[TL/N: My sincere apologies for the delay. I accidentally fell asleep before publishing this chapter.]
Upon hearing Lin Mu's request, Bibi Dong's face darkened.
Having just offered three ten-thousand-year Soul Bones as the champion's reward, where would she find a Soul Bone older than thirty thousand years right now?
Moreover, Yu Xiaogang, as the leader of the Spirit Hall team, had already incurred the displeasure of Spirit Hall's higher-ups by losing the three ten-thousand-year Soul Bones. If she were to offer another Soul Bone older than thirty thousand years to repay Yu Xiaogang's debt, the Elders and the Worship Hall would likely want to grind him to dust.
After a moment of silence, Bibi Dong looked up at Lin Mu, her red lips parting slightly as she suggested, "I can compensate you for the Soul Bone Yu Xiaogang owes you in other ways, such as with Gold Soul Coins."
Upon hearing this, all the Soul Masters present were stunned.
What a joke!
The value of a ten-thousand-year Soul Bone to a Soul Master could not be measured in Gold Soul Coins.
Even an ordinary thousand-year Soul Bone would cause a frenzy among Soul Masters at an auction; a ten-thousand-year Soul Bone was even more rare and sought after, easily fetching an astronomical price. Moreover, Soul Bones can be passed down through generations. A Soul Bone over 30,000 years old could be the foundation of a sect.
"Bibi Dong, do you think I look like someone who's short on money?"
Lin Mu sneered, his eyes fixed on Bibi Dong on the high platform, his gaze sharp. This woman actually wanted to fool him with Gold Soul Coins.
As a Soul Master, how could Bibi Dong not know the value of Soul Bones? Either she was pretending not to know, or she had been in a high position for too long and believed that everyone had to obey her will.
Seeing Lin Mu's refusal, Bibi Dong's face instantly turned ashen, and she coldly said, "Your Royal Fighting Team has already obtained three 10,000-year Soul Bones. Aren't you satisfied?"
"One thing at a time. Those three Soul Bones were the champion's reward; they are rightfully ours."
After a pause, Lin Mu suddenly changed the subject, saying with a hint of sarcasm, "As for the Soul Bone that Yu Xiaogang owes me... I didn't force you to give it to him, unless there's some unspeakable secret between you two."
Upon hearing this, both those in the know and those unaware were stunned.
In an instant, all eyes turned to Yu Xiaogang, looking at this pathetic piece of trash, their minds filled with doubt.
Was Bibi Dong out of her mind to have fallen for such a loser?
Lin Mu's revelation not only provided a shocking scoop but also changed the opinions of some Spirit Hall Soul Masters regarding Bibi Dong, making her no longer seem as sacred and unapproachable as before. After all, they considered themselves no less capable than Yu Xiaogang, perhaps even the Pope preferred this type?
"Bibi Dong, your taste is truly terrible," Qian Renxue said, her beautiful eyes filled with disdain. She hadn't expected Bibi Dong to like a good-for-nothing.
Although Lin Mu's actions affected Spirit Hall's reputation, she was happy as long as she saw Bibi Dong humiliated.
On the high platform, Bibi Dong realized the situation was spiraling toward its worst. At this rate, her position as Pope was in jeopardy.
After a moment, she forced herself to remain calm and slowly said, "I have no connection with him. Do with him as you see fit."
Although Spirit Hall was powerful, it wasn't her sole authority. Even if she were willing to offer a Soul Bone to help Yu Xiaogang, Qian Daoliu and the others would never agree. Furthermore, with Lin Mu's exposure, if she intervened, rumors would inevitably spread wildly within days.
Seeing Bibi Dong's attempt to distance herself, Yu Xiaogang became enraged, shouting, "Bibi Dong, have you forgotten our past relationship? You can't even part with a single Soul Bone! My decision to leave Spirit Hall was indeed the right one!"
These words caused an uproar.
With Yu Xiaogang's outburst, his relationship with Bibi Dong was essentially confirmed, breaking the hearts of countless Spirit Hall Soul Masters.
At this moment, Bibi Dong's feelings were a complex mix. If Yu Xiaogang were the same as before, she would definitely help him at all costs, but he had become like this, and he was not worth her utmost effort.
However, she was now speechless. Just like twenty years ago, she had been betrayed by Yu Xiaogang once again.
In the spectator area, Lin Mu watched this good show, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up. 'He is truly Gangzi, he cuts ties when he doesn't need you, and doesn't hesitate to drag you down when he needs you.'
"Gangzi, since no one is willing to help you, then I will have to take something of equal value from you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Mu disappeared from his spot, and before everyone could react, he had already brought Tang San back to the spectator area.
"Master, why did you bring me here?"
"Although this guy is a piece of trash, his Martial Soul contains the essence of the Holy Dragon of Light. Use the Eight Spider Lances to extract it."
"Holy Dragon of Light?"
Not only was Tang San stunned, but everyone present was also dumbfounded. This piece of trash with no cultivation actually possessed such an opportunity?
Upon hearing the words "Holy Dragon of Light," Yu Xiaogang, who had been slumped on the ground, instantly perked up, only to quickly slump again.
Leaving aside the fact that his cultivation was already destroyed, even if it weren't, he still couldn't help Luo San Pao evolve. Even with the help of a Martial Soul Fusion Technique, he would only be able to unleash a fart.
A moment later, Yu Xiaogang suddenly remembered something and hurriedly looked up at Lin Mu, pleading, "Lin Mu, if you're willing to help me restore my cultivation, I can acknowledge you as my master."
"Gangzi, someone like you is better suited to be a useless piece of trash for life."
Lin Mu remained unmoved by Yu Xiaogang's request. Although doing so would annoy Bibi Dong, subduing Yu Xiaogang would be pointless and might only add to the trouble.
Seeing Tang San approaching step by step, Yu Xiaogang's eyes were filled with terror. He pleaded again, "Wait a minute! I can still beg my father. He'll definitely help me pay!"
"Too late!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Tang San used the Blue Silver Emperor to lift Yu Xiaogang from the ground. Then, the Eight Spider Lances emerged from his back and pierced his body at lightning speed.
On the high platform, Bibi Dong didn't stop him. In any case, Yu Xiaogang had already lost his cultivation, so even if his Martial Soul essence was extracted, it wouldn't have much of an impact.
As time passed, Yu Xiaogang's aura grew weaker and weaker. The last bit of masculine energy completely disappeared, and his appearance became increasingly ugly.
Seeing the change in Yu Xiaogang's appearance, many people realized the truth.
This guy was actually a eunuch!
"Xiaogang, you brought all this on yourself. Don't blame me."
A complex look flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. Besides feeling sorry for him, there was also some disgust and rejection, and even more resentment toward Lin Mu. Before, Yu Xiaogang could only be described as ugly, but now he was simply repulsive.
On the field, Ma Hongjun, who had just regained consciousness, witnessed this scene with eyes full of sympathy and helplessness.
Who could blame him when Yu Xiaogang was addicted to gambling?
Seeing his teacher's tragic end, a strange sense of superiority welled up within Ma Hongjun; at least he could still pretend to be a normal person.