"So that’s how it is. I hadn’t considered that," Ling Yuan admitted.
"It’s fine," Lin Feng replied, though he was deep in thought. The timing of the theory’s release—right after he reached the Soul Elder level—wasn’t a coincidence. Lin Feng wouldn’t believe it if this wasn’t meant to slap Yu Xiaogang in the face.
Qian Renxue looked puzzled. "Grandpa, who is this ’Master’ you mentioned? I’ve never heard of him."
Qian Daoliu waved his hand dismissively. "Just a clown. Don’t worry about it, Xue’er. Since we’ve discussed everything, you can leave now. Xue’er, come with me. I have something to give you."
Qian Renxue shot Lin Feng an apologetic glance before following Qian Daoliu deeper into the hall. Lin Feng and Ling Yuan returned to their residence.
As they reached the depths of the Douluo Hall, Qian Renxue noticed Qian Daoliu’s expression had turned unusually solemn.
"Xue’er, do you know what the foundation of our Spirit Hall’s dominance on the continent is?"
"Is it because we’re the largest soul master organization?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head. "That’s the result, not the cause. The Angel God founded our Spirit Hall. Our ancestors eradicated all darkness and disease from the continent before ascending to godhood.
"That’s why the Spirit Hall became the dreamland for all soul masters, and why the Douluo Hall, the highest sanctuary of the soul master world, stands here.
"Our Qian family, as the inheritors of the Seraphim Martial Soul, bear the responsibility of protecting the continent. The six inherited soul bones bestowed by our ancestors are one of the reasons our family’s strength is unmatched."
As he spoke, Qian Daoliu sent a surge of golden soul power toward the Angel God statue. The statue, which bore a striking resemblance to Qian Renxue, began to glow with a brilliant golden light.
A bright spot appeared between the statue’s brows, and the light gradually intensified before descending in front of Qian Renxue.
Although the soul bone didn’t emit any overwhelming soul power, its sacred energy made Qian Renxue feel as if her entire body was rejoicing. Almost instinctively, she felt that this soul bone was meant to be hers.
This was one of the components of the Angel God’s Armor.
"Xue’er, it’s yours. Absorb it here. It will play a crucial role in your upcoming mission."
Qian Renxue nodded, her eyes never leaving the soul bone. For some reason, it felt strangely familiar to her.
"Understood, Grandpa."
The fusion process with the soul bone went surprisingly smoothly. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel⚑fire.net
The soul bone, named "Cloud Illusion," was a 99,999-year-old bone that granted the skill "Angel Light Wave." Combined with the mask Qian Daoliu had given her earlier, Qian Renxue could now disguise her appearance, aura, and even her spirit.
Though the soul bone only increased her soul power by one level due to its age, Qian Renxue, at nine years old, had already reached level 36. If she chose to continue cultivating within the Spirit Hall, she could likely reach the Soul Sage level in her twenties and begin her divine trials, potentially ascending to godhood within three to five years.
"Xiao Feng, I’m heading out. I probably won’t be back until tonight," Ling Yuan said before disappearing.
Lin Feng nodded. This was perfect timing, as he also needed to visit the library.
As noon approached, the library, which was already sparsely populated, became even quieter.
(Hmm? When did the library guards change?)
Lin Feng pulled out his long-unused token, greeted the guards, and entered.
Lin Feng didn’t see the usual surprise in the guards’ eyes. Had the previous guards informed them, or was there another reason?
He opened the door to his familiar private room, only to be greeted by a fragrant breeze.
The window was slightly ajar, letting in a refreshing draft that made the room feel pleasant.
Sitting at the desk, where no one should have been, was a stunning woman. Her attention was focused on the book in her hands, and she seemed utterly engrossed.
She was tall, wearing a light purple dress, her hair elegantly tied up in a bun. Her skin was as fair as snow, and her flawless beauty was impossible to hide beneath her clothes.
Her presence exuded an air of nobility and authority.
Lin Feng paused, his eyes lingering on her for a long moment. The scene before him felt almost therapeutic.
He quickly realized who she was—Bibi Dong.
Although Bibi Dong should have been around 28 or 29, she looked no older than 17 or 18 to Lin Feng. Time had been kind to her, leaving no trace of age on her.
"Have you seen enough?" Bibi Dong asked, a slight smile playing on her lips. For some reason, seeing the boy Qian Renxue seemed to care about so captivated gave her a sense of satisfaction.
Lin Feng remained silent and walked over to sit across from her.
"May I ask who you are and why you’re here?"
Bibi Dong’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you really not know?"
Lin Feng shook his head. There was no way he was going to give her the upper hand in this conversation.
"I truly don’t know."
Bibi Dong put down the book and looked at Lin Feng with interest. "I am the new pope. How could you not recognize me when you’re in the Spirit Hall?"
"Greetings, Your Holiness. I’ve been engrossed in soul theory research and haven’t paid attention to external affairs. Please forgive my ignorance."
Seeing the clarity in Lin Feng’s eyes and sensing no deceit, Bibi Dong’s curiosity grew.
The boy before her had a similar start but had already resolved his own issues and created an entirely new theory. What shocked Bibi Dong even more was that he was only nine years old. From the time he began researching his martial soul to creating his technique, it had only taken him three years.
Even though Bibi Dong was reluctant to admit it, she had to acknowledge that Lin Feng’s talent far surpassed that of a certain someone.
Their first meeting three years ago at the martial soul awakening ceremony had left her slightly impressed by his composure, but she hadn’t thought much of it at the time. Now, seeing his achievements, she realized he had the potential to shake the spirit master world.
As Bibi Dong gazed into the eyes of the young boy sitting across from her, a breeze wafted through the room.
For a moment, she felt as if she had returned to her past. A hint of nostalgia flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by her usual cold demeanor.
"You remind me of someone."
Bibi Dong exhaled, feeling an unexpected sense of anticipation for Lin Feng’s response.
"Yu Xiaogang. He’s known as the ’Master’ in the soul master world."
Lin Feng’s eyes sharpened.
"I’ve seen his name in books."
Bibi Dong’s eyes lit up, and she quickly asked, "What do you think of his theories?"
Though Lin Feng sensed something was off with Bibi Dong, he didn’t hesitate to answer. "Forgive my bluntness, Your Holiness, but Yu Xiaogang’s theories are merely a compilation of previous knowledge. Many of his theories lack practical evidence.
"If you truly believe he deserves the title of ’Master,’ then you’re gravely mistaken."
Almost as soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, Bibi Dong’s smile vanished.
Her eyes filled with anger, and she stood up abruptly, scolding, "How could you possibly understand him? He’s the genius who proposed the Ten Great Soul Compendiums!"
Lin Feng remained unfazed. The more agitated Bibi Dong became, the more it aligned with his goals.
He picked up a teacup from the table.
A surge of soul power shattered the cup in his hand.
Lin Feng calmly shook the tea off his hand and said, "As a scholar, I must respect the facts.
"Your Holiness, if the truth brings pain, then lies will only make it worse."