Watching Qian Renxue's resolute back, Bibi Dong was reminded of her younger self—so stubborn, so obsessed with certain things.
In truth, Bibi Dong was proud of her daughter in many ways. The only thing she couldn't accept was her terrible taste in men. Falling for someone so talentless? What a waste of life. That was a truth Bibi Dong had learned the hard way.
A man too weak to protect his own woman is worthless… She could still remember the despair of that moment, even now.
"Power and authority… that is what truly matters in this world."
Bibi Dong gazed at Qian Renxue's back and finally spoke, her voice low and steady.
"The Douluo Continent has been fractured for far too long. For thousands of years, conflict has never ceased. What it needs now is true unification. And the Spirit Hall… is the one most suited for that task."
"We awaken the spirits of the commoners for free. We provide financial support to low-ranked soul masters, helping them grow. Unlike the two great empires, who only bow to their noble class."
"Right now, Spirit Hall is the dominant power on the continent. Us unifying it is the natural order. As the heir to Spirit Hall's future… as its true pillar of strength… you have a responsibility to see that vision realized."
Bibi Dong paused for a breath, knowing that Qian Renxue was listening even as she trained.
"You shouldn't waste your energy on foolish attachments. That's not what you should be focused on right now. Understand?"
Qian Renxue finally opened her eyes. Her reply was cold and simple.
"Get lost."
Bibi Dong's expression darkened with fury. But before she could say anything—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Three earth-shaking explosions rocked the air outside, followed by a high-pitched, childish voice that echoed like thunder. Bibi Dong's heart sank. She immediately stepped out of the cultivation chamber and barked at the two elders nearby.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo! Ghost Douluo! Go find out who dares to cause chaos in Spirit Hall City!"
She gripped her scepter tightly, eyes burning with rage. Even from in here she can hear it… it must've reached the entire city!
The two titled Douluos left quickly—and returned just as fast.
"Reporting to the Supreme Pontiff," said Chrysanthemum Douluo. "It's a boy, around six years old, making a commotion just outside the city. He flew up onto the wall and is shouting things like 'Give me back my mother!'"
"Give back his mother?"
Bibi Dong frowned. What nonsense is this? What does Spirit Hall have to do with his mother?
But Qian Renxue, listening from within, furrowed her brows. His mother is imprisoned by Spirit Hall? Even though she wasn't a mother herself, the very idea infuriated her.
"Bibi Dong," she said coldly. "If Spirit Hall really did something like that, then return her. Otherwise the world will think we're just another villainous organization, kidnapping innocent mothers."
"This is none of your business. Focus on your cultivation," Bibi Dong shot back irritably before storming off with the two elders in tow.
As she marched down the halls, her fury only grew.
"How the hell did a kid just waltz up to the city wall? What are the guards even doing?"
Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo exchanged awkward looks, staying quiet.
"SPIRIT HALL! GIVE ME BACK MY MOTHER!!"
"SPIRIT HALL! GIVE ME BACK MY MOTHER!!"
That young voice thundered through the air, louder than ever—so loud it seemed like the very heavens might crack open.
Bibi Dong's eyes twitched. This kind of volume… it's sustained by powerful soul force.
"Are you two certain… he's just a child?"
"Absolutely," replied Chrysanthemum Douluo. "A boy of about six or seven, wearing a green leaf around his waist and a red gourd on his head. He looked absolutely ridiculous."
Bibi Dong paused. Even if he was just a kid, he'd already stirred up a massive scene. Spirit Hall's dignity was at stake. It had to be handled swiftly.
"Send a knight squad from that district to detain the child and bring him in for questioning. If it's a misunderstanding, resolve it. But If this is some faction sending a child to create chaos…"
Her eyes glinted coldly. Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo couldn't help but shudder.
…
Spirit Hall City – Main Gate, atop the wall
A boy no older than six or seven stood high above the wall. A green leaf tied at his waist, a bright red gourd perched on his head—it was none other than Shi Hao, the eldest gourd brother.
He shouted with every ounce of strength he had, voice ripping through the sky:
"SPIRIT HALL! GIVE ME BACK MY MOTHER!!"
"IF YOU DON'T, I'LL SMASH YOUR ENTIRE CITY TO PIECES!!"
Below the wall, the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation—those who had journeyed here with him—were completely stunned.
All three of them stood there with their mouths wide open, totally unprepared for this sudden escalation.
Hu Liena hurriedly called out, "Shi Hao! What are you doing? Get down from there! Didn't we agree to help you look for your mother?"
Xie Yue also panicked. "Shi Hao! Stop this madness! This is Spirit Hall City!"
"If they catch you, how will you ever save your mother?"
They were nearly losing their minds. Shi Hao had darted up the city wall so fast, they didn't even have time to stop him. Weren't they supposed to search quietly together?
But Shi Hao just looked down at the three with a calm face.
"This is the fastest way to find my mother. I've already decided—she must be suffering inside somewhere. If you're scared, you can stay back."
"Just like the big cat."
He casually pointed toward the treeline beyond the wall, where the white tiger crouched, silently observing.
Shi Hao had planned this all along.
He didn't even know what his mother looked like. Searching would take forever. But if he made a big enough scene… she would come find him!
His father, Shi Batian, had told him—Spirit Hall was powerful. That's why he didn't want to drag his friends into danger. He was prepared to face this alone.
By now, countless citizens within Spirit Hall City had gathered, drawn by the cries of the angry child. Everyone craned their necks to look toward the commotion on the wall.
"Whose kid is that? So arrogant."
"Looks about six. Clothes are in rags—must be from a poor family."
"Shouting about his mother… guess he's here looking for her."
"Looking for his mom in Spirit Hall? Is he insane?"
_
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