Supreme Pontiff Palace

As the morning sun cast its gentle glow upon Spirit Hall Academy, awakening the world from slumber, Zeng Wei stirred from his restful sleep. Rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating his luxurious suite.

With a yawn and a stretch, he greeted the new day.

The prospect of meeting the Supreme Pontiff filled him with both excitement and trepidation. While the luxurious surroundings and incredible opportunities here were captivating, his thoughts often wandered back to his family at the orphanage, a source of inspiration and motivation.

With a sense of purpose, he headed to the spacious bathroom for a refreshing bath, allowing the warm water to wash away any lingering drowsiness. Upon emerging, he meticulously arranged his clothes, selecting his usual attire of a crisp white t-shirt and black pants.

As he dressed, memories of his time at the orphanage played through his mind like a cherished melody. He missed the laughter, the camaraderie, and the simple joys of home.

Determined not to squander this rare opportunity, he retrieved the catalog of books and tomes provided by Bishop Salas.

The catalog was a literary treasure trove, divided into various sections covering a wide array of topics. Zeng Wei's focus honed in on the cultivation section, a crucial area for a burgeoning spirit master.

He skimmed through the titles, seeking an entry-level text suitable for his current level of expertise.

Just as he was engrossed in his search, a polite knock echoed through his personal suite. He called out to the visitor to wait for a moment before opening the door.

Standing there was a young clergyman, dressed in the formal attire of Spirit Hall, his demeanor polite and kind.

The clergyman extended an invitation for Zeng Wei to accompany him to meet the Supreme Pontiff. Zeng Wei was intrigued to learn that he would be riding in the same carriage as Bibi Dong.

A mischievous thought crossed his mind, and he couldn't resist the temptation to tease her a little. With gratitude, he accepted the offer and requested that the clergyman guide him to the awaiting carriage. 

As Zeng Wei stepped into the carriage, he was met with the sight of a cute girl donning a white frilly blouse, none other than Bibi Dong herself. A playful smirk graced his lips as he greeted her with a light-hearted tone, but Bibi Dong responded with a dismissive snort, refusing to acknowledge his presence.

Undeterred, Zeng Wei chuckled at her haughty demeanor and decided to engage in some mischief to pass the time after asking the clergyman some questions.

Turning his attention to the clergyman who had guided him to the carriage, Zeng Wei inquired about the duration of their journey. Spirit City, though not the size of a kingdom's capital, was a bustling metropolis filled with merchants and spirit masters, and he was curious about the time it would take to reach the Supreme Pontiff Palace.

The clergyman, his voice respectful and patient, informed Zeng Wei that the journey would span approximately two hours. Satisfied with the response, Zeng Wei redirected his focus to his fellow passenger, Bibi Dong, who seemed to be trying her best to ignore him.

With a playful grin, he leaned closer to Bibi Dong and asked her.

"So, Bibi Dong, are you excited to meet the Supreme Pontiff? I bet he'll be so impressed by our talents that he'll make us his disciples right away."

Bibi Dong remained silent, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the carriage. Undeterred, Zeng Wei continued.

However, Zeng Wei was nothing if not persistent. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he embarked on a mission to annoy Bibi Dong with an array of annoying questions and playful antics. At first, she remained stoic, her resolve unshaken, but Zeng Wei was unrelenting in his pursuit of eliciting a reaction.

"You know, they say the Supreme Pontiff only takes on disciples with extraordinary potential. I'm sure we both qualify, don't you think?"

Bibi Dong's lips twitched, but she didn't respond. Zeng Wei took it as a sign to press on.

"I heard he's a very wise and powerful man. Do you think he'll give us special treatment because we're so talented?

Maybe we'll get to live in even more luxurious suites than the one I have now!"

Despite her initial resistance, Bibi Dong's figurative walls began to crumble under the relentless assault of Zeng Wei's antics. In the end, unable to contain her frustration any longer, she let out a frustrated scream and implored him to stop tormenting her.

Bibi Dong finally turned her head to shoot him an irritated glance.

"Could you please just stop talking!? I'm trying to enjoy the ride in peace."

Zeng Wei couldn't contain his amusement.

"Oh, come on, Bibi Dong! We're going to be classmates or maybe even fellow disciples.

We should get to know each other better, don't you think?"

Bibi Dong sighed in exasperation.

"Fine, what do you want to know?"

Zeng Wei grinned, knowing he was getting under her skin.

"Tell me, Bibi Dong, what's your favorite food?"

Bibi Dong rolled her eyes.

"I'm not telling you."

Undeterred, Zeng Wei continued.

"Come on, it can't be that bad, is it? I promise I won't use it against you...too much."

Bibi Dong sighed and finally relented.

"Fine, it's mooncakes."

Zeng Wei raised an eyebrow, pretending to be intrigued.

"Mooncakes, huh? Interesting choice. Maybe I'll have to find a way to bring some to the academy and use them to fish you out from your room someday."

Bibi Dong sighed again, shaking her head in disbelief.

"You're impossible."

Zeng Wei chuckled.

"That's what they tell me. But hey, life's more fun when you don't take everything so seriously, right?"

