The plaza in front of the Pope's Palace.
This sacred ground stood as a symbol of the highest power and core of faith in the Spirit Hall, now gathering the attention of the entire Douluo Continent. On the eastern side of the plaza, seven Worships led by Qian Daoliu—Golden Crocodile, Lion, Azure Luan, Glowing Feather, Fifteen Ton, Falling Devil Douluo—stood in a row, all clad in golden robes, their faces solemn. Beside them, the nine elders of the Elder Hall assembled, each dressed in vivid red elder robes and radiating an air of dignity.
At the edge of the plaza, an even more intimidating sight awaited—a formation of three elite legions, their banners fluttering, their imposing aura soaring skyward. Virtually every important member and core force of the Spirit Hall was present to witness this historic moment—the abdication of the current Pope and the coronation of the new sovereign!
On the western stands stood the observation party from the Body Sect, led by Chen Yi. In addition, representatives from the two great empires, various kingdoms and duchies, as well as envoys from nearly all the enigmatic reclusive clans and sects had arrived. Further out, the main roads and squares surrounding the Spirit City were already packed with masses of people. Countless envoys from across the continent watched with bated breath, awaiting the opening of the tightly sealed gates of the Pope's Palace, the highest symbol of authority.
This was the holy land of the Soul Masters of the Douluo Continent, the site of power transition in the Spirit Hall, and its vast influence was sure to shape the continent's future.
As the clock's hand pointed precisely to the auspicious hour, Qian Daoliu, the master of ceremonies, stepped forward to the edge of the grand staircase. His voice, imbued with unparalleled soul power, rang clear and powerful across the whole Spirit City.
"The Pope of Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, has resigned from her position, choosing a life of seclusion to break through a bottleneck in her cultivation.
By unanimous decision of the joint council of all Worships of the Worship Hall and the core elders of the Elder Hall—
In accordance with the inheritance laws of Spirit Hall and the edict of the Angel:
The 127th Pope of the Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue, the sole inheritor of the Angel God's bloodline, is hereby appointed as sovereign and judge of the Spirit Hall!"
His proclamation thundered across the land.
Boom!
Under the watchful eyes of the multitude, the massive doors of the Pope's Palace opened inward with a dull rumble.
First to step out was Bibi Dong herself, dressed in magnificent, elaborate papal robes. Her appearance was as stunning as ever, yet the sharpness and melancholy once reflected in her gaze had faded, replaced by serenity and acceptance born from life's struggles.
Bibi Dong walked slowly, surveying the sea of faces—some familiar, some not—and finally, gazed into the distance. Immediately after, another figure emerged from the darkness within the hall—Qian Renxue.
At this moment, she too wore papal vestments of the same style as Bibi Dong's. Her long golden hair was gracefully bundled into a noble coiffure, revealing a smooth forehead and the faint Mark of the Angel. Her beauty was a perfect fusion of her parents' best features, further elevated by an air of elegance and untouchable majesty. She steadily approached and stood beside Bibi Dong.
It had been many years since this mother and daughter last faced each other so publicly and officially.
Bibi Dong's gaze rested on Renxue's face—once filled with resentment and madness, now swirling with guilt, regret, even relief—all gradually softening into gentle calm.
Her daughter. Her own blood.
Qian Renxue's golden eyes, tranquil and unwavering, met Bibi Dong's. Yet, between them was a rift—one that couldn't be mended overnight.
At the perfect moment, Qian Daoliu stepped forward, standing between the two. Facing Renxue, his face stern as never before, his resonant voice sounded:
"Qian Renxue.
You are the only inheritor of the divine bloodline of angels on this earth, the vessel of divine glory.
You stood at the forefront against foreign invaders, your merits plain for all to see.
Today, by the highest resolution of Spirit Hall, you have been chosen as the 127th Pope.
Will you now swear your oath to the Angels?
Will you carry out your sacred mandate, wielding papal authority?
Will you uphold the iron law, preserve the dignity and honor of Spirit Hall?
Will you protect its people, govern all soul masters, and lead this world into light and order?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Qian Renxue met Qian Daoliu's gaze, her voice proud and firm.
"Qian Renxue hereby swears:
I accept the sacred mandate and am prepared to take on papal authority!
I will abide by the unbreakable rules and defend the glory of the Spirit Hall!
I will protect your people, marshal the soul masters, and guide them to the future!
I dedicate myself to this cause—until death!"
"Good!" Qian Daoliu laughed heartily.
"Today, this symbol of the angel bloodline's glory and responsibility—at last returns to its rightful inheritors!"
At that, Bibi Dong slowly extended her right palm to Renxue. Renxue glanced her way and, after a hesitant moment, gently placed her left hand atop Bibi Dong's. The two white hands—different ages, different destinies—intertwined gently, symbolically connecting eras.
With countless eyes upon them, mother and daughter, hand in hand, walked into the now open palace.
Inside the dim hall, Bibi Dong gazed at the high papal throne before her and spoke quietly:
"From today onwards, you are the Pope.
I... was not a capable one. Over the years, too many corrupt officials crept into the Spirit Hall, decaying its spirit, straying from the righteous path. The continent is now in chaos.
