In the small village of Yanghun, nestled within the borders of Barak Kingdom, Heaven Dou Empire, and situated near the Star Dou Forest, life was relatively quiet. The village was modest, with a permanent population of just over 2,000. However, its proximity to the forest made it a frequent stop for spirit beast hunters, providing a stable source of income for its inhabitants. Most villagers made their living by offering lodging and running small inns.
Over the past year, however, this quiet village had transformed into a bustling hub of activity. Ever since a certain notable figure visited, the number of visitors passing through had skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Now, Yanghun Village was overwhelmed with people.
On the village outskirts, dozens of villagers could be seen chopping wood and hurriedly constructing new accommodations to keep up with the demand.
---
"Three rooms, please," a visitor requested at an inn.
"None available."
"Two rooms, then."
"Still none."
"Fine! Just one big room, then."
"Sorry, we're fully booked."
"What nonsense is this? I know for a fact that your inn still has plenty of empty rooms! There hasn't been much activity around here in days!"
"My friend, you're correct that the rooms are empty. But they've all been reserved."
"Reserved? By whom?"
"The Spirit Hall."
At that moment, a calm voice interjected from nearby. "Teacher, this is the inn I reserved for you in advance. The conditions here are simple, given the rural setting. If you require anything additional, I'll arrange it right away."
The speaker was a young woman with long black hair. Her figure was nearly flawless, exuding a restrained but powerful presence akin to a wolf ready to strike. At first glance, she didn't seem particularly stunning. But upon closer inspection, she carried an unusual charm that could captivate those around her. Her slightly husky voice carried an underlying allure.
"Nana, have you received any updates on Master Mu?" another woman asked her.
The second woman was shorter, wearing a dazzling golden gown adorned with over a hundred gemstones of red, blue, and gold hues. The gems shimmered as if radiating light, matching her intricate Nine-Curved Purple-Gold Crown. She held a scepter over two meters long, studded with countless jewels. Her appearance screamed wealth and power.
Her fair skin and near-perfect features made her stand out even more. But what set her apart was the noble and sacred aura she emanated, an aura that made others feel compelled to bow in reverence.
"I've already sent Elder Chrysanthemum to investigate," Hu Liena replied respectfully.
---
"Your Eminence. Your Holiness."
Moments later, a pale, feminine-looking man with long golden hair approached the two women. His voice was strange, alternating between light and shadowy tones. Bowing deeply, he greeted them with utmost respect.
These two women were none other than Bibi Dong, the current Pope of the Spirit Hall, and its Saintess, Hu Liena.
"Well? Did you find out what his intentions are?" Bibi Dong asked coldly.
"Your Eminence, I regret my incompetence. All I could discover was that a year ago, Master Mu entered the Star Dou Forest. Ten days ago, he emerged and has been in seclusion ever since. However, during that time, he did meet privately with the president of the Blacksmith Association, Lou Gao," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied humbly.
"Lou Gao? Why would he meet with a blacksmith?" Bibi Dong frowned, clearly puzzled.
"Your Eminence, I couldn't ascertain the purpose of their meeting. It was private, and no one else was present. Their conversation remains a mystery."
"That Mu Chen... What exactly is he plotting?" Bibi Dong's brows furrowed, unable to make sense of the situation.
Three years had passed since the conclusion of the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. During that time, a bet had been made between Bibi Dong and Mu Chen. He vowed to create a force surpassing the Spirit Hall within three years. If he failed, he would concede defeat, and the Tang Sect would withdraw from all political affairs on the continent. But if Mu Chen succeeded, Bibi Dong would have to fulfill one of his requests.
"Elder Ghost," Bibi Dong called, her gaze shifting to another figure who had appeared silently beside her. This man had a ghostly presence, as if he could fade into the shadows at will.
"Your Eminence, I've completed all your orders. If anything unexpected happens, our forces will be able to respond immediately. This is Barak Kingdom; he won't be able to cause much trouble here," Ghost Douluo reported.
"Our forces?" Hu Liena's heart tightened. What exactly was her teacher planning? "Teacher, what are you preparing for?" she asked cautiously.
"I'm merely preparing for the worst," Bibi Dong replied with a faint smile.
A year ago, Mu Chen had sent an invitation, asking her to come to this small village near the Star Dou Forest. Bibi Dong couldn't discern his intentions, but as the Pope, she couldn't afford to be careless. Although Barak Kingdom was nominally part of the Heaven Dou Empire, it was secretly under the control of the Spirit Hall. With their forces ready, Bibi Dong was confident that she could counter any of Mu Chen's schemes.
---
Suddenly, rumble—
The previously clear sky turned dark as thunderclouds gathered overhead. A deafening clap of thunder startled everyone, drawing their attention to the heavens.
"What's happening?" Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned, his expression turning serious.
Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Hu Liena, and Ghost Douluo all stepped outside, their eyes fixed on the ominous clouds.
The once-clear sky was now covered in a massive black cloud, which churned violently as if responding to some unseen force. The sheer size of the cloud encompassed the entire village, leaving everyone—villagers and spirit masters alike—in awe and trepidation.
---
"Is this... a heavenly phenomenon?"
"What's going on?"
"Could someone be using a powerful spirit skill? But no spirit skill should cause such an enormous disturbance!"
Spirit masters glanced at each other uneasily. Some summoned their martial spirits, preparing for the worst.
---
"Your Eminence!"
"Your Eminence!"
A chorus of greetings rang out as several prominent figures arrived: Ning Fengzhi, the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan; Yu Yuanzhen, the former leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan; and Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
All eyes turned to the heavens, where the thunderclouds churned with an almost divine intensity.
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