"I want the title of Holy Son of Spirit Hall, along with real authority—second only to you, Your Holiness. If you agree to my conditions, I'll join Spirit Hall!" Su Ming spoke with a calmness that left everyone stunned.
"Wow, Su Ming really dared to make such a demand. Do you think the Pope will actually agree?" whispered a spectator.
"With Su Ming's power, his request isn't exactly unreasonable," commented another. "After all, Hu Liena is the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall. Having both a Holy Son and a Holy Maiden isn't an issue."
"Are you kidding? Hu Liena is the Pope's direct disciple, so it's expected she holds that title. But Su Ming also wants his position to be second only to Bibi Dong—meaning even Qian Renxue, her own daughter, would be beneath him."
"You put it like that… and, well, Qian Renxue isn't as strong as Su Ming, so he'd technically be 'above her' anyway…"
The crowd's murmurs filled the arena, and even with attempts to keep voices down, the excitement grew too loud to stifle. Bibi Dong's grip tightened on her staff, her expression betraying a moment of surprise. Hu Liena and Qian Renxue stared wide-eyed at Su Ming, as if questioning whether he was serious.
After a deep breath, Bibi Dong spoke, "Alright, I agree. But don't get too happy just yet."
Su Ming responded, "Is there any other condition, Your Holiness?"
Bibi Dong replied, "I'll grant you the title of Holy Son with appropriate authority. However, the six soul bones I promised—each over 50,000 years—won't be given right away. You'll need to earn them through merit."
"Also, I want you as my disciple. Just as Hu Liena is my disciple and Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, you'll be my student and our Holy Son."
Su Ming answered without hesitation, "No problem. I'll do justice to the role of Holy Son of Spirit Hall. As for the soul bones, without merit, even if you granted them, it would invite jealousy and discontent. Soul bones, after all, are second only to spirit rings in value."
Bibi Dong looked at him approvingly, noting his insight. Su Ming then formally bowed three times, accepting her as his master. With this relationship, he could navigate Spirit Hall with greater ease.
Meanwhile, Yu Feng and the others from Heaven Dou Empire looked dismayed, worried about how they would explain this back at the academy, or even to Emperor Xue Ye. Unable to hold back, Yu Feng pleaded, "Captain! You're from Heaven Dou Empire—how can you join Spirit Hall? Doesn't this betray the Empire that invested in you?"
Su Ming shook his head calmly, "Yu Feng, the Empire's nobility is corrupt. As a commoner, I've always felt out of place. As for the 'investment,' tell me—did the Empire ever grant me a soul bone, or help me acquire soul rings? Those cultivation environments were just standard for any high-level academy."
He continued, "I've already brought the Empire honor by winning this tournament. Consider it my parting gift. Take the tournament prize money and soul tools back with you as compensation."
The crowd seemed to recognize the fairness of Su Ming's words. He'd given Heaven Dou Empire all the honor they could ask for and even left behind rewards. What more could be expected?
With that settled, Su Ming discreetly signaled to Gui Mei and Ju Douluo.
Gui Mei stepped forward, turning to Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhu Zhuqing, would you like to join Spirit Hall? Your talent is outstanding. How would you feel about becoming my disciple?"
Without hesitation, Zhu Zhuqing bowed three times and respectfully said, "Disciple Zhu Zhuqing greets Master!"
Gui Mei's laughter filled the air. He then looked toward the Star Luo team, his voice chilling. "Zhu Zhuqing is now my disciple, so I hope your emperor thinks carefully."
Dai Weisi sighed in resignation, knowing that with both Su Ming and Zhu Zhuqing now tied to Spirit Hall, their kingdom would have no recourse.
Next, Ju Douluo approached Xiao Wu with a chrysanthemum in hand, his tone reverent. "Xiao Wu, would you consider becoming my disciple?"
The crowd watched in shock. Why was a titled Douluo, of all people, showing such respect to a Spirit King?
Xiao Wu, though surprised, glanced at Su Ming for guidance. When he nodded, she accepted, formally becoming Ju Douluo's disciple.
"Is this some kind of mass disciple-gathering event?" someone muttered.
Finally, Bibi Dong addressed the remaining members. "Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling—would you two consider joining Spirit Hall? With your talents, your potential could flourish here."
After exchanging a glance, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling nodded, saying in unison, "We're willing, but we're joining as individuals, separate from any ties to our grandfathers or teachers."