Chapter 23: Departure, Heaven Dou

Following a few paces behind Bibi Dong, Nian Yun remained vigilant at all times.

"System, how much time do I have left?"

System: "Answering the host, the system cannot provide an accurate time, but I suggest you prepare as soon as possible."

Seeing the red mark left on the left side of his neck reflected in the hallway mirror, Nian Yun felt a lingering fear in his heart. Bibi Dong, however, seemed entirely indifferent, her complexion looking significantly more radiant than before.

"Your Majesty the Pope."

An old man bowed to Bibi Dong before opening the hall doors. Nian Yun had originally intended to just listen from outside, but when Bibi Dong turned back to look at him, he had no choice but to follow.

*Click.*

Bibi Dong sat upon the high throne, while Nian Yun stood on the steps to the side.

"The Sect Master of the Elephant Armored Sect pays his respects to the Pope." As soon as he saw Bibi Dong take her seat, Hu Yanzhen knelt on one knee.

"Rise, Sect Master Hu. May I ask what brings you here today?"

"The Elephant Armored Sect has long been under your protection, Your Majesty. Unexpectedly, after the other four elemental academies learned of this, they have deliberately suppressed our protected Elephant Armored Academy. I come today to implore Your Majesty to decide for us."

Bibi Dong shook her head, looking slightly troubled. "Regarding sect matters, I will dispatch Elder Ghost to assist you. As for the other elemental academies, Nian Yun, what do you think should be done?"

Nian Yun stepped out from the shadows and bowed respectfully. Only then did Hu Yanzhen notice him standing at the corner of the stairs.

"This student is not very familiar with the situation of the Five Elemental Academies, so..."

Hearing such a perfunctory answer, Bibi Dong immediately shot him a warning glare.

System: "Detection: If the host speaks incorrectly, the upcoming situation will be very dangerous."

"However, from the perspective of an outsider, this is a one-versus-four scenario, but it can also be viewed as one strong force against four weak ones."

Seeing Bibi Dong nod in satisfaction, Nian Yun began his performance.

"The forces behind the other four elemental academies are not to be feared; however, if they unite, it could be a struggle. Therefore, we only need to send someone to infiltrate them and sow discord at the connection points."

"Connection points?" Bibi Dong repeated softly. "Sect Master Hu, do you understand?"

"Answering Your Majesty, does this mean the younger generation of the four elemental academies?"

"Since Sect Master Hu understands, there is no need to worry about this matter. The Spirit Hall Academy will make arrangements as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Hu Yanzhen left, Bibi Dong began to re-examine Nian Yun.

"Since you believe that sending someone to the four elemental academies can disrupt their relationships, who do you think is suitable to go? Or, do you already have a candidate in mind?"

With his thoughts instantly exposed, Nian Yun felt a moment of panic. "This was just a sudden thought of mine; as for the details, it should be up to you, Teacher."

"Let's end today's training here. You should go back and get some rest."

"Yes."

Stepping out of the Spirit Hall, Nian Yun immediately unfurled his Wings of Wind and departed quickly.

Back at the dormitory:

"Nian Yun, I heard the Pope is training you personally. Is it true?" Morris looked at Nian Yun with stars in his eyes.

"Ah, yes." Although he didn't want to admit it, facing Morris's sincere gaze, Nian Yun nodded.

Trying his best to cover the left side of his neck, Nian Yun hurried past Morris and returned to his bed.

***

"System, is there any 'weedy' trick that can help me suppress Bibi Dong's desires?"

System: "Yes, but to achieve a suppressive effect, it requires something from the host's own body."

"What kind of thing?"

...

After a month of continuous training:

Outside the Spirit Hall:

"Level thirty-seven, Nian Yun. You truly live up to the name. Your cultivation progress with twin spirits is no slower than ours. No wonder your complexion is so poor; the Pope's training clearly isn't simple."

"Haha, it's alright. Your strength is almost at the Soul Ancestor level, congratulations. And Nana, you're already at level thirty-nine."

Nian Yun's gaze shifted naturally to Hu Liena, who was standing to the side, but she was too shy to meet his eyes.

"You all arrived quickly."

At this moment, a robust voice rang out from outside. The three looked over to see the other four. Ever since witnessing the scene that night, Yan's character had changed significantly, and he had matured quite a bit.

After the two teams exchanged nods:

"Everyone is here. Let's go in; the teacher is waiting for us." Because Nian Yun's teacher was Bibi Dong, everyone naturally looked to him as the captain.

Led by Nian Yun, the seven walked toward the spirit fighting arena inside the Spirit Hall.

*Step, step.*

As soon as they entered, the seven saw Yue Guan standing in the center.

"Elder Ju."

"Hmm. During this month of training, you have all been training individually, but starting today, you must learn team coordination. This first lesson is to make you feel the importance of teamwork."

After speaking, Yue Guan signaled the seven to take the stage.

"Next, you need to coordinate with each other and hold out for ten rounds."

These words were like a thunderbolt. Holding out against a Title Douluo for ten rounds was an almost impossible task.

"This... how is that possible? I doubt we could even withstand three moves," Yan said pessimistically from the side.

Hu Liena and Xie Yue seemed to think of something and looked at Nian Yun. Noticing their gaze, Nian Yun nodded at them.

Nian Yun stood at the front and was the first to manifest his spirit; the other six followed suit.

"Xie Yue, Nana, Zhang Ping, attack with me. Yan, guard the rear."

"Understood."

"Let's go!"

...

Through Nian Yun's strategy, the group finally won the battle against Chrysanthemum Douluo, though everyone was heavily injured.

Three months later, at the Spirit Hall:

"Nian Yun, Zhang Ping."

"Present."

"In the name of the Pope of the Spirit Hall, I order you both to proceed immediately to the Heaven Dou Empire to assist Bishop Salas for a one-year period of training and study."

"Yes."

Walking out of the Spirit Hall, they saw Hu Liena waiting by the entrance for a long time.

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes."

"I wish you all the best."

"You too."

The two stared at each other for a long moment. Seeing the reluctance in Hu Liena's eyes, Nian Yun slowly leaned in, and they embraced tightly.

"I'll wait for you."

"Yes."

Watching Nian Yun's departing figure, Hu Liena reached out as if to grab him, but in the end, she failed to do so.

...

Nian Yun arrived at the city gate with a disappointed expression and met Zhang Ping.

"Finished saying goodbye?"

"Yes, let's go."

Just as he was thinking of boarding a carriage, Nian Yun noticed there was nothing around Zhang Ping and grew puzzled.

"What are you looking for?"

"Where is our carriage?"

Confused by the question, Zhang Ping asked, "What carriage?"

"The carriage to take us to Heaven Dou."

"There isn't one."

"There isn't? Why?"

"Why would there be? Since the Pope didn't make arrangements, it naturally means the two of us agility-type soul masters are expected to run there."

Nian Yun was speechless. Without a carriage, it would take forever to get there.

Watching Nian Yun walk toward the stables, Zhang Ping advised, "Don't bother asking. No one will give us a ride; the Pope has already put in a word."

Looking back at Zhang Ping, who was walking toward the city gate without hesitation, Nian Yun sighed and followed.

Soon, after running for half a day, the two finally left the territory of Spirit City.

"Let's take a break. That should be enough," Nian Yun called out.

"I still have plenty of spirit power; we can run more."

"If we run into a Soul King halfway, what will you fight with?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ping was instantly rendered speechless. The two found a decent spot nearby to rest.

Just as Nian Yun was about to drift off, a familiar voice rang out not far away:

"Little ones, where are you going all by yourselves? Let uncle give you a ride."