"Senior Yueguan, have you ever heard of whale gum?"
"Of course. Isn't it something nobles use to, ahem… enhance performance in the bedroom? Why are you asking?"
"It's not that kind of situation..."
Yueguan narrowed his eyes at Gu Han, suspicion gleaming within. He had thought the boy to be a decent young man, but could he be one of those types?
Alas, the world was in decline, and hearts were no longer pure...
"Senior, you've misunderstood!"
Gu Han quickly waved his hands, alarmed by the elder's sharp gaze. "I've discovered a completely different use for whale gum."
"Oh? Do tell."
Yueguan perked up, intrigued. He'd heard this child spent hours buried in the library and had even outpaced the theoretical understanding of some instructors. If the boy claimed there was another use for such a strange item, it was at least worth hearing out.
"During some accidental experimentation, I found that whale gum can improve a soul master's constitution—allowing them to absorb higher-age soul rings and slightly enhance their overall talent. The effect is subtle, but real."
"The reason I was able to reach Level 23 at just twelve years old despite having only an innate soul power of level 5… is due in part to the whale gum."
"What?"
Yueguan's expression changed, becoming solemn. His eyes bored into Gu Han's, voice lowering. "Besides me… have you told this to anyone else?"
Gu Han smiled calmly. "Senior, I've told no one else. Only you."
"Then why are you telling me?"
"Because I want to exchange this secret for better resources and support."
His tone was direct and unapologetic.
Yueguan looked at him for a moment, then laughed. "You're bold and honest. I like that."
He didn't doubt Gu Han's words. After all, the Pope hadn't planned to meet the boy personally—only instructed Yueguan to escort him to Martial Soul City and enroll him in the academy. Presumably, the boy thought he wasn't important enough to merit an audience.
But this secret changed things.
"Alright, since you've already tested it yourself, there's no need to ask how it's used. I'll take you to meet the Pope directly—you can tell him yourself."
"Thank you, Senior Yueguan."
Though surprised by the sudden honor, Gu Han put on a grateful expression.
Coming from a remote town like Longcheng, it took them three full days to return to Martial Soul City.
"Don't be nervous when you meet the Pope. And don't forget the basic etiquette I've been teaching you on the way."
Yueguan gave one last reminder, clearly worried the boy might accidentally offend the powerful man.
"Thank you for the guidance, Senior. I understand."
Gu Han wasn't foolish. He knew this wasn't like the plot of the original story. There would be no "protagonist's halo" protecting him here—nor was he meeting Bibi Dong, who still had old feelings for Yu Xiaogang. This was Qian Xunji. A true powerhouse, whose mood could determine his life or death.
No matter how talented he was, he was still a boy.
Only the strong are allowed to be proud.
Martial Soul City was a vast stronghold surrounded by six colossal walls, each engraved with a powerful martial spirit.
At its heart stood two grand palaces—the Pope's Temple and the Douluo Hall.
The Hall of Offerings and the Elder Hall lay further behind, inaccessible to most.
The Pope's Temple was where all past popes had ruled. The Douluo Hall, meanwhile, was considered the most sacred place for all soul masters—it even outranked the Pope's Temple in spiritual significance. Even the Pope himself could not enter it before death.
To stand before the Pope's Temple was to feel awe from the soul.
Above ninety-nine marble steps, an enormous statue of a six-winged angel stood watch. It was the symbol of the Angelic Martial Spirit and the pride of Martial Soul Hall.
Yueguan led Gu Han up the steps and pushed open the grand doors.
At the far end of the vast hall, a golden-haired man lounged lazily yet dominantly upon the papal throne. His sharp gaze flicked toward them, but he said nothing.
"Salutations to the Pope."
Gu Han followed Yueguan, placing one hand over his chest and kneeling on one knee.
"You may rise."
Qian Xunji's voice rang out, calm but filled with innate authority.
"Thank you, Your Holiness."
The two stood.
"Yueguan, is this the boy you were sent to retrieve? I told you to escort him to the academy. What brings you to my hall?"
Descending the steps with hands behind his back, Qian Xunji's golden eyes shimmered. The pressure in the air tightened.
Yueguan bowed his head, repeating Gu Han's story word for word.
"Oh? That's quite interesting." Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow, reaching out and lightly pressing Gu Han's shoulder.
"Hm… His body is indeed stronger than the average Great Soul Master. In fact, he possesses the constitution of a high-level soul master. You're not lying."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Holiness. It was merely good fortune."
"I hear you enjoy studying martial soul theory?"
"It's just a small interest of mine," Gu Han replied modestly.
Qian Xunji nodded.
This child was not only talented and honest, but had whale gum to bolster his growth. He could stand alongside naturally gifted soul masters. Add to that his diligence, and he was worth cultivating.
A thought occurred: this boy might even have a positive influence on her.
His disciple, Qian Renxue, had a terrifying talent… but zero interest in academics. Every time she read a book, it looked like she might fall asleep standing.
Perhaps if she had a peer worth her time, she might be motivated.
"I've decided to take you as my student. Will you accept?"
Gu Han's eyes widened.
Even Yueguan was stunned.
The Pope himself—offering to become the boy's teacher?
Qian Xunji was amused by Gu Han's reaction. A smirk played at the corner of his lips.
"What? You don't want to?"
"No! Disciple greets Master!" Gu Han quickly knelt, performing the formal salute.
He would be a fool to refuse.
Regardless of the Pope's future crimes, right now, he was the strongest backing Gu Han could ever dream of.
And rejecting him would not only be suicidal—it would be humiliating for Qian Xunji in front of Yueguan.
"Very good. From now on, you are my student. You also have a senior sister. Settle down today—I'll introduce you two tomorrow."
His tone warmed. The shift in how he addressed Gu Han was clear.
"Yueguan, take Xiaohan to his quarters in the Pope's Temple. Then you're dismissed."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Yueguan bowed, then led the newly accepted student away.
(End of Chapter 10)