Chapter 39: Joining the Supreme Pontiff's Hall
"Qian Daoliu is entirely devoted to worshipping the Angel God," Bibi Dong said coolly. "He has no interest in nurturing your potential. You shouldn't continue wasting your talent in the Douluo Hall."
Her words were logical, even convincing. But inwardly, Lin Beiya rolled his eyes so hard he almost sprained them.
This master-and-disciple line of backstabbing white-eyed wolves… You people live for drama!
He had zero intention of being caught in that endless cycle of betrayal. You'd better save your teacher-disciple games for that foxy seductress you adore so much.
Of course, that was something he could only think, not say. Bibi Dong was, after all, a powerhouse standing at the threshold of becoming a Titled Douluo. Crushing him would be as easy as pinching an ant.
And if she decided to claim he had "offended the Supreme Pontiff" and ordered his immediate execution—who would dare question her?
So, while Lin Beiya's mind raced for a tactful way to decline her offer without offending her pride, a familiar voice suddenly echoed through the grand hall.
"Bibi Dong, don't you think your hand is reaching a little too far?"
Hearing that voice, Lin Beiya exhaled quietly in relief. So the old man does keep an eye on things after all.
Qian Daoliu's sacred aura filled the hall as he entered, his presence instantly shattering the tension. Bibi Dong's flawless face darkened with irritation, her tone sharp.
"Hmph, this matter concerns Lin Beiya himself. I don't recall it having anything to do with the Grand Worship."
"He was invited by me to join the Douluo Hall," Qian Daoliu replied evenly. "His future—whether he stays or leaves—is also for me to decide. You need only tend to your own duties."
Without another glance at her, Qian Daoliu enveloped Lin Beiya in a beam of golden light, and the two vanished from the Supreme Pontiff's Hall.
When the glow faded, Bibi Dong's expression turned stormy. She slammed her palm onto the table before her, the crisp crack echoing through the silent hall.
"Old bastard… you've gone too far!"
Of course, she understood what his words had implied—a warning. A reminder not to covet full control over the Spirit Hall. She was, in his eyes, nothing more than a convenient puppet—a figurehead placed on the throne because there was no one better to use.
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By the time Lin Beiya recovered from the teleportation, he found himself back in the Douluo Hall.
He let out a long breath and quickly bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you, Grand Worship, for saving me."
Qian Daoliu merely nodded. "Starting tomorrow, you'll join the Supreme Pontiff's Hall."
"…What?"
Lin Beiya almost thought his ears had betrayed him. After all that effort to avoid trouble, was this the result?
He wasn't some random nobody—he was one of the most talented individuals the Spirit Hall had seen in a century, and someone extremely close to Qian Renxue. And yet, this old man was sending him right into Bibi Dong's den? Was he not afraid the little angel would come back and kick his knees out?
"Grand Worship, I don't quite understand your intention."
Seeing the confusion on Lin Beiya's face, Qian Daoliu smiled faintly and explained.
"You may choose freely—stay here in the Douluo Hall or join the Pontiff's Hall. I won't force you either way."
"But," he continued, "as Bibi Dong said, I spend most of my time in communion with the Angel God. I rarely have the opportunity to personally guide you. For your development, the Pontiff's Hall may be more beneficial."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sharpening.
"However, if you do decide to join, I hope you will display your strength without reservation—silence all doubts and claim the position of Holy Son."
Lin Beiya's mouth twitched violently.
'So that's your plan… You want me to hold the Supreme Pontiff's successor seat for Qian Renxue, don't you? You're really not worried that Bibi Dong will cut me down the moment she finds out?'
As if reading his thoughts, Qian Daoliu continued calmly, "Rest easy. Bibi Dong may have ascended the throne, but her authority isn't absolute yet. Having a disciple powerful enough to suppress his peers will only strengthen her reputation and stabilize her rule. Even if she and I no longer share any real bond, she won't risk removing you lightly."
He added with a faint smile, "And besides, she's not foolish enough to openly break ties with the Douluo Hall. She knows the consequences."
Hearing this, Lin Beiya finally relaxed a little. In the end, it's just a change of scenery. The Supreme Pontiff's Hall is even closer to the academy, anyway.
"Understood," he said with a steady nod. "I'll secure the Holy Son's position."
"Good. Go, then. You may still enter and leave the Douluo Hall freely with your token."
As Qian Daoliu's figure faded into golden light, Lin Beiya sighed, heading back to his quarters to pack his things.
