The person currently standing on the stage, accepting the Holy Maiden succession ceremony, was superior to her in every way.
Even Hu Liena's most proud feature—her beauty—was overshadowed by the stunning appearance of this golden-haired woman.
Moreover, compared to the noble and arrogant demeanor of this woman named Qian Renxue, Hu Liena's seductive charm paled in comparison.
On the main stage, Bibi Dong watched this scene with eyes full of resentment and anger.
Even though the person currently being inaugurated as the Holy Maiden was her own daughter, Bibi Dong's heart was still filled with rage.
Qian Renxue's succession as Holy Maiden meant that Bibi Dong's authority was further diluted. This was unbearable for Bibi Dong, who had spent decades consolidating control over the entire Spirit Hall, except for the Worship Hall.
What made it worse was that this opportunity had been handed to Qian Daoliu by Bibi Dong herself. Thus, the flames of anger burned fiercely within her.
Soon, the ceremony ended, and Qian Renxue officially became the Holy Maiden, with the authority to act as the Pope in the Pope's absence.
It was clear that if Bibi Dong were ever absent, Qian Renxue could completely take control of the Spirit Hall!
Just as the ceremony concluded, and Xiao Yu was waiting for Qian Renxue to approach him, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan, approached with a complicated expression and whispered, "Sir Xiao Yu, please wait. Her Holiness the Pope has requested your presence."
Hearing this, Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow.
He then asked Liu Erlong and the others to return first, while he followed Chrysanthemum Douluo to the Pope's Hall.
Although Liu Erlong wanted to follow, Xiao Yu refused. Since he had begun cooperating with Qian Daoliu, Qian Daoliu would undoubtedly ensure his safety.
With Qian Daoliu's protection, Xiao Yu believed he would be perfectly safe within the Spirit Hall.
Under Chrysanthemum Douluo's guidance, Xiao Yu arrived at the main hall of the Pope's Hall.
There, besides Pope Bibi Dong sitting on her throne, Hu Liena, Yan, Xie Yue, and the support-type soul master from the team were also present.
Seeing their lifeless and gloomy expressions, Xiao Yu had a rough idea of why Bibi Dong had summoned him.
"Your Holiness, what a coincidence to see you again. May I ask why you've called for me?"
Xiao Yu asked.
Looