By this time, Bibi Dong had reconciled with Qian Renxue, and her relationship with Qian Daoliu had also eased. So, when she summoned all the elders for a meeting, there was no opposition from Qian Daoliu's faction.
The new Elder Tokens featured emblems based on the martial souls of the Seven Enshrined Elders—true symbols of Spirit Hall. The old six symbols were a mere formality.
Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo: …
Even Qian Daoliu, upon learning about this, chuckled and said nothing. He was pleased with Bibi Dong's approach.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing Bibi Dong arrive, bore his pain and snapped, "Bibi Dong, this is how your Spirit Hall behaves? No discipline! They show no respect for the Elder's Token! Is it just for show?"
Seeing Yu Xiaogang after so many years didn't bring Bibi Dong the happiness she once imagined—instead, it sickened her. After today's scene, everyone in Spirit Hall would likely speculate about her relationship with him. But she had long prepared for this eventuality. Let them know if they must; she was just grateful she had not been entangled with him for real. Now, all she felt was disgust.
"Oh? If you feel our Spirit Hall lacks discipline, then leave!" Bibi Dong said coldly, her gaze dismissive.
Uh...
Huh?
Yu Xiaogang was stunned by her unexpected response. He'd envisioned Bibi Dong coming over to help him up, allowing him to brush her off and save face, stunning the onlookers. But things weren't going as planned.
Seeing her turn her back and walk away, he panicked and called out, "Bibi Dong! After all these years, is this how you treat me?"
Swallowing his humiliation, Yu Xiaogang had come here to acquire notes on twin martial soul cultivation for Tang San's sake. He couldn't let Bibi Dong leave.
He saw her pause and felt a rush of confidence—she must still have feelings for him, maybe even some resentment about how he'd left her years ago. Surely, those guards had beaten him at her command, a tactic of hers to make him suffer. If this was what it took for Tang San's future, he would endure.
In just a few seconds, Yu Xiaogang convinced himself he was right. Unfortunately, he couldn't see Bibi Dong's face, twisted in a chilling smile.
"Very well, come in. It's been so many years; it's time to settle some scores. Surely you didn't come to see me without a reason, and the Soul Master Tournament is still underway."
"Leave us," Bibi Dong ordered.
Inside the Pope's Palace, the doors closed. Yu Xiaogang, still reeling from his injuries, trembled. Those guards had been merciless, and he seethed with anger, resolving to remember this.
Seeing they were alone, Bibi Dong wasn't in a rush to "settle accounts." She wanted to hear what he had to say. If her guess was right…
Yu Xiaogang spoke directly, "Bibi Dong, I hope you can give me your notes on cultivating twin martial souls!"
Of course. Bibi Dong sighed inwardly, disappointed. Just as Su Ming had said, Yu Xiaogang was hopeless.
"You want my twin martial soul cultivation notes for your disciple? Do you realize that your disciple is an enemy of Spirit Hall? His father is Clear Sky Douluo!" Bibi Dong's voice was icy.
Yu Xiaogang was somewhat surprised but found it logical. After all, Tang San had shown his Clear Sky Hammer during the tournament, and Salas, the bishop, would have surely relayed the news.
He knew well that Tang San's father had conflicts with Spirit Hall, and that his external spirit bone had even been forcibly taken by them. Yet, to obtain Bibi Dong's insights, he forced himself to say, "Dong'er, if you give me those notes, I assure you that Tang San will never be an enemy of Spirit Hall."
"Ridiculous!"
Boom!
A surge of spirit power struck Yu Xiaogang, sending him flying, blood spurting from his mouth.
"Yu Xiaogang! I am the Pope of Spirit Hall now! Address me as 'Your Holiness'!" Bibi Dong snapped, repulsed by his use of "Dong'er." She barely restrained herself from using her full strength, or he would have been obliterated.
If he died that easily, it would be too merciful.
Gritting his teeth through the pain, blood trickling from his mouth, Yu Xiaogang choked out, "Yes, Your Holiness!"
He clenched his fists, fingers digging into his palms. The humiliation was unbearable. Did Bibi Dong truly hold no regard for their past?
Seeing him so indignant filled Bibi Dong with a measure of satisfaction—she enjoyed watching him like this.
"You knew your disciple was our enemy, yet you came to ask for my notes? You knew this, yet you still took him as your student? Is this your idea of 'love'?" Bibi Dong sneered. "You're raising an enemy of Spirit Hall, and you shamelessly ask for my help. Do you think I'd give it to you?"
Yu Xiaogang's face flushed with embarrassment.
"Your Holiness, have you forgotten the past? You know how I felt about you! Trust me, if you give me the notes, Tang San will never go against Spirit Hall. I swear it!" Yu Xiaogang switched tactics, appealing to emotions.
Watching his delusional confidence, Bibi Dong scoffed. She remembered a line Su Ming once wrote in his diary:
"Yo, Xiao Gang, still not satisfied at level 30? And you think you're going to ascend to the God Realm?"