  A triumphant grin spread across Zeng Wei's face as he leaned back in his seat, satisfied with his victory in breaking through Bibi Dong's stoic facade. Their playful banter continued throughout the journey, with Zeng Wei finding new and creative ways to annoy Bibi Dong.

Despite her initial annoyance, he couldn't help but notice a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips from time to time, and he took it as a small victory.

...

Two hours of playful banter had passed swiftly, and the carriage soon reached the periphery of the Supreme Pontiff Palace. As they approached the grand gates, the guards on duty immediately recognized the arrival of the special guests and swung the gates open without hesitation.

The carriage came to a halt, and two young talents, Zeng Wei and Bibi Dong, emerged from it. Their appearances were striking, and they couldn't have looked more different from one another.

Zeng Wei, with his unruly black hair and fair skin, exuded a sense of youthful vitality. In contrast, Bibi Dong's appearance was delicate, featuring rosy pink hair and jade-like skin, which gave her an air of elegance.

The clergyman who had accompanied them stepped out of the carriage as well and gestured for Zeng Wei and Bibi Dong to follow him. They proceeded to enter the Supreme Pontiff Palace, a magnificent and resplendent structure that served as the residence of the Supreme Pontiff himself.

The palace had stood its ground against the grandeur of Spirit Hall, with towering spires, intricately carved archways, and lush gardens that had surrounded it. As they had ventured deeper into the palace, Zeng Wei couldn't help but have been in awe of the opulence and magnificence that had surrounded him.

Nestled amidst lush, meticulously manicured gardens and surrounded by glistening fountains, that magnificent palace had been a masterpiece of architectural opulence.

Its alabaster façade had glistened like pristine snow under the radiant sunlight, a symbol of the purity and divinity of the faith it had represented. The palace had risen majestically, with towering spires that had seemed to touch the heavens themselves.

Each intricately adorned spire had been crowned with ornate, golden crosses that had caught the sun's rays and had cast a celestial glow across the landscape.

Massive, arched doorways, inlaid with precious metals and adorned with intricate religious motifs, had beckoned visitors into the palace's hallowed halls.

Upon entering, one had been greeted by a breathtaking, cavernous atrium adorned with priceless works of art, marble statues of revered saints, and colossal, stained-glass windows that had filtered the daylight into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors.

The interior had been a masterpiece of divine architecture, boasting soaring vaulted ceilings adorned with celestial frescoes that had narrated the church's illustrious history. Crystal chandeliers had hung like shimmering constellations, casting a warm and ethereal radiance upon the palace's grand chambers.

The palace gardens, a verdant oasis of tranquility, had provided a place for reflection and meditation, where the faithful could have sought solace and had connected with the divine amidst fragrant blossoms and babbling brooks.

Statues of angelic beings had stood sentinel in the garden, their stone forms seeming to have come alive in the shifting shadows.

In every corner of the Supreme Pontiff Palace, one had found a testament to the unwavering faith, wisdom, and benevolence of the Supreme Pontiff and the church. It had been a place where divine grace had met architectural brilliance, a beacon of spirituality, and a symbol of the church's enduring legacy.

Finally, they had arrived at the throne room, where the Supreme Pontiff had held court, had been a marvel of craftsmanship, with an ornate, gilded throne that had exuded regal authority. They heard a voice full with authority greet them.

As Zeng Wei and Bibi Dong entered the throne room, they were greeted by a voice that resonated with authority and power. It was none other than the Supreme Pontiff of the Spirit Hall himself. 

The Supreme Pontiff, Qian Daoliu, appeared to be a man in his thirties or forties, but his age was a deceptive facade. He possessed a timeless handsomeness, with a serene smile gracing his face.

His presence exuded calm and serenity, enveloping those in his vicinity with a sense of comfort and reverence.

Tall and lean, he wore a simple gray robe that belied his immense power and status. His long black hair flowed gracefully behind him, meticulously combed. Despite his unassuming attire, his very presence commanded respect and reverence, making it clear that he was the embodiment of authority within Spirit Hall.

In the presence of the Supreme Pontiff, Zeng Wei, Bibi Dong, and the clergyman bowed reverently, their actions mirroring their deep respect for the highest authority in the Spirit Hall. In unison, they spoke in deference,.

""Your Holiness.""

The Supreme Pontiff, Qian Daoliu, acknowledged their greetings with a nod and a warm smile. His eyes, like pools of deep wisdom, observed them with a gentle intensity. He gestured for them to rise, and they did so, straightening their posture while still feeling a sense of awe in his presence.

"Welcome to the Supreme Pontiff Palace."

He said, his voice carrying a soothing resonance.

"I am pleased to meet two young talents with such extraordinary potential."

Zeng Wei and Bibi Dong exchanged glances, their excitement palpable. They had come before the Supreme Pontiff with dreams and aspirations, hoping for a chance to become his disciples.

This moment was a pivotal one in their lives, and they were determined to seize the opportunity.

The clergyman who had escorted them to the palace stood off to the side, his presence respectful but unobtrusive. His role was to facilitate their meeting, and he watched with keen interest as the Supreme Pontiff began to speak.