"The organizational framework of the Holy Spirit Cult has been laid out. Would you like to review it?"
Dugu Bo handed over a thin booklet.
"No need. You handle it," Bai Mu said with a casual wave.
"Remember to recruit people who are good at outreach and organization. Once the group is formally established, we'll need them to work from the grassroots."
"The Soul Master world is shallow and easy to navigate," he continued calmly. "But influence still has to be built layer by layer."
"So you mean…" Meng Shu pondered, "…develop among ordinary people first, then gradually expand upward?"
"More or less," Bai Mu replied. "For now, focus on cultivating talent. We'll adjust once my strength reaches the next stage."
In an extraordinary world, personal power was the foundation of everything. Without it, all plans were empty talk.
Level sixty-three.
Bai Mu already had a clear path in mind to reach Soul Saint. If nothing unexpected happened, he could clear the test within the year.
—
The next day, Bai Mu rested at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
The stand-in he had sent to Heaven Dou City returned with a short message left at their usual meeting point:
[Sunset Forest. Same place. Come quickly.]
"That's interesting," Bai Mu said with a faint smile. "She's persistent."
Things were different now. Even if Qian Renxue attacked with her strongest allies, they would not be enough to stop him and Zygarde.
"Once I become a Soul Saint," Bai Mu murmured, ambition flashing in his eyes, "I'll take full control of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Before leaving, he glanced at the twin springs.
"If remnants of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings remain…"
He paused, then shook his head. "No rush. That's a risk for later."
If true dragon auras attracted greater forces, the consequences would be unpredictable. Better to wait.
He turned back toward the valley.
Xiao Wu stiffened when she noticed his gaze, lowering her head in silence. Meng Yiran, meanwhile, practiced with her newly evolved Dragon-Serpent Scepter, excitement clear on her face.
"Yiran," Bai Mu said, "keep an eye on Xiao Wu. I'll be out for a while."
"Yes, Master," Meng Yiran replied respectfully.
"Let's go," Bai Mu said, leaping onto Xiao Ruan's head. With a nod to Z2, both vanished from the valley.
Zygarde roared to the sky and transformed into a streak of green light, disappearing into the distance.
Xiao Wu watched them leave, emotions churning—fear, resentment, helplessness… and a faint dependence she refused to acknowledge.
—
Deep in Sunset Forest, moonlight flowed like water.
The same valley. The same place.
Qian Renxue stood in white, long golden hair swaying gently. Six radiant wings unfolded behind her as six spirit rings—two yellow, two purple, two black—rose beneath her feet.
"You came," she said quietly.
Bai Mu descended from above, landing lightly beside Zygarde.
"Looks like you're stronger this time," he said with a relaxed smile. "Soul bones?"
"Bai Mu," Qian Renxue said evenly, ignoring the question, "I'll give you one last chance. Join me. Work with me. I'll make sure you get what you want."
"Oh?" Bai Mu raised an eyebrow. "And if I refuse?"
"Then we settle this here," she replied without hesitation.
Bai Mu laughed softly. "Fair enough. If you win, I'll listen. If not—then you will."
"Arrogant!" Qian Renxue snapped.
"Holy Sword — Angelic Assault!"
Twin angelic blades flashed into existence, streaking toward Bai Mu in a burst of golden light—faster and fiercer than before.
Bai Mu didn't move.
"Guard."
Zygarde roared, a solid green barrier forming instantly. The attack struck it head-on and shattered, the backlash sending Qian Renxue tumbling through the air.
She steadied herself, teeth clenched. "That defense again…"
"If you're done," Bai Mu said calmly, "it's my turn."
"Core Punisher."
A blinding green beam erupted from Zygarde's mouth, racing straight toward her.
Too fast to dodge.
"Angel's Shield!"
Golden light flared as a protective barrier formed—but it shattered in an instant.
Qian Renxue was blasted backward, crashing into the cliff face and embedding herself in the stone.
"Your Highness!"
Hidden in the shadows, Serpent Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo tensed, but halted when they saw her force herself free.
She staggered forward, blood at the corner of her lips, disbelief burning in her eyes. The purifying aura of her martial soul felt suppressed, disrupted.
"I won't accept this!"
She surged forward once more, the sixth spirit ring igniting.
"Angel's Roar!"
A powerful mental shockwave swept outward.
"Z-Move — Blazing Soul Dance: Sonic Burst!"
Zygarde's roar split the air, overwhelming the attack. The collision detonated in a thunderous blast, shattering her defenses and slamming her to the ground.
Dust settled.
Qian Renxue lay in the crater, struggling to rise.
"Is that enough?" a voice asked behind her.
She turned with difficulty to see Bai Mu standing there, looking down calmly.
Anger, frustration, and defeat welled up in her eyes.
They had lost again.
And this time, the battle had lasted less than a minute.
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