Amidst the dazzling red light, A'Rou's figure finally dissipated, and a crimson-red soul ring gradually formed around Bibi Dong.
As a special seventh soul ring, it granted only one soul skill: the Martial Soul True Body.
Thanks to its 100,000-year origin, Bibi Dong's Martial Soul True Body would be even more powerful.
After the complete sacrifice, all that remained of A'Rou was a shimmering soul bone—the Soft Bone Rabbit Right Leg Bone.
The two soul skills it provided were Blink and Moonlight Sky-Shattering Strike.
One was for movement, the other for offense.
While Blink was still somewhat useful, the offensive skill derived from the Soft Bone Charm Rabbit couldn't compare to Bibi Dong's other soul skills in terms of power.
Moreover, after Bibi Dong ascended to godhood, the utility of Blink diminished further, making it rarely used.
This was why Bibi Dong hardly used the two soul bone skills from A'Rou in the later stages.
Nevertheless, this was still a 100,000-year soul bone. Its enhancement to physical strength far surpassed that of a 10,000-year soul bone.
Bibi Dong swiftly grabbed the soul bone floating in the air and transmitted a message to Qing Luan and the others:
"Retreat immediately!"
"Ahhh, humans!"
The Sky Blue Bull Python glared at Qing Luan, its massive body charging toward Xiao Wu to block Qing Luan's attack.
When it turned back to look, the group had already vanished.
Grief and rage filled the hearts of the two soul beasts as they carried Xiao Wu and rushed toward the Life Spring Lake.
Along the way, they finally encountered the Titan Giant Ape, who was also rushing over.
Er Ming pounded his chest, "Roar! Where's Aunt Rou?!"
Da Ming closed his eyes, his massive serpent tail flinging Er Ming away.
The force was so great that Er Ming felt like he was about to meet his ancestors.
"Roar! Big brother, what are you doing?!"
"Idiot! Aunt Rou sacrificed herself!"
"What?! Damn humans, I'll kill them all to avenge Aunt Rou!"
"Stop!"
Xiao Wu screamed, her originally small body now standing about three meters tall.
She lowered her head, "We can't catch up now. Even if we did, avenging Mom would cost us dearly. I will avenge her, but for now, let's go back!"
"Sister Xiao Wu..."
Er Ming's massive amber eyes drooped, his mouth opening and closing, but no words came out.
"Roar, it's all my fault! I was too late!"
Er Ming pounded his chest and stomped the ground, charging through the forest and destroying everything in his path, kicking up clouds of dust.
Da Ming glared angrily at the frenzied Er Ming, his bell-like eyes narrowing as he gazed in the direction Lin Feng and the others had gone.
Placing Xiao Wu on his back, he sped toward the Life Spring Lake.
---
After leaving the depths of the Star Dou Forest, the group quickly made their way toward the Spirit Hall.
Though they were reluctant to admit it, facing the Sky Blue Bull Python, the Titan Giant Ape, and that rabbit, even with Qing Luan and Bibi Dong as Super Douluos, they might not have been able to win.
Even if they could, it would likely come at the cost of lives. In a battle of equals, the safety of Lin Feng and Qian Renxue couldn't be guaranteed.
Without a moment's delay, they left the Star Dou Forest and headed straight for Spirit City.
Along the way, Qian Renxue remained silent.
From time to time, she glanced at Bibi Dong, who was holding the soul bone with a serious expression, lost in thought.
"What's wrong?" Lin Feng asked softly.
Qian Renxue shook her head, her lips pursed, "Nothing, just thinking about some things."
Lin Feng noticed the change in Qian Renxue's gaze and sighed inwardly.
Perhaps the bond between A'Rou and Xiao Wu had touched her heart.
On one side was a mother and daughter united in heart, willing to sacrifice everything for each other. On the other side was years of harsh treatment and resentment.
The relationship between the two had been like fire and water, only recently showing signs of easing.
Was it longing, envy, or resentment toward Bibi Dong? Perhaps all of the above.
Lin Feng gently squeezed Qian Renxue's hand, "Don't overthink it. You still have me."
"Mm."
Qian Renxue leaned on Lin Feng's shoulder and closed her eyes for a brief rest.
Once they were outside the Star Dou Forest, Bibi Dong began absorbing the 100,000-year soul bone from A'Rou.
Amidst the shimmering pink light, the Soft Bone Rabbit Right Leg Bone attached itself to Bibi Dong's fair thigh.
As the soul bone vanished, a red light flashed within Bibi Dong's body and settled into her right leg.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly. The 100,000-year soul beast, A'Rou, had left behind a trace of her soul during the sacrifice.
While Bibi Dong was absorbing the soul bone, A'Rou's soul had hidden itself within the bone, allowing her nearly dissipated soul to find a foothold.
"Hmph."
Bibi Dong snorted inwardly. Although she couldn't do anything about it now, once she became a god—or even just reached the Limit Douluo level—she could easily extract the soul.
A dormant remnant soul? Let it quietly await its demise!
As she stood up, her aura surged forth, no longer concealed—Level 98 Super Douluo!
The youngest Titled Douluo in the current era, the most powerful twin martial soul possessor, and a candidate for a first-level godhood inheritance!
