The middle-aged man in red, known as Mr. Chi, pondered for a moment before nodding. "Very well. The Pope can rest assured. In the elite arena, life and death are determined by fate. Besides, the one who died was merely the weakest disciple of the Haotian Team. The Haotian Sect will not act against us. The Chihuo Sect has always supported the Spirit Hall's decisions."
"Good. I trust you will not disappoint His Holiness the Pope," the black-clad guard responded.
After delivering his instructions, the black-clad guard dismissed Mr. Chi and turned to ascend the stairs. He entered Qian Xunji's lounge without hesitation.
A Desperate Worry
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong's expression changed drastically as she sensed the situation unfolding. Panic flickered in her eyes.
Tomorrow's match... Lin Fan... Will he be in danger?
She dared not probe Qian Xunji's lounge directly—doing so would risk immediate detection. However, she knew all too well that the black-clad guard, Heisha, was one of Qian Xunji's most trusted operatives. His power was immense, his true strength a mystery even to her.
Qian Xunji often entrusted Heisha with his darkest dealings, and this was no exception.
The Blazing Fire Sect was formidable, its disciples wielding fire-attribute martial spirits. Among the great sects—Divine Wind, Ice Phoenix, and Elephant Armor—they were equal in renown. Like the Haotian Sect's four affiliated sects, these factions were led by powerful Soul Saints or even Soul Douluo-level elders.
Even in a fair duel, if the Blazing Fire Sect harbors murderous intent, Lin Fan will struggle to survive. Moreover, Heisha has given them a secret killing weapon. He must not participate in tomorrow's match.
Bibi Dong clenched her lips tightly, anxiety flickering in her eyes.
She knew Lin Fan was no ordinary Soul Master—his strength was likely on par with a Soul King. But the unknown nature of the weapon given to the Blazing Fire Sect made her uneasy.
But how can I warn him? If I make a move and get caught... then...
She glanced toward the door. Outside, two Soul Douluo elders stood guard, watching over her day and night. More often than not, Ju Douluo was nearby, alongside a host of elite guards under Heisha's command.
Escape was nearly impossible. But...
No—I can die, but he must not. That fool... I have to find a way to save him.
Bibi Dong rushed to the window, her heart pounding as she scanned the various sect resting areas. Where is he?
Her eyes, enhanced by the mental immunity skull she had absorbed, sharpened as she spotted a familiar figure in the distance.
A girl...
It was Liu Erlong. She had been seen alongside Lin Fan before. If anyone could reach him, it was her.
Bibi Dong made up her mind.
Ignoring the sharp pain of her external soul bone manifesting, she unfurled her Six-Winged Purple Wings. The shimmering purple light illuminated the darkness as the bone wings sprouted from her back.
Without hesitation, she leapt out the window.
A Desperate Flight
"Stop her! The Saint is escaping!"
The two Soul Douluo elders reacted instantly, launching after her. Alarms rang as the guards alerted Heisha.
Within moments, Heisha took flight. His martial spirit—a black eagle—granted him unparalleled speed and aerial prowess. He soared into the night, pursuing Bibi Dong.
But before she could get far, Bibi Dong suddenly plummeted from the sky.
Liu Erlong had been outside, arguing with her father, Yu Luomian, when the unexpected happened. A blur of purple light descended upon her, grabbing her and vanishing into the nearby forest.
Shocked gasps erupted among the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family members.
Yu Luomian and several elders immediately gave chase.
Moments later, Heisha and the Soul Douluo elders arrived, scanning the area with sharp eyes.
A Message of Warning
Liu Erlong struggled as she recognized the person holding her.
"You—you're the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall!" she exclaimed. "What do you want? I have no quarrel with you!"
Bibi Dong pinned Liu Erlong against a tree, her expression cold. "Listen carefully. You must warn Lin Fan. He is in grave danger. Someone will try to kill him in tomorrow's match. He must not participate, no matter what."
Liu Erlong's eyes widened. "What? Who? Why should I believe you?"
"You must," Bibi Dong said firmly. "Because the one who wants him dead is the Spirit Hall itself."
A deep silence fell between them.
Liu Erlong hesitated, but something about Bibi Dong's desperate, unwavering gaze made her believe.
She clenched her fists. "If the Pope is behind this... then why are you warning me?"
Bibi Dong turned away. Her voice was low. "I don't have time to explain. Just tell him, but don't tell him it came from me. It will only make things worse."
Liu Erlong blinked in surprise. "Why? He cares about you. If he knew, he'd—"
Bibi Dong cut her off. "It doesn't matter. We have no future. He must stay with the Haotian Sect. That is the only way he will be safe."
Before Liu Erlong could respond, a rustling in the distance signaled approaching figures.
Bibi Dong's expression hardened. "Promise me you'll tell him."
Liu Erlong exhaled, nodding. "I will. I won't let anything happen to him."
A moment later, Heisha and the elders arrived.
"Lady Saint, it's dangerous for you to be out here alone," Heisha said suspiciously. "If the Pope learns of this, he will be displeased."
Bibi Dong scoffed. "I was just taking a walk. You're overreacting. I'm returning now."
As she turned away, Heisha's gaze locked onto Liu Erlong.
"What were you talking about?"
Liu Erlong stiffened. Heisha's presence was suffocating, his aura drenched in bloodshed.
"Nothing... we just ran into each other," she stammered.
Heisha narrowed his eyes. "Our Saint has no friends. Tell the truth."
He suddenly reached for Liu Erlong's throat. A surge of oppressive energy suppressed her soul power.
"Stop!"
A deep, angry voice echoed as figures burst into the clearing. More than a dozen members of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family arrived, led by Yu Luomian himself.
Heisha slowly released Liu Erlong, his expression unreadable.
Bibi Dong had already disappeared into the darkness, leaving only the weight of her warning behind.