[DD]: 3

Heaven Dou City, Martial Soul Hall, Salas's Office.

"Report, Your Grace, an urgent file from the Barak Kingdom, using the highest level of encryption."

An intelligence officer swiftly reported the situation upon entering the room and handed over the document. They were only authorized to receive and transmit, not to decrypt.

"Hmm? A highest-level encrypted file? Alright, you wait outside for my call."

Salas frowned. It had been nearly six years since he handled a file of this level, especially from such a remote place. He hoped it wasn't an overreaction from his subordinates, or they would learn what it meant to deal with a Platinum Bishop.

Opening the file, he glanced at the Angel Codex beside him and began deciphering the document's content.

As he read, his initial casual demeanor turned serious. He had seen a lot, but the content described was something new to him.

"Special Martial Soul structure, innate soul power not inferior to twin Martial Souls. Hmm, these people aren't entirely foolish, but still a bit overreactive."

Salas pondered as he continued reading until he reached the last sentence.

"Hmm? An old acquaintance with Glowing Feather Douluo?"

He quickly flipped back and found the details about Han Li's parents.

He clearly remembered that a few years ago, Glowing Feather Douluo, out of boredom, had casually taken care of the matter, saying he was just passing by. Unexpectedly, it had come up today.

"Nuoding City Martial Soul Hall, well done, deserves a reward. And this city lord isn't bad either; maybe he can be relocated later."

His eyes gleamed. Although he belonged to the Pope's Hall, it didn't mean he didn't want ties with the Worship Hall. Just because Qian Renxue didn't value him didn't mean others wouldn't. This intelligence report might be his opportunity.

After long contemplation, Salas called the waiting intelligence officer back in and spoke seriously, "Two copies. Send the intelligence to Wuhun City, addressing both the Pope's Hall and the Worship Hall, all at the highest level."

After the intelligence officer left, Salas, who originally intended to summon others, paced a few steps. Realizing his training progress had slowed and a title was out of reach, he decided to go to the intelligence room himself.

He prepared to receive a first-hand response. If the feedback from Wuhun City was positive, he might personally visit. He fancied himself quite capable of handling children.

...

News in small towns always spread quickly.

After Lord Xiao took Han Li and Xiu'er home, promising to come back at noon for his birthday, it took just over an hour for neighbors around the area to bring gifts. After rounds of compliments and conversations, Han Li's face was almost stiff from smiling before it finally ended.

Having Xiu'er notify the cook to prepare meals, Han Li returned to his room. After reinforcing his memory by reviewing his diary, he tossed it into the fire basin, watching it burn to ashes. He was no longer the inconspicuous boy he once was; he had to prevent any unexpected incidents.

While taking advantage of Brother Tao making his Martial Soul certification, Han Li saw Xiao Wu's level certification. It was from a nearby village: Martial Soul Rabbit, innate soul power registered at level 7. This made sense; with a bit of disguise, rapid cultivation could be justified. After all, there was a full soul power Blue Silver Grass nearby for comparison.

This finally solved the puzzle that had plagued his mind. Why were two innate full soul power geniuses attending Nuoding Academy, yet the Martial Soul Hall showed no interest?

It was understandable for Blue Silver Grass not to be valued. Plus, Bibi Dong might have already guessed something. But it was truly unreasonable for an innate full soul power Rabbit Martial Soul not to be valued.

However, he had no intention of interfering now. Not to mention soul rings, he also wanted that soul bone. With invincibility and teleportation, he believed that apart from the Angel Suit, everyone else would be willing to trade their soul bones for it. Interfering now was dangerous and yielded nothing. Who knew if Tang Hao was lurking nearby? This was why he had seen Tang San and Xiao Wu before but didn't approach them.

Summoning his Martial Soul again, he manipulated them to change forms. Han Li's excitement was no longer concealed. The treatment of the Father of the Plane was always a bit better than that of the Child of the Plane in the early stages. Without excessive trials, he doubted he could endure until his rise if he suffered as much as Huo Yuhao did early on.

He symbolically aimed with the bow, then quickly split it into dual blades, slashing forward with a whoosh of wind. Satisfied, Han Li put them away.

A bowman who can't fight in close quarters isn't good. The Red Archer template was now active. This was why he registered his Martial Soul as a bow in the certification. Although it wouldn't remain unknown forever, he could catch people off guard. Thinking about how future opponents would painstakingly break through his ranged attacks, only to be hammered by his dual blades in close combat, he couldn't help but smile.

"Unfortunately, the attack style of the dual blades needs to be readjusted."