Now, all these burdens are passed to you."
Without turning, Renxue stared straight ahead, her voice clear and cold:
"Spirit Hall will always be the guards and guides of the soul master world.
The angels' divine light will shine everywhere, purifying all filth."
A faint curve formed on Bibi Dong's lips, her eyes softening in a subtle smile.
"I believe... you'll do better than I ever could."
Renxue raised her chin slightly.
"Naturally."
So conversing, they had already crossed the long aisle to the glittering papal throne, crafted from pure gold, adorned with gemstones.
Bibi Dong paused and released Renxue's hand. She first removed the purple-and-gold crown studded with nine gems—the mark of papal authority—from her head. Then, accepting the magnificent Angel's Crown, inlaid with the sacred gem, from the master of ceremonies, she turned to Renxue.
She lifted the heavy purple-gold coronet with both hands and set it upon Renxue's elegant hair. Immediately, the holy gemstones glimmered with gentle light, illuminating Renxue's beautiful face. Next, Bibi Dong took up the Angel's Scepter, and placed it gently in Renxue's outstretched right palm.
Her tasks done, Bibi Dong stepped forward, carefully smoothing imaginary wrinkles from Renxue's papal robes—just as an ordinary mother would adjust her daughter's clothes before a journey. Her movements were slow, meticulous, her eyes filled with emotions words could not capture.
Finally, she stepped back, bowed her head lightly, and, in a softer voice than ever, quietly said to her daughter, the new Pope:
"Go ahead, Your Holiness."
Renxue glanced once at her, took a deep breath, and turned to face the high throne. Holding the Angel's Scepter, wearing the angelic crown and papal robes, she climbed the crimson-carpeted steps, one by one.
Finally, on reaching the summit, she slowly turned and sat upon the papal throne!
Buzz—!!!
At the very moment Renxue took her seat, the vast fresco of a great angel upon the palace dome shone with dazzling golden light.
A giant golden beam, over ten meters wide, burst through the palace roof and shot into the sky, bathing all of Spirit City in resplendent radiance.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Immediately after, nine sacred bells—the symbol of Spirit Hall's highest rite—rang in unison from the bell towers throughout Spirit City!
The solemn, majestic bells pealed nine times, echoing throughout every corner of Spirit City.
The new Pope's coronation was officially completed!
The golden light and the sound of bells mingled, forming an unprecedented, magnificent symphony at this moment.
Outside the palace, the seven Worships led by Qian Daoliu bowed deeply and shouted as one:
"Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope!"
At once, the nine elders, the three legion commanders, and the elite soul masters behind them all knelt on one knee, their heads bowed, their chorus shaking the mountains:
"Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope!"
"May the glory of the Angels bless Your Majesty eternally!"
On the west stands, the Body Sect, led by Chen Yi, also bowed in respect.
Further away, countless civilians and soul masters, hearing the nine sacred bells and witnessing the holy pillar shooting skyward, dropped to their knees.
Thunderous acclamations, like mountains collapsing and tsunamis surging, gathered from all directions.
"Long live the Pope! Long live the Angels!"
The waves of cheering rolled on and on, as if wishing to express all their hope for a new era and faith in their new Pope.
After a time, the golden light and ringing bells gradually faded into silence.
Seated majestically on the papal throne, Qian Renxue slowly raised the Angel's Scepter, holding it high in the air.
Thunk.
A mysterious, magical yet gentle sound instantly silenced the city inside and out.
Qian Renxue's solemn, clear voice, magnified by the angels' power, resounded across Spirit City, reaching every ear present:
"Once, the previous Pope embarked on an expedition to Seagod Island to spread our glory overseas, but returned in defeat.
This has been a wound hidden by our Spirit Hall for decades—an unavenged humiliation!
But times are changed!
I, Qian Renxue, 127th Pope of the Spirit Hall—hereby decree:
In seven days, I shall personally lead the Angel Legion to once again conquer Sea God Island!
The soul master world of Douluo Continent must be united! The glory and will of the Angels must shine across the corners of the world!
Sea God Island—must submit! Otherwise... it shall be destroyed!"
As soon as these words fell, a hush swept across the entire Angel Mountain—then erupted into even greater roars!
Leading the Angel Legion, Dawn Douluo, garbed in golden armor, eyes blazing, remembered well the scars of that failed campaign—wounds etched in every veteran's heart. All Spirit Hall's soldiers who knew this history had long dreamed of the day when such humiliation could finally be avenged.
"Long live the Angels! Long live the Pope!"
"Crush Sea God Island! Erase our disgrace!"
Dawn Douluo was first to kneel and roar in salute. Instantly, the other two legion commanders and tens of thousands of elite Spirit Hall soul masters behind them dropped to one knee, their roars shaking the sky and earth:
"Crush Sea God Island! Erase our disgrace!"
Their shouts of fury rose thunderously, murderous intent soaring skyward!
All of Spirit City was ignited with fervent battle spirit.
Upon the stands, Chen Yi's eyes sharpened amid the deafening roar.
Sea God Island…
…