"The two of them coordinate seamlessly. With their current strength and temperament, winning the Freshman Competition will be as easy as turning over their hands."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of approval passed through Bi Bidong's eyes.
Her fingers paused at the edge of the Soul Bone as she said slowly:
"They are the future hope of Spirit Hall. Their foundation must be solid, and their temperament must be tempered."
"Although the Freshman Competition is just a small test, it is also a good opportunity to observe their potential."
"Yes, what Your Eminence says is correct."
Xiao Yi replied, maintaining his bowing posture throughout.
Bi Bidong withdrew her gaze, closing the jade box once more, sealing away the faint glow within. She said indifferently:
"I understand. You may withdraw."
"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope."
Xiao Yi bowed once more before turning and quietly exiting the hall, the heavy doors slowly closing behind him.
Bi Bidong's gaze fell upon Su Yu and Hu Liena, her eyes carrying scrutiny but also concealing a hint of barely perceptible warmth.
She slowly descended from her high seat, her purple robe swaying gently with each step, the hem brushing soundlessly against the floor.
"Xiao Yu, Nana."
She spoke, her voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority.
"Your performance during these days of trials has satisfied me."
"Whether it was your composure in facing danger or your seamless coordination with each other, both have exceeded my expectations."
Su Yu and Hu Liena quickly bowed in response, replying in unison:
"Thank you for your praise, Teacher."
Bi Bidong raised her hand to signal them to rise, then pointed to the jade box on the nearby table:
"This External Spirit Bone was obtained through your joint efforts during the trials. It is only right that you decide its disposition yourselves."
Hu Liena's gaze rested on Su Yu. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke earnestly:
"Brother Su Yu, you were the one who personally killed this Slanted-Eye Tiger. In the earlier battle, I actually didn't contribute much. This External Spirit Bone should go to you."
Just as Su Yu was about to raise his hand to decline, Hu Liena preempted him:
"Brother Su Yu, please hear me out first. I am a Control-type Soul Master, specializing in charm and restraint, while you are an assault type who needs stronger offensive capabilities."
"Earlier when we examined it, this External Spirit Bone most likely provides an offensive Spirit Ability."
"Just from this aspect alone, this Soul Bone is more suitable for you, Brother Su Yu."
"Think about it—with it, your combat power will definitely reach new heights, and in the future, you'll be better able to protect me!"
Su Yu looked at her, the words of refusal on the tip of his tongue suddenly stuck in his throat.
Hu Liena's reasoning was sound, and he could sense that she was genuinely considering his interests, without the slightest pretense.
"But..."
Su Yu still wanted to say something more, but Hu Liena smiled and pressed his arm.
"No buts."
She pushed the jade box into Su Yu's hands.
"Besides, in the future when opportunities suitable for me arise, Brother Su Yu will definitely think of me, right?"
"Alright, then I'll accept it. If there are ever opportunities suitable for Nana in the future, I will definitely help you!"
"That's more like it."
Hu Liena smiled, her eyes curving happily, as if she were even more delighted than if she had obtained the Soul Bone herself.
"Hurry and put it away safely. Later, find a secure place to absorb it, and I'll guard you."
Seeing this, Bi Bidong nodded with satisfaction:
"Very good."
"Knowing what to choose and what to forgo, and being considerate of your companion—this is more important than mere strength alone."
"Since you've made your decision, Xiao Yu, absorb this Soul Bone now. I'll guard you!"
"Yes, Teacher!"
Su Yu held the jade box with both hands, bowed deeply to Bi Bidong, then turned and sat cross-legged in an open area of the hall.
He took a deep breath and opened the jade box—the External Spirit Bone inside glowed with a purple light.
It looked like a small sphere, transformed from the vertical eye on the forehead of that thousand-year Slanted-Eye Tiger they had just encountered.
Bi Bidong stood behind him, her Soul Power slowly spreading out to form a pale purple barrier that enveloped the entire hall, blocking all external interference.
"Focus your mind and guide your Soul Power to resonate with the Soul Bone. Don't rush; feel its aura."
Her voice was steady and powerful, carrying a reassuring strength.
Su Yu closed his eyes and followed her instructions, circulating his Soul Power.
The Soul Bone hovered an inch before his brow, its faint light flickering as if it had a consciousness of its own, continuously testing his mental defenses.
When the cool touch finally pressed completely against his brow, Su Yu shuddered all over.
The pain felt as if someone were carving out a piece of flesh from his forehead with a knife.
It was also like countless fine needles piercing the inside of his skull, making even his spirit tremble.
Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, and his lips were bitten pale!
"Steady yourself."
Bi Bidong's voice came at just the right moment, infused with a trace of Soul Power that flowed into his body.
"This is the inevitable pain of the Soul Bone merging with your body. Accept it; do not resist it."
Su Yu gritted his teeth, enduring the discomfort as he continued to guide his Soul Power.
Bi Bidong stood to the side, her purple Soul Power swirling around Su Yu like a thin veil.
Whenever his internal Soul Power showed signs of dispersing, a gentle yet firm force would promptly supplement it, stabilizing his energy.
Her gaze was fixed on the Soul Bone merging with Su Yu's brow, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
After an unknown length of time, Su Yu suddenly felt the pain in his brow gradually subside.
In its place emerged a strange sense of fullness, as if an empty vessel were slowly being filled.
He could clearly "see" the patterns on the Soul Bone connecting with his neural pathways.
When the last trace of resistance vanished, Su Yu abruptly opened his eyes, a faint golden light flashing at his brow.
A pale golden mark appeared on Su Yu's forehead, adding a touch of nobility to his appearance.
"Success."
Bi Bidong's voice carried a trace of barely perceptible relief.
"Feel it—the ability it grants you."
Su Yu concentrated, striving to communicate with the Soul Bone. After a while, he opened his eyes.
"Teacher, this Soul Bone has indeed provided me with an offensive Spirit Ability!"
"Oh?"
Bi Bidong raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with anticipation.
"What is it? Try it on me."
Su Yu was taken aback and quickly waved his hands. "Teacher, that might not be appropriate. What if..."
Although he knew the vast gap between his strength and Bi Bidong's, the thought of directly attacking his teacher made him uneasy.
Bi Bidong stepped forward and lightly tapped his forehead with a bent finger:
"Your strength isn't enough to harm me. Use it without worry."
Su Yu flinched slightly at the tap, his eyes still showing hesitation.
But under Bi Bidong's unwavering gaze, Su Yu took a deep breath.
He focused his mind, establishing a connection with the Soul Bone at his brow. The power that had just integrated was instantly mobilized by him.
"Soul Bone Ability—Tiger Flame Demonic Light!"
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