Chapter 29: Conspiracy

[Douluo Calendar, October 16, 2023—Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, and Sword Douluo Chen Xin personally visited Zhou Sheng'an, inviting him to join as an honorary worshipper of the sect, only to be rejected.]

[Douluo Calendar, October 17, 2023—Yu Yuanzhen, Head of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and Yu Luomian, the second-in-command, arrived together, offering generous gifts and the position of third-in-command to welcome Zhou Sheng'an, but were refused.]

[Douluo Calendar, October 18, 2023—Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire, accompanied by his beloved daughter, Princess Xue Ke, paid a visit, leaving behind mountains of gold, yet their invitation was declined.]

[...]

[Douluo Calendar, October 27, 2023—The Star Luo Empire dispatched experts to abduct Zhou Sheng'an but were intercepted by powerful hidden guards protecting him.]

Bibi Dong stared at the continuously updating entries, a look of astonishment on her face.

Even though she had already placed great importance on Zhou Sheng'an, seeing these lines of text—each representing a major power vying to recruit him—left her both alarmed and deeply unsettled!

Why?

Back then, she had fully supported Yu Xiaogang, yet not only did these sects disregard him, even within the Spirit Hall, there were hardly any who respected him.

And now Zhou Sheng'an?

He was being sought after by so many factions!

"A bunch of blind fools! How could he possibly compare to my Xiaogang? The Martial Soul Supplementary Theory is nothing but a joke! There must be some flaw in it that hasn't been exposed yet!"

Bibi Dong gritted her teeth in jealousy.

At that moment, the entries before her updated once more.

[Douluo Calendar, November 18, 2023—Unable to endure the endless pursuit, Zhou Sheng'an decided to accept honorary titles from various factions.]

[He became an honorary worshipper of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, an honorary head of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan... in total, he held honorary positions in more than thirty factions. Once again, he publicly stated that his sole focus was research and that any discoveries he made would be shared with the world.]

[With the efforts of Qian Renxue, Ning Fengzhi, and others, all factions reached an agreement not to disturb Zhou Sheng'an any further.]

[The name Zhou Sheng'an resounded across the continent, known by all!]

[Douluo Calendar, November 26, 2023—Emperor Xue Ye granted special approval for the expansion of a grand plaza, dedicated to Zhou Sheng'an's lectures, open to all without discrimination. Every time he lectured, the venue was filled to capacity, with millions in attendance.]

[Zhou Sheng'an was honored with the title of 'Grand Sage Master'!]

Bibi Dong's consciousness returned to her body as she absorbed this segment of memories.

In this grand event of the soul master world, she had personally witnessed Zhou Sheng'an's rise to glory!

He had once again been granted the title of 'Sage Master'—this time with the prefix 'Grand'!

What disgusted Bibi Dong even more was that nearly everyone truly revered Zhou Sheng'an from the bottom of their hearts!

His existence was destined to propel the soul master world forward!

He was a born saint.

Comparing him to Yu Xiaogang… even Bibi Dong had to admit—he wasn't worthy!

Yet she still deceived herself, or rather, she refused to accept it.

"Enjoy your glory while it lasts! I will make you fall! The hardships that Xiaogang and I endured back then will befall you as well!"

A cold smile curled on Bibi Dong's lips.

Her consciousness sank as she entered the simulation.

The scene shifted.

Inside Blue Tyrant Academy, Zhou Sheng'an had just finished a lecture. Due to his immense reputation, the academy could no longer accommodate all interested students, leading to an influx of auditors.

Even elites from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the Four Elemental Academies, and other prestigious institutions had come as exchange students!

On his way back, Zhou Sheng'an was closely guarded by several Spirit Douluo-level protectors.

These individuals had come voluntarily, eager to serve him.

Suddenly, a graceful figure blocked his path.

"Hey! I heard that you, the so-called Grand Sage Master, are amazing. I don't believe it!"

Spirit Kite Douluo challenged Zhou Sheng'an with a provocative look.

"What's your name?"

Zhou Sheng'an stopped the enraged Spirit Douluo protectors who were about to drive her away.

"I'm Chu Lingyuan! What, you want to compete? You're just a mere Soul Elder, acting as if you're all-powerful! I'm here to expose you!"

Spirit Kite Douluo snorted coldly.

Zhou Sheng'an smiled. "Have I harmed anyone?"

"That's not the point! The point is, you don't deserve your reputation!" Spirit Kite Douluo raised her voice.

"But I never sought this reputation—it was the soul master world that chose to give it to me. My theories have caused no harm and have been verified through real examples. Why are you unconvinced?"

Zhou Sheng'an looked at her with a gentle expression.

This stunning woman fit his aesthetic preferences perfectly.

He didn't mind chatting with her a bit more.

Spirit Kite Douluo's face reddened slightly. She had come to pick a fight, following Bibi Dong's orders, yet deep down, she admired and respected Zhou Sheng'an.

"Compared to that so-called 'Grandmaster' from over a decade ago, you're nothing special! Is it wrong for me not to acknowledge you? I want to debate with you—let's talk about how a Titled Douluo should cultivate!"

Spirit Kite Douluo pouted.

"I recognize you now—you're Spirit Kite Douluo from the Spirit Hall. A dignified Titled Douluo, asking the Great Sage Master how to cultivate? Isn't that a bit excessive?"

A Spirit Douluo protector snapped angrily.

Spirit Kite Douluo crossed her arms and sneered, "Isn't he supposed to be the Great Sage Master? If he doesn't know, then does he even deserve his title? If he admits he's inferior to me, then I can be the Great Sage Master instead!"

"You're being unreasonable! The Great Sage Master is acknowledged because his theories are unmatched and for his contributions to the soul master world! You… you're just being ridiculous!"

The Spirit Douluo protectors were furious.

Spirit Kite Douluo smirked and glanced at Zhou Sheng'an. "Why aren't you saying anything?"

"When it comes to Titled Douluo cultivation, I indeed don't understand it yet. Naturally, I can't compare to Miss Chu—I concede. However, if Miss Chu is willing to cooperate with me… then I'm confident I can find the best path for Titled Douluo cultivation."

Zhou Sheng'an smiled calmly, completely unbothered by Spirit Kite Douluo's aggressiveness.

Spirit Kite Douluo stared at his smile, momentarily stunned. Her cheeks flushed as she huffed, "As if! My time is precious!"

"Since you admit you're not as good as me, I'm leaving!"

With that, she turned and fled.

…

Bibi Dong looked at Zhou Sheng'an's character panel.

His favorability toward Spirit Kite Douluo had increased slightly, indicating that his initial impression of her was unexpectedly good!

"As expected, the plan is working!"

"As long as Zhou Sheng'an falls in love with Spirit Kite Douluo, that will be the moment I close the net!"

Bibi Dong sneered.

Did they really think she was sending him a wife?

[Douluo Calendar, December 24, 2023—The former 'Grandmaster' Yu Xiaogang publicly challenged Zhou Sheng'an to a debate, claiming that his Martial Soul Supplementary Theory had also played a role and that Zhou Sheng'an had unfairly ignored him. He demanded recognition.]

Seeing this entry, Bibi Dong was instantly ecstatic!

"I knew it! I knew it! Xiaogang is definitely stronger than Zhou Sheng'an! He will prove himself! He is the true Grandmaster! Zhou Sheng'an is nothing but a fraud!"