Chrysanthemum Douluo stood expressionlessly, scanning the surroundings.
Then, with urgency, he asked inwardly,
"System, what's going on?"
"A new phase of the mission has been issued. Host, please check your task panel."
Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned slightly.
"System, are there specific conditions to trigger missions? Why did this one appear so suddenly?"
"The system issues missions based on the host's current status. Missions are triggered randomly. Host should remain attentive."
"Do you have any other functions, system?" he asked.
"Insufficient permissions. Please upgrade."
"…"
Chrysanthemum Douluo froze for a moment, then pressed further,
"How do I upgrade?"
"Insufficient permissions. Please upgrade."
Taking a deep breath, Chrysanthemum Douluo replied with a blank face,
"Fine, fine. Just tell me about the mission."
"[Villain Certification] — As a designated villain in this world, how could you not do something befitting of your role?"
"Within seven days, find the Plane's Chosen One—Tang San—and humiliate him through your actions. The mission's completion will be judged based on how much fear you instill in him."
"Reward for success: Designate one soul ring to be upgraded to the 100,000-year level."
"Penalty for failure: Lose one rank in soul power."
As the system finished its announcement, Chrysanthemum Douluo froze in place. His face shifted through a kaleidoscope of expressions—shock, disbelief, irritation, amusement.
He genuinely couldn't tell whether this "Destined Villain System" was here to help him… or sabotage him.
Putting aside the absurdity of it, he was a dignified Titled Douluo! And now this system wanted him to go bully a kid who had just awakened his spirit? What would happen to his reputation if word got out?
And besides… according to his own suspicions, Tang San may have already been taken over by a transmigrator!
This Tang San might have terrifying hidden strength already.
After all, in his past life, he'd read countless webnovels. Every protagonist who transmigrated to another world had some ridiculously overpowered spirit awakening—starting with 100,000-year soul rings or even a million-year one right out of the gate.
Each main character was more broken than the last. And even though he was now a Titled Douluo, if this Tang San was one of those so-called "Heaven's Chosen," then he was probably just cannon fodder in the narrative!
Not only did he have to bully Tang San, he also had to make sure Tang San felt genuinely afraid?
This mission was way harder than the first one, where he only had to talk to Ning Rongrong.
But then, as he saw the reward, Chrysanthemum Douluo began to reconsider.
A soul ring of his choice… upgraded to the 100,000-year level?
Thinking about it that way, maybe this mission was doable.
And even if he failed, it would only mean falling back one rank—to how he was when he first arrived in this world.
Chrysanthemum Douluo silently made up his mind.
He was going for it.
"Tang San… Hmph!"
"Let's see who the real Heaven's Chosen is in this world!"
With a dramatic flick of his sleeves, he strode purposefully toward the Hall of the Pope.
Hall of the Pope
Chrysanthemum Douluo entered with confident steps. Relying on the memories embedded in his mind, he bowed respectfully toward the throne where Bibi Dong sat.
"Your Holiness, you summoned me?"
Bibi Dong regarded him calmly, her beautiful eyes examining him for a moment before she spoke slowly.
"You've worked hard, Elder Ju. How is your recovery coming along?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled.
"I've made a full recovery. Your concern is appreciated, Your Holiness."
"Good to hear." Bibi Dong nodded. Then her tone shifted slightly.
"I've heard rumors that Elder Ju has made a breakthrough. Is this true?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's heart stirred, a hint of pride appearing on his face.
Here it comes!
Bibi Dong was asking about his level!
He put on a modest smile and said,
"I was fortunate to have a moment of insight and managed to break through a bottleneck, taking another step forward."
"Oh? Congratulations, Elder Ju. Your advancement is wonderful news for our Spirit Hall."
Bibi Dong's voice softened a bit, then she continued,
"You and Elder Gui have trained together for many years. Now that you've advanced, I hope you'll pass on your insights to him as well. If you both ascend in rank, the boost to Spirit Hall's overall power would be considerable."
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded.
"I see Elder Ghost as a brother. Naturally, I'll help him advance."
But behind his lowered gaze, a flicker of disdain crossed his face.
He was the Chosen Villain! Why would he go out of his way to help a supporting character?
Unless Ghost Douluo submitted to him completely, he might consider lending a hand to raise his strength a bit.
Otherwise, even if Spirit Hall were to crumble to dust, it would have nothing to do with Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Bibi Dong nodded again, pausing briefly before continuing.
"There's another matter I called you for."
Chrysanthemum Douluo tilted his head slightly.
"At your command, Your Holiness."
After a moment of hesitation, Bibi Dong said,
"I've decided to establish an academy within Spirit City. It will serve to train gifted young spirit masters."
"I'd like to ask if Elder Ju would be willing to serve as the academy's vice-dean, assisting the dean with instruction and administration?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo raised his head in surprise.
Now this was unexpected.
Bibi Dong wanted to establish an academy?!
In the original storyline, the Spirit Hall's representatives in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament all competed under the Hall's banner.
There was never any mention of them having a dedicated spirit master academy.
Why now? Why build an academy from scratch?
And even more surprising—why invite him to serve as vice-dean?
After a brief hesitation, Chrysanthemum Douluo asked,
"Forgive my boldness, Your Holiness. May I ask why you've decided to form this academy?"
"Until now, Spirit Hall has always supported civilian spirit masters with stipends, allowing them to study at imperial academies."
"If we start our own institution, I fear…"
Bibi Dong cut him off with a cold snort.
"If the two great empires can establish their own academies, why can't Spirit Hall?"
"Genius talent has been monopolized long enough."
Chrysanthemum Douluo fell silent. He could see that Bibi Dong had already made up her mind. There was no need to argue further.
He nodded.
"I shall follow Your Holiness's command."
Bibi Dong waved her hand.
"Once the academy is established, I'll inform you, Elder Ju. I'll be counting on you."
Chrysanthemum Douluo acknowledged with a few polite words and turned to leave.
Bibi Dong watched his retreating figure, a thoughtful look flickering in her eyes.
Outside the Hall of the Pope, Chrysanthemum Douluo furrowed his brow.
He couldn't understand why Bibi Dong had suddenly decided to open an academy.
Could it be… related to Qian Renxue?
Realization struck him.
Of course. Who else could influence Bibi Dong so deeply?
He shook his head, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"Tang San… I'm coming for you."
****
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