"Are these all what the teacher told you?"
Gu Han asked, raising an eyebrow. Although Bibi Dong was a Saintess, she hadn't yet reached the level of Worship. The only one who could've told her such things must have been Qian Xunji.
"Yes. Teacher also told me the Angel Lineage possesses a set of 99,999-year-old divine soul bones. But due to his limited talent, he only inherited a left arm bone and a right arm bone."
Gu Han broke into a cold sweat. "Senior Sister... do you know these are top secrets?"
He couldn't believe she was speaking so casually. No wonder, in the original story, even Yu Xiaogang knew about the Angel Clan's secrets.
"I know," Bibi Dong replied lightly. "But you're my little brother. You'd find out sooner or later, so it's fine."
"Well... Even so, please don't share this kind of thing with others. No matter how close you are."
"I understand. I haven't told anyone but you," she said with a gentle smile.
Gu Han gave a dry laugh, choosing to drop the topic for now. Changing her mindset would take time. Instead, he brought up something more important.
"Senior Sister, do you know where the Martial Soul Hall's database is?"
Another reason he had come to Martial Soul City was to investigate the mystery of his origins. He had been adopted as an infant, and the curiosity about his birth parents had never faded.
All registered soul masters on the continent—even those from the three great sects—were catalogued by the Martial Soul Hall. If his parents had similar Martial Souls, he might find them.
"Of course I know. It's right next to the library. But what do you need it for?"
"I was left in Qinghe Village as a baby. I want to know who my parents were. Maybe they left me out of desperation."
Bibi Dong lowered her head, looking like a guilty kitten. "I'm sorry, Brother..."
"There's no need to apologize if you didn't know."
Gu Han almost reached out to ruffle her hair but stopped short and simply patted her shoulder instead.
"Come, I'll take you there," Bibi Dong said quickly, waving him along.
"Alright."
—
The database was located beside the Pope's Hall. Though not as grand as the Pope's Temple, it was still magnificent.
As they approached, two golden-armored guards at the door immediately blocked them.
"Stop!"
"I'm the Saintess of the Martial Soul Hall. Let us through."
She showed her Holy Maiden's token. The guards dropped to one knee immediately.
"Your Highness."
"Get up."
She nodded calmly, hands folded behind her back.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Bibi Dong ignored them and turned to Gu Han. "Let's go."
He followed her into the palace, nodding silently.
—
Inside, the database was anything but empty. Behind a desk sat an old man who appeared to be in his seventies or eighties. Despite his ordinary appearance, he radiated the power of a high-level Soul Saint.
He stood up when he saw them.
"Your Highness. What brings you here?"
"Toma, I'm helping my younger brother find information about his birth parents."
"Younger brother?"
Toma looked curiously at Gu Han. When had the Pope accepted another disciple? But that wasn't something he should ask.
"Very well. Please provide some clues so I can assist."
"All I have is my Martial Soul and this jade pendant."
Gu Han summoned the Xuanshuang Sword and showed him a white jade pendant-shaped soul tool.
Toma frowned. "Name and Martial Soul?"
"Gu Han. Martial Soul: Xuanshuang Sword."
"Gu... Xuanshuang Sword... I've never heard of it."
"The surname came from my adoptive grandfather. I don't know my birth surname."
"I understand. Your Highness, please wait here. I'll look into it."
Toma left to search the ice-attributed records. Gu Han stayed with Bibi Dong, both sitting behind the front desk.
After a long while, Toma returned with a heavy sigh.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. The Xuanshuang Sword doesn't appear in any previous records. It may be a mutated or evolved Martial Soul. Your only clue is the jade pendant."
"Unfortunately, we can't analyze that here. You'll need to consult the Ghost Bishop—he's in charge of intelligence gathering. He may be able to help."
Bibi Dong looked disheartened. She had hoped to help.
"Don't worry, Senior Sister. I've waited twelve years—I can wait a little longer."
He smiled and patted her shoulder again before turning to Toma.
"Thank you for your help, Senior. Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble at all. I'm just sorry I couldn't assist more."
With that, Gu Han and Bibi Dong took their leave.
*(End of Chapter)*
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