If not for the past events and the Rakshasa God's schemes, Bibi Dong would undoubtedly have been the strongest of her generation.
Even now, without the Rakshasa God's suppression, Bibi Dong would unquestionably be the most powerful existence below the three Limit Douluos.
Strength breeds confidence.
Bibi Dong reined in her aura, a faint smile playing on her lips.
In just one month, Bibi Dong had risen from level 90 to level 98.
This was the terrifying potential of a twin martial soul.
"Aside from Qian Daoliu, no one can suppress me now."
Bibi Dong clenched her fist, feeling a sense of relief. Many plans and ideas could now be set into motion.
And the most important part of those plans was...
"Congratulations, Your Holiness, on obtaining a 100,000-year soul ring. So, what are your next steps? My time is limited, and I must soon return to the Elder Hall to report."
Bibi Dong glanced coldly at Qing Luan. Now that she was a level 98 Super Douluo, how dare he still act so arrogantly?
Hmph, sooner or later, I'll unify the Elder Hall and the Pope's Hall!
"We'll return to Spirit City. I don't plan to add more soul rings for now."
Feeling the immense benefits of the 100,000-year soul ring, Bibi Dong's greed was ignited. The Sky Blue Bull Python and Xiao Wu she had encountered earlier were now seen as her future prey and trophies.
100,000-year soul beasts were the stuff of legends, yet today, she had stumbled upon a nest of them, learning about three such beasts in one go.
As long as she started from that flower garden and continued her search, she was confident she could track them down.
"Those two escapees will not remain at large for long. I will return to claim their lives."
"Very well. It's time for me to take my leave."
"Your Holiness, have you decided on your title?"
Lin Feng asked, curious about Bibi Dong's title. In the original story, her title was never explicitly mentioned, only referred to as "Pope" or "Your Majesty."
Bibi Dong was momentarily stunned, then smiled at Lin Feng, "Titles aren't that important to me. The Spirit Hall doesn't lack a Titled Douluo, but it cannot be without a Pope. I don't need a title. The name 'Pope' is far more noble and revered than any title."
Indeed, the Pope was inherently a Titled Douluo. Why bother with a title? In Bibi Dong's view, having the world remember her as the Pope left a far greater impression than any title could.
Lin Feng was slightly taken aback. Although Bibi Dong's words were filled with ambition, her tone was surprisingly calm. Had she truly undergone some transformation? Another variable...
"By the way, Xiao Feng, your fourth soul vein has been condensed, right? When do you plan to announce the fourth path?"
Lin Feng pondered for a moment, "It should be just before we set off. The fourth path will likely be announced soon. We'll stay for a while longer, but not for too long."
Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled with amusement, "Last time, you mentioned whale glue. When should we reveal its effects?"
Lin Feng frowned. The effects of whale glue, introduced during the original story's timeline, were somewhat game-breaking.
Although whale glue itself was a rare treasure due to its properties, the Spirit Hall had already monopolized most of it by collecting it in advance.
The whale glue stored in the Spirit Hall's treasury was enough to ensure that the next generation of talent could achieve purple second soul rings.
Achieving two purple soul rings was difficult, with the first ring heavily dependent on one's innate talent.
"Let's wait a bit longer. This matter involves too many complexities. I think it's best to delay it for now. Of course, the Spirit Hall's talented newcomers can start using it."
Bibi Dong nodded. She had indeed considered this. Hu Liena's second soul ring was already a thousand-year one.
While the effects of whale glue couldn't be kept secret forever, using the time gap to widen the power disparity between the Spirit Hall and other forces was her goal.
There wasn't much whale glue, but it was enough.
As for controlling the fallout once other factions discovered the Spirit Hall's early advantage, Bibi Dong had already planned for it.
A six-year period would suffice. By the time Hu Liena graduated from the primary academy, it would be about right.
Upon returning to the Spirit Hall, Lin Feng and the others reported their findings to Qian Daoliu before retreating to their forest cabin.
The next day, the Spirit Hall announced the birth of a new Titled Douluo.
Radiant Phoenix Douluo—Ling Yuan.
In an era where the number of Titled Douluos in the empire could be counted on one hand, Ling Yuan's promotion to Titled Douluo brought immense pressure.
Although the pressure was already significant—the seven elders of the Elder Hall were all Super Douluos—where else on the continent could such power be found? Not to mention the two in the Pope's Hall and the countless Soul Douluos and Soul Saints in the branch halls.
"You? What are you doing here?"
Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes widened as she addressed Bibi Dong.
"Just here to visit and maybe have a meal. Am I not welcome?"
Dressed in casual attire, Bibi Dong exuded a sweet and innocent charm.
Standing before Qian Renxue, they looked like sisters.
Qian Renxue's expression was complex. During the month-long soul hunting expedition, despite her reluctance to admit it, Bibi Dong had treated her with kindness.
Human nature was like that.
Even if Bibi Dong had buried her darkness deep within, Qian Renxue couldn't summon the same anger she once felt.
"Finish your meal and leave quickly..."
Qian Renxue turned and walked into the cabin.
Bibi Dong's lips curved into a slight smile.
Yes, this was it. Only by integrating herself could she proceed with her plans...