"I've been waiting for you!"
"His Holiness the Pope has ordered me to bring you to the Papal Hall to update your Soul Master Handbook immediately!"
"No delays, I'm in a hurry - my apologies!"
Before he even finished speaking,
Sigma, with his impatient nature, had already grabbed Ye Tian by the shoulder.
Amid Ye Tian's startled exclamation,
He began bouncing along with him in tow.
Each leap carried them several meters high, then they would arc through the air like a parabola before crashing toward the ground.
"Ah... damn it!"
The rough landing method made Ye Tian feel like his brains were about to be shaken loose.
He couldn't help but loudly remind him:
"Bishop Sigma, I know you're in a hurry, but could you please land more gently!"
"Sorry, I'm just used to it!"
While jumping, Sigma's legs noticeably thickened and strengthened.
Leaving crater-like footprints in the ground with each step...
Even as he finished apologizing, he turned to ask Ye Tian:
"Don't you think this feels quite comfortable?"
"Not at all!"
Ye Tian loudly refuted.
He rarely contradicted people so bluntly, but Sigma was just too rough!
"Then you'll just have to get used to it..."
Sigma showed no signs of repentance.
Ye Tian's face looked as if he was constipated...
He finally understood.
Why there were always those few small bald patches in the grass on Central Divine Mountain. Turns out they were all destroyed by Sigma's big feet!
He wondered if Sigma's tiger-type Martial Soul was called Tigger...
Being bounced around by Sigma,
Ye Tian couldn't help but reminisce about when Bibi Dong carried him in her arms while flying.
That was at least much more comfortable...
Boom—!
Just after Ye Tian was taken away by Sigma,
Bibi Dong, who had hesitated for a moment, finally kicked open the door in fury.
Seeing the dark figure already fading beyond the horizon,
She instantly grew furious.
"How dare he!"
Bibi Dong gnashed her teeth, filled with deep hatred.
She could already guess what Qian Xunji wanted to discuss with Ye Tian.
He was surely going to offer him benefits to win him over.
Otherwise, why would he need to find a way to send her away?!
"Qian Xunji, just you wait!"
Bibi Dong's expression turned icy, a warning glint flashing in her eyes.
"Ye Tian..."
"It's fine if you remain neutral..."
"But if you dare side with Qian Xunji, then don't blame your teacher for being ruthless!"
Bibi Dong said viciously.
During those few moments she had hesitated earlier, she had been testing Ye Tian...
Now rushing out the door,
She was afraid Ye Tian might fail the test and prematurely become her human-skin sachet.
This was something she didn't want to see...
She had finally found a somewhat acceptable companion by her side.
—
Riding the Sigma-brand bungee jump, Ye Tian soon spotted the spire of Spirit Hall.
In no time...
He was brought by Sigma into the great hall.
Ye Tian's face was slightly pale, even the white mist around him had been blown away,
Only regrouping as he approached the high platform.
"Your Holiness, Sigma has fulfilled the mission and brought Ye Tian!"
Sigma reported respectfully.
After exchanging greetings with Ju Gui, Ye Tian also bowed to Qian Xunji:
"Ye Tian pays respects to Your Holiness the Pope."
"Haha... I've finally waited for you to come. Please, rise."
Qian Xunji happily raised his hand.
"Thank you, Your Holiness!"
Sigma expressed his gratitude respectfully,
While Ye Tian began looking around, somewhat puzzled as he asked:
"Your Majesty, may I ask where my teacher is?"
"Oh?"
Qian Xunji straightened up slightly.
"She should have returned long ago."
At that moment...
Sigma patted Ye Tian's shoulder and explained, "Ye Tian, I forgot to mention this earlier, but the Saintess has already returned to Wisteria Residence."
"What?!"
Hearing this.
Ye Tian's heart skipped a beat as he stared wide-eyed at Sigma.
Why didn't this musclehead say this earlier?
Now,
Bibi Dong would know he had privately met with Qian Xunji!
If Bibi Dong became suspicious...
He would be in deep trouble no matter how he tried to explain himself!
Sigma completely failed to grasp the underlying complexities and asked curiously:
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah... no, not really."
Ye Tian forced a dry laugh and shook his head, explaining:
"I'm just worried that my teacher might be concerned if she can't find me since I didn't inform her."
"Heh... you're quite the devoted disciple."
Qian Xunji couldn't help but chuckle lightly, looking deeply at Ye Tian.
He then waved his hand.
"You may all withdraw now. I have matters to discuss with Ye Tian."
"!!!"
Ye Tian instantly became alert...
Chrysanthemum Douluo gave Ye Tian a warning look before leaving the Papal Hall along with Ghost Douluo and Sigma.
After they departed...
The entire hall fell completely silent.
"Ye Tian, as my disciple's student, there's no need to be so formal."
Qian Xunji leaned back on his throne with a gentle smile.
Ye Tian's Soul Skills were naturally best kept known to as few people as possible, and such talent should ideally be drawn to his side.
Otherwise, he wouldn't feel at ease.
After all, Ye Tian could essentially be considered the foundation of a power!
"Yes, I'll gradually get used to it."
Ye Tian responded casually.
"Indeed. I've been preoccupied with work previously and haven't properly conversed with you juniors. We should take things slowly."
Qian Xunji nodded slightly, then beckoned to Ye Tian.
"Today, however, I have some free time..."
"..."
Ye Tian felt utterly helpless inside.
He had no choice but to steel himself and step up the stairs before him. He hoped Qian Xunji wouldn't pose any difficult questions...
Otherwise,
Unless Bibi Dong were to die.
He would have to take refuge in the Hall of Worship.
After all, in front of Qian Xunji, Ye Tian certainly wouldn't side with Bibi Dong...
If that madwoman found out.
If he didn't hide, wouldn't he be finished?
When Ye Tian reached Qian Xunji,
Qian Xunji couldn't help but look him up and down, showing surprise.
"I heard you went soul hunting,"
"It seems your second Soul Ring's effect is quite impressive?"
"..."
Ye Tian remained silent,
Quietly summoning his Pill Spirit.
The surroundings immediately filled with Pill Fragrance, dozens of Jade Dew drops floating in the air...
Two purple Soul Rings contracted around the pill.
"Your Majesty, my second Soul Ring comes from a Moonlit Water Fairy over three thousand eight hundred years old."
After speaking.
Ye Tian's second Soul Ring shimmered, and a Bright Soul Nourishing Pill appeared...
Which he offered to Qian Xunji.
"My second Soul Skill is called Bright Soul Nourishing Pill."
"Bright Soul Nourishing Pill?"
Qian Xunji reached out to take the pill, consuming it with serious demeanor.
Having learned from his previous mistake of swallowing it hastily...
This time, Qian Xunji treated Ye Tian's Soul Skill with absolute importance!
As soon as the pill entered his mouth...
Qian Xunji felt sacred moonlight transforming into strands of pure energy rising into his mind.
Crack!
Qian Xunji immediately gripped the armrest beside him, his eyes widening slightly.
The spiritual pleasure sent him into ecstatic delight!
He stared at Ye Tian as if gazing upon a unique treasure in this world...
"Good, very good, excellent!"
"Ye Tian, I shall grant you a great reward. Speak, what do you desire?"
Finally.
Qian Xunji added another statement.
"For now, aside from the Spirit Bone. Once you break through to Soul King, you shall be rewarded accordingly."