The moment Chen Yi voiced his question inwardly, his consciousness paused. Two phantom dragon shadows slowly materialized in his spiritual sea—the lingering wills of the Water Dragon King and Fire Dragon King, the ones who had aided him at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
But compared to that time, the two dragon phantoms had changed in subtle ways. The blue and red dragon bodies were now veined with purple-gold thunder patterns—evidence of a fusion and evolution with their original attributes, catalyzed by Chen Yi's deepening thunder god bloodline.
Upon their appearance, the Water Dragon King looked to the spirit image Chen Yi had formed and spoke in a calm, gentle voice:
"You truly have discovered our presence."
Chen Yi appeared in his own sea of consciousness and replied with a smile:
"To be honest, I'd sensed something vague back when you helped me condense my soul rings—but at the time, you both seemed to be in deep slumber, so I dared not disturb you."
A knowing light flashed in the Fire Dragon King's crimson eyes as he inquired,
"Boy, aren't you at all suspicious that we reside within your body?"
"Or… are you not concerned we might harbor ill intent, or even wish to harm you?"
Chen Yi shook his head, answering sincerely and resolutely,
"Both seniors have conferred immense favor upon me and shown deep care for the Body Sect. Anyone of such position naturally carries a sense of pride and self-respect."
The Water Dragon King's voice carried a heartfelt smile,
"There is nothing to fear. It's only because the God of Space used a secret divine technique to seal our origin traces that we are able to retain our will."
"Ever since passing your special bloodlines to you, our destinies have become intertwined. Rest assured; we pose you no threat."
Chen Yi had guessed as much. If he, with his cautious nature, had suspected otherwise, he'd surely have sought a way to deal with such powerful presences long ago.
"Now, about the thunder dragon torso bone. Do either of you have a solution?"
Both dragon kings turned their gaze—through the very walls of awareness—toward the violet sphere in Chen Yi's hands. After a silent study, the Fire Dragon King sighed. His roar echoed with memories and a hint of loss.
"The Thunder Dragon… its former glory still burns bright in my memory. At its peak, it stood only a step away from becoming a true top-rank god. The power contained in that bone is overwhelming; life does not lie. Unless you reach the divinity level in spirit power, you will have no hope of safely absorbing and integrating it."
Even an ancient being like the Fire Dragon King, hardened by millennia, felt a pang of grief on recalling old comrades—now reduced to mere shards of bone.
The Water Dragon King added,
"Of course, if you have aid from us two old dragons, it'd be quite another matter…"
"Even then, your base cultivation must not be below the eighth rank, since this soul bone doesn't originate from us, but from the Thunder Dragon itself."
Hearing this, Chen Yi's eyes sparkled. "Then, seniors, I look forward to your help when that time comes!"
"No need for thanks," the Fire Dragon King snorted, his whiskers twitching.
"We chose you, after all. It's only right to help your growth. Besides, it concerns our own reincarnation one day."
As Chen Yi's awareness returned and his eyes opened, dusk had fallen outside the window. Gentle lamplight now glowed softly within his room.
A short while later, the door gently opened, wafting in a subtle fragrance. Two elegant figures entered quietly: Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan.
Seeing them, Chen Yi's warmth blossomed into a gentle smile. "You've come."
Recently, thanks to Spirit Hall's efficient organization and generous resources, Spirit City had been rebuilt.
The previously suspended Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament finals were finally held in the new central square. Unsurprisingly, the mighty Grand Martial Academy defeated Spirit Hall's golden generation and successfully defended their championship.
Immediately following the tournament, Shui Bing'er, on the cusp of reaching level 60, had been quietly escorted away by Snow Empress, departing Spirit Hall City to return to the far north. Chen Yi guessed Shui Bing'er's current strength already qualified her to formally undertake the Ice God's Trials.
Thus, it was unlikely he would see her for some time.
Ye Lingling set a lunchbox on the table, from which she took out exquisite desserts and steaming medicinal porridge. She poured tea with gentle hands and passed it to Chen Yi, her voice soft and gentle:
"Divine trials and cultivation are important, but you must also balance work and rest. Don't be too harsh on yourself."
Chen Yi accepted the teacup, feeling its warmth, and laughed:
"How can you not know me? I'm a born slacker! I've long mastered the art of balancing work and relaxation."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes in playful exasperation: "You!"
The banter lightened the room's mood, enveloping everyone in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
After a while, Ye Lingling gazed out the window at the imposing silhouette of the Pope's Palace, sighing softly:
"In a few days... Sister Xue'er will officially become the Spirit Hall Pope."
After regaining consciousness, Bibi Dong had formally abdicated, appointing Qian Renxue as her successor. Otherwise, Chen Yi and the other members of the Body Sect would have left Spirit Hall after the battle, likely returning to Vast Sea City or their own sect.
The change in Spirit Hall's leadership was a matter that shook the entire Douluo Continent!
Its impact might even surpass a change of emperors in the two great empires—since the continent's policies and diplomacy for decades, perhaps centuries to come, would be set by this new, young pope with close ties to the Body Sect.
Standing beside them, Dugu Yan grinned mischievously at Chen Yi,
"Sister Xue'er will soon become head of her hall, her fame spread far and wide. Brother Yi, don't you think... your own new title isn't far behind?"
The Body Sect's Sect Master, Chu Shanhe, had been pressuring the elders to come up with a dominant and world-shaking new title.
The reason was clear: if Chen Yi officially became sect leader, the old master could no longer use the "Body" title himself—he too needed one befitting his status.
Hearing all this, Chen Yi couldn't help but laugh,
"What's this? The sect master hasn't even retired, and you're already vying for the sect master's wife seat?"
"That's right!" Dugu Yan tilted her chin with pride, not a hint of shyness on her beautiful face, only a righteous air of indignation.
"We've worked through so much together, made so many contributions. Don't you think we deserve official titles?"
Chen Yi was taken aback. Looking at the two women who'd accompanied him since childhood, his softer side stirred.
So much time had passed—almost without notice.
Setting down his teacup, he stretched out his arms and gently embraced Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan, resting his chin lightly on their hair, voice tender:
"Yes… It's time for you both to have your rightful status."
…
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