A month passed in the blink of an eye. The day of the Holy Son Competition arrived, transforming the Martial Soul Academy into a bustling arena. A massive fighting stage dominated the central courtyard, drawing crowds from all over.
Elders of the Martial Soul Hall, who were rarely seen, emerged with their disciples and students in tow. Even the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires sent envoys, their polite smiles barely concealing their desire to assess the next generation of the Spirit Hall's talent.
That morning, Bibi Dong herself had shaken Chu Tianxiu awake. He'd reluctantly allowed a maid to help him into the formal robes of a Papal Disciple. Seeing his drowsy expression, Bibi Dong's stern demeanor softened. She reached out and straightened his collar with a gentle touch.
"Little Xiu, you must be careful," she said, her voice laced with uncharacteristic worry. "The reports list sixteen participants, mostly juniors of the Spirit Hall elders. Even that old fox Qian Daoliu has put forward two candidates. They're hiding their information well. Your talent far surpasses theirs, but your age is a disadvantage. They're five or six years older on average, already Three-Ring Soul Masters and Four-Ring Soul Ancestors. You must be cautious." She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.
Chu Tianxiu finally opened his eyes fully, but his reply was nonchalant. "Sister Dong'er, don't worry. Even if there are Soul Kings among them, I'll sweep them aside like fallen leaves."
A strange tremor passed through Bibi Dong's heart. As a woman who had stood at the continent's peak for years, her world was often a lonely one. Most men were far beneath her, and a part of her longed for someone who could truly match her. In her disciple's confident, almost arrogant words, she sensed a shadow of the dominance she secretly craved. She quickly pushed the thought away. 'He's just a child. I'm his teacher. Where did such a strange thought come from?' Yet, once planted, the seed of an idea began to take root unnoticed.
Just then, Hu Liena, Ju Yueguan, Gui Mei, Yan, and Xie Yue arrived at the Papal Palace. As the Holy Maiden, Hu Liena was resplendent in her rose-gold robes, her nobility undeniable.
She took a graceful step forward, her smile bright. "Junior Brother!"
Chu Tianxiu smiled warmly at her. "Senior Sister, you look radiant today."
Seeing their easy camaraderie, Yan and Xie Yue exchanged a wry look, feeling the familiar sting of being the third wheels.
"You two," Yan complained good-naturedly, "have some mercy on us single souls."
Chu Tianxiu chuckled, then turned serious. "Let's go. The competition awaits."
Bibi Dong, now clad in her magnificent papal robes and holding the papal scepter, led the procession. For an event as significant as the selection of the Holy Son, her presence was mandatory, and besides, she would stand as a shield for her beloved disciple.
Their arrival at the Spirit Academy caused an immediate stir. The place was packed, kept in order by rows of Spirit Hall guardian knights. Upon seeing Bibi Dong, they slammed their fists to their chests in unison.
"His Holiness the Pope has arrived!!"
The crowd noticed them and quickly parted, bowing deeply. "Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope!"
Witnessing this scene, a fire ignited in Chu Tianxiu's chest. 'A true man should command such respect!' he vowed silently. He would never allow the tragic fate of the original story to befall the woman who had shown him such kindness.
Following the crowd, they made their way to the arena's edge...