This move ran counter to his plan of quietly "growing while lying low," but it wasn't as if he had much choice. He couldn't afford to offend either side. Since the old man had already spoken, going along with the tide might not be so bad after all.
When Lin Beiya returned to the Supreme Pontiff's Hall, Bibi Dong had already finished her day's work and retired to the back hall to rest.
He was led into the reception hall, where Bibi Dong, now without her papal robes, looked far less imposing than she had during the day. Instead of her usual divine majesty, she now exuded a softer, more approachable air.
"Oh? You're bold enough to walk straight into the Supreme Pontiff's Hall like this," she remarked with faint amusement. "Aren't you afraid of offending the Grand Worship?"
Her tone carried a hint of curiosity rather than reproach. Lin Beiya, however, wasn't surprised—he had already sorted his thoughts out on the way here.
'You people can keep playing your power games all you want,' he thought dryly. 'I just want to train in peace and live long enough to enjoy it.'
He replied calmly, "The Grand Worship has agreed to let me join the Supreme Pontiff's Hall."
"Oh?"
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed, her expression flickering with doubt. Inside, her mind was already turning. What is that old fox planning this time?
"Your Holiness doesn't need to overthink it," Lin Beiya continued honestly. "The Grand Worship told me to display my strength openly—and take the position of Holy Son."
"Heh…" Bibi Dong's lips curved into a wry smile. "You certainly don't mince words. Aren't you afraid that by being so straightforward, you'll make me wary of you?"
Lin Beiya shrugged helplessly, spreading his hands in an almost comedic gesture. "You know how it is. None of this is up to me. Whatever you and the Grand Worship decide, I'll just follow orders. I can't afford to offend either side anyway."
"If Your Holiness doesn't wish to grant me the Holy Son position, then so be it. I don't particularly care about the title."
Bibi Dong arched an eyebrow, studying him intently as if trying to see through any falsehood in his words.
But all she saw was calm sincerity—an almost frustrating lack of ambition.
After a long pause, she finally nodded slightly. "Understood. You may stay and cultivate here in the Supreme Pontiff's Hall. In a few days, I'll announce that I'm taking you as my disciple. Whether or not you earn the title of Holy Son will depend on your own strength."
Lin Beiya bowed slightly, smiling in relief. "Thank you for Your Holiness's understanding."
'I laid everything out clearly. Now you've got no excuse to secretly target me, set traps, or stab me in the back.'
Having received her approval, Lin Beiya felt much more at ease. When he looked at Bibi Dong again, even her previously intimidating features seemed more pleasing to the eye.
But after a while, something began to feel off.
They sat there in silence, staring at each other across the reception hall. Lin Beiya waited, and waited… yet Bibi Dong made no move to assign him quarters. Surely she wasn't planning to let him sleep in the garden, right?
"Um… Your Holiness," he finally ventured cautiously, "I don't seem to have a place to stay yet."
"There's no hurry," Bibi Dong replied lightly, then added with interest, "Why don't you tell me about your martial soul first?"
"My martial soul?"
Lin Beiya froze for a moment, then quickly pieced things together. Ah… she must've learned something from Qian Xunji. After all, he'd once used the Aries Gold Saint Technique in front of her. Otherwise, she'd never have lasted that long before dying—days later, no less.
Apparently, the Gold Cloths had piqued Bibi Dong's curiosity.
Still, as he always believed, the best defense against suspicion is honesty.
He nodded slightly, then summoned his martial soul. Golden light burst forth as the Taurus Gold Cloth enveloped him, his frame instantly expanding, muscles rippling with divine power.
A deep, resonant bellow—half beast, half thunder—echoed through the hall, shocking Bibi Dong into momentary silence.
When her focus returned, her eyes gleamed with intrigue.
"This armor seems different from the one you wore when we first met," she observed.
"Your Holiness is perceptive," Lin Beiya said respectfully. "After obtaining my second soul ring, I gained access to a second Gold Cloth. Its abilities differ greatly from the first."
"Oh?" Her curiosity deepened. "And this one—with the bull horns—how does it differ? Show me one of its soul skills."
"Uh… wouldn't that be a little inappropriate here?" Lin Beiya hesitated.
Bibi Dong waved a hand dismissively, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It's fine. Go ahead—I don't mind a little chaos."
Seeing her permission, Lin Beiya sighed inwardly. Alright then, you said it yourself.
He tightened his stance, golden light flaring violently around him—then charged forward, unleashing his technique straight at the Supreme Pontiff.
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End of Chapter