Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 160: Bibi Dong's Schemes

After hearing from Yang Wuhui that Bibi Dong had requested his presence in Spirit City, Ye Wen's eyes showed a trace of confusion. This wasn't part of his original plan. But realizing that Bibi Dong, alone in Spirit Hall, might be having difficulty holding her ground, he figured she wanted to discuss some matters with him. He agreed and set out.

Before he left, Yang Wudi approached him rather sheepishly, asking if Ye Wen could help locate his brother, Yang Wushuang, whom Spirit Hall had abducted instead of killing on the spot. Since it was a simple matter, Ye Wen readily agreed.

Spirit City remained as pristine as ever, its white facades gleaming. When Ye Wen saw Bibi Dong, he could tell she was no longer the naive girl of their youth. Her entire presence exuded a noble, dignified, and holy air in her papal robes. Yet the moment she saw him, all that seemed to melt away, replaced by a gentle expression in her eyes.

For soul masters of their level, finding a private place to converse undisturbed was effortless.

"Bibi Dong, what did you want to discuss?" Ye Wen asked.

With the familiarity built over years, Bibi Dong replied naturally, "I need to borrow a few people from you. I've been away for so long that my foundation here is shallow. The Elder Hall's members have been continually obstructing our plans."

A typical power struggle. Power grabbing is woven into humanity's nature, so Ye Wen wasn't surprised, nodding his understanding. Still, it posed a small dilemma. He couldn't send Tianxing Academy's instructors or inner disciples; their profiles were well known, and sending them would ruin Tianxing's neutral stance. But Sea God Island could send some assistance.

"Any specific power level requirements?" he asked.

"Soul Sage and above," Bibi Dong replied. "About a hundred should be enough. The lower ranks are loyal to me, but those with more entrenched influence are creating hurdles."

Ye Wen felt relieved to hear her requirements. Even though he was now the Sea God and could impart spirit power directly, doing so required divine power, and he needed that for his own growth. Sea God Island could easily spare a hundred or so Soul Sages.

Yet, he realized, the Sea Soul Masters' spirit power bore distinctive qualities. Especially those on Sea God Island, who had undergone divine trials and thus carried the Sea God's divine imprint. Qian Daoliu might recognize these as Sea Soul Masters.

"Looks like I'll need to prepare soul devices to conceal their auras. This will take some work," Ye Wen muttered, mentally running through the preparations. Seeing that he was more focused on problem solving than complaining, Bibi Dong's gaze softened.

Her delicate hand touched his shoulder as she whispered, "Thank you, Lord Sea God."

The playful tone sent a shiver down his spine. "What is with this woman? She's been getting strangely... enticing," he thought.

"Cut that out. Friends don't use titles like that. Keep it up, and I might just get mad," he joked.

Seeing his familiar, easygoing demeanor, Bibi Dong's spirits lifted. She enjoyed a rare moment of lightheartedness with him, feeling more at ease than in her papal chambers, constantly buried in administrative matters.

Eventually, the conversation shifted to Yang Wushuang, and Ye Wen asked why he was detained instead of killed. This wasn't part of the original plan.

"Oh, I suppose I found myself a bit... interested in the Break Soul Spear," Bibi Dong replied casually, twisting a strand of her hair around her finger.

Liar.

They weren't lovers, but years of friendship had made them close. Ye Wen could tell from her fidgeting that she wasn't being entirely truthful. Curious, he pressed, "Oh? What's so fascinating about the Break Soul Spear?"

Bibi Dong answered, "You know that on this continent, the top three weapon spirits are the Seven Kill Sword, the Haotian Hammer, and the Break Soul Spear. The Seven Kill Sword is down to just Chenxin, and the Haotian Sect's hermits are in hiding. Wouldn't it be disgraceful if we had no weapon spirit of our own to showcase?"

Her reasoning was sound enough, though he sensed she wasn't sharing everything. But he let it slide. Everyone had their secrets; as long as it didn't affect their relationship or plans, he had no issue.

"Fine," Ye Wen agreed. "I'll take in the Po Clan, then. Speaking of which, Yang Wushuang is still in your custody, right? I'll bring him back with me."

Bibi Dong readily agreed. They continued to chat, sharing a meal together before Ye Wen departed, taking Yang Wushuang with him.

Watching him leave, Bibi Dong's gaze took on a purple hue.

"Foolish Po Clan... they call themselves the greatest alchemists on the Douluo Continent, yet they can't even concoct what I need. They're nothing compared to Ye Wen," she murmured, voice laced with irritation and regret.

Then a seductive, ethereal voice echoed softly.

"Hehehe… you crave power, don't you, little one? Accept my inheritance. Complete my divine trial, and you'll have everything you desire even surpassing that Sea God."

The voice had been tempting her for some time now, but Bibi Dong's awareness of this god's sinister nature had kept her from accepting. But as frustration gnawed at her, she finally asked, "Can it really challenge a god?"

"Absolutely," the voice purred. "Gods are not all powerful. There are forces in the vast universe capable of threatening even the divine."

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