Chapter 233: Bibi Dong's Scheme
Deep within the Star Dou Forest, Di Tian had returned to the core area of the Lake of Life and stood before the Silver Dragon King.
Di Tian respectfully addressed the Silver Dragon King, "My Lord, the task is complete. I have successfully rescued Tang San, Tang Hao, and their group; they are now safely back in the Haotian Sect."
The Silver Dragon King didn't open her eyes, merely giving a slight nod of her massive dragon head. "Very good. From here, proceed with the plan as discussed."
Di Tian, however, appeared somewhat perplexed. "My Lord, since Tang San is so important to you, why not bring him directly to the Star Dou Forest to cultivate? This way, his advancement and acquisition of spirit rings would be far more convenient."
The Silver Dragon King opened her vast eyes suddenly. "Di Tian, ascending to godhood is no simple matter. It requires inheriting a divine position and earning the recognition of the gods in the Divine Realm. If we spirit beasts intervene too heavily, it may provoke the gods and cause them to take precautions against us."
"Besides, Tang San is destined. His talent is unparalleled; even though his luck has diminished somewhat recently, his aptitude should allow him to advance quickly. All we need to do is provide covert support when the time is right."
"That little rabbit should be positioned near Tang San again. If she stays away too long and Tang San becomes entangled with another woman, all our efforts will have been for nothing. Fate will guide the two of them towards godhood, and the little rabbit will play an essential role in that journey."
With a respectful bow, Di Tian withdrew, clearly heading to make arrangements for Xiao Wu's return.
Meanwhile, in the Hall of the Pope within Spirit City, the atmosphere was tense. The hall was utterly silent. Besides Pope Bibi Dong and the elders, the seven great worshippers were also in attendance.
Pope Bibi Dong sat upon her throne. To her side were seven seats occupied by the worshippers of Spirit Hall, with the seat of the Grand Worshipper, Qian Daoliu, placed immediately beside Bibi Dong's. The two seats stood equal, yet Qian Daoliu sat with his eyes closed throughout, listening silently.
When Ghost Douluo returned to Spirit Hall, he immediately reported the events of the battle at Tianxing Academy to Bibi Dong, especially detailing Yang Potian's combat prowess and his unique spirit ring configuration. Bibi Dong had grown visibly somber upon hearing it.
After deep contemplation, Bibi Dong had summoned Qian Daoliu and the seven great worshippers to join this meeting, emphasizing that the matter at hand concerned the survival of Spirit Hall.
Gathering so much of Spirit Hall's elite strength for a meeting was unprecedented. The last time an assembly of this scale had taken place was during the Haotian Sect battle and the Spirit Hunting Operation over a decade earlier.
Ghost Douluo meticulously recounted everything he had seen and heard at Tianxing Academy, focusing on three primary points: Yang Potian's power level of 98, his soul ring configuration of five black rings and four red rings, and his easy victory over the Haotian twin stars, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao.
Everyone fell silent upon hearing Ghost Douluo's account. The worshippers, in particular, understood better than anyone the strength of the Haotian twins, having once attacked the Haotian Sect's ancestral home. Now, although Yang Potian was also at level 98, his combat prowess appeared terrifyingly powerful.
Bibi Dong, quiet for a moment, turned to Golden Crocodile Douluo. "Second Worshipper, I wasn't fully briefed on the Haotian Sect battle details. Could you describe Tang Hao and Tang Xiao's strengths? This will help us gauge Yang Potian's capabilities."
Golden Crocodile Douluo thought for a moment before replying, "Back during the Haotian Sect conflict, Tang Hao's power was only at level 95, leaving him at a considerable disadvantage compared to me. Yet, Tang Hao pursued the path of extreme strength. In the final battle, he detonated five of his spirit rings, using the Haotian Sect's supreme Great Sumeru Hammer technique to wound me."
"When Tang Hao fought Yang Potian, he detonated eight spirit rings but was still defeated by Yang Potian's ninth soul skill. This suggests that Yang Potian's strength far surpasses mine."
"At that time, Tang Xiao had just reached level 97. Despite this, he managed to fend off three worshippers simultaneously—Lion Douluo, Azure Phoenix Douluo, and Radiant Feather Douluo—using the Haotian Array and his expertise in the Nine Absolutes of the Haotian Hammer. He is as formidable as I am."
"If Yang Potian could easily win against both of them, then likely only the Grand Worshipper possesses comparable strength."
Everyone fell silent again, each person taken aback by Yang Potian's terrifying combat power and spirit ring configuration.
After a long pause, Bibi Dong, looking gravely concerned, addressed Chrysanthemum Douluo. "Chrysanthemum Douluo, you seem to have a good relationship with Yang Potian. Can you share your understanding of him?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been quietly marveling at Yang Potian's strength, found himself unexpectedly brought into the discussion. Stammering a bit, he replied, "Your Majesty the Pope, Grand Worshipper, I haven't had extensive interactions with Yang Potian; I've always regarded him as a promising junior."
Everyone couldn't help but exchange glances. If he was merely a "junior," why did Chrysanthemum Douluo allow him to stay at his residence for half a month, or rush over with a healer when he was injured? The others weren't buying it.
