"Of course, I've thought about it. Since Your Holiness and several Elders have confirmed me as the first heir to the Pontiff, I must strive even harder to excel and at the same time not disappoint Your Holiness,"
"And it's not like I could refuse such a great opportunity. Your Holiness, I will certainly cherish it."
Hulena spoke.
"Mm, very good,"
said the Pope, the corners of his mouth rising slightly.
"If I gave you a chance to capture a hundred-thousand-year soul beast alive, could you do it? You must know that capturing one alive is no easy task."
His Holiness said.
Who would have imagined such words coming from the mouth of His Holiness!
It was a clear challenge to the other party's strength!!
Yes, that's right! Otherwise, why would the Pope agree to join them?
Without the Pope present, it would probably be difficult to take Xiaowu into custody.
"Your Holiness...!!"
Hulena stammered out.
She had something to say but couldn't get the words out; His Holiness's gaze turned toward Hulena, who he had long noticed was acting off-kilter!
But even if he noticed, it didn't matter. If she didn't want to speak, it was of no concern!
"It is said that Tang San and his father are in Sunset Forest,"
Hulena blurted.
Upon hearing this, His Holiness looked incredulous.
How could they possibly be in Sunset Forest? Were they out hunting for soul beasts? But there's no need for Tang Hao's help just to find soul beasts. So what was the reason for Tang Hao's appearance!
Tang Hao, Tang Hao, you were bound to show up, you have not yet settled your debt with me. If it wasn't for your sudden arrival last time, the hundred-thousand-year soul beast would have been mine by now.
"Hmph, Tang Hao and his kind,"
His Holiness said.
With a look of disdain!
His entire demeanor changed for the worse upon hearing that Tang Hao was in Sunset Forest!
His face immediately darkened!
If she hadn't mentioned Tang Hao, he might not have thought of him!
Tang San and Xiaowu grew up together since childhood; one might say they have a relationship akin to childhood sweethearts.
"Lena, you did remind me. That old man, Tang Hao, is very cunning. When you fight him, he's sure to leave a lasting impression."
What she meant was that you're no match for Tang Hao; in his eyes, the people around him are all worthless!
"By the way, if His Holiness successfully captures a hundred-thousand-year soul beast this time and then absorbs it, wouldn't his Soul Power increase quite a bit immediately?"
Isn't that stating the obvious? And she still asks knowingly.
"Of course,"
His Holiness responded directly.
"I'm thinking if we really manage to capture Xiaowu alive and successfully extract the hundred-thousand-year soul beast from her, if Tang San finds out, he will be greatly shocked and might even go mad."
Hulena said to the Pope.
"Hmph! I don't care.
"As long as I can get the hundred-thousand-year soul beast, that's all that matters. If Tang San comes looking for trouble, you all will handle it. I believe you can do it,"
observed His Holiness with a smile.
But knowing Tang San, he would be devastated when he found out; then we could all laugh at his expense!
Hulena muttered.
Suddenly a terrifying gaze fixed on Hulena!
Startled, Hulena took a few steps back.
It turned out to be His Holiness's piercing stare directed at her.
"If there's nothing else, you may leave now."
His Holiness commanded.
Afterward, Hulena nodded and turned to walk toward the doorway.
On the other side, Ye Feng.
"Have you heard? The Pontiff of Spirit Hall, Bi Bidong, has apparently chosen the first heir to the Pontificate just yesterday,"
"Oh, really? Let's hear who the heir is,"
two men conversed.
```
The location was at Qing Feng Tea House.
The young man at the opposite table heard their conversation, but he didn't make any dramatic moves; instead, he subtly altered his expression.
Time really did fly.
Martial Soul Hall had already chosen the first successor to the Pontiff.
So who could that person be!
"If you really want to know, then you can't blab about it after I tell you. It's something a buddy from Martial Soul Hall told me, and I'm sure you've met that person before."
Suddenly, his tone lowered.
"Oh come on, just spit it out, will you? Stop beating around the bush like some old gossip."
He did indeed look like an old gossip, speaking in such a whiny, nagging tone!
"Spirit Hall Saintess Hulena."
The man lifted his right hand to cover half of his cheek, fearing that his voice would be overheard!
Since Martial Soul Hall had not publicly announced the first successor to the Pontiff, the young man warned him not to reveal even a hint of this to the outside world.
Unfortunately, the young man to the side had heard everything, despite their low voices revealing their secret conversation.
That person was Ye Feng.
Ye Feng had come to his own Qing Feng Tea House, this time as a customer to enjoy a cup of tea.
He'd also made it clear to his staff that if anyone asked who the owner was, they were to say they were just working there and didn't know who the owner was!
"What? I didn't hear that wrong, did I? It's Hulena? Well, I think it's pretty good that it's her. Hulena is my goddess, I'm really happy for her."
The man said with a smile.
"That's not bad, choosing her as the first successor seems quite normal; after all, she's an outstanding girl who was raised by the Pontiff of Spirit Hall from a young age."
"Ah! I almost forgot, doesn't Hulena have an older brother named Evil Moon? Do you think he'll be upset and jealous, hating his little sister for being chosen by Bi Bidong?"
"No way, their sibling bond is so strong, how could Evil Moon be so angry? He must be incredibly happy."
"It's not necessarily as you say. I think that Evil Moon was just sulking quietly and didn't show it in front of others."
"Pfft, who knows better, you or me? Don't spout nonsense, kiddo, or someone might just cut off your tongue and use it to make liquor."
The bald man rebutted him directly.
The man was indeed incredible!
He had guessed right; when Evil Moon realized that Hulena had been chosen, he was indeed happy for his sister and comforted himself.
Evil Moon was also a pitiable person, he worked hard and did his due diligence, but Bi Bidong just didn't choose him!
"Cough cough...!"
Suddenly, a cough interrupted their conversation.
Both sets of eyes turned to Ye Feng.
"Who the hell are you, eying us like that? Keep staring and I swear I'll rip out your eyeballs and feed them to the dogs, believe it or not."
The bald man's arrogant stance.
He looked down on others with contempt!
"Could it be that he heard our conversation?"
"Impossible."
The two whispered to each other.
These two men were guards from another country who had come to Ye Feng's Qing Feng Tea House to relax and drink tea.
Unfortunately for them, Ye Feng heard every word loud and clear.
At that moment, Ye Feng didn't speak but kept his gaze fixed firmly on them.
"Hiss—!"
Such a terrifying stare!
"Didn't I tell you to stop looking this way? Got a problem with your ears, buddy?"
"Are you even listening to me, buddy!?"
The man walked right up to Ye Feng and shouted.
"Ah— Help!"
The man shouted.
Ye Feng's hand moved swiftly, breaking one of the man's hands on the spot!
The other man, seeing this, was so frightened that his legs went weak and he collapsed on the ground!
He sure got lucky!
The unlucky one was his companion.
…
```