Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Is there something wrong with the person who proposed this plan?
The sudden voice shattered the silence in the hall, cutting off Bibi Dong's train of thought.
She exhaled softly, her expression slowly smoothing out.
"Enter," she commanded.
There was no other alternatives; it was better to place her trust in Yue Guan. After all...
As she recalled those calm, dark eyes, a slight sense of relief washed over her.
Perhaps there might still be a surprise awaiting her?
In contrast to Bibi Dong's relatively composed demeanor, Guang Ling Douluo's mood was far from serene.
Just moments ago, he had clearly seen the woman teetering on the edge of compromise, but now, it seemed that she was hesitating once more?
Hmph!
Guangling Douluo couldn't help but sneer inwardly as his gaze fixed on the door.
If you insist on resisting, Bibi Dong, don't blame me for being ruthless!
A minute earlier...
"Shocked, weren't you? I was stunned for a long while when I first saw it," Ju Douluo said, his voice filled with pride as he pointed toward the Pope's Palace.
"This is the place that all soul masters on the continent dream of—just having a position here is something to be proud of!"
Ghost Douluo's eyes shone with a longing that mirrored his companion's.
"Indeed, it's truly breathtaking."
Su Chen, still recovering from the shock, nodded in agreement.
"Heh, you don't look that stunned," Ju Douluo remarked, eyeing Su Chen with suspicion.
"Wasn't it impressive? Or are you just pretending?"
"No, no," Su Chen replied with a smile. "It's definitely impressive. Now, let's head inside."
Although he wasn't lying, Su Chen's mind was elsewhere. This palace—its craftsmanship and style—was indeed extraordinary, even by his standards. But how could he possibly find it awe-inspiring? A person who wielded Susanoo barehanded, fought foxes regularly, and occasionally visited the Wet Bone Forest was hardly one to be impressed by mere architecture.
Still, he hadn't lied. The palace was remarkable.
It was the sound that had caught his attention earlier, though—something curious, a conversation that had piqued his interest. His heightened perception allowed him to hear it clearly from outside the door.
"I didn't expect Bibi Dong to be so frustrated," he thought, mentally revising his plan.
"Well, let's go inside."
Ju Douluo scratched his head, his suspicions about Su Chen growing, but he chose to focus on the task at hand.
Pushing open the door, Yue Guan announced, unable to contain his excitement, and Su Chen's gaze immediately traveled to the highest, farthest point in the room, where a figure stood gracefully.
Under a crown of gilded purple gems, a face of stunning beauty, snow-white skin so delicate it seemed to shimmer, features sculpted by nature itself—neither seductive nor vulgar. Her long pink hair, with hints of violet, cascaded effortlessly down her back, a vision of beauty.
The purple and gold robes of the Pope didn't conceal her figure; rather, they accentuated it. Her body was perfectly proportioned, elegant yet powerful. She leaned lightly on a scepter of deep purple and gold, exuding both nobility and coldness.
Bibi Dong!
The greatest villain of the first part of Douluo Continent's history—and also the most beautiful woman, as officially designated.
Indeed, she was as stunning as her reputation suggested.
Su Chen sighed inwardly.
It wasn't long before Bibi Dong noticed the boy's unashamed stare. Her gaze, filled with curiosity, indifference, and something darker—something far deeper—locked onto him.
Su Chen quickly understood.
Bibi Dong, at the lowest point in her life. Having killed her beastly master with her own hands, abandoned by Yu Xiaogang, whom she once loved. Even though she had become the Pope, her struggles had hardly ended.
But who would've guessed that this woman would one day nearly unite the entire continent? That she would drive Tang San—the destined hero—into the jaws of death?
Yet fate had other plans, for Bibi Dong was under the protection of heaven. She would rise again, soon.
In short, this woman was both dangerous... and pitiable.
Is she a villain? At first glance, perhaps. But if you truly examine her actions, it's hard to see her as entirely evil.
Was overthrowing the feudal empire and unifying the continent wrong?
Looking at the state of the Ghost Empire after ten thousand years, it's clear that unification has its advantages. An empire that once ruled the continent, even providing welfare for ordinary citizens to awaken their martial souls—those benefits are not to be underestimated.
Was her feud with the three sects truly so wrong?
His enemy is my hero. With different positions, how can we simply define good and bad?
As for Tang San's family, forget it.
No matter how deep the love between husband and wife, or between mother and son, in the end, aren't they just soul beasts?
There's nothing wrong with soul masters hunting soul beasts, right? When the double-standard God King was slaying the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, why didn't he consider that he too was the husband of a female whale and the father of a little whale?
So, Bibi Dong talks about destroying the world every day, yet in truth, she hasn't done a single evil deed. Unlike Obito, who declared his intention to destroy the world and followed through with it. After his fall to darkness, he killed his master and mistress, committing countless sins in the process.
In comparison, Bibi Dong's actions are child's play.
In a sense, these people are all "simple".
They make for terrifying enemies, but should they become allies, they could also be trustworthy companions.
Thus, Su Chen decided to lend her a hand, even if just this once.
Guangling Douluo furrowed his brow as he watched the three figures: two tall and one small. After casting a sharp glance at Yue Guan, his focus shifted to the smallest white-haired figure in the center.
"Is this Su Chen?"
The boy's posture was tall and unyielding, his face delicate, and his composure unshaken even in the presence of so many powerful figures. Regardless of his talents, this level of psychological fortitude was commendable.
For someone his age, that alone was enough to mark him as a rare genius. It was also certain that his soul power would be extraordinary.
Appreciation flickered in Guangling Douluo's eyes.
He resolved to bring this boy into the Elder Hall for training once Bibi Dong's prestige had been thoroughly shattered.
Among all the talents, only the Grand Priest could truly nurture this genius, and Guangling Douluo was thrilled at the thought.
Clearing his throat, he adjusted his demeanor to a smile and prepared to speak, but before he could utter a word, the white-haired boy beat him to it.
"Well, I was just outside the palace and overheard the plan involving the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Can I ask who proposed it?"
Su Chen's words caused the faces of everyone present to shift, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion.
What's going on? Wasn't this child brought by Yue Guan?
Why is he suddenly speaking out and flattering Guangling Douluo?
Rebellious?
Everyone exchanged glances, watching the livid Ju Douluo with hidden amusement. The actor they had carefully arranged had begun flattering Guangling Douluo. This turn of events was rather amusing.
A satisfied smile spread across Guangling Douluo's face.
It seemed this boy was quite perceptive.
"Little one, what do you think of this plan?"
A supporter of Guangling Douluo stood, impatience written all over his face, as he raised an eyebrow at Ghost Ju Douluo.
All eyes now turned to Su Chen, awaiting his response. The white-haired boy hesitated for a moment but finally spoke.
"It's alright, little one, don't worry. No one here will stop you from speaking your mind!"
Guangling Douluo waved his hand, his tone commanding and unconcerned.
"That's fine," Su Chen said, his lips curling into a faint smile.
"I just want to know... does the person who proposed this plan have a brain problem?"