Old tilte: "Aftermath"
The next morning, Chu Tianxiu and Sisi packed their camp efficiently and began the journey back to the Notting City Spirit Hall branch.
Before they left the forest, Chu Tianxiu turned to Sisi, his tone serious and instructive. "Sister Sisi, remember the task I have entrusted to you. Your focus must remain on your cultivation and the mission."
Sisi nodded, her expression turning resolute. "I understand, little brother. I will not let you down."
They maintained a professional understanding. Chu Tianxiu knew that as long as he provided a path to power, Sisi's loyalty would be secure. Sisi understood that completing his tasks was the key to her own advancement.
After a day of travel, they arrived at the branch hall before nightfall. Bishop Matthew and Su Yuntao were standing respectfully in the main hall, but the bishop's seat was occupied by another—a man in a black robe and ghostly mask.
It was Ghost Douluo. After hearing Matthew and Su Yuntao's report, even his usually impassive demeanor had been shaken.
'Twin martial souls… innate full soul power… two souls integrated in offense and defense… What kind of monster is this?' he mused. He now understood why the Pope was so insistent. This boy's talent made becoming a Titled Douluo a certainty.
When Chu Tianxiu and Sisi entered, he immediately recognized the unique attire of Ghost Douluo.
Ghost Douluo was also sizing up Chu Tianxiu. Behind the youthful face, his sharp senses detected physical strength rivaling a Soul Master. Keeping his tone measured, though his voice was naturally hoarse, he asked, "Child, what is your first Spirit Skill? What level is your spirit power?"
Chu Tianxiu gave a polite, standard greeting. "Uncle, I have not yet stacked any spirit rings."
Ghost Douluo was momentarily bewildered. "Then what was the purpose of your trip to the Soul Beast Forest?"
Chu Tianxiu called out calmly, "Sister Sisi."
Sisi stepped forward. "Phantom Datura!"
A bewitching Datura with blade-like petals materialized. Matthew and Su Yuntao gasped at the transformation. Before they could ask, two yellow spirit rings rose from Sisi's feet—the second a deep yellow.
Matthew exclaimed, "Sisi, you've broken through to level 20?"
Sisi replied proudly, "Yes! It is all thanks to Brother Tianxiu's guidance! He helped me evolve my martial soul and hunt a 780-year-old Ghost Vine."
Su Yuntao lowered his head, a complex expression on his face. The gap between them had suddenly widened.
Ghost Douluo observed this coolly. 'The child is already cultivating his own forces. Astounding.'
To confirm the boy's talent, he said, "Child, release your martial soul for me to see."
This, however, caused an unexpected reaction.
As Chu Tianxiu's martial soul and the Nine Nether Demon Chains descended, everyone felt an immense pressure. The most affected was Ghost Douluo himself. For a moment, he found his connection to his own Ghost Martial Soul becoming strained and distant. His spirit was being suppressed.
'How? His martial soul… it suppresses my own?' The realization was shocking. The Ghost Martial Soul, a powerful entity in its own right, was instinctively recoiling from the boy's presence.
Chu Tianxiu quickly withdrew his martial soul. Ghost Douluo took a subtle, steadying breath.
"Child, would you like to return to the Spirit Hall headquarters with me? I believe His Holiness the Pope will personally guide your future."
"I agree," Chu Tianxiu stated without hesitation. "But I would like a moment to say goodbye to Sister Sisi."
Ghost Douluo nodded in assent.
Chu Tianxiu turned to Sisi. "Sister Sisi, remember your duties. Continue to watch Yu Xiaogang for me and focus on your training."
Sisi nodded firmly, her expression one of determined loyalty. "I will. Travel safely, little brother."