elder Chrysanthemum?"
"In reply to Your Holiness — I've been studying botany under Elder Chrysanthemum's guidance. I was hoping to visit the Sunset Forest with him to conduct some field research."
"Oh?"
Bibi Dong glanced at Yan and Yue Guan with a faint trace of puzzlement before regaining her composure.
Xie Yue and Hu Liena exchanged astonished looks — only now did they realize the real reason Yan had visited Yue Guan the previous night. So he'd already been planning this.
Seeing this, Yue Guan immediately stepped forward to explain.
"Your Holiness, what he says is true. Yan has been studying plants for half a year now and has made considerable progress."
"Half a year already?"
Bibi Dong's tone carried both surprise and mild disapproval.
Clearly, she hadn't expected Yan to have such an intense interest in plants and herbs.
"Yan, you should know what's most important for you at this stage. The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament is only two years away. Don't think that victory is already assured."
"Yes, Your Holiness. I will not neglect my cultivation."
At that moment, Lin Zhendong also stepped forward to speak on Yan's behalf.
"Your Holiness, I believe sending Yan to the Tokes Great Spirit Arena east of Heaven Dou City is a fine choice. There he will face many spirit masters with water-type spirits. Since the arena is near the Sunset Forest, it will allow him to pursue his botanical interests without hindering his training."
After listening, Bibi Dong closed her eyes briefly, considering.
She knew well that Yan's spirit power currently surpassed both Xie Yue's and Hu Liena's by one level, and despite his side studies, he had never slackened in cultivation.
Finally, she relented and said slowly:
"Very well. Teacher Lin, you'll be responsible for protecting Xie Yue instead."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
"Yan, I'll grant your request. Elder Ju will accompany you. But remember — do not allow your fascination with flowers to interfere with your training."
"Yes. My deepest thanks, Your Holiness."
Yan and Yue Guan exchanged glances, both feeling a surge of quiet joy.
Though there had been a minor complication, everything had worked out perfectly in the end.
Bibi Dong's eyes moved across the two elders and Lin Zhendong once more as she instructed:
"Make sure the three of them remain safe. I do not wish for any accidents."
"Understood. Please rest assured, Your Holiness."
Then she turned back to the three young spirit masters and reminded them:
"This trip to the Great Spirit Arena is not for leisure. You must obey the arrangements of your elders and Teacher Lin — do not act willfully or on impulse."
"Yes, Your Holiness," the three replied in unison.
Bibi Dong nodded, her gaze softening slightly.
"Good. I hope you will all gain valuable experience from this journey and grow stronger through it."
With that, she waved her hand.
"You may leave. Set out as soon as you're ready."
"Yes!"
Everyone answered respectfully before departing from the grand hall.
As Bibi Dong watched their retreating figures, a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
These three young spirit masters were the future of the Spirit Hall. She looked forward to their growth — to seeing them become the pillars of its next generation.
Outside the Pope's Palace, Yan turned to Lin Zhendong.
"Teacher Lin, thank you for speaking on my behalf just now."
"Think nothing of it. I trust you know what matters most — your study of herbs won't hinder your cultivation."
Standing just behind him, Yue Guan patted Yan's shoulder.
"Kid, looks like you got what you wanted this time."
Yan nodded, eyes gleaming with gratitude.
"Thank you as well, Elder Ju."
Xie Yue chuckled teasingly.
"Brother Yan, you've been hiding this deep, huh? Studying botany under Elder Ju for half a year and not a word to us!"
"You two aren't interested in plants anyway, so I never mentioned it."
"Fair enough," Xie Yue laughed, then turned to Lin Zhendong expectantly.
"Teacher Lin, when do we leave? Which arena will we be going to?"
Lin Zhendong had already made his arrangements.
"We'll depart tomorrow. I'll be taking you to the Silves Great Spirit Arena."
Then he looked toward Hu Liena and Ghost Douluo.
"Nana, you'll travel with Elder Ghost to the Soto City Great Spirit Arena in the Balak Kingdom."
"Alright, Teacher Lin. I'll follow your lead."
"Good. Go back and prepare yourselves. We set out tomorrow."
"Understood."
The three of them returned to the academy to make their preparations.
At dawn the next day, the six of them departed from Spirit City.
Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena each set off for their respective destinations, beginning their individual journeys of cultivation and combat experience.
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