Chrysanthemum Douluo continued, ignoring the others' reactions, "Since the spirit master tournament, Yang Potian has kept a low profile, never fully revealing his abilities. Four years ago, he left Heaven Dou City and sailed from Vast Sea City, likely to Seagod Island."
"From his words and actions, he doesn't seem to hold ill will toward Spirit Hall and seems highly pragmatic. After the tournament, he led his clan to the secluded Armo Mountains in the north, clearly to avoid the conflicts between Spirit Hall and the Upper Three Sects."
"Moreover, his break with the Haotian Sect, where he almost killed Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, shows he doesn't wish to align himself with the Upper Three Sects or the Heaven Dou Empire. I believe he isn't an enemy of Spirit Hall."
"He's even indirectly aided us a few times, which suggests he bears Spirit Hall no hostility."
Bibi Dong listened to Chrysanthemum Douluo's words but remained cautious. "Regardless of Yang Potian's intentions, his strength has reached a level that poses a significant threat to Spirit Hall. We must at least establish countermeasures, even if we can't eliminate him outright."
Qian Daoliu suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "Chrysanthemum Douluo, what do you mean by Yang Potian 'indirectly aiding' Spirit Hall?"
Surprised that the Grand Worshipper had spoken up, Chrysanthemum Douluo answered carefully, "Your Excellency, during the spirit master tournament, the Heaven Dou Team comprised of the Upper Three Sects defeated our Spirit Hall Team, but they were ultimately bested by Yang Potian's Heaven Dou Second Team. In a way, he helped save face for Spirit Hall by preventing the Upper Three Sects from taking the championship."
"He also sold the Crested Phoenix Sunflower to our young lady, which may not significantly impact swan-type spirits but greatly benefits the Angel Spirit. This was a gesture that indirectly aided our young lady."
Qian Daoliu's expression shifted slightly. "Do you believe he may know about our young lady's true identity?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo shook his head. "I'm not certain, Grand Worshipper, whether Yang Potian knows her identity, but it can still be seen as an indirect form of support."
Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu gave a slight nod and then closed his eyes again, as if the matter didn't concern him. However, it was Bibi Dong who broke the silence.
"Grand Worshipper, Yang Potian is formidable. My people likely cannot gauge his depths or intentions. Could I trouble you to personally intervene, to better understand Yang Potian's stance on Spirit Hall?" she asked.
Qian Daoliu opened his eyes slightly. "Must I personally act for something so trivial?"
Bibi Dong shook her head. "Given Yang Potian's current strength and youth, it won't be long before he rivals Tang Chen of the Haotian Sect. It would be best to eliminate this threat before it fully matures."
"Moreover, this situation directly impacts Xiao Xue's position in Heaven Dou City. Only with the Grand Worshipper, Spirit Hall's strongest, personally involved can we feel reassured."
After a moment's consideration, Qian Daoliu replied, "Very well. I did want to check on Xiao Xue, so I might as well stop by Tianxing Academy. I'm also curious to see this talent rumored to surpass Tang Chen."
With a calculated look, Bibi Dong continued, "Grand Worshipper, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo have visited Tianxing Academy several times. Perhaps they could accompany you, along with Hu Liena, our Holy Maiden. This would convey Spirit Hall's respect while allowing me to discuss potential collaboration."
"We don't have to engage in a full confrontation with Tianxing Academy. If possible, a marriage alliance between our Holy Maiden and Yang Potian could strengthen Spirit Hall. It would benefit us greatly."
Qian Daoliu cast a thoughtful glance at Bibi Dong but finally nodded. "Agreed. Let it be so."
Seated nearby, Hu Liena's cheeks flushed red. She had not anticipated that such a significant matter would ultimately involve her—especially concerning her own marriage.
After further discussion, the meeting concluded with a plan in place regarding Tianxing Academy. With the Grand Worshipper leading the charge, everyone felt a renewed sense of confidence.
Once the others had left, only Bibi Dong and Hu Liena remained in the hall.
Hu Liena hesitated. "Your Majesty, must I truly enter into an alliance marriage with Yang Potian?"
Bibi Dong shook her head. "Nana, when you go to Tianxing Academy, proceed with caution. If possible, establish a connection with Yang Potian. Such an alliance would be invaluable for your future, and Yang Potian's talent and strength make him a fitting match for you. However, if things don't go as planned, prioritize your safety. If the Grand Worshipper and Yang Potian end up clashing, the resulting devastation could flatten the entire surrounding area. I'll instruct Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo to watch over you closely."
Hu Liena's expression became solemn as well. "Thank you, Teacher. I won't let you down."
Once Hu Liena had left the hall, Bibi Dong's face turned icy. This entire meeting had been orchestrated according to her own plan.
By goading Qian Daoliu into action, Bibi Dong intended to test his strength. Within Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu was the one she viewed with the most caution. If he and Yang Potian clashed, the situation could only work in her favor. Should Qian Daoliu sustain any injuries, the Angel Spirit bloodline's strongest pillar would weaken considerably. If things unfolded as they had for Qian Xunji, it would serve her purposes perfectly.
Alternatively, if discussions went smoothly and Hu Liena and Yang Potian's marriage alliance succeeded, Bibi Dong would gain a powerful ally, lessening her need to fear Qian Daoliu. Then, both Spirit Hall and the entire continent would be within her grasp.
From any angle, Bibi Dong was certain this scheme would yield her an advantage.