Chapter -32.
The Qiu siblings were vying to see who could be the first to challenge Ye Chen. Just as they were about to reach a decision, two formidable presences suddenly appeared above the Wuhun Temple Academy.
Instantly, Qiu Xiaoxiao and Qiu Bin's expressions shifted to seriousness, and they knelt on one knee, declaring, "We respectfully welcome the elders' arrival!"
As soon as they finished speaking, two figures materialized before them, radiating an overwhelming aura.
Ye Chen sensed the power emanating from them and couldn't help but think: Title Douluo!
One of the newcomers was a tall, slender man with striking features, clad in a long black robe, marked by a snake-shaped tattoo on his forehead. The other was a burly giant, sporting a big beard and adorned in spiky black armor, reminiscent of thorns.
"Disciples pay their respects to Elder Snake and Elder Spike!"
Upon recognizing their elders, Qiu Xiaoxiao and Qiu Bin immediately showed their deference, as if there was a special bond among the four.
"Rise."
Elder Snake raised his hand and, upon noticing the blood and corpses strewn about, frowned deeply.
"You are Ye Chen?"
Elder Snake's gaze turned sharp as it fell on Ye Chen, a glimmer of killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"Do you understand that these individuals were the academy's elite, the future backbone of Wuhun Temple? As a disciple of the academy, how dare you commit such acts of slaughter!"
With his last words, Elder Snake's demeanor darkened sharply, clearly enraged.
However, rather than acting on his fury, he shifted his attention and addressed the stone statue, declaring, "I ask for Your Holiness the Pope to command that this wicked boy be handed over to me for punishment."
"Wicked boy?"
Descending from the statue was Bibi Dong, flanked by Hu Liena, her gaze icy as she regarded Elders Snake and Spike.
"The rules of the marriage battle were set by me. All challengers acted of their own will; their lives and deaths are their own decisions. You blame the deaths of these students on Ye Chen, but what if he had perished today? Are their lives worth more than that of my disciple?"
Bibi Dong's words were frosty, emanating an intimidating pressure that left Elders Snake and Spike speechless and pale for a time.
But even in the face of her words, they remained resolute, unwilling to compromise. Ye Chen, noticing this, discreetly tugged at Hu Liena's sleeve and said, "Senior Sister, it seems the two elders are pretty upset with Master!"
Hu Liena explained, "They are indeed upset, but they serve higher authorities. Only the Grand Elder can command them. While our Master is the Pope and oversees Wuhun Temple, she doesn't have complete authority over all factions within the Elder Hall. It's similar to our academy, where most middle and senior class students enter the Elder Hall to serve upon graduation."
"I see, so that's why Master..."
Observing Bibi Dong's impassive demeanor, Ye Chen marveled at how clever she was to use others to eliminate potential threats.
These challengers above level 40 were mainly from the middle and senior classes, and Bibi Dong had orchestrated this marriage battle to weed out future dangers through him.
In the Douluo Continent, humans have relatively short lifespans; even Title Douluo can't live forever.
Bibi Dong is still young, and with the eventual passing of the Grand Elder and others, control of the entire Wuhun Temple will likely be firmly in her hands.
"It's no wonder she provided me with such an incredible soul ring."
It's worth noting that at that time, Ye Chen hadn't completed his sign-in task, yet the Azure Sky Dragon Fox was something Bibi Dong had arranged in advance, suggesting she was orchestrating everything all along.
With her cunning, she truly deserves my admiration. Watching Bibi Dong stand her ground against the two elders only made Ye Chen appreciate her even more.
"Please don't be overly protective, Your Holiness. We must take this boy back to the 'Elder Hall.'"
Elder Spike bowed deeply, emphasizing "Elder Hall" with a tone that left no room for negotiation.
Elder Snake added, "Your Holiness, this is the order from the Elder Hall. If we don't bring Ye Chen back today, we may face severe punishment."
Their intentions were crystal clear; they were determined to take Ye Chen to the Elder Hall. But Bibi Dong suddenly let out a cold laugh, "Elder Hall? What of it! Today, I will protect him; what can you do? Hurry back and accept your punishment, and tell them it was my personal order!"
With a wave of her scepter, Bibi Dong soared towards the Pope's Hall followed by Ye Chen and Hu Liena, leaving the two elders, She Long and Ci Xue, behind.
As they watched the trio vanish from sight, She Long and Ci Xue exchanged resigned glances. Despite their discomfort, they knew they could only accept it; Bibi Dong was the Pope, after all. With reluctance, they led the Qiu siblings toward the Elder Hall.
Inside the grand building situated to the south of the Pope's Hall, She Long and Ci Xue knelt before a white-haired elder, cautiously cupping their hands as they said, "We seek the Great Elder's forgiveness. We failed to bring Ye Chen, as His Holiness the Pope commanded us to accept the punishment of burning at the stake."
Hearing this, the white-haired elder atop the throne opened his murky eyes and replied indifferently, "That girl has been increasingly protective lately. How many died at the academy? What were the losses among the advanced class? After your report, you may accept the punishment; after all, she is the Pope of the Spirit Hall."
"Understood!"
Though their expressions changed slightly, they complied.
"Reporting to the Great elder, there were no casualties in the advanced class, but the elite among the intermediate class..."
Before She Long could finish, the elder interrupted with a wave of his hand, "As long as the advanced class is fine, the level 40 students lost will be quickly replaced from the beginner class; it will just require a few years."
His murky eyes hinted at something unusual as he continued, "But that boy, Ye Chen, is indeed quite audacious, thinking he can act freely due to Bibi Dong's favor."
"Great Offering, that boy only has a soul power level of 41, yet he exhibits extreme arrogance. How about we let Qiu Bin and Qiu Xiaoxiao handle him..."
She Long made a gesture across his throat, indicating his intentions clearly.
In response, the white-haired elder merely closed his eyes slowly and sat in silence.
"We will take our leave now, Great Elder."
After bowing, She Long and Ci Xue exited the Elder Hall.
Upon summoning the Qiu siblings, the two smiled and said, "Qiu Bin, Qiu Xiaoxiao, listen up. The Great Elder desires Ye Chen's life. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to earn recognition from the Great Elder. Just ensure you keep your hands clean and avoid getting caught, and you will surely be rewarded."
"Rest assured, Elder. We have been eager to face Ye Chen, and we won't disappoint the Great Elder."
With a shared glance, the Qiu siblings left the Elder Hall, hurrying towards the Wuhun temple Academy.
Tl/N: If you want to read more [upto Ten chapters] while supporting me, you can join me on patreon.com/EmptyThoughts ;Thanks.
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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.
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Next Update :-
33. who is the knife and who is fish?
34. The taste is just so-so
35. The bizzare "Exercise" voucher.