Melee archer with maxed-out Douluo luck

Chapter 289 Yu Xiaogang, who was tricked into being dumbfounded

From the top floor of Yuexuan, the faint sounds of string and bamboo instruments drifted down from downstairs, quite melodious.

Tang San, slightly excited, left Tang Hao's arms, who had straightened his appearance and seemed like a different person. He was somewhat reluctant to leave his father's embrace, as this was one of the few times he had enjoyed fatherly love in both his lives.

"Dad, you've finally agreed to see me."

Tang San's eyes were a little moist. Nine years had passed since he was six years old, and he had finally found his father.

"Yeah, Xiao San, you've grown up too."

Tang Hao praised him, but looked at his son with some discomfort. Just a few months ago, his son was very thin, but now he had become big and strong. He could no longer see any trace of himself or Ah Yin in his son.

"Brother Hao, let Xiao San sit down first."

Tang Yuehua stood to the side, her eyes sparkling as she sized up Tang San. Looking at her nephew, whom she was meeting for the first time, she thought it was good that he was a bit sturdy.

"Dad, what's this?"

Tang San felt a little uncomfortable facing her gaze and asked somewhat awkwardly.

"Your aunt."

Tang Hao answered casually, pointing to the chair next to him, indicating that he should sit down and talk.

Upon hearing this, Tang San was about to greet them first, but Tang Yuehua stopped him and made him sit down in a seat next to her.

"Good child, we're all family, no need to be so reserved."

Tang Yuehua said with a smile, but she was even more satisfied with Tang San. He was talented and polite, and she liked him more and more the more she looked at him.

Seeing that Tang San still wanted to say something, Tang Hao reached out to stop him: "Alright, from now on, I'll talk and you listen. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask. I'll answer all your questions."

Tang San nodded, a look of joy on his face.

Tang Yuehua watched the father and son's conversation from the side, occasionally adding a comment, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

While the Tang family was having a gathering, Han Li was busy revising a simplified version of the Xuan Tian Gong.

This wasn't the first version he created. After testing, the previous versions were found to be too powerful—yes, too powerful.

This is a technique he plans to promote throughout the continent at the end of the Soul Master Competition, a product of his efforts to harvest the first wave of faith. Soul Masters generate more faith than ordinary people.

He could release the original version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill directly, but if the original version were released, a problem would arise: there wouldn't be enough soul beasts to go around.

It's important to understand that once a cultivation technique is introduced, it's not just those without innate soul power who will choose to cultivate it; some people with lower innate soul power will also choose to cultivate it, and these people make up the majority of soul masters.

If ordinary people need a few years to adjust before they can obtain the lowest level of spirit rings, then these people will undoubtedly break through in a short period of time, resulting in a surge in the number of spirit rings needed within a certain timeframe.

During the modification process, Han Li discovered that even though he had weakened the simplified version's effects as much as possible, the breakthrough effect was still terrifyingly good. This was a cultivation technique that would definitely pay off as long as you worked hard; talent only affected the speed of soul power growth.

After dozens of revisions, he has finally succeeded in controlling the effect to be slightly better than the basic meditation method, but really only by a tiny bit. The effect is more focused on activating soul power, and it will not have a significant impact on the ecology in the short term.

Of course, he knew very well that even so, it was enough to drive those noble soul masters, well, even some soul masters from the Spirit Hall, crazy, but compared to the traditional noble soul masters, the resistance from the Spirit Hall side was relatively smaller.

Han Li's actions were digging into their very foundation, but he didn't care. He had already communicated with Qian Daoliu, and with the Hall of Offerings on his side, he had already completed his initial development and could withstand it.

The reason for persuading Qian Daoliu was simple: one temple with two gods, and Han Li also said that at most a hundred years, he would not compete for the faith of the Angel God in the future, and promised to protect Qian Renxue. Qian Daoliu could not think of a reason to refuse.

Of course, Qian Daoliu also prayed to the Angel God as promised, but unfortunately, he did not receive a response.

This time, he didn't insist anymore and finally became more flexible with his bottom line. If he didn't object, it meant he agreed. Well, deep down he was still reluctant to admit that he did this for his precious granddaughter.

