Chapter 10: The Reincarnation of the "Forest Book"

"Clip-clop."

Amidst their conversation, the carriage gradually slowed to a halt.

"Click—"

"What are you waiting for?"

Hearing Zhang Ping’s inquiry, Nian Yun finally remembered to open the door and prepare to disembark. Once everyone had stepped out, a bishop in black robes seized the moment to step forward and bow respectfully to Lust.

"My Lord, His Holiness the Pope is already waiting for you all in the inner sanctum."

"Go and inform His Holiness first; I will bring them to see him shortly."

After exchanging salutes, the black-robed bishop turned and vanished into the hall with a flicker of movement. Shortly after, a team of well-trained soldiers approached and led the carriage away.

As Nian Yun looked around, a familiar figure passed by his field of vision.

"Teacher."

Xie Yue and Hu Liena bowed respectfully to the newcomer. Nian Yun was momentarily stunned. "It’s actually her."

"You haven't been in school long, yet you know quite a few people."

Nian Yun forced a bitter smile. "I’d rather not have known them."

Barely having spoken, Nian Yun realized his mistake and clamped his mouth shut, glancing around with a guilty conscience. After confirming that no strange gazes were directed his way, he breathed a deep sigh of relief.

"Loose lips sink ships, loose lips sink ships." As he slowly adapted to his current level of strength, Nian Yun became increasingly cautious.

"Nian Yun."

"Present!"

The sudden exclamation startled everyone nearby, especially Zhang Ping.

"The teacher just called your name, why are you reacting so dramatically? This is the Spirit Hall; don't get us all in trouble." A startled Zhang Ping complained to him.

Only then did Nian Yun realize it was Lust calling him, and that surrounding eyes were fixed on their group. Feeling awkward, Nian Yun nodded repeatedly as they walked, offering silent apologies.

"Teacher."

"When we go in to see the Pope, answer only what you are asked. Unless absolutely necessary, do not look the Pope in the eye."

"Ah, oh, okay."

This bizarre rule left Nian Yun bewildered. "What kind of ridiculous rule is that?"

After muttering to himself, Nian Yun followed the others into the interior of the Spirit Hall.

As the morning sun rose, the group ascended the steps leading to the main hall.

"Clang—"

The massive doors of the main hall slowly creaked open, and a wave of faint, elegant fragrance washed over them. Nian Yun felt his inner resolve waver.

***

In that very instant, as if possessed, Nian Yun raised his eyes and locked gazes with the breathtakingly beautiful woman seated above the grand hall. His consciousness was instantly pulled into a void of utter darkness.

"Tap, tap, tap."

"Splat."

A glob of white, viscous substance dripped onto Nian Yun’s cheek. He looked up in terror.

"This is... the Death Spider Emperor and the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor!"

"Hiss—"

Before he could react, the Death Spider Emperor spat a strand of silk toward him. Without his conscious command, "Zhong Yan" automatically detached and erected a stone wall to block the attack.

"Swish."

The silk clung tightly to the shield.

"Bang!"

Immediately after, from behind him, "Dreaming Heart" flew out on its own, parrying the spider spear of the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor. Before Nian Yun could think, the "Wind Spirit" within him began to stir.

Before he could suppress it, a sense of deathly dread surged from the two points of impact.

"Whoosh—"

A violent hurricane erupted, wrapping the other four spirits around Nian Yun as its center. The gale eroded the space, while lightning and rock elements dispersed through the wind. As the storm dissipated, the other two spirits returned to his body.

"Humph—"

A soft laugh reached Nian Yun’s ears. His eyes naturally shifted toward the sound.

Atop the dark stairs, Bibi Dong stood holding her scepter, wearing her crown, looking at Nian Yun with satisfaction. The floor beneath him gave way, and Nian Yun fell into a space of blinding light.

"Ding!"

[Task "Amuse Bibi Dong" successful. Rewards have been automatically deposited into the host's storage.]

The system interface appeared before Nian Yun, and his expression grew complex.

"Is that really all the task was?"

System: "?"

System: "Host, only when favorability reaches a certain level will your... desires be triggered. As for Bibi Dong right now..."

"Stop. Let's talk about being a 'Cao Zei' later; I'm not ready for that. What just happened?"

System: "You couldn't resist the temptation. As it stands, you have successfully become Bibi Dong's pawn. You might as well call yourself a plaything."

"I am a peerless Douluo, reduced to a plaything? You are one useless system."

System: "The host's decisions are beyond the system's control. Since you have become a plaything, the system will alter the upcoming task tree to help you reach godhood through a more... affectionate path."

***

[Bibi Dong Manipulation Index: -10%]

System: "When the manipulation index reaches -50%, the host will completely lose their sense of self. However, by breaking free from Bibi Dong's control, your status in the Spirit Hall will rise accordingly."

"What is the other path?"

System: "To be a 'kept man.' You could speed up your path to godhood by at least two years."

"Pfft. That path is out. Being a 'kept man' has its perks, but that is not my pursuit. If this were a third life, maybe I’d try it, but for now, I’d rather chew on the hard stuff."

Nian Yun turned and walked toward the exit, leaving behind a dashing silhouette.

Consciousness returned.

With a flash of determination in his eyes, he followed the others to the center of the hall and knelt on one knee.

"Ding!"

[Spirit Hall Prologue Completed.]

[Spirit Hall branch tasks now active:]

[Work with Xie Yue and Hu Liena to withstand five rounds against Shan Li without falling. Reward: Soul Power +1, complete the first two soul rings for 'Zhong Yan', Spirit Hall Reputation +3.]

[Join the 'Golden Generation' cohort. Reward: Soul Power +2, one 7,000-year soul beast, Spirit Hall Reputation +5.]

[Conceal the three spirits until reaching Soul Sect rank. Reward: Soul Power +2, one 9,000-year soul beast.]

"... (Other tasks in queue)"

"Good grief, I finally know what you are. You're the reincarnation of the Aranyaka, aren't you?"

System: "..."

"Your Holiness, everyone has arrived. Please, we await your words." Lust reported, his right hand resting gently on his left chest.

"Mhm."

Bibi Dong sat high above the hall, a soft sound emanating from her throat as her beautiful eyes swept across the group.

"You are all the hope of the Spirit Hall. Rise."

"Thank you, Your Holiness," everyone said in unison.

"The situation on the Douluo Continent is ever-changing, and if our Spirit Hall is to survive in the cracks, we rely on your growth."

"Soon, the Spirit Hall will host the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. During this time, we will select seven individuals to form our 'Golden Generation' to bolster our prestige. Do you have the confidence?"

The news hit the group like a stimulant, stirring everyone except Nian Yun. After digesting the information for a few seconds, everyone shouted in unison: "We shall not fail your expectations, Your Holiness!"

Nian Yun gave a slight, cynical grin. "Selling their lives for a bit of scrap. If I were sitting in that position, we’d all be brothers."

After a simple oath of loyalty and further grandiloquent speeches, Nian Yun’s eyelids began to twitch.

I do not know how much time had passed.

"Nian Yun!"