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"Whether the Clear Sky Sect or the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, or any other party makes a move against Su Wen, Spirit Hall will not interfere." Bibi Dong made her decision.
Ju Douluo thought about it for a moment and understood her meaning.
Let them fight each other. Whoever struck Su Wen would provide Spirit Hall with the perfect justification to mobilize the continent's Soul Masters and act against them in the name of the Academy. This time, the Clear Sky Sect was almost certain to be among those who would move.
Regardless of whether the assassination of Su Wen was successful, Spirit Hall would have a legitimate reason to deal with the Clear Sky Sect once again. If Su Wen survived, the cooperation could continue long-term; even if Spirit Hall couldn't crush the Clear Sky Sect immediately, they could adopt a policy of long-term attrition.
And if Su Wen were killed... then the control of the Academy already established within the Heaven Dou Empire would naturally fall into the hands of Spirit Hall.
"With the Young Master there, Su Wen's safety should be guaranteed," Ju Douluo said tentatively, watching Bibi Dong's expression.
Bibi Dong's face didn't change, though her brow furrowed slightly at the mention of the "Young Master." Seeing this, Ju Douluo felt reassured.
In the Hall of the Pope, the official attitude toward Su Wen was relatively friendly. He had originated from Spirit Hall and was tacitly considered part of Qian Renxue's faction, so the organization had always maintained a positive relationship with him.
However, too many uncontrollable variables had appeared during the Continental Tournament—specifically Su Wen's soul power rank and the colors of his spirit rings. To Spirit Hall, these discrepancies were not far from betrayal. Falsely reporting such information, especially as an internal member, was a serious offense if scrutinized.
The news of the Academy's establishment had also caused the relationship between Spirit Hall and Su Wen to waver. It wasn't just about one person's attitude; the relationship of the entire organization with Su Wen was now the subject of intense speculation, both internally and externally.
The Academy was clearly the prototype for a second "Sacred Land" on the continent. If Su Wen succeeded, Spirit Hall's status would be shaken, and their authority in theoretical research would be entirely supplanted. Even Ju Douluo wasn't sure how the Pope viewed the situation, which meant those beneath him were even more confused—and confusion internally led to wilder rumors externally.
"Uncle Ning, I understand all of this." Su Wen appreciated Ning Fengzhi's analysis of the continental situation and was not being careless.
"With my current abilities, as long as a Peerless Douluo doesn't step in, I have no problem protecting myself," he said confidently.
Before obtaining his sixth ring, he had just broken through to Rank 60. At that time, by going all out, he was able to clash with a severely injured Tang Hao. Now, having acquired the spirit ring of the Dark Devilgod Tiger and reaching Rank 64, his power had surged. With Ning Fengzhi's amplification, Su Wen was certain he had the qualifications to at least trade blows with a Titled Douluo.
The warning capabilities of the Phantom Spirit Eye combined with his spatial shifting gave him extreme survivability. Short of a Peerless Douluo who had mastered spatial powers, it would be very difficult for any Titled Douluo to truly threaten his life.
Furthermore, Bone Douluo was present, as was Qian Renxue. Su Wen didn't believe Qian Renxue was traveling without protection. Given the current crisis, she likely had more than just an ordinary Titled Douluo following her; there was probably a Super Douluo above Rank 95, or perhaps even that person himself...
Spirit City, Hall of Consecration.
Above the Hall of the Pope sat the Hall of Consecration. Only those who reached the level of Titled Douluo were permitted entry, making it the final destination and the ultimate aspiration for every Soul Master registered with Spirit Hall. It housed the majority of the organization's Super Douluos above Rank 95.
Bibi Dong appeared and walked slowly into the hall. Several powerful ripples of soul power emanated from the figures within. At the highest point stood a man who appeared to be in his thirties or forties. He was handsome, with a calm and indifferent aura that made people feel strangely comfortable.
Qian Daoliu, the First Enshrined and the Guardian of the God of Angels, looked at Bibi Dong with a melancholy expression. He sighed, "It has been more than ten years since you last entered this place."
Bibi Dong's voice was cold. "You should know why I am here."
Qian Daoliu did not take offense at her tone. A flash of guilt flickered deep in his eyes. "I will take action this time."
After a long silence, he asked, "How many do I need to kill?"
Bibi Dong's eyes flashed. "The more, the better. At least two."
Qian Daoliu sighed. "I will help you complete this trial of yours."
Bibi Dong turned and left without a word. Watching her go, Qian Daoliu's gaze was complex. His son had wronged her in the past; now, he could only try his best to repay that debt. After all, Bibi Dong was not only exceptionally talented but also Qian Renxue's biological mother.
"Great Enshrined, are we certain we want to spark such a massive conflict with the Clear Sky Sect?" one of the others asked.
At least two Titled Douluos killed. The more, the better. Once this battle broke out, if Tang Chen of the Clear Sky Sect found out...
"Tang Chen hasn't shown his face in over a hundred years. He likely met with an accident while searching for traces of the gods," Qian Daoliu stated.
"But if he is still alive and goes into a frenzy, Spirit Hall will suffer heavy losses."
Qian Daoliu raised a hand, silencing the debate among the Enshrined. These were all Super Douluos who had lived in seclusion for decades or even a century; most knew of Tang Chen's existence.
"Last time, I gave the Clear Sky Sect a chance to breathe out of respect for Tang Chen. This time, there is no need to fear his retaliation. Just carry out the mission."
"We follow your command, Great Enshrined."
"Teacher, you don't need to hide from me," 'Xue Qinghe' said as he approached Su Wen and Ning Fengzhi with a helpless smile. "There were indeed voices within the Heaven Dou Imperial Family that were unfavorable toward Xiao Wen, but Father suppressed them all."
"The Prince overthinks things. I was merely discussing a private matter between Xiao Wen and Rongrong," Ning Fengzhi replied with a light smile.
Su Wen's mouth twitched, but he nodded, indicating he hadn't been badmouthing the royals. "Brother Xue, I still trust you very much," Su Wen said sincerely.
"Oh?" 'Xue Qinghe's' eyes lit up, clearly pleased. Through his skull spirit bone, he could sense that Su Wen wasn't lying.
Su Wen was about to nod again when a sudden, sharp pain pierced his brow.
(End of Chapter)