Over the past five years, Hu Liena had devoted herself entirely to grueling cultivation in order to defeat Tang San. Not only had she ventured alone into the Slaughter City to obtain the Domain of Slaughter, but her own tireless efforts had yielded tremendous results. In terms of Soul Power, she had even surpassed her elder brother Xie Yue, reaching the fifty-ninth rank — only a single bottleneck away from the sixtieth.
Bibi Dong had once remarked upon seeing her dedication that failure was not always a bad thing. As long as one could transform the pain of defeat into motivation for cultivation, as Hu Liena had done, failure would cease to be a misfortune and become a blessing instead.
The three Soul Bones they had lost before had been a bitter blow to Spirit Hall. However, as the sacred ground to which all Soul Masters across the continent paid homage, Spirit Hall could afford such a loss.
At the very least, Hu Liena had not disappointed her — she had returned with a Domain of Slaughter.
The first two matters having been addressed, the senior members of Spirit Hall seated in the chamber were somewhat nonchalant. These two items had essentially nothing to do with them. Ordinarily, a simple decree would have sufficed for such announcements.
Why had they been summoned here with such fanfare? Some among them had traveled from opposite ends of the continent, journeys that took over thirty days.
Of course, those senior members who were privy to the inside story understood that the true crux of this meeting lay in the third matter.
Pope Bibi Dong's gaze gradually grew solemn. "As time goes on, the strength we wield in Spirit Hall grows ever greater. New and talented Soul Masters join our ranks constantly. Yet we also suffer a steady loss of Soul Masters. While we are the largest Soul Master organization on the continent, we are far from the only one. Not all Soul Masters will heed Spirit Hall's commands. Some among the powerful ones do not even deign to acknowledge our authority. In order to improve this situation and bring the various Soul Masters closer together, I have decided to launch the Spirit Hunting Campaign. We will deliver a fatal blow to those who dare to pay lip service to Spirit Hall while undermining us in secret. Furthermore, the Seven Great Sects have existed for far too long — it is time they were restructured."
The words "Spirit Hunting Campaign" detonated in the conference hall like a Soul Guide bomb. The entire chamber erupted into uproar. As the highest-ranking members of Spirit Hall, over twenty people were present, and every one of them had heard of the Spirit Hunting Campaign.
It had first been proposed back when Bibi Dong had just assumed the papal seat, only to be forcefully suppressed by the Elder Hall.
Now, twenty years later, the matter was being brought up again. Reading Bibi Dong's expression, they understood — this time, the campaign would almost certainly be carried out. Her Holiness did not speak idly; she had surely made every preparation.
"Silence." With a thunderous crack, Bibi Dong slammed her palm down on the table. An overwhelming wave of pressure erupted from her body.
Under the weight of her long-established authority, the atmosphere in the hall fell dead quiet.
Bibi Dong's eyes blazed with piercing authority. "I did not summon you here to deliberate. I am here to issue orders. This matter has already been decided in consultation with the elders of the Elder Hall. The Spirit Hunting Campaign will officially commence one month from now. The Papal Hall will serve as the primary force for deployment. Every Martial Soul Holy Hall and main hall must carry out orders issued by the Papal Hall without exception or error. I myself will oversee the execution of this campaign personally. Should any link in the chain falter, do not blame me, Bibi Dong, for showing no mercy."
After twenty years of restraint, Bibi Dong was finally ready to act. She slowly raised her head and gazed up at the ornate dome of the great hall. Master, you died at the hands of Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Sect all those years ago. It is time I avenged you.
This time, no one will be able to stop me. The Seven Great Sects, the Clear Sky Sect — hmph. I will make you all understand who the true master of this continent is.
...
Star Dou Great Forest.
Lush green trees stretched in every direction, and the vast forest was filled with fresh, clean air. Right at the heart of this most famous forest on the entire Soul Land continent lay a small, unassuming lake. Had one not come here in person, it would be hard to believe such a marvel existed deep within the boundless woodland.
The lake was not large — only about a hundred meters in diameter — but its surface was crystal clear, like a perfect mirror reflecting the green trees lining its banks. The sight was picturesque and enchanting.
Along the edge of the pool, an even more wondrous scene unfolded.
A young girl in a white dress sat quietly beneath a great tree, her arms wrapped around her knees, her gaze fixed dreamily upon the water before her, lost in thought who knew what.
Her long, lustrous black hair cascaded down behind her, spilling across the grass like a dark river, a sight both tender and mesmerizing.
Her features were exquisitely delicate, softened by an air of gentle grace, and her entire being radiated a beauty that blended seamlessly with the scenery around her — like the finishing stroke that brought a painting to life.
Yet crouching silently behind this delicate girl was an enormous black ape. Its mountainous body sat perfectly still, and beside it, the graceful girl appeared so slender, so impossibly small.
The great ape's gaze, however, was remarkably tender, fixed upon the girl before it with unwavering devotion. Together, they formed the singular, striking heart of this living tableau.
The girl sitting there was none other than Xiao Wu. And the one behind her, naturally, was the Titan Giant Ape, Er Ming.