NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Jun Kuang
Wuhun City, at the grand gate of the Pope's Palace.
The golden afternoon sun cast long shadows over the towering palace, its majestic spires shimmering in the radiant light. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the faint chanting of soul masters practicing their arts echoed through the courtyards.
Bibi Dong, who had just returned from the Star Dou Forest, her mind still clouded with the echoes of battle and loss, was stopped by an imposing figure.
Standing at the entrance was an old man, tall and sturdy, his short pale hair stark against his golden armor. The armor was exquisitely crafted, with flame patterns dancing across the surface, catching the light and making him appear as if he were wreathed in fire. His aura was overwhelming, a silent testament to decades of power and experience.
Bibi Dong immediately recognized him — Jun Kuang, the platinum bishop of Wuhun City, an 89th-level Soul Douluo, and, more importantly, Jun Yan's father.
Despite her own strength, Bibi Dong felt a cold prickle of nervousness creep down her spine. She knew Jun Yan had died protecting her — a fact that made this confrontation inevitable and deeply uncomfortable.
Jun Kuang's expression was calm, but his sharp eyes pierced through her like daggers. His voice, though polite, carried the weight of barely restrained concern.
"Your Highness, Saint, excuse me for bothering you. I just wanted to ask one question. My son Jun Yan went to the Star Dou Forest with Your Highness… How come only the Saint has returned now?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.
Bibi Dong hesitated, lowering her gaze as guilt gnawed at her. Her voice, usually clear and commanding, came out soft and hesitant.
"Jun Yan… he… he is dead. He was killed by a soul beast."
The words hit Jun Kuang like a thunderclap. His eyes widened, and for a brief moment, his composed façade cracked, revealing a father's raw anguish.
"What?" His voice rose, and with it, the soul power around him surged uncontrollably.
The temperature spiked, and the air grew thick and stifling, as though the entire world had become a furnace. Even Bibi Dong, with her powerful martial soul, felt her breath hitch, a bead of sweat tracing a slow path down her temple.
Just as the pressure became unbearable, a soft, yet commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Monarch Cult."
The oppressive force vanished, melting away like snow under the morning sun.
Jun Kuang, instantly recognizing the voice, knelt on one knee, his head bowed in reverence.
"Your Holiness!"
The man who had spoken was none other than Qian Xunji, the Pope of the Spirit Hall.
Qian Xunji was a figure of awe — tall, with sharp, refined features, and a commanding presence that seemed to bend reality around him. He wore a luxurious black robe inlaid with gold patterns, a nine-curve purple gold crown resting atop his head, and in his hand, he held a two-meter-long scepter studded with dazzling gemstones.
Flanking him were two elders, men of profound strength, dressed in ceremonial red robes inlaid with gold and silver. The massive gemstones on their chests shone with a brilliant golden light, reflecting their exalted status within the Elder Hall.
One of them, Bibi Dong realized, was the same elder who had saved her life in the Star Dou Forest.
Jun Kuang, his voice hoarse but respectful, spoke quickly.
"Your Holiness, I lost my composure and offended Her Highness the Saint."
Qian Xunji's expression remained calm, almost detached.
"I know almost everything. It's not the Saint's fault. The boy was simply unlucky."
The elder who had saved Bibi Dong added, "The Saint and her companions encountered a Dark Demon Evil God Tiger in the forest. It was a ferocious beast, even though it only had 50,000 years of cultivation. I barely defeated it, and I was injured in the process. When I arrived, I only had time to save the Saint. Your son… was already gone."
The solemnity of the moment was shattered by an unexpected voice.
"What the elder said is not true!"
The interruption was bold — even audacious.
The elder frowned, clearly displeased, his pride wounded. Without even looking at who dared to question him, he demanded, "What's untrue?"
A familiar figure emerged from the shadows.
"When the Saint left, Jun Yan was only seriously injured… but not dead."
The voice was calm but resolute.
Jun Kuang's eyes widened in disbelief. He knew that voice.
"Yan'er!" he cried out, his voice choked with emotion.
Bibi Dong turned, her expression one of pure shock.
"You… you're not dead!"
Jun Yan stood there, alive and well. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to the emotional storm raging around him.
He knelt on one knee, bowing deeply before Qian Xunji.
"Greetings to His Holiness the Pope."
Qian Xunji stared at him for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. The silence was oppressive, the weight of the Pope's scrutiny like a mountain on Jun Yan's shoulders.
Finally, Qian Xunji spoke, his tone cold but acknowledging.
"It seems there was a misunderstanding. Lord Jun Kuang, take your son home."
Jun Kuang, still in shock, nodded repeatedly.
"Yes… yes, Your Holiness!"
As Qian Xunji turned to leave, he spoke softly to Bibi Dong.
"Donger, follow me back to the Pope's Palace. I have something to ask you."
Bibi Dong cast one last look at Jun Yan, her voice soft with gratitude.
"Thank you… for risking your life to save me. I'm so glad you're alive."
With that, she followed Qian Xunji, disappearing into the grand palace.
Jun Kuang, unable to contain his relief, clapped his son on the shoulder, his voice thick with emotion.
"Yan'er, come home with me first!"
As they walked, Jun Kuang couldn't help but ask, "That Dark Demon Evil God Tiger… you survived its attack?"
Jun Yan nodded, his voice calm.
"Yes. It pierced my chest with one blow, but missed my heart. When it went after the Saint, I had time to recover."
Jun Kuang let out a long sigh of relief.
"It doesn't matter if you didn't get your sixth soul ring. Once you're fully healed, I'll personally take you back to the Star Dou Forest. Your father may be old, but helping you get a sixth ring is no trouble."
Jun Yan's eyes glimmered with a quiet confidence.
"Father, you're worrying too much. I've already got the sixth soul ring."
Jun Kuang stopped in his tracks, staring at his son in shock.
The realization that Jun Yan had grown far stronger than he could have imagined filled him with a mix of pride and awe.