Having dealt with the current big boss, what can those people do even if they go crazy? Once Han Li's cultivation technique is spread, he will represent the majority.

With their high-end combat forces unable to subdue him, the lower-level army—and you have to understand that the vast majority of the army consists of ordinary people—has no choice but to grit their teeth and accept this if they want to maintain their rule, unless they want to hand over their armies to the Spirit Hall.

Or rather, Han Li's actions crossed their bottom line. Noble Soul Masters still have certain advantages, after all, their Martial Souls are stronger and their talents are better, but they no longer dare to act recklessly.

With such a large pool of potential, there will always be geniuses who emerge. You wouldn't want to see a situation where there are Avengers everywhere, would you?

As for the Spirit Hall, Han Li was not stingy. He planned to send out the original version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill. Of course, before learning it, one must also swear an oath to Han Li in one's own name that one must not leak it without permission.

Given Han Li's current status as equivalent to the Heavenly Dao of Douluo Continent, once the oath is established and the relevant regulations are violated, the omnipresent rules will show them what cruelty truly means.

As for the soul beasts, let's not even discuss whether the two deep within the core regard the soul beasts on the continent as their own kind. Even if they do think that way, they can only endure it for the time being, because the God Realm will definitely be watching them.

As far as the God Realm is concerned, Han Li's actions are exactly what they want. The plan to exterminate the soul beasts is a brilliant idea for them.

Once their gazes were away, it was time for Han Li to head to the Star Dou Great Forest.

Han Li looked at the three books on the table in front of him: a simplified version, the original version, and the upgraded version of the Xuan Tian Gong.

The upgraded version has only one function: to bypass the rules and condense a soul ring on its own. It is not yet fully completed, but it is enough to make a promise.

He will also make adjustments based on the subsequent situation, releasing it at the appropriate time to further harvest faith while quietly carrying out changes.

Han Li's eyes deepened. If he succeeded, he would no longer need this cultivation technique, as he could easily modify the rules. If he failed, this was one of his fallback options.

After putting away his cultivation technique, Han Li focused on training, as his strength still needed further improvement.

As the night deepened, the lights were gradually turned off.

-

After a good night's rest, Yu Xiaogang felt all his fatigue disappear.

Standing in front of the mirror, after tidying his clothes, Yu Xiaogang seemed to see himself from more than 20 years ago again. It was just that after the bone replacement, his hair, which was becoming more and more greenish, still made him feel a little uncomfortable.

However, he looked even younger this way, comforting himself with that thought. Yu Xiaogang stepped out of the hotel and walked steadily toward the direction of the Papal Palace.

At the foot of the mountain, he was stopped by two guards.

"This is the Spirit Hall's territory. Please leave."

Two long spears, gleaming with a cold light, were thrust in turn, positioned in front of Yu Xiaogang, forcing him back a few steps.

"I need to see your Pope; please send me a formal invitation."

With a touch of arrogance, Yu Xiaogang looked up at the two guards, his right hand sweeping across his waist, and a token appeared in his hand.

"Elder's Decree?"

One of the guards glanced at Yu Xiaogang, then looked at the token in his hand, and asked uncertainly.

"nature."

Yu Xiaogang smiled slightly and tossed the token to him.

The guard solemnly accepted the token, and after confirming that it was correct, handed it back with both hands.

"Greetings, Elder."

The two guards bowed simultaneously, which made Yu Xiaogang feel somewhat pleased.

After bowing, the guard whispered a few words in the ear of another guard, then turned and ran up the mountain.

The other guard remained in place, blocking Yu Xiaogang. They were also very suspicious of this seemingly weak "honorary elder" who was holding the token, but the token was indeed genuine, and they could only act according to the rules and regulations.

Yu Xiaogang wasn't impatient at all. He looked around at the scenery with a touch of nostalgia, while pondering how he should start the conversation when he saw Bibi Dong later.

In less than ten minutes, the guards who had gone up the mountain returned, followed by another guard dressed differently from them.

"Come with me. Her Majesty the Pope has asked me to take you to a side hall to wait. She has other matters to attend to and will see you later."

