Chapter 10: Leaving the Spirit Hall, Embarking on a Solo Journey!

Watching Xu Yan’s departing back, Demon Douluo wore a smirk on his face. "A Soul Saint thinking he can trade blows with me comfortably? You’re dreaming, kid."

With that, he turned and vanished into the darkness of the great hall.

Stepping out of the Elder Hall, Xu Yan thought to himself that the strength of a Peak Douluo was truly terrifying. However, it was a pity to think that he would later be reduced to a mere lackey by Tang San. The undefeated Demon Douluo might eventually find his nightmare in Tang San. But before that could happen, he had to find a way to shatter that undefeated record.

Dawn broke. Xu Yan had spent the entire night fighting and cultivating, achieving minor progress. The Spirit Hall Academy gathered many geniuses from across the Douluo Continent. One had to realize that the ambitions of Spirit Hall were vast, and they were already manifesting. Bibi Dong, that gorgeous queen, was the final boss who would eventually establish the Spirit Empire. She aimed to unify the continent, only to be ultimately thwarted by the ultimate cheater, Tang San. Since he was also a cheater of sorts, he couldn’t let the beautiful Bibi Dong meet a tragic end; she had to survive.

He didn't know where Tang San, that cheater, was currently hiding or what his strength had become. Based on the current timeline, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament was fast approaching, meaning Tang San was at least a Soul Ancestor or Soul King. With his Tang Sect hidden weapons, he could challenge opponents above his rank. However, no matter how much Tang San cheated, he couldn't cheat as hard as Xu Yan. Not to mention the Ruyi Jingu Bang, the supplementary abilities of the Tenseigan alone were already terrifying. As his soul power leveled up, the advantage of these abilities would only amplify. As long as he didn't face a Soul Saint, he could put up a fight with a ninety-plus percent chance of winning. Thinking of this, a meaningful smile played on Xu Yan’s lips.

Xu Yan arrived at the main hall of Spirit Hall, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. Bibi Dong was currently resting her head on her hand with her eyes closed. Hearing the footsteps, she slowly opened her beautiful eyes. Seeing it was Xu Yan, she asked, "What is it?"

"Pope, Demon Douluo is too strong. We agreed not to use soul power, but he went back on his word. I was nearly killed by him. I won’t train with him anymore," Xu Yan said, keeping his head lowered.

Bibi Dong pondered for a moment, the corners of her mouth curling up, and she said softly, "Little one, how can you grow without hardship? I actually think very highly of you. Na Na has found a hidden genius for our Spirit Hall."

"Tell me, how do you wish to train?"

"I can grant you some cultivation resources."

At this moment, Bibi Dong’s expression was like that of a gentle mother watching her own child.

Xu Yan secretly looked up at Bibi Dong’s charming face, thinking that Yu Xiaogang was truly a piece of trash. Then again, how could a loser like Yu Xiaogang ever be worthy of someone like her?

"I don't want to cultivate in Spirit Hall. I want to go out and experience the world on my own. I hope the Pope will grant me permission," Xu Yan said quickly.

"Experience the world on your own? Little one... the world is dangerous, and you are only at level thirty... I am worried," Bibi Dong replied.

"Please do not worry, Pope. I will be careful. A flower in a greenhouse grows too comfortably; without weathering the wind and rain, how can it truly grow?" Xu Yan argued.

"That may be so, but are you perhaps wanting to leave because Spirit Hall hasn't given you the same status as others?" Bibi Dong stood up, walked over to Xu Yan, and said softly, "You are not being obedient."

Xu Yan was stunned. What was Bibi Dong doing? Was she seducing him? The thought crossed his mind: *You are such a flirt!*

"The Pope has misunderstood. I would never dare. I am a person of Spirit Hall in life and a ghost of Spirit Hall in death. I will never betray you," Xu Yan said, bowing his head slightly.

Bibi Dong smiled gently. With her scepter in one hand, she used the other to help Xu Yan stand up, saying, "Very well, I believe you. It would be best if you return before Na Na finishes her seclusion, or she might overthink things if she doesn't see you."

"Thank you, Pope. I understand," Xu Yan replied, bowing again.

"Go on, be careful," Bibi Dong nodded, signaling that he could leave.

Xu Yan nodded and turned to leave. Watching his back fade away, Bibi Dong said to the side, "Follow him in secret. Do not let him come to any harm, and also... do not let him escape. He belongs to Spirit Hall."

Not far away, a black shadow darted out of the hall. It was Ghost Douluo, Gui Mei.

Walking out of Spirit Hall, Xu Yan thought to himself that he couldn't possibly continue cultivating there. For one, he couldn't expose too much of his abilities, or he might be captured for study. He was still too weak. The downside of traveling alone was having to stay vigilant at all times and trusting no one. Everything had to be relied upon himself. He didn't know that Ghost Douluo was watching him from the shadows, but he had already guessed that Bibi Dong would send someone to keep an eye on him for fear that he might leave Spirit Hall.

Leaving the grounds alone, Xu Yan decided to head toward the Heaven Dou Empire. That was where the goddess Qian Renxue was hidden within the imperial palace.

Currently, Qian Renxue was still disguised as the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. Thus, Xu Yan headed directly toward Heaven Dou City. He bought a carriage and hired a driver. As he left, he didn't see Yan. If he had, he certainly would have given him a beating before leaving. But the guy was lucky; perhaps he was busy preparing for the tournament.

Sitting inside the carriage, Xu Yan pondered. He had consumed two Soul Origin Fruits, with eight remaining. Eight fruits could potentially raise his level by fourteen to sixteen, but that wasn't enough; he needed to purchase more rare treasures that could boost soul power. He couldn't go to the Star Dou Forest yet; it was too risky alone. He would go to Heaven Dou City first. According to his memories, Tang San’s aunt was also in the Heaven Dou Empire.

A bold idea suddenly rose in Xu Yan’s heart. "Hehe, this will be fun!"

The carriage accelerated, traveling along the main road, and soon arrived outside Heaven Dou City. The carriage entered the city. Ghost Douluo, following behind, narrowed his eyes, wondering why Xu Yan had come to the Heaven Dou Empire. He said nothing and followed him in.

Once inside the city, Xu Yan got off the carriage at a specific location: the Heaven Dou Empire’s Court Ritual Academy. It was said that only nobles could enter. Xu Yan watched from outside, and the guard at the entrance, seeing him pacing back and forth, asked, "What are you doing here?"

Xu Yan smiled and said, "I wish to see the Mistress of Yuexuan. Please, brother, be so kind as to announce me."

The man was stunned for a moment, finding the request laughable.