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Watching the Shadow Guards depart, Lin Yongming turned and re-entered the house with the letter in hand.
"Xiao Ming, who was that?" Lan Yin stepped out, curiosity in her voice.
"Qian Xunji knows about my breakthrough. He's summoning me to Spirit Hall," Lin Yongming replied, handing her the letter.
Lan Yin scanned its contents. "What will you do? Will you go?"
"I have to. Whether for your safety or Dong'er's, I can't refuse. If Qian Xunji comes here himself, your identity might be exposed." His tone left no room for argument.
"But how will you explain your seventh spirit ring? What if he tries to trap you?" Worry flickered in her eyes.
"Don't worry. Even at level 75, no Douluo can stop me if I choose to leave." He smiled, confidence unwavering.
Lan Yin nodded. "Go. And if possible… bring Dong'er home."
Lin Yongming's resolve hardened. It's time to face this—for Dong'er's freedom, for our future.
The next morning, after ensuring Lan Yin's safety in Thunder Rain Village, Lin Yongming set out.
With a flap of his Purple Lightning Wings—now spanning six meters and crackling with 50,000-year energy—he soared into the sky.
The world unfolded beneath him: the sprawling Cangli Mountain Range, where he'd first obtained the Heart of the Thunder God, and the distant horizon where Spirit Hall's silhouette loomed.
By afternoon, the colossal Spirit City came into view, its central fortress piercing the clouds.
It's like a modern metropolis… but far deadlier.
Landing discreetly, he joined the queue at the gates. Once inside, he headed straight for the Papal Palace.
"Halt! State your business!" The guards barred his path.
"Lin Yongming." His voice was ice.
Before they could react, a melodic voice interrupted:
"No need for formalities. I'll escort him."
Chrysanthemum Douluo stepped forward, resplendent in gold robes, his crimson-lined eyes studying Lin Yongming.
"Your eyes… they've healed?"
"They opened when I reached Soul Sage. I still don't fully understand why," Lin Yongming deflected.
Chrysanthemum Douluo leaned in, whispering eagerly, "Is it true? A 100,000-year seventh ring?"
"An accident, really. But tell me—has the Pope been spying on me all this time?"
The Douluo sighed at his evasion. "Come. His Holiness awaits."
The Papal Palace was a cavernous hall, its vaulted ceiling adorned with a towering Six-Winged Angel statue. At its far end, seated atop a dais, was Qian Xunji—his posture languid, his gaze sharp.
"Lin Yongming… you arrived faster than expected." Ghost Douluo blinked in surprise.
"Your Holiness," Chrysanthemum Douluo knelt. Lin Yongming merely clasped his hands.
Qian Xunji's eyes narrowed. "No bow for your Pope?"
"I was expelled two years ago. I owe no allegiance."
A suffocating pressure erupted from Qian Xunji—Title Douluo aura, meant to crush him to his knees.
Yet Lin Yongming stood firm, his own energy clashing against the Pope's in a visible duel of wills.
Gasps echoed.
How?! A Soul Sage resisting a Title Douluo's suppression?!
Qian Xunji's composure cracked. "Impossible!"
With a snarl, he activated his spirit—nine rings flaring, the force sending Lin Yongming stumbling back.
But Lin Yongming retaliated instantly.
Seven rings erupted, the crimson seventh blazing like a dying star.
The hall fell silent.
"A 100,000-year ring… truly." Qian Xunji's smile was venomous. If he won't serve me, he dies.
Yet aloud, he applauded. "Magnificent! It seems I… misjudged you. Let's rectify that."
He descended the steps, oozing false warmth. "Rejoin Spirit Hall. Prove yourself against Chrysanthemum Douluo in ten exchanges, and I'll grant you elder status—"
A pause. "—and Bibi Dong's hand in marriage."
Lin Yongming's pulse spiked. A trap… but one I can't refuse.
"Deal."
Outside, the square buzzed with spectators.
Bibi Dong arrived just as the duel began, her breath catching at Lin Yongming's restored eyes.
"He sees me again…" Hope ignited in her chest.
Qian Xunji's voice boomed: "Let all witness! If Lin Yongming endures ten strikes from a Title Douluo, he ascends to elder!"
Murmurs erupted. "A Soul Sage vs. a Douluo? Madness!"
Lin Yongming ignored them, Thunder Judgment Sword materializing in his grip.
Chrysanthemum Douluo twirled a razor-edged blossom. "Begin."
The Duel
First Exchange: Lin Yongming lunged, sword meeting dagger in a shower of sparks.
Third Move: Chrysanthemum Douluo's Aura Barrier clamped down, slowing Lin Yongming's movements—
—Until Dark Thunder Domain erupted, shattering the suppression.
Fifth Clash: Golden petals morphed into blades, met by Lin Yongming's Lightning Spears.
Sixth Strike: The ground became a storm of runes—Heavenly Thunder Wave Sword forced Chrysanthemum Douluo airborne.
"Sixth Spirit Ability: Golden Radiance!" The Douluo retaliated, celestial flowers detonating like bombs.
BOOM—!
The shockwave sent onlookers reeling. Dust cleared to reveal Lin Yongming standing, sword raised.
Seven exchanges down. Three to go.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 (finished story) on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 85 power stones I will publish the next chapter.