He didn't mention the honorary elder at all, which made the two guards look at him with even more suspicion. This made Yu Xiaogang a little unhappy, but considering that he needed their help, he nodded and silently followed the guard up the mountain.

During the journey, Yu Xiaogang tried to ask the guards about Bibi Dong's situation, but the guards did not respond.

The guards stopped when they arrived at a relatively secluded palace and pointed inside.

"You may wait inside for the Pope's summons and audience. Please proceed."

After saying that, he left without waiting for Yu Xiaogang's response.

Yu Xiaogang wanted to call out to him, but he saw another patrol team approaching. He opened his mouth, but instead walked into the main hall.

An hour passed, and the fine tea served by the maids had lost its flavor by the time he heard clear footsteps outside the hall.

"There's no need for guards here. Go somewhere else. Also, no one is allowed to disturb me without my orders."

Outside the hall, a cold yet authoritative female voice rang out.

"Yes."

Immediately afterwards, Yu Xiaogang heard the guards leaving.

It's her.

Yu Xiaogang paused for a moment, then, after assessing his own posture, sat up straight and looked toward the doorway.

A woman walked in through the door.

She wore a magnificent black robe adorned with gold trim, a nine-curved purple-gold crown, and held a two-meter-long scepter inlaid with countless jewels. Her fair skin and near-perfect features made her stand out from the crowd.

In particular, the intangible nobility and holiness emanating from them makes people unable to help but feel a sense of worship.

The master sat down, and the woman stopped in her tracks after entering the gate.

Their gazes met in mid-air, but no sparks flew.

Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but lower his head, feeling somewhat ashamed in front of the other person.

Bibi Dong watched him lower his head and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, unsure whether she was laughing at him or at herself. But then, her gaze softened.

"You've arrived?"

"Yes, I'm here."

Bibi Dong stood there without approaching, while Yu Xiaogang stood up but kept his head down.

A moment of silence fell over the main hall.

"Are you alright, Bibi Dong?"

After a long silence, Yu Xiaogang finally managed to utter a sentence and looked up at Bibi Dong again.

"Bibi Dong? Ha."

Bibi Dong let out a self-deprecating laugh, strode past Yu Xiaogang, and sat down in front of the main seat.

"Since you don't call me Dong'er, you should address me as Your Holiness the Pope."

The scepter in her hand fell heavily to the ground as she struggled to control the contortion of her face.

"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope."

Yu Xiaogang turned around stiffly, his head, which he had just tried to raise, drooped down again.

Bibi Dong tightened her grip on the scepter, her eyes filled with a mixture of reluctance and anger, but she remained silent.

"Alright, sit down. What brings you here? It's been twenty years since we last met."

Bibi Dong calmed down again, seemingly anticipating his answer.

Yu Xiaogang bent over, took a deep breath, and sat back down, meeting her eyes.

"I've come to ask you for a favor."

He forced his gaze to turn away and met Bibi Dong's eyes.

"What is it?"

A barely perceptible hint of joy flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. He didn't flinch, and his voice softened.

There was hope! Yu Xiaogang's heart started pounding faster in that instant.

"I want to know how you overcame the challenge of having twin martial souls."

Bibi Dong gripped the scepter tightly again, and the light in her eyes dimmed. What was she hoping for?

Why?

She was asking a question she already knew the answer to, or rather, she wanted to ask more than one question.

Yu Xiaogang, however, thought she had given in and said somewhat anxiously, "My disciple, like you, also possesses twin martial souls. I hope he can become a strong person like you."

"Throughout the entire Douluo Continent, only you have solved this problem single-handedly..."

He was even flattering Bibi Dong.

"Okay, shut up."

Bibi Dong's voice turned cold again, interrupting Yu Xiaogang's incessant chatter.

"Don't think I don't know. Your disciple is Tang Hao's son. Am I telling you the method so he'll turn against me later?"

Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but shudder, his voice rising considerably: "How did you know?"

"Shouldn't I know?"

Bibi Dong sneered. It wasn't like she only found out recently. And even if she didn't know before, it was already widely known. Did they really think she was stupid?

Bibi Dong threw a piece of intelligence in front of Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang picked it up, and after reading the contents, he couldn't help but feel dizzy and plopped down in a chair.

"this……"

(End of this chapter)