Chapter 95: Pope Bibi Dong

"The matter of the Breakthrough to Elder Pill will trouble Sect Master Ning." Even when speaking softly, Bibi Dong's voice carried an undeniable authority the imposing aura of someone long accustomed to power.

"Your Holiness flatters me. Once the Breakthrough to Elder Pill is successfully refined, I will contact you immediately." Ning Fengzhi replied with a cheerful smile.

"Good. Then I shall return and await your good news." Bibi Dong glanced at the distant sky. "Sect Master Ning, the one hiding over there is the Sword Douluo, isn't he? It seems you still don't quite trust me."

"Your Holiness jests. It's just that Rongrong said she had never seen you before, and she's a bit shy, so Elder Sword took her into hiding." Ning Fengzhi waved his hand dismissively, though inwardly, his heart skipped a beat. His expression, however, betrayed nothing.

"I doubt that's all there is to it." Bibi Dong said indifferently. "Might I ask them to reveal themselves? I happen to have a very talented disciple myself, though she's slightly older than Ning Rongrong."

Ning Fengzhi was about to respond when the Bone Douluo beside him tensed, entering a guarded stance.

But before long, a barrier shimmered into existence on the ground clearly, those within had just descended from the sky.

Emerging were the Sword Douluo Chen Xin, the Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, and Ning Rongrong, among others.

Bibi Dong's expression flickered with surprise when she saw them. Her eyes narrowed slightly as they landed on the golden-haired young man.

Xue Qinghe stepped forward, flawlessly maintaining his disguise. He bowed respectfully to the Pope in her resplendent robes, his tone calm and measured:

"An honor to meet you for the first time, Your Holiness."

"Hmph. What business does the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire have at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" The temperature around them seemed to drop with Bibi Dong's words.

"What I do here hardly requires reporting to Your Holiness, does it?"

"You " Bibi Dong's voice turned icy. "Of course, the Crown Prince of a nation need not bow and scrape before me."

"Qinghe, mind your words. Her Holiness is a Title Douluo." Respect for a Title Douluo was non-negotiable. Even Ning Fengzhi, when facing one, had to show due deference not just to their strength, but to their status. This applied even to a crown prince.

"I understand, Teacher." Qian Renxue exhaled slowly. "I came to seek Teacher because His Majesty wishes to purchase the Breakthrough to Elder Pill. Isn't that also Your Holiness's purpose here?"

"Oh? Is that so?" Bibi Dong's expression finally eased.

Her gaze shifted away, landing on the three Title Douluos beside Ning Fengzhi.

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect grows ever more illustrious. This must be the Poison Douluo. We've met before, haven't we?"

"I must thank Your Holiness for your... hospitality back then." Dugu Bo replied evenly, neither submissive nor overbearing.

When he had first become a Title Douluo, his refusal to join Spirit Hall had led to a symbolic pursuit by their forces spearheaded by none other than Yue Guan. Had he been careless, he might have truly been captured.

Though the end result would likely have been forced recruitment, there was a world of difference between being dragged in and joining willingly.

Hearing the faint accusation in Dugu Bo's tone, Bibi Dong smiled. "That was Elder Yue Guan acting on his own initiative. I have since reprimanded him. Losing an ally like yourself was truly Spirit Hall's loss."

"Sect Master Ning mentioned that the Breakthrough to Elder Pill was your creation. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."

"It was something of an accidental discovery." Dugu Bo sighed. "Your Holiness must have heard that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has been seeking a way to evolve the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda into the Eight Treasure Glazed Pagoda."

"The reason I joined the sect was because my martial soul was poisoned, and they happened to have a solution. While researching pills to facilitate the evolution, I stumbled upon the formulas for both the Breakthrough to Elder Pill and the Breakthrough to Master Pill."

"However, to fully master the exact ratios and refining methods will likely take another month or two. I hope Your Holiness can be patient."

"I see. Sect Master Ning mentioned the same. A month or two is nothing."

Bibi Dong nodded. Dugu Bo's explanation matched Ning Fengzhi's. That he served as the sect's alchemist was no secret.

"And these two must be Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan?" Bibi Dong's gaze shifted past Qian Renxue still disguised as Xue Qinghe to settle on the two girls beside her.

"Your Holiness, you're so beautiful!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed with genuine admiration.

"What a sweet tongue." Bibi Dong smiled faintly.

Compared to Dugu Yan, she studied Ning Rongrong a moment longer.

After all, this seemingly airheaded girl was said to be the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Young Mistress and an auxiliary-type soul master with innate full soul power.

Still, she soon looked away.

So what if she has full soul power?

I possessed twin martial souls myself. There's no need to fixate on some Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda user who'll never reach level 90.

As for breaking through the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's limits?

Heh. Bibi Dong was deeply skeptical.

Historical records were littered with claims from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect about imminent breakthroughs all ending in quiet disappointment.

Having obtained what she came for, Bibi Dong turned to leave in high spirits. Ning Fengzhi made a token effort to persuade her to stay.

But with Xue Qinghe present, she couldn't bear to remain a second longer.

Besides, if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect seemed less than welcoming, why force the issue?

As long as she secured the Breakthrough to Elder Pill for Yu Xiaogang, nothing else mattered.

Side effects?

Ning Fengzhi had been upfront about those from the start.

For someone like Yu Xiaogang, perpetually stuck below level 30, breaking through at all was blessing enough. There was no room for picky.

As for where Yu Xiaogang was now

I'm the Pope. The leader of Spirit Hall, the greatest power on the continent. What information can't I obtain?

Thus, Bibi Dong departed under the watchful eyes of all.

The atmosphere was peaceful.

Shortly after her exit, Xue Qinghe turned to Ning Fengzhi.

"Teacher, might I trouble you to investigate why Her Holiness seeks the Breakthrough to Elder Pill? I must admit, I'm rather curious."

"I can certainly try, though I can't guarantee answers."

Ning Fengzhi had been waiting for this very request. Refusal was out of the question.

"Then I leave it in your hands." Xue Qinghe glanced at the darkening sky. "His Majesty's health has been poor. Now that I've confirmed the pill's status, I should take my leave."

"Qinghe, must you go so soon?" Ning Fengzhi feigned surprise. "Won't you stay a few days?"

"No. I'm concerned about Father's condition."

With that, Xue Qinghe boarded his carriage and departed, flanked by two teams of capable soul master guards.

Only once he was fully gone did the Sword Douluo wave his hand, erecting a soundproof barrier around them. His brows furrowed as he spoke gravely:

"Pope Bibi Dong is stronger than I anticipated. Her talent is terrifying."

"Her strength may have reached level 98."