"The importance and rarity of a head spirit bone are second only to external spirit bones and torso bones!? And teacher is willing to give it to me!?" Yan was astonished just hearing about the first option.
"Teacher, this is too precious! I can't accept it!"
Yan was so shocked that he looked around nervously, afraid that someone else might overhear this information. A ten-thousand-year head spirit bone would be envied even by a Titled Douluo!
Amidst his shock, a question dawned on Yan: 'Where did teacher get this head spirit bone? Could it be from the spirit beast he absorbed for his fourth ring? If so, why didn't he absorb it himself? It's well known that spirit rings and spirit bones from the same source have additional synergy! It can't be that he looks down on a ten-thousand-year spirit bone, can it!?'
"Don't get too excited," You Chen said calmly. "This spirit bone doesn't suit you well. Even if you absorb it, it won't enhance your martial spirit's essence. Considering your future, even though it's a ten-thousand-year-old bone, I wouldn't recommend you absorb it. However, you're aware of how rare spirit bones are, especially head spirit bones. Even when you become a Titled Douluo, you might not have a head spirit bone. And even if it isn't a perfect match, it can still significantly boost your abilities. So, it's a mixed bag."
According to You Chen's theory, it's inadvisable to absorb spirit bones before the third ring, but Yan was already a Soul Elder, so this wasn't an issue. Absorbing one or two spirit bones as a Soul Elder or Soul Ancestor was more beneficial than harmful.
"Now, hear me out on the second option."
Seeing Yan quiet down, You Chen continued, "For the second option, I won't give you anything. You'll need to apply to train alone in Death Canyon. Through the dangers and pressures of such an extreme environment, your mental will can ascend, helping you break through to the Spiritual Sea level."
Yan, without hesitation, said, "Teacher, I choose the second option."
But You Chen saw through Yan's true intentions immediately, "Don't choose the second option just to save resources for me. It's perfectly reasonable for an elder to support his junior. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about this. This decision concerns your future. When I'm about to leave, I'll come to see you again. By then, you can give me your decision. Remember, don't rush into Death Canyon recklessly after making your choice! No matter what decision you make, you must meet me first! You're my disciple, Yan! Letting others know that a disciple of a theory master like me acts so rashly would ruin my reputation!"
Feeling his teacher's care, Yan lowered his head and replied solemnly, "Understood."
...
"Is that so? Nana went to trouble that person again today? I see."
In the Pope's Palace, a stunning woman in luxurious robes sat high on the throne, listening to her subordinate's report.
She wore a nine-bend purple-gold crown and had a gem-inlaid staff resting beside her. Leaning lazily on the armrest of the throne, her wide sleeves draped naturally, revealing a section of her snowy white arm. Her skin was impeccably smooth, like cream, exuding an allure that was impossible to resist.
This level of beauty could only be maintained through the infusion of the most expensive and rare resources, with every inch of skin and every strand of hair representing a cascade of golden soul coins.
Even those born with natural beauty would have flaws upon closer inspection, unmatched by the sweetness brought by wealth.
Yet, the woman's aura was so regal and elegant, her Pope's robe adding an air of sanctity, making it impossible to entertain any disrespectful thoughts even while admiring her beauty.
This peerless woman was none other than the current Pope, Bibi Dong.
As the Pope, Bibi Dong exhibited an intense desire for power, overseeing all major affairs, always attending to state matters diligently.
Of course, we all know that her apparent desire for power is merely a facade. Beneath it lies a twisted urge for destruction and a yearning for revenge.
On this day, as usual, she listened to the reports presented by her aides, only showing a noticeable reaction when matters concerning her personal disciple arose.
But this reaction was not because of Hu Liena, but because of "that person" involved in Hu Liena's actions.
Even though Bibi Dong did not want to admit it, her feelings towards You Chen were quite complex.
No matter how much she admired Yu Xiao Gang, she couldn't deny You Chen's talent.
Especially after seeing You Chen's "last work," published shortly before she ascended to her position, the comprehensive work titled "The Essence of Martial Spirits," she was astounded.
Even if the history of Douluo Continent stretched back another ten thousand years, there wouldn't be a genius in theoretical knowledge surpassing You Chen.
That was Bibi Dong's first thought after reading the entire book.
As for the distant past? Ah, there are no clear records.
Even though Bibi Dong believed You Chen's achievements were partly due to standing on the shoulders of predecessors, that didn't diminish his abilities and accomplishments.
As for comparing Yu Xiao Gang and You Chen?
In the original story, Bibi Dong might have deceived herself due to the lack of outstanding theoretical masters in her time. Yu Xiao Gang, after all, had access to his family's and the Spirit Hall's extensive libraries and dared to publish their contents, earning some acclaim among unknowing soul masters.
But in terms of theoretical achievements, You Chen's accomplishments far outshine Yu Xiao Gang's in every regard.
You Chen's theoretical knowledge was unmatched, a class above.
Similar to how Lu Bu was a peerless warrior in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, any warrior who could face him and survive was worth boasting about.
In the realm of theory, You Chen held such a status. Publishing a paper mentioning his work would make any scholar proud.
The "master" title Bibi Dong once bestowed upon Yu Xiao Gang had become an outright insult.
Of course, Bibi Dong would never admit that Yu Xiao Gang's wisdom and talent were inferior to You Chen's.
She would only think that Yu Xiao Gang was a misunderstood genius, lacking a platform to showcase his brilliance and hadn't yet discovered and published groundbreaking theories.
In short, she believed in his potential.
This wasn't due to Bibi Dong's foolishness.
In fact, her ability to control the Spirit Hall and expand its influence proved her competence and intelligence.
But to Bibi Dong, Yu Xiao Gang was a ray of white moonlight in her dark abyss.
Acknowledging that Yu Xiao Gang was a deceiver, like:
After being worn down by society, feeling the world dark and hopeless, you can only find solace in memories of a pure, gentle, scholarly crush.
One day, you feel a sudden urge to visit your hometown, hoping to encounter that haunting figure at a street-side café.
And you do meet her, but before you can joyously call her name, you realize she doesn't recognize you, only offering a familiar, yet worldly smile...
Saying, "500 for a session. Add 500 for no protection."
That would be a different kind of earth-shattering experience.
Betrayed by her mentor, losing her purity, and under the influence of the Rakshasa God's power, Bibi Dong was a madwoman wrapped in a splendid facade.
Without Yu Xiao Gang as an anchor, she would become even more extreme.
People don't willingly push themselves into despair.
In Bibi Dong's hellish world, only revenge and Yu Xiao Gang kept her going. How could she easily give up either?
So regarding her "Giegie" Yu Xiao Gang's flaws, she refused to acknowledge them, preferring to dwell in the illusion of their past.
As the saying goes—a true white moonlight, even if he himself appeared, could never compare.