Martial Soul City, in front of the Papal Palace.
Black-robed Bishop Lotrillata and Jiang Hao stood solemnly before the Papal Palace.
Stepping inside, the interior was a stark contrast to its opulent exterior. Pure white, but not a cold, pale white; rather, it possessed a unique, soft texture.
The floor, pillars, and ceiling were all paved with a translucent white jade, beneath which intricate patterns hinted at hidden secrets.
For most of the Spirit Hall, the Papal Palace was a sacred place they could only ever admire from afar. For Black-robed Bishop Lotrillata of the Spirit Hall, each visit was marked by reverence and respect as he gazed upon this holy land of soul masters. However, today was not for his usual report to the Pope, but for a special mission.
Beside him stood a five- or six-year-old boy, staring at the Papal Palace with astonished eyes, speechless. These are all normal reactions. Ordinary people are amazed when they see something they've never seen before, let alone Jiang Hao, who isn't even a Soul Master yet, standing in the Soul Master Holy Land, a place most Soul Masters can only dream of, and about to meet the Pope.
"Uncle Bishop, is this the Papal Palace? It's so magnificent! It's much bigger than the houses in our village. It must be very comfortable to live in," Jiang Hao said to Bishop Lotrillata.
Lotrillata was speechless, thinking: What level is your village? Can it compare to the Soul Master Holy Land? And living in the Papal Palace? I can't even imagine it.
Lotrillata said expressionlessly, "This is the Papal Palace. When you meet the Pope, be respectful. Remember the etiquette I taught you on the way. Don't look directly at the Pope. When the Pope asks you questions, answer carefully. Don't offend His Holiness the Pope, understand?"
"Yes, I understand," Jiang Hao replied obediently. With a
creak
, the doors of the Papal Palace slowly opened. The knights guarding the palace nodded to Lotrillata and Jiang Hao.
"You two may enter. His Holiness the Pope wishes to see you."
Lotrillata nodded in acknowledgment, then stepped calmly into the Papal Palace, with Jiang Hao quickly following behind.
From the moment they entered the hall, Lotrillata and Jiang Hao's gazes were unconsciously drawn to the Pope's throne, high above in the center, symbolizing the ruler of the continent's most powerful force.
It was the back of a man; he was tall but not particularly muscular, wearing a simple grey robe, his golden hair flowing down his back, neatly combed.
Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the windows, focusing entirely on him. Despite his simple attire, his mere presence inspired an urge to bow in reverence.
The gray-clad man slowly turned around. His previous peculiar aura vanished instantly. He appeared to be only in his thirties or forties, handsome with a faint smile on his face. His calm and serene demeanor gave off a very comfortable feeling.
This gray-clad man was none other than the current strongest figure in the Spirit Hall, the current Pope of the Spirit Hall, a level ninety-nine Limit Douluo, Qian Daoliu.
Black-robed Cardinal Lotrillata knelt on one knee to greet Qian Daoliu: "Your subordinate Lotrillata greets Your Holiness the Pope."
Jiang Hao, standing beside him, quickly imitated Lotrillata's gesture, bowing to Qian Daoliu. Perhaps due to nervousness, Jiang Hao's face was flushed, and a bead of sweat inadvertently slid down his forehead. Jiang Hao quickly wiped his forehead with his small hand. This awkwardness amused Qian Daoliu, and his gaze softened considerably.
"No need for formalities," Qian Daoliu said slowly.
"Lotrillata, what brings you here? What's the matter with this child?" Qian Daoliu asked.
So, Cardinal Lothrilata told Qian Daoliu everything that had happened, and then took out a letter from his pocket, signed "To His Holiness the Pope".
Qian Daoliu's eyes showed a thoughtful expression, as if he was wondering who had sent him the letter. He reached out and took the letter, opening it.
He knew immediately who it was from and slowly read on.
"Father, by the time you read this letter, I will already be on my way to the City of Slaughter. During my training, I happened to pass through a village slaughtered by evil spirit masters, where I found Jiang Hao. Originally, I planned to send him to the Spirit Hall orphanage, but during my time with him, this child displayed remarkable talent." "
I discovered he has a special talent; this child has a photographic memory. If the Spirit Hall nurtures him, he will become a pillar of strength in the future..."
"Also, I wish you good health, Father. I'm doing well out there. I'll return after my training; don't be too surprised then."
After reading Qian Xunji's letter, Qian Daoliu curled his lip, looking completely indifferent, thinking to himself: "You brat, don't come back. Go die out there."
"Child, your name is Jiang Hao?" Qian Daoliu asked gently.
"Yes... actually, I didn't have a name before. My older brother gave it to me. He hopes that I can cultivate diligently and control my own destiny in the future," Jiang Hao replied.
At the same time, Jiang Hao couldn't help but think to himself: His Holiness the Pope looks so much like my older brother. They both have blond hair and are tall and upright. Are they from the same family?
Older brother? Qian Daoliu was stunned. Then he thought, "Probably Qian Xunji.
" "Child, you will live in the Papal Palace from now on. I'll have a maid prepare a room for you. You can go now," Qian Daoliu said.
"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope," Jiang Hao replied obediently.
After saying that, Jiang Hao slowly left the hall under the guidance of a maid. Meanwhile,
a hint of envy flashed in the eyes of the black-robed cardinal Lotrillata. Living in the Papal Palace, what an honor! This kid is very fortunate. His future is limitless.
"Lotrillata, the Spirit Hall you manage is running well, and your work is excellent. I grant you the promotion to Cardinal after you reach the Soul Saint level. Keep up the good work," Qian Daoliu said, looking at Cardinal Lotrillata. A
burning glint flashed in Lotrillata's eyes. He was already a Level 67 Soul Emperor, and would reach Soul Saint in two or three years at most. The Cardinal position in the Spirit Hall was already a highly coveted and powerful one.
The benefits were immeasurable; not only was his status elevated, but the Spirit Hall also provided him with 10% more cultivation resources than the Cardinal position. Don't underestimate that 10%; that extra 10% was enough for him to cultivate to Soul Douluo level.
Lotrillata cupped his hands and said, "Thank you
, Your Holiness. I will certainly work even harder to protect the Spirit Hall." "Alright, you may leave," Qian Daoliu said. "I take my leave,
" Lotrillata replied. (End of Chapter)