Chapter 2785: Receive Punishment _1

```

Meanwhile, within the Douling Empire...

Soul Masters engaged in cultivation suddenly felt their absorption rate of Soul Power double, or even triple, beyond the usual speed...

They thought the effect would last only briefly, but reality proved otherwise...

Even by the end of their cultivation session, the speed of Soul Power absorption was still much faster than before!

Of course, this unexpected change brought with it many questions...

"Hiss? Why has the speed of Soul Power absorption surged so much? Could it be that I've always had the potential to become a strong Soul Master?"

"Eh, I thought it was only me experiencing this. Do you feel it too? The speed of cultivation is obviously much faster now!"

"Hahaha, I've had a breakthrough, I really did! I don't know what's happening, but this is great!!"

"Strange, I didn't take any substances, yet the speed of Soul Power absorption has increased so much, it's really strange!"

"Clearly, it's not just our cultivation speed that has increased, it seems like the entire Douling Empire is experiencing this. I've got a bad feeling about this..."

"I... I should stop cultivating for now, this could very well be the work of those Evil Soul Masters from the Holy Spirit Cult..."

Despite a handful of Soul Masters who were cautious and chose not to continue cultivating...

Most Soul Masters, driven by their interests, took advantage of the increased speed of Soul Power absorption and cultivated like mad...

Little did they know, with each period of cultivation, their eyes started to show a faint scarlet color...

That was the evil aura unique to Evil Soul Masters!!

When they reached their limits, both their bodies and souls would undergo tremendous changes...

...

The Martial Soul Hall!

Gui Mei led Xu Sheng and others inside...

Upon seeing Bi Bidong holding the Purple Crystal Scepter above them, they spoke in unison, "We've come to see Your Holiness, the Pope."

Bi Bidong nodded slightly and responded with a light "Hmm..."

Then she said, "Evil Moon, it seems you have obtained a second soul ring that suits you well!"

Evil Moon replied earnestly, "Yes, Your Holiness!"

Bi Bidong then said, "Release it, let me have a look!"

Without saying much, Evil Moon immediately released his Martial Soul, and the two soul rings floated up from beneath his feet...

Bi Bidong inspected them closely and commended, "Indeed, not bad. Gui Mei, it seems you've seriously hunted for a soul beast that suits Evil Moon!"

Hearing this, even Gui Mei could feel his cheeks burning hot...

Truth be told, Evil Moon's second soul ring was entirely obtained through his own hunting; he hadn't provided any assistance at all!

After all, at that time, he was preoccupied with chasing after the disappeared Xu Sheng!

Sensing the awkwardness of the former, Hulena promptly voiced her support, "It's all thanks to Ghost Douluo that brother was able to hunt a suitable soul ring!"

Flame felt somewhat dissatisfied and subconsciously said, "What's that about..."

Evil Moon, sensing trouble, cut in at the right moment, "Yes, it's all thanks to Ghost Douluo, right, Flame?"

Although the latter was slow to catch on, he was not foolish, and quickly realized...

He nodded hastily, "Right... right, that's exactly it!"

He had nearly caused a huge disaster!

Although Bi Bidong found it strange, she didn't comment further...

Instead, she turned her gaze to the silent Xu Sheng, "Xu Sheng, this must be your first time in the Aquipeia Forest. How do you find it?"

```

Xu Sheng saw the situation and truthfully replied, "I only entered the periphery and did not sense any soul beasts that could threaten me!"

Bi Bidong's expression did not change because of this answer, and she said indifferently, "Hmm, that's normal. After all, you have reached the Titled Douluo level, and the only soul beasts that can threaten you are those above fifty thousand years, approaching a hundred thousand years!"

"Therefore, mere theoretical knowledge can no longer promote your growth!"

Xu Sheng had guessed what she was about to say next, yet he still feigned confusion, "Your Holiness, what do you mean?"

The former took a deep breath, "What you need now is real combat experience. Starting from tomorrow, participate in the soul fighting arena every day and try to win without using your Martial Soul!"

After reaching the Titled Douluo level, even without using a Martial Soul, one's physical strength can easily defeat most Soul Emperors, and even Soul Sages!

Thus, it was an excellent place to hone one's combat skills!

Hearing this, Xu Sheng inwardly commented, "Is that so?"

Although Bi Bidong was wary of him, it seemed that all arrangements, for now, were beneficial for growth!

Seeing that he had not replied for a long time, Bi Bidong's purple eyes flickered, "What, do you have a problem with my arrangement?"

Xu Sheng shook his head and denied, "No, I have no problem!"

After receiving affirmation, Bi Bidong finally retracted her gaze and issued the order to dismiss...

"Alright, you all must be tired from hunting soul beasts, go and rest!"

Everyone naturally had no objections, and they left the hall one after another...

But Gui Mei did not move, because he knew very well that the Pope would discuss something with him alone...

Not until there was no one left in Pope Hall did Bi Bidong turn her profound gaze to Gui Mei, "Although Hulena covered it up very well, Gui Mei, you must have done something you shouldn't have, right?"

Gui Mei immediately bowed halfway, clenching his teeth and saying, "I... I apologize, Your Holiness, I left while they were hunting soul beasts!"

Bi Bidong's eyes grew colder, "You should know how important Hulena and the others are to the Martial Soul Hall. Give me a reason I can accept!"

Although she was angry, she knew that if it hadn't been for an unforeseen situation, the former wouldn't have disobeyed her orders!

Gui Mei did not conceal the truth and answered, "Your Holiness, the reason I left Hulena and the others was because of Xu Sheng!"

Bi Bidong's expression became a bit more serious, "Xu Sheng? You mean to say, he exhibited some abnormal behavior?"

Gui Mei confirmed, "That's right. At that time, Xu Sheng suddenly left the group when no one was paying attention!"

"And I was worried he was up to no good, so I followed him in time!"

Bi Bidong pondered and asked, "So, what was the result?"

Gui Mei showed an embarrassed expression once again, "The result is..."

"The result... he sensed that the female students of Skywater Academy were in danger, so he went to rescue them!"

Upon saying this, he felt like dying!

Bi Bidong fell silent, "..."

What was she supposed to say to that?

Just because of such a trivial matter, he had put Hulena and the others aside!

Gui Mei took a deep breath and volunteered to accept punishment, "Your Holiness, I am willing to accept the punishment!"

However, Bi Bidong closed her eyes and did not pursue the matter...

"There was a reason for what happened; this time, let it be. But next time, no matter what Xu Sheng does, you must prioritize the safety of Hulena and the others!"

Gui Mei couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, "Yes, Your Holiness!"

...

...

...