Chapter 249: The Soul Hunting Operation Begins Ahead of Schedule!
Meanwhile, in Spirit City, at the Papal Palace,
in the council hall, a solemn and oppressive atmosphere permeated the spacious hall.
Bibi Dong sat atop the papal throne, a symbol of supreme power. She wore a purple-gold crown, held a jeweled scepter, and her face was cold and majestic, showing no trace of the weakness she had displayed a month ago when her physical body collapsed; on the contrary, her aura had become even more profound and unfathomable.
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo stood silently on either side of her throne.
Around the enormous oval conference table, nearly twenty people sat below the Pope.
Each was dressed in magnificent attire, possessing a composed demeanor, and their bodies faintly radiated powerful soul energy fluctuations. From the insignia on their clothing, it was clear that these were all elders of the Spirit Hall wielding great power, or leaders of the Spirit Hall who commanded their respective regions and held prestigious positions.
The Platinum Bishops, the masters of the only two Spirit Temples on the entire continent, were also present.
Even more striking was the presence of several powerful leaders from affiliated sects:
Tuoba Xi, leader of the Holy Dragon Sect; Hu Qianxing, leader of the Black Tiger Sect; Feng Bailong, leader of the Wind Sword Sect; Hu Yanzhen, leader of the Elephant Armor Sect; and Huo Yan, leader of the Fire Leopard Sect.
Such a gathering would immediately make it clear to any outsider:
something earth-shattering was about to happen at the Spirit Hall!
All eyes, filled with awe and curiosity, were fixed on Pope Bibi Dong, holding their breath and awaiting her speech.
Bibi Dong's majestic gaze slowly swept across the faces of each of her subordinates. Her gaze was calm, yet possessed a penetrating power that sent a chill down many spines.
After a moment, Bibi Dong spoke in a deep voice, her words clearly resonating throughout the hall:
"After discussions with the elders of the Elder Hall, I have three important decisions to announce."
Upon hearing this, everyone present straightened their backs, their expressions becoming even more focused, listening intently. Everyone knew that this Pope, known for her iron-fisted methods, could influence the entire continent's格局 with every decision she made.
"First matter," Bibi Dong's voice was devoid of emotion, solemnly announcing, "As Pope, I have determined my successor, and this has been reviewed and approved by the Elders' Hall. Effective today, Hu Liena is hereby appointed as the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, the first in line to the Pope's throne."
This news, though anticipated by some, still stirred considerable emotion when it was officially announced. Hu Liena's talent, strength, and loyalty to the Spirit Hall were undeniable.
Xie Yue and Yan, seated slightly behind, quickly suppressed the fleeting complex emotions in their eyes, behaving no differently from the other elders.
Bibi Dong's imposing gaze slowly swept across the room again, carefully observing every face. Those present were all astute individuals, immediately displaying expressions of approval and obedience. Even those who might have harbored other thoughts dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.
The transfer of power, in a silent scrutiny and submission, completed its first step.
Everyone knew this was merely the beginning; the next two decisions would likely be the key to truly shaking the entire continent.
"The second matter. I have decided to launch Operation Soul Hunt ahead of schedule!"
The words "Operation Soul Hunt" exploded like a thunderclap in the silent council hall!
"What? Launch it ahead of schedule?"
"This… Your Holiness, isn't this too hasty?"
"Many of our deployments are not yet complete; resource allocation and personnel infiltration still require time!"
"Yes, if we launch this now, and the two great empires react in time, we'll be caught in a bind!"
A heated discussion erupted in the council hall, with elders and hall masters displaying expressions of surprise and confusion. Judging from the Spirit Hall's current preparations, they were far from being fully prepared. Launching such a massive plan ahead of schedule carried immense risk!
"Bang!"
A dull thud interrupted the discussion!
Bibi Dong slammed her palm on the table in front of her, instantly covering the hard jade surface with spiderweb-like cracks! She abruptly stood up, her icy gaze sweeping across the room like two sharp swords, her powerful aura silencing everyone instantly.
"I'm issuing an order, not here to discuss things with you!"
Her voice was chilling and unquestionable as she said, "The situation on the continent is unpredictable, especially with the rise of Tianxing Academy and that Tang Chuan, which has already exceeded the control of the Spirit Hall! If the Soul Hunting Operation is not launched soon, even greater changes may occur!"
Just then, a burly figure stepped forward. It was none other than the Demon Bear Douluo, who had been missing for a long time and had just returned to the team, and was not yet fully aware of many recent events.
His face was filled with confusion and worry as he grumbled,
"Your Holiness, what do you mean? Judging from our current preparations, if we launch the Soul Hunting Operation ahead of schedule, we might really be in a difficult situation! Please reconsider, Your Holiness!"
Seeing that Demon Bear Douluo had actually stood up to question her at this moment, Bibi Dong's eyes flashed with undisguised sarcasm and coldness. She sneered and said,
"Elder Demon Bear, you're actually concerned about the Spirit Hall's grand plan? I thought you were more concerned about how to spar naked with someone in the mountains outside the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
"You…!" Upon hearing this, Demon Bear Douluo's face instantly turned liver-colored. The embarrassing matter that he considered a great disgrace had been exposed in public, making him so ashamed and angry that he almost vomited blood. His whole body of fat was trembling, but he dared not retaliate.
After intimidating the Demon Bear Douluo, Bibi Dong's majestic gaze swept across the entire audience again. Her tone was grave as she explained,
"Do you know what happened when Elder Ju, Elder Gui, and I personally led the attack to intercept Tang Chuan outside Wuhun City?"
She paused, a hint of apprehension in her voice that she herself was reluctant to admit.
"Not only did we fail, but that brat was actually guarded by a spirit beast surpassing the Limit Douluo level! Even I… almost suffered a great loss!"
This news was like another thunderbolt, instantly causing everyone present to gasp in shock!
A spirit beast surpassing the Limit Douluo level? Even the Pope almost suffered a loss?
"This child's talent is terrifying, his growth rate is astonishing, and now he's missing! If we give him more time, when he returns, he'll be fully grown..." Bibi Dong's voice suddenly rose, carrying a hint of urgency and ruthlessness, saying,
"By then, my Spirit Hall will no longer have this opportunity! The three upper sects must be eliminated as soon as possible, and the continent's resources must be integrated to cope with future changes!"
"Therefore, the Soul Hunting Operation must be brought forward! At all costs!"
She used the most brutal facts and the most forceful attitude to suppress all doubts.
The entire council hall instantly became silent.
Just as everyone in the hall was stunned by Bibi Dong's strength and the astonishing information she revealed, falling into a silence, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan stepped forward, bowed, and asked,
"Your Holiness, since we have decided to launch the Soul Hunting Operation ahead of schedule, which sect should our primary target be? Is it the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, or... the Clear Sky Sect, which has long since closed its gates and disappeared without a trace?"
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(End of Chapter)