Two days later, Yan and Yue Guan departed from Tokes City to begin their journey back.
They weren't in a hurry this time. Traveling at a leisurely pace, stopping and resting along the way, it took them half a month to finally reach the outskirts of Spirit City.
By now, three months had passed since they'd last left Spirit City.
The two halted outside the city gates.
Yan's physique had changed, and the flame markings that once covered his skin had disappeared—something that would no doubt draw attention and suspicion.
Fortunately, he could now control the external manifestation of his flames freely.
Before entering the city, he released his inner flame.
His dark red hair and eyes once again turned fiery crimson, and the familiar flame markings reappeared across his entire body, glowing with searing light.
However, his frame was noticeably leaner than before, which only made those markings stand out more vividly.
Yue Guan smiled.
"Yan, while we're in Spirit City, you'd best keep this form. That way, no one will question it."
Yan nodded. "I understand."
"I wonder if Xie Yue and Na Na have returned yet. Let's first head to the Pope's Palace to report the results of our mission."
"Alright."
Without further delay, the two made their way straight to the Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong's spiritual perception was exceptionally sharp—she would surely notice the changes in them—but during their journey back, the two had already prepared suitable explanations.
Passing through the grand corridor, they entered the vast main hall of the Pope's Palace.
The hall was as imposing as ever—its emptiness itself commanded awe, every step echoing sharply through the space.
Seated high upon her throne, Bibi Dong appeared cold and regal, her deep gaze piercing through the air.
That solitary, aloof woman's mere presence filled the hall with an icy, oppressive majesty.
"Your Holiness, we have returned," Yan and Yue Guan said respectfully, bowing deeply.
Bibi Dong's gaze lingered briefly on Yan. It was clear she noticed his slimmer build.
"Yan, you seem to have lost quite a bit of weight."
Yan inclined his head slightly.
"Your Holiness, I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's due to repeatedly battling water-attribute Soul Masters during my training—and the strain of cultivation."
A flicker of doubt flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes, but after a moment, she nodded slightly, accepting the explanation, though not entirely convinced.
"Very well. What were the results of your training journey?"
"I earned the Copper Battle Spirit Badge."
"What? Only a copper badge?"
Bibi Dong's brow creased slightly.
She had met with Xie Yue and Hu Liena just a few days prior—they had returned with Silver and Gold Battle Spirit Badges respectively. Compared to them, Yan's result did seem underwhelming.
"So? Were those water-attribute Soul Masters truly that difficult to handle? Or did you spend too much time playing with herbs and plants in Sunset Forest, delaying your training?"
Yue Guan quickly stepped forward to defend Yan.
"Your Holiness, in fact, Yan performed exceptionally well in the Tokes Grand Battle Arena. He remained undefeated throughout the individual matches."
"Oh?" Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow. "Then why only the Copper Badge?"
"Because Yan's performance against Soul Masters of the same rank was too outstanding—he had almost no worthy opponents. So, he often teamed up with newly advanced Level-50 Battle Kings, giving himself the right to challenge higher-level duels, even taking on two Soul Kings at once."
"I see. To face two Soul Kings simultaneously as a mere Soul Sect—quite a challenge indeed."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly in approval.
"And during your time at the Battle Arena, did your soul power advance?"
"Your Holiness, I have broken through to Level Forty-Five."
"Good. Very good."
She nodded again, clearly satisfied with that progress.
Her gaze then turned to Yue Guan.
From the moment he entered the hall, she had already sensed that his aura was stronger than before—the fluctuation of his spirit power more profound and stable.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, it seems this trip has been fruitful for you as well."
Yue Guan smiled modestly and bowed.
"Nothing escapes Your Holiness's eyes. Indeed, through this period of cultivation, I have successfully broken through to Level Ninety-Six."
"Oh? That's excellent news! Congratulations, Elder Chrysanthemum."
"Many thanks, Your Holiness."
A rare gleam of joy lit Bibi Dong's eyes.
She knew Yue Guan had been stuck at Level Ninety-Five for a full decade.
Though the difference between Level Ninety-Five and Ninety-Six was but a single level, the gap in power was immense—one nearly impossible to cross.
Yue Guan, as her trusted subordinate, breaking through to Level Ninety-Six, was a significant boost to her overall strength.
"This trip has yielded great rewards for both of you."
Her gaze swept over them once more, finally resting on Yan. A faint smile touched her lips.
"Yan, Xie Yue and Na Na have already returned to the academy. Go and find them. The Soul Master Tournament is less than two years away—you must all continue working hard. Do not let me down."
"Please rest assured, Your Holiness—we will win the championship."
"Good. That's what I like to hear."
Bibi Dong nodded, clearly pleased.
Then, Yan and Yue Guan took their leave of the hall.
Outside, Yue Guan let out a long breath.
"So, the two of them are already back. Yan, you head to the academy."
"Understood. Are you going to find Elder Ghost?"
"Yes. It's been three months—I've actually missed him a little."
Yan smiled. He knew that Ghost Douluo was Yue Guan's long-time partner and closest confidant.
Of course Yue Guan would want to share the news of his breakthrough with him first.
The two parted ways—Yue Guan heading toward the Elder Hall, while Yan returned directly to the academy.
He arrived at the training grounds.
At that moment, Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and several of their teammates were in the middle of practice. When they spotted a familiar figure approaching from afar, they all stopped what they were doing.
As Yan drew closer, their eyes widened in surprise.
He was slimmer than before, his proportions more refined, his facial features sharper. The flame markings along his body appeared even more distinct.
Combined with the calm, deep look in his eyes, he seemed even more handsome and magnetic than before.
When Hu Liena saw him again, her heart couldn't help but tremble slightly.
Li Kai was the first to rush over, circling Yan once as he examined him up and down, sensing the changes in his aura.
"Brother Yan? You've lost weight! Are you still the same Brother Yan we know?"
"Oh? Want to find out the hard way?"
"N–no way! I'm not testing that! The flame power around you feels even stronger than before—you could roast me into a pig in seconds, haha!"
Everyone burst into laughter at Li Kai's joke.
"Brother Yan, you're back!" Xie Yue greeted him with a grin.
"Yeah, just got back."
"You've slimmed down and look even more handsome than before. I take it your time training in the Battle Arena paid off?"
Yan gave a small shake of his head.
"Nothing special—just earned a Copper Battle Spirit Badge."
"What? A Copper Badge?"
Xie Yue frowned in confusion and glanced toward Hu Liena.
Hu Liena smirked proudly.
"Were those water-type Soul Masters really that strong? My brother got a Silver Badge, and I got a Gold one."
"They were fairly tough opponents," Yan replied lightly, a faint smile curving his lips—as if recalling certain memories. "Or perhaps… my strength simply wasn't enough."
Hu Liena pressed further.
"Did your soul power increase at least? My brother and I both gained one level."
"Good for you—congratulations. I advanced by one level as well."
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