Han Li sighed. After learning about his parents' Martial Souls, he had been practicing with blades for two years. Although it was just simple slashing, an attack pattern had started to form. Now, he had to readjust, but at least his physical training paid off, so it wasn't all in vain.

"I wonder if the previous gamble was worth it. I hope it succeeds."

Han Li sat back in his chair, fingers tapping the table unconsciously, pondering his earlier actions.

Over the past two years, he had anticipated many scenarios, but he hadn't expected his Martial Soul to mutate into a bow. He had always taken the elders' teasing as a joke; after all, he couldn't interact with a super Douluo like Guang Ling from the Worship Hall.

But now, perhaps he had a chance. This was better than any of the routes he had previously planned.

Suddenly, his fingers stopped on the table as he thought of the still-dormant Plane Consciousness.

"Maybe this is the treatment of the Father of the Plane? Even if it's a downgraded version?"

"It seems my mindset hasn't fully adapted yet. Luck seems to be more powerful than I realized."

A smile blossomed on Han Li's face, turning into a silent laugh. His handsome face gradually twisted with expression. Finally, unable to hold back, he jumped onto the bed, burying his head in the covers and laughing out loud.

Unbeknownst to him, as he writhed on the bed, the door opened. Xiu'er glanced at his situation, then quietly closed the door and left: "As expected, Little Li is still a child."

After a long while, when there was no sound in the room, Xiu'er knocked on the door again: "Young Master, the City Lord, and the Martial Soul Hall's deacon have arrived. You should come out to entertain them."

After a few seconds of silence inside the room, Han Li, as usual, smiled and opened the door, walking towards the dining room with Xiu'er.

...

In Wuhun City, two urgent intelligence reports were simultaneously sent to the Pope's Hall and the Worship Hall.

Five minutes later, receiving the message, Pope Bibi Dong, accompanied by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo reluctantly stepped into the Worship Hall she despised.

She wasn't there for the so-called innate full soul power or the peculiar Martial Soul. After all, no one had better talent than her except for that "daughter." Moreover, that genius was a boy, whom she didn't like. Even if he grew up, he would be just a stronger Xie Yue.

She came to seek accountability. For her, this was a rare opportunity to further weaken the Qian family's influence in the Martial Soul Hall.

Inside the Worship Hall of Wuhun City

The Worship Hall, which seldom received outside news, was unusually lively.

"Hey, Fifth Brother, did you see the last note? It says that you held this child and claimed he was destined for you," the Third Worship, Azure Luan Douluo, teased Guang Ling.

"Hahaha, Fifth Brother holding a child might not even be able to tell which face is his own," Jiang Jun added from the side. They had been in seclusion for a long time and hadn't heard anything interesting for ages. They hadn't expected to receive such news today.

"Jiang Jun, are you itching for a fight? I already said I don't remember this at all," Guang Ling gritted his teeth and looked at the laughing Qianjun, clearly ready to start a fight.

"We brothers always fight together. Third Brother, let's team up against Fifth Brother. It's about time the ranking of the Worship changed," Jiang Jun's face was full of provocation as he called his brother to get ready to join the fight.

"Enough, Jiang Jun, settle down. If you want a fight, I'll oblige you. Fifth Brother, you've seen the information. Are you interested in taking him as a disciple? His Martial Soul is very interesting, and you haven't made any progress for a long time. Maybe taking a disciple would be a good thing. You might even advance while teaching," Golden Crocodile Douluo, who was sitting at the head, glanced at the silent Qian Daoliu and spoke up.

"Hmm, let me think about it," Guang Ling calmed down after hearing Golden Crocodile Douluo's words and began to contemplate. He hadn't considered this before.

At this moment, Qian Daoliu, who had been ignoring their antics, opened his eyes and looked towards the hall's entrance. The other Worship noticed his gaze and also looked over.

"Clack, clack, clack."

The rhythmic sound of high heels echoed at the entrance, seemingly announcing the arrival of their owner. The others recognized who it was and showed a hint of displeasure in their eyes.

It was undoubtedly intentional—what kind of skill level couldn't control the noise of their footsteps?

As a silver high heel stepped over the threshold, the arrival's voice followed.

"Qian Daoliu, Grand Worship, does the Worship Hall need to give me an explanation for this matter?"

Bibi Dong spoke, her face frosty, looking at the figure in the center of the Worship Hall.

"Explanation? What kind of explanation do you want?" Qian Daoliu remained seated, slowly looking at the aggressive Bibi Dong.

"Don't play dumb. Awakening Martial Souls and recruiting personnel is the responsibility of the Pope's Hall. Why did the Worship Hall receive the information simultaneously this time? And Fifth Worship, since when can you interfere with the affairs of the subsidiary Martial Soul Halls?" Bibi Dong coldly looked at Guang Ling, who frowned.

