Early the next morning, Yin Zhang brought the fire phoenix pill and went to see Yuan Qiqi.
Yuan Qiqi was a little surprised when she saw him and asked, "Xiao Zhang, why aren't you with Sister Yunying this morning? Why did you come to see me—do you need me to handle something troublesome again?"
Yin Zhang gave a light cough, put on a wounded expression, and said, "So in your heart, I'm the kind of person who only shows up when there's work to be done?"
Yuan Qiqi rolled her eyes. "Isn't that exactly the case?"
Yin Zhang sighed helplessly, then took out the fire phoenix pill and handed it to her.
"I brought you a surprise. This is a top-grade medicinal pill—the fire phoenix pill—refined by Elder Poison at my request. A fire-attribute Spirit Master who absorbs it can greatly increase spirit power and aptitude. If you refine it, you could rise directly to Level 93, or even Level 94. With improved aptitude, reaching Peak Level 95 will be a certainty, and you may even have a chance at Level 96 or 97."
Yuan Qiqi was visibly startled. She had always believed Level 95 was within reach, but Levels 96 or 97 had felt far too distant.
She accepted the pill bottle and opened it. Inside lay a fire-red pill traced with faint golden patterns. As she sensed it with her spirit power, the fire attribute within her body responded instantly, surging with excitement.
She swallowed lightly. "Xiao Zhang… is this really for me?"
Yin Zhang nodded. "Of course. I still have a few bottles left. Go ahead and absorb it. The sooner you become stronger, the more you can help me when important matters arise."
Yuan Qiqi smiled and nodded. "Then I won't refuse. I'll go refine it now."
After she left, Yin Zhang looked at the four remaining bottles and fell into brief contemplation. Four fire phoenix pills were more than enough to win over key figures and further strengthen Spirit Hall.
He soon shook his head and set those thoughts aside. His coronation day was fast approaching.
After becoming Supreme Pontiff, Yin Zhang did not intend to remain in Spirit Hall at all times. He wanted someone he trusted to assist in handling affairs during his absences—and he already had a suitable candidate in mind.
Qiangu Yunying.
He had tested her aptitude for administrative matters before, and the results had exceeded expectations. After discussing it with her, Qiangu Yunying eventually agreed: when she could not accompany him, she would remain in Spirit City to assist with government affairs.
Within Spirit Hall itself, there existed a council-like structure. Elders skilled in administration would process most matters in advance. Only confidential or critical affairs required the Supreme Pontiff's personal approval; routine decisions could be handled independently. As such, the Supreme Pontiff's daily burden was not heavy.
The day before the coronation, Hu Liena returned to Spirit City. She immediately went to find Yin Zhang—but arrived at an inopportune moment.
Realizing the situation, Hu Liena quickly retreated, her face burning red. After collecting herself, she left quietly, resolving to speak with Yin Zhang later.
The next day arrived—the day of the coronation.
From early morning, Spirit City was filled with excitement. Countless residents rose early, eager to witness the ascension of the youngest and most gifted Supreme Pontiff in history. Because the announcement had been made well in advance, many visitors from the two great Empires also gathered to observe the ceremony.
Although few would see the actual moment of crowning, the preparations alone were enough to leave a lasting impression.
Yin Zhang donned the ceremonial robes of the Supreme Pontiff. Under Qiangu Yunying's careful arrangement, the attire fit him perfectly, accentuating his composed bearing and natural authority.
She studied him for a moment, then nodded in satisfaction. "That's enough. You look very good."
At that moment, a tall figure walked in from outside.
"Kid, the time has come. Are you ready?" Golden Crocodile said with a smile, his eyes filled with approval as he looked at Yin Zhang.
The moment had arrived.