Half a month later, after comforting Hu Liena's reluctance, Wang Zhong arrived at the Pope's office.
Bibi Dong stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her hands clasped behind her back. Sunlight cascaded upon her, casting a faint golden halo, making her appear noble and gentle.
"Teacher, I've come to bid you farewell."
After a soft knock and a response, Wang Zhong entered the office and spoke gently.
Bibi Dong slowly turned around, her exquisite face etched with a hint of reluctance and a sigh.
"Have all matters been settled?"
Wang Zhong nodded. He had not only bid farewell to Hu Liena but also to Xie Yue and Yan. He had also requested an indefinite long leave from his teacher, Frost Moon Lotus.
Although surprised, Frost Moon Lotus understood that Bibi Dong was his true teacher and thus readily agreed.
Everything was prepared. With his farewell to Bibi Dong done, Wang Zhong could officially step into the magnificent world outside.
"In the Elder Hall, there are a total of seven elders. You may choose any one of them to accompany you."
"Even Yue Guan and Gui Mei are available."
Bibi Dong's voice was gentle, filled with tender concern.
The seven elders were all Titled Douluo powerhouses. In theory, each of them would only be deployed in extremely critical situations.
Yet now, Bibi Dong unhesitatingly offered him one as a guard for his training journey, without hesitation, even for Yue Guan and Gui Mei, who were like her left and right hands. Such care and indulgence were unprecedented within the Spirit Hall.
With a soft smile, Wang Zhong gently shook his head. "No need, Teacher. If the elders accompany me, my training will be rendered meaningless."
"And you needn't worry about me."
"The left arm spirit bone you gave me possesses two skills: Invincible Golden Body and Void. Even if I encounter an overwhelmingly strong enemy, I can retreat with my entire body intact."
His strong and steady confidence brought a gentle smile to Bibi Dong's face.
If he truly feared danger, this young man would not have shaken off Gui Mei in Death Canyon and wandered off alone with that little fox spirit.
"Very well. Since you have such confidence, I will not force you."
"Experiencing trials between life and death is not necessarily a bad thing."
"But you must promise me that you will take good care of yourself."
"If your life is in danger, remember, it doesn't matter if anyone else dies, but you must survive and return here!"
Bibi Dong stepped forward, her cool jade-like hand stroking Wang Zhong's face. Her tone was a blend of gentleness, warmth, coldness, and bloodlust.
Anyone could die, but he could not. Even if it meant sacrificing others to ensure his survival, that was acceptable.
Wang Zhong was her most doted-upon child and her most cherished disciple. The lives of outsiders were far less important than his.
"Teacher, rest assured."
"No matter what, I will be fine. I will become stronger, until the day I fulfill what I once told you. I will protect you!"
Wang Zhong responded solemnly. He understood Bibi Dong's words and what she was worried about.
Bibi Dong gently embraced Wang Zhong, patting his back warmly. "Teacher believes in you!"
After a quiet embrace that lasted a while, Bibi Dong released Wang Zhong. With a flip of her hand, a palm-sized token appeared, along with a red crystal card.
"Keep this red crystal card and the Pope's Order safe. I don't need to tell you their purpose."
"When venturing out, strength and power are only part of the equation. Your background and influence are also sources of confidence."
"Teacher will be your most steadfast backing within the Spirit Hall!"
"I will not interfere with the younger generation of soul masters. However, if any elder dares to bully the young, you must return and tell me."
"No matter who they are, even the three great sects or the two empires! I will seek justice for you, no matter the distance!"
Iron resolve, authority, and dominance were vividly displayed in Bibi Dong's words.
She was the Empress of the Spirit Hall, one of its central powers. As her disciple, Wang Zhong represented the Pope's majesty and authority. Bullying the young was tantamount to challenging someone with no backing!
Such care sent a fiery warmth through Wang Zhong's heart, almost melting him.
"Teacher, I understand!"
Under the surge of emotion, Wang Zhong's voice grew slightly hoarse.
"Zhong'er, go!"
"The vast world outside awaits your exploration. Teacher looks forward to your return."
Bibi Dong withdrew her hand and turned back to the floor-to-ceiling window, her voice trembling slightly.
After all, he was the child she had chosen. The word "farewell" even made her feel a pang of reluctance and worry.
But to grow and become stronger, she had to let her child leave her protective wing and truly soar in the sky.
Storing the token in his soul tool, Wang Zhong placed his hand over his chest and bowed deeply to Bibi Dong's back.
"Teacher, take care!"
He remained bowed for a full fifteen minutes before slowly straightening up. Looking at the tall, slender figure turned away from him, his gaze was gentle and lingering.
With such lingering affection, Wang Zhong quietly withdrew from the office.
Hearing the soft closing of the door, Bibi Dong let out a heavy sigh.
She didn't know how long it would be until they met again after this parting, but she believed that no matter where Wang Zhong went, his talent would make him the most dazzling star.
Even from within Spirit City or the Spirit Academy, she would still hear news of that child.
"Your Highness, wouldn't it be too dangerous to let young Wang Zhong venture out alone?"
Gui Mei and Yue Guan gently knocked and entered after receiving permission. Looking at Wang Zhong's receding figure outside the window, Yue Guan asked with some concern.
Wang Zhong was accepted as Bibi Dong's direct disciple, and no elder in the Elder Hall objected. His future title of Saint Son was set in stone. As long as no accidents occurred, he would undoubtedly be the first successor to the position of Pope.
Decades later, when Bibi Dong intended to abdicate, Wang Zhong would be the obvious choice.
A person of such status and importance within the Spirit Hall, if he were to perish midway, it was not just the internal affairs of the Spirit Hall that would be affected; Bibi Dong alone was enough to strike fear into anyone's heart.
"I do not wish to obstruct Zhong'er's wishes."
"Moreover, even if I disregarded his request and forcefully sent you to accompany him, with the versatility of his Wood Clone, he could very likely shake you off."
"Wang Zhong's strength is such that even Ying Yan Yang is no match for him. Coupled with the skills provided by his left arm spirit bone, he can protect himself even when facing a Super Douluo."
Bibi Dong stood with her hands behind her back, her tone calm and steady.
"Issue an order to release Zhong'er's photograph to the two empires, and to all heads of the Holy Halls, Main Halls, and Branch Halls. It is strictly forbidden to disseminate it!"
"And issue a stern warning: if anything happens to Zhong'er in any area under their jurisdiction, they shall face me with their heads!"
"Yes, we obey the Pope's decree!"
Wang Zhong walked out of the Spirit Hall Academy, facing the world. On this same day, in the southwest of the Heaven Dou Empire, in Fasno Province, a child named Tang San, with the astonishing innate full spirit power, entered the Nuoding City Junior Soul Master Academy, beginning his path as a soul master.