"You're so lucky that the Pope is willing to accept you as a student."
On the way, Yueguan couldn't resist teasing Gu Han.
"Senior Yueguan, you'd better not laugh at me. Honestly, I don't even know how to describe what I'm feeling right now."
Gu Han smiled bitterly. To be fair, Qian Xunji's sudden offer to take him as a student had been entirely unexpected and definitely not part of his plans.
All he'd done was provide information about the effects of whale glue. That alone shouldn't have been enough to warrant the personal attention of a Title Douluo—much less the Pope himself.
"You kid. Shouldn't you be happy? The Pope himself is taking you in! Why the long face?"
"Well… Of course, I'm happy. But it just feels like more than I deserve."
"That's normal. After all, the Pope has only taken in one student before you—little Dongdong."
Gu Han nearly choked on his own breath. Little Dongdong?
His expression twitched. Was Yueguan referring to Bibi Dong?
The image of the future domineering Empress-like Pope Bibi Dong clashed wildly with that cutesy nickname. He shook the thought from his head.
Of course, she was still only nine years old. For a Soul Douluo like Yueguan, calling her "Xiao Dongdong" wasn't unreasonable.
He just wondered whether Yueguan would dare to keep calling her that in the future.
---
Yueguan eventually led Gu Han to Martial Soul Academy and arranged a single dormitory room for him.
This wasn't special treatment—every student here was among the top talents of the continent, and each had their own private space.
"Alright, kid. Rest well. I've got to get going. My garden won't tend itself, you know. If my flowers wither while I'm gone, I'll never forgive myself."
"Thank you for everything, Senior Yueguan."
"Yeah, yeah. Don't get all sentimental on me. I'm tired."
With a casual wave, Yueguan walked off without looking back.
Gu Han closed the door behind him and took in his surroundings.
The dormitory was about 60 to 70 square meters, styled with a blend of European elegance and Chinese simplicity. It sounded like a strange combo, but somehow it worked.
On the right was the kitchen. On the left, a combined bathroom and toilet. The south side of the room had a balcony, and when the floor-to-ceiling curtains were drawn, sunlight poured in.
The furnishings were complete—he only needed to get a few personal items like towels and toiletries.
Gu Han felt a wave of fatigue and decided to rest. He laid on the bed and slept through the night.
---
The next morning, a knock sounded at the door.
"Gu Xiaogui, you in there?"
It was Yueguan again. Gu Han quickly got up, tidied his clothes, and opened the door.
Sure enough, Yueguan was leaning casually against the corridor pillar.
"Morning, Senior Yueguan."
"Never mind that. Wash your face, change your clothes, and come with me. You're meeting your teacher today."
He handed Gu Han a set of Martial Soul Academy's official uniform from his soul guide.
"If you don't have anything else to wear, just put this on."
"Thank you. Please wait a moment."
Gu Han returned to the room, freshened up, and changed into the uniform.
As a sword cultivator, his aura naturally carried a sharpness. Once dressed properly, he looked completely different—refined and striking.
"Now that's more like it. A proper outfit really brings out your charm. I bet you'll have girls chasing after you in no time."
Gu Han shivered at Yueguan's teasing tone. "Senior Yueguan, please stop joking… We shouldn't keep the teacher waiting."
"True. Let's go."
---
Yueguan led him to the back garden of the Pope's Palace.
The garden was full of plants Gu Han didn't even recognize. In a pavilion at the center, Qian Xunji sat drinking tea.
Beside him was a young girl.
She had long burgundy hair, soft baby fat on her cheeks, and bright, curious eyes. She stared at Gu Han without blinking.
"Greetings, Pope."
"Greetings, Teacher."
Gu Han didn't hesitate. He knew when to seize an opportunity. If calling Qian Xunji "teacher" helped solidify his place, then so be it.
Before he could grow stronger, he needed a powerful backer.
Qian Xunji nodded. "Rise. Yueguan, go get some rest."
"Thank you, Teacher."
"Thank you, Pope. I'll take my leave."
With Yueguan gone, Qian Xunji gestured to the young girl.
"Xiaohan, this is your senior sister, Bibi Dong."
"Dong'er, this is Gu Han, my new disciple."
"Hello, Senior Sister. I'm Gu Han."
Bibi Dong had been staring at him curiously the entire time. Once introduced, she stepped forward proudly.
"Hello, Junior Brother. Just call me Sister Dong. If anyone bullies you, tell me—I'll protect you."
She puffed up like a big sister, reached up on tiptoes, and patted his shoulder.
Gu Han nearly laughed. So this is what Bibi Dong was like as a child... quite cute.
He smiled. "Then I'll be counting on you, Senior Sister."
"You're welcome!"
She waved her hand with the confidence of someone far older.
"Xiaohan, Dong'er."
"Teacher!"
Both of them straightened up instantly at Qian Xunji's call.
Even though Bibi Dong was already a two-ring Soul Master, she was still only around 150 cm tall.
Gu Han, standing at 175 cm, towered over her. Their contrast made her look even younger and more adorable.
"You two will be studying and cultivating together from now on. Dong'er, don't cause trouble for Xiaohan, alright?"
He shot her a stern look.
Qian Xunji had a purpose in taking Gu Han as a disciple—he hoped it would help steady Bibi Dong's impulsive nature.
At the same time, Gu Han couldn't afford to be spoiled by her.
"Oh… alright."
Bibi Dong lowered her head with a sulky expression, puffing her cheeks.
---
Thus began Gu Han's life at Martial Soul Academy—under the watchful eyes of the Pope, the mischievous company of Bibi Dong, and the quiet fire of ambition burning in his heart.
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