Chapter 57: The Nine Core Competitiveness of Martial Souls
A month had passed. Wuhun City was festooned with red lanterns and streamers, exuding a joyful atmosphere. A red carpet covered the path to the Pope's Hall; every few meters, red lanterns and ribbons hung in midair, fluttering in the breeze like a declaration of celebration.
Inside the Pope's Hall, the corridor and archways were ablaze in red decorations. Maids wore red dresses, walking along the carpet with trays of pastries, fruits, and delicacies, all preparing with smiles for the ceremony.
The Elder Hall and the Hall of Consecrations also had tables and chairs set up. One by one, various elders emerged from seclusion, for the Pope's face could not be disregarded. However, as the backbone of Wuhun Hall, most would not appear before the deputy heads of other top forces—otherwise, never mind the "unity of the top three sects," the entire continent might unite in vigilance against Wuhun Hall, which was not what Qian Xunji wanted.
Night gradually fell, and where the great palace would ordinarily grow dark, red lights glowed everywhere. Lanterns in the Pope's Hall contained red candles.
At the plaza before the Pope's Hall, seats lined both sides of a red carpet. Seated at the highest position up front was Qian Daoliu, face drawn in forced cheer, harboring lingering misgivings toward Ah Yin. Yet under the formidable presence of the continent's Supreme Douluo, all guests behaved themselves. Familiar faces chatted quietly, but none dared stir up trouble.
Even without Qian Daoliu, no one would be so rash, for up front sat four red-robed Titled Douluo of Wuhun Hall. Once Qian Xunji arrived, that would make five Titled Douluo. Only a fool would seek conflict.
At the entrance, two platinum bishops—both Soul Douluo, Yue Guan (Moon) and Gui Mei (Ghost)—checked the gifts, each with paper and brush to record them. Over the past decade, Yue Guan's cultivation soared after "shedding some yang energy," reaching level 89. Ghost was at 87. Soon, both might become new Titled Douluo elders in Wuhun Hall, and with their dual-martial fusion technique "Dual Restraint Domain," Wuhun Hall's strength would climb again.
Of course, Yue Guan's accelerated improvement came at a cost: the lesser yang in his body intensified the influence of his Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum martial soul, making him appear ever more feminine—his skin as tender as a newborn's. If not for his flat chest and Adam's apple, few would believe he was male. Should he don a dress and fake a bust, strolling through Wuhun Hall, rumors would surely spread of a second "hall beauty." Such was the terrifying nature of an immortal-herb-based martial soul.
"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan offers three thousand-year Thunderclap Vines!"
Gasps followed. Thunderclap Vines grew only where lightning was intensely concentrated—extremely rare treasures. Thunder-attribute soul masters could greatly speed their cultivation with them, and now they had brought three. Indeed, a top-three sect's generosity.
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan offers one chunk of five-colored crystal plus one crate each of gold and silver jewels!"
Many clan members swallowed anxiously. A single piece of five-colored crystal alone was worth some fifty million gold soul coins, let alone the gold and silver crammed into boxes apparently made of solid silver. Altogether, the gift must be in the tens of millions. As expected of the richest clan on the continent, they were lavish beyond compare.
"Clear Sky Clan sends one ten-thousand-year Ginseng King and one ten-thousand-year Lingzhi!"
These were priceless healing treasures to strengthen and replenish blood. Such items could only be found by chance, not sought out. Yet another display of a top-three sect's solid foundation.
Though the Haotian Clan disliked making a grand offering to the Wuhun Hall, after seeing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's extravagant wealth, they, as the "number-one clan," had to save face. The gift had to match.
Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire likewise gave precious tributes at a similar level, vastly surpassing second-level powers. Being apex forces, they had to maintain prestige, even if it meant spending beyond measure.
For most soul masters, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet so many Titled Douluo and even the Supreme Douluo, Qian Daoliu. Even Wuhun Hall's Titled Douluo elders rarely saw Qian Daoliu after he retired to the Hall of Consecrations. However, among the guests was one soul master who stood out for being only rank 60. Naturally, that was Bibi Dong. From time to time, she glanced toward the plaza's entrance with impatience on her face. She had no real interest in witnessing an Extreme Douluo; her mind was on Yu Xiaogang—purposely left outside the main event by Ning Fengzhi. She worried he would be upset and longed to comfort him.
"Now that the auspicious hour has arrived, let the bride and groom enter!" came a loud voice.
In an instant, the Pope's Hall—already buzzing—quieted down, all eyes riveted on the couple. They became the focus of everyone present.
Qian Xunji wore a red robe, his golden hair meticulously groomed. He led forth a stunning young woman with azure hair. Though her belly was slightly rounded, she radiated an enchanting grace.
At the Clear Sky Clan's table, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao almost sprang to their feet, hearts roiling with indescribable emotion.
"Stay calm, Hao. Qian Daoliu is here, Qian Xunji's a Titled Douluo, and our clan can't afford any confrontation," a second elder muttered, gripping Tang Hao's arm to avoid a foolish act. Just a month ago, the entire clan had to painstakingly subdue Tang Hao's rage.
Though the Haotian Clan liked to badmouth Qian Daoliu behind his back, meeting him face to face, they dared not say a word, choosing them carefully for fear of being overheard. It was like hurling insults at a powerful being from a distance, then cowering once he was near.
Elsewhere, the guests admired the bride—so exquisite despite her slightly protruding abdomen. Ning Fengzhi sighed, confirming she was indeed the woman he'd seen in Heaven Dou City a year prior. Then he glanced at Bibi Dong, who looked distracted, inwardly reaffirming his plan. Once he found a way to woo Bibi Dong, he too would stage a wedding no less grand. He pictured fathering a child with Bibi Dong—eight-level innate power from his side, innate full soul power with twin martial souls from her side. Their offspring would be at least nine-level from birth, possibly inheriting either the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda or Death/Devouring Spider Emperor. The clan's future would be secure for 150 years.
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