"Bibi Dong, don't make a fuss over nothing. When did the Worship Hall's people lose the right to decide on matters of the subsidiary Martial Soul Halls, especially positive actions? Since when do we need your Pope's Hall's permission to receive relevant information? Don't forget, the Martial Soul Hall bears the Qian name. Don't think that becoming the Pope makes you the master of the Martial Soul Hall. You are not worthy."

Guang Ling was a die-hard loyalist of the Angel lineage. Upon hearing Bibi Dong's words, he immediately stood up and summoned his martial soul, clearly indicating he was ready to fight at the slightest provocation.

(Note: Only Qian Daoliu knows about Bibi Dong's hidden strength.)

Facing Guang Ling's mockery, Bibi Dong gripped her scepter tighter but did not respond to him. Instead, she looked at Qian Daoliu. "Is this what you promised me? That after I became the Pope, you wouldn't interfere with the actions of the Pope's Hall? From what the Fifth Worship says, should I just abdicate?"

"You..."

Guang Ling wanted to say more, but Qian Daoliu raised his hand to stop him.

Qian Daoliu looked at Bibi Dong for a long moment before slowly speaking. "I understand your point. You should know very well that this incident happened because the sub-hall members saw the news and didn't dare to act on their own. As for Guang Ling calming the lower ranks, it should be a good thing for you."

"What I promised you will not change. The Worship Hall will remain as it has been, not interfering with your actions. Just do your job, and I promise that nothing similar will happen in the future."

"I hope you don't forget what you said today."

Seeing Qian Daoliu yield, a fleeting smile appeared on Bibi Dong's lips before she turned and walked out. She had achieved her objective; with this assurance, she could act more freely.

Just as Bibi Dong was about to leave the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu's voice rang out behind her.

"Since this child has a connection with Guang Ling, he will belong to the Worship Hall. And also, take care of yourself."

Bibi Dong's steps paused for a second. She didn't say anything, but the sound of her high heels was louder than before.

(Inner monologue: Bibi Dong: I am the Pope. smirks)

"Elder Brother, Bibi Dong is becoming more and more outrageous."

Seeing Guang Ling sit down angrily, a cold glint flashed in Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes as he looked at Qian Daoliu and spoke.

After a moment of silence in the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu spoke again. "After all, she is Xue'er's mother."

There was another moment of quiet before Qian Daoliu looked at the still-angry Guang Ling.

"Guang Ling, Second Worship's words also have some merit. You should take this child. Even if he joins the Martial Soul Hall after this incident, Bibi Dong likely won't nurture him. Also, don't take your anger out on him because of this matter. You should know the situation of the soul masters at the lower levels. He has good talent, and Xue'er will need help in the future. He is a good choice."

After speaking, Qian Daoliu closed his eyes again, and the other Worship exchanged glances.

After a long while, Guang Ling calmed down and, after thinking about Qian Daoliu's words, left the hall with a remark about going for a walk.

"Do you think he'll go personally?" the Lion Douluo asked Golden Crocodile Douluo, struggling to find the words.

"If he goes, it's fine. He can never sit still anyway. Consider it a break for him," Golden Crocodile Douluo replied uncertainly.

At this time, in Heaven Dou City, Salas was still in the intelligence room, waiting for news from Wuhun City.

Three days passed in a blur, and the Martial Soul Hall in Nuoding City had received no news. Ma Xiu Nuo had fallen into deep self-doubt. Had his information not been reported? It shouldn't be. Or was it that Xiao Li's martial soul was not valued by the higher-ups? Despite being innately full of soul power, it wasn't like the previous waste martial soul, Blue Silver Grass.

Meanwhile, Han Li, who had been waiting at home for news, was growing restless. The situation was far from what he had expected. Even if his gamble hadn't succeeded, it shouldn't be like this. Had innate full soul power become so worthless?

To calm himself, he forced himself into a state of meditation and cultivation while solidifying a new plan in his mind. He would wait at most four more days. If a week passed without any news, regardless of the reason, he would head directly to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. This was the best option after weighing all the pros and cons.

Suddenly, in his meditation, Han Li felt a chill. He decisively exited his cultivation state. When he opened his eyes, an unfamiliar face was just inches from his own.

Instinctively, he pushed himself back, rolling into a half-kneeling position while facing the spot where he had been. At the same time, two scimitars appeared in his hands.

"Not bad, just a bit lacking in vigilance. Kid, I heard that the annotation was something you specifically requested?"

A playful voice rang out in the room, and it was then that Han Li had a chance to take a look at the intruder.