Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 154: The Pope, Bibi Dong

Following Chrysanthemum Douluo's lead, Yang Potian was taken to a villa with a finely adorned interior and a large garden full of rare and exotic plants in the back. It seemed clear that this was Chrysanthemum Douluo's private residence.

Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled as he turned to Yang Potian. "Young Yang Potian, do you know where I've brought you?"

Yang Potian replied with a smile, "Judging by the décor, I'd say it's your residence, Senior."

Nodding slightly, Chrysanthemum Douluo continued, "And do you know why I brought you here?"

Yang Potian replied calmly, "It seems Senior noticed a unique scent on me, likely due to something I consumed."

Chrysanthemum Douluo was visibly eager. "Young friend, do you know what it was that you ate?"

Yang Potian responded, "A rare herb called the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. Unfortunately, I consumed it, and I doubt there's another one like it on the entire Douluo Continent."

Chrysanthemum Douluo looked deeply interested as he continued, "Do you understand the importance of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum? And yet you simply ate it so readily."

Yang Potian shook his head. "Without the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, I couldn't have achieved a ten-thousand-year fourth spirit ring. Since your spirit is the Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, you should understand its value best, Senior."

After a pause, Chrysanthemum Douluo said, "Young friend, I am willing to take you as my disciple. Would you consider acknowledging me as your master?"

Yang Potian smiled. "With all due respect, Senior, but do you believe I still need a teacher with my current strength?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo seemed slightly taken aback. "You possess limitless potential, having reached rank sixty-seven at the age of nineteen, so you clearly have a unique training path and strategy. Indeed, I have little more to teach you about cultivation."

"While I may have a training method of my own," Yang Potian responded, "this garden of yours, filled with precious herbs, is unmatched across the continent, perhaps understood only by a handful outside my Po Clan."

With newfound interest, Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, "You have an interest in rare herbs as well? May I ask how you came upon the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum?"

Yang Potian replied, "During my fourth spirit ring search in the Star Dou Forest, I discovered it. I was fortunate."

Chrysanthemum Douluo reflected a moment, then said, "The core of Star Dou Forest is rarely touched by humans. With its rich natural energy, it is possible for a plant like the Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to appear there. But even with its properties, it alone would not protect you from the mental onslaught of a ten-thousand-year spirit beast. I imagine there must have been something else supporting your mental resilience."

Yang Potian nodded, impressed with Chrysanthemum Douluo's knowledge. "Senior, your understanding is indeed deep. Near the Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, I found another rare herb that boosted my spiritual power."

Chrysanthemum Douluo murmured to himself, "Among the few herbs that enhance mental strength, there aren't many. Could it be the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass?"

Yang Potian quickly replied, "Senior, you are remarkable. To deduce the herb from only a few words is impressive."

Realizing he might be onto something, Chrysanthemum Douluo asked eagerly, "Young friend, did you find any other rare herbs there? Any still unused?"

Yang Potian paused, then answered, "I'm sorry to say that the last one has already become a Po Clan heirloom. It's safeguarded by my clan's elders now."

Chrysanthemum Douluo was indeed a botanical genius. After only a moment of reflection, he guessed, "Your Po Clan is known for its mastery of medicinal and toxic arts. If this herb is as valuable as you say, then it must be the Fragrant Silk Beauty. No wonder the Po Clan's medicinal techniques have advanced so much in recent years."

"If you're interested, Senior, you're welcome to visit the Po Clan anytime."

Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression turned calm at this. "Young friend, don't you realize that the Po Clan has been at odds with Spirit Hall? Do you really disregard such a longstanding grudge?"

Yang Potian shook his head. "Many Po Clan members indeed lost their lives in those wars, but Senior, with your power, if you'd meant to eliminate us, the Po Clan wouldn't have survived. Besides, my grandfather and uncle have both challenged you to a duel. When it comes to grudges, actions speak louder than words."

Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled, his pride evident. "I've no interest in slaughtering spirit masters, and the matter between our two families will be settled after my fight with your grandfather."

Yang Potian's expression turned serious. "Senior, I have a question I'd like to ask you—if it's appropriate."

Noticing Yang Potian's solemn look, Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, "Feel free to ask. But I may not answer."

After a moment's hesitation, Yang Potian asked, "In light of current affairs, how can the Po Clan ensure its survival?"

Feigning ignorance, Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, "For someone as knowledgeable as you, that seems a strange question. I understand that your territory is Armo Mountain—a fine place indeed."

"Thank you, Senior, for your advice."

The two continued chatting, covering topics from medicinal herbs to alchemical theories. They found common ground and conversed easily. After a full hour, Yang Potian finally departed, returning to the arena. He even extended an invitation to Chrysanthemum Douluo to visit the Po Clan after the competition.

When Yang Potian returned, his grandfather Yang Wudi, visibly concerned, approached him. "Potian, what did that Chrysanthemum Douluo want with you? Did he cause any trouble?"

Yang Potian shook his head. "Chrysanthemum Douluo simply invited me for a talk on rare plants. He meant no harm."

Relieved, Yang Wudi chuckled. "That Chrysanthemum Douluo—his Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum spirit. All his life, he's been obsessed with herbs but has never laid hands on a true immortal herb himself."

As the third round concluded, Heaven Dou Team Two advanced to the fourth round. Of the remaining six teams, the strongest were clearly Heaven Dou Team Two, Heaven Dou Team One, and Spirit Hall's team, with the remaining three comparatively weaker.

There were no matchups between powerful teams in the fourth round. Though Yang Potian participated, he positioned himself at the back, allowing his teammates to handle the battle. Even at six against seven, Heaven Dou Team Two crushed their opponents with ease.

Both Heaven Dou Team One and Spirit Hall's team easily won their matches and advanced to the fifth round.

As time passed, the finals finally arrived, with the venue now changed to the space before the Pope's Hall.

Early that morning, all three teams gathered at the steps of the Pope's Hall, including both the main and substitute players, waiting quietly for the final match to begin.

Among the three teams, Heaven Dou Team Two seemed the most relaxed. Led by Yang Potian, a Spirit Emperor, they had effortlessly swept through their matches, dominating all their opponents.

On the other hand, Spirit Hall's team seemed tense. Representing Spirit Hall and the glory of the Pope's Hall itself, the "Golden Generation" trio had reached the rank of Spirit King after years of grueling training, far surpassing their peers. Each of the three wore the Violet Medal, awarded to those Spirit Hall viewed as elite talents. Spirit Hall had poured tremendous resources into their growth, even reserving the three spirit bones as their ultimate prize. To Spirit Hall, these three embodied their pride and prestige, and losing this competition was simply unacceptable. Victory was the only option.

In previous matches, Spirit Hall's team had crushed their opponents with ease. However, the unexpected strength of Heaven Dou Team Two, especially with Yang Potian as a formidable Spirit Emperor already at sixty-seven rank, meant their path to victory was suddenly uncertain. If Spirit Hall were to lose, their reputation, resources, and the very image of the Golden Generation would crumble. Even the three spirit bones would fall into other hands, turning their pride into a laughingstock.

For Heaven Dou Team One, nerves ran high as well. With the title so close, every team wanted victory, especially with the three priceless spirit bones as the prize. But even they understood that among the three teams, they were the weakest. Without proof of strength, all their declarations of victory might just sound like empty words.

As they waited, Yang Potian noticed a new figure in Spirit Hall's lineup. This substitute player had never appeared in any previous matches. She was tall, with striking long golden hair and a veil covering her face, though her eyes, gleaming with a haughty air, remained visible.

Inwardly, Yang Potian mused, So, she came out just for this tournament. This final match might be more interesting than I thought.

At that moment, twelve cardinals in red robes emerged from a side entrance to the Pope's Hall. The lead cardinal announced loudly, "His Holiness the Pope is here!"

The members of Spirit Hall erupted into cheers, crying out, "Long live! Long live! Long live!"

The massive doors of the Pope's Hall opened, and all eyes turned to the figure in the center.

Bibi Dong appeared, dressed in a magnificent golden gown, adorned with a purple-gold crown, and holding her scepter with an air of solemn authority. This was Yang Potian's first time seeing Bibi Dong, whose beauty and regal presence were indeed extraordinary.

Behind her followed six others: Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Sword Douluo, Ning Fengzhi, and his grandfather Yang Wudi and Bull Douluo, Niu Gao.

With the exception of Ning Fengzhi, all were Titled Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi himself was both the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and an honorary elder of Spirit Hall.

As the seven approached, countless individuals knelt in unison, including Spirit Hall's own team. Only Heaven Dou Team One and Heaven Dou Team Two remained standing.

Chrysanthemum Douluo whispered something to Bibi Dong, and her gaze landed directly on two individuals: Yang Potian of Heaven Dou Team Two and Tang San of Heaven Dou Team One.

A palpable pressure seemed to settle upon the two.

Though Yang Potian felt the immense weight, his Spirit Emperor rank meant it was nothing beyond his endurance. He stood tall and steady, like a spear planted firmly in the ground. In his mental sea, a vision of a silver giant, armed with the Breaking Soul Spear, faced the pressure undaunted, ready to pierce through any obstacle.

As for Tang San, a flash of pain crossed his face, but his eyes glowed with a faint purple hue, a purple light seeming to reflect outward, aimed directly at Bibi Dong.

One of the cardinals called out angrily, "Such insolence! How dare you show disrespect to His Holiness?"

Bibi Dong raised her pale, jade-like hand slightly, and the cardinal fell silent.

Turning her attention to Yang Potian, Bibi Dong remarked, "Yang Potian, you are indeed impressive. I never expected one so young to achieve such power. The potential before you is boundless."

Though her words sounded complimentary, Yang Potian sensed a hidden malice within them, an undercurrent of killing intent. This was something only his time in the Slaughter City had trained him to detect, something even the Titled Douluo nearby seemed unaware of.

Bibi Dong then turned to Tang San, her tone cool. "So, you are Grandmaster's disciple, Tang San? Impressive. I can see hints of the same indomitable spirit in you."

Tang San, visibly taken aback, responded carefully, "I am unworthy of being compared to my teacher."

Without further comment, Bibi Dong addressed the gathered crowd and raised her scepter lightly, "You may rise."

With her words, those kneeling stood in unison, their movements synchronized as though choreographed.

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