Ning Fengzhi drew a sharp breath, the Jade Scepter in his hand nearly slipping from his grasp.
He had never imagined a young man's potential could be terrifying to such an extent.
"The Spirit Hall... is nurturing someone capable of altering the continent's landscape."
Ning Fengzhi murmured, his gaze toward Bi Bidong growing more complex.
This Pope must have known Su Yu's potential from the very beginning, hence the grand ceremony for his coronation.
Sword Douluo said nothing more, merely closing his eyes again, though his fingertips remained resting on his sword hilt.
Meanwhile, Xue Ye Dadi's hand, holding a teacup, paused mid-air, the tea trembling slightly.
He looked at Bi Bidong, his voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor:
"Pope, is this... the true strength of the Spirit Hall's Saint?"
Bi Bidong did not answer directly, her eyes fixed on Su Yu as a faint smile curled at the corners of her lips.
At the center of the square, Hu Ben, suspended in the air by vines, struggled briefly before finally giving up in despair as he gazed at the endless expanse of greenery beneath him.
The ferocity on his face had vanished, replaced only by bewilderment and reverence.
Only now did he understand that the gap between him and his opponent could not be measured by Soul Power levels alone.
The other challengers were in a similar state—some bowing their heads, others lowering their gaze, all traces of their former arrogance gone.
Su Yu raised his hand and gave a gentle wave, causing the towering ancient trees to recede like a tide.
The vines loosened, the tree trunks dissolved, and in moments, the square returned to its original state, leaving only the shattered stone slabs as proof of the "miraculous" battle that had just taken place.
Su Yu landed on the ground, brushed the dust from his robes, swept his gaze over the disheveled eight challengers, then looked out at the silent crowd below, declaring clearly:
"Does anyone else wish to challenge?"
This time, no one responded.
In the square of tens of thousands, only the wind's mournful whistle through the colonnades could be heard.
The figure of the white-robed youth had left an indelible mark in everyone's hearts—
Su Yu, the Spirit Hall Saint.
From this day forward, this name would resound across the entire continent.
Bi Bidong then rose from her seat and walked to the front of the platform.
"Alright, Xiao Yu, return now."
"Yes, Teacher."
Su Yu acknowledged, nodding slightly to the challengers below who, though disheveled, had steadied themselves, as a gesture of respect.
He then turned and strode calmly toward the high platform, his white robes glowing softly in the sunlight.
When Su Yu reached her side, Bi Bidong raised her hand and gently placed it on his shoulder.
"Today's Saint Coronation Ceremony is also a day for the Spirit Hall and the major sects to exchange insights through sparring."The Saint's strength is evident to all, but the Spirit Hall has always valued mutual learning, not oppression!""
"Though you young ones were defeated just now, you displayed the vigor of the younger generation, which is commendable."
Her tone shifted, her gaze sharpening: "However, the Saint's dignity represents the future of the Spirit Hall."
"From this day onward, anyone who wishes to challenge must weigh their own capabilities. The Spirit Hall's authority is not to be disrespected."
Her final words landed with weight, carrying an undeniable pressure that made the atmosphere in the square even more solemn.
Emperor Xue Ye and Dai Tianfeng rose to their feet in agreement upon seeing this, their words filled with admiration for Su Yu and congratulations for the Spirit Hall.
Representatives from other forces on the high platform also hastily stood up, and for a moment, congratulatory voices echoed once more.
Su Yu stood beside Bi Bidong, calmly receiving gazes from all directions, his expression unruffled.
Sunlight fell upon his youthful face, reflecting a composure that belied his age.
The Holy Son Coronation Ceremony concluded perfectly, and Su Yu's miraculous feat of defeating eight opponents single-handedly spread throughout the entire continent.
With the ceremony over, the major empires, kingdoms, and sects all departed from the Martial Soul Holy City.
Only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School remained temporarily, as the two major powers had important matters to discuss, hence their brief stay.
Meanwhile, after Su Yu and Hu Liena both broke through to the thirtieth rank, they no longer needed to attend the Martial Soul Academy.
Now, the two trained daily under Bi Bidong's guidance, and with no academy obligations, they found themselves with considerable free time.
Thus, after finishing their cultivation, Su Yu took Hu Liena for a leisurely stroll through the Martial Soul Holy City.
Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices of the Martial Soul Holy City, spilling onto the bluestone-paved streets and illuminating two youthful figures.
Su Yu wore a plain white casual outfit, his posture upright and tall, while Hu Liena, dressed in a lively orange-red dress, skipped cheerfully ahead.
She already clutched several sugar figurines and dough sculptures in her hands, her face brimming with carefree delight.
"Brother Su Yu, look at that pinwheel! It has a Soul Beast painted on it!"
Hu Liena pointed toward a nearby stall, her eyes sparkling as if filled with stars.
Su Yu smiled with a mix of helplessness and indulgence, quickening his pace to catch up:
"I see it. If you want it, go buy it."
"Hehe, I knew Brother Su Yu is the best!"
Hu Liena turned and dashed toward the stall, her skirt fluttering gracefully in the breeze.
The two wandered aimlessly, pausing here and there, from the bustling snack street to novelty shops filled with curious trinkets.
Hu Liena resembled a lively little fox, brimming with curiosity about everything.
Su Yu followed behind her, his hands gradually laden with various packages, yet he showed no trace of impatience, his gaze fixed on her joyful figure.
Turning a street corner, they were met with the crisp laughter of children.
Not far away, at a sugar painting stall, a little girl with twin buns stood on her tiptoes, staring eagerly at the rabbit-shaped sugar painting the vendor had just finished.
The sugar painting was translucent, with the rabbit's drooping ears appearing charmingly naive, gleaming amber under the sunlight.
"Little one, do you want this rabbit sugar painting?"
The vendor, a kindly old man, held up the sugar painting with a warm smile.
The girl nodded vigorously, her voice soft and sweet: "Yes! This bunny is so cute! I want it!"
"Alright, one Silver Soul Coin," the old man replied.
The little girl immediately turned and called out to a maid-like woman standing not far behind her:
"Xiao Cui, hurry and pay for me!"
The girl happily licked the rabbit sugar painting, the sweet flavor melting on her tongue.
But after a moment, Xiao Cui still hadn't stepped forward to pay. The girl turned to look behind her, only to find the spot empty.
"Xiao Cui?"
She tilted her head and called out again, but no one answered.
The street was bustling with crowds, hawkers' cries and laughter mingling together, nudging her forward a couple of steps.
When she looked back again, Xiao Cui was nowhere to be seen.
The maid who had been right beside her moments ago was now separated by the crowd, though she couldn't tell when it had happened.
"Xiao Cui! Xiao Cui—!"
The little girl's voice rose slightly, tinged with panic, her small hand clutching the bamboo stick of the sugar painting so tightly her knuckles turned white.
The people around hurried on their way, none paying attention to the little one who had suddenly stopped.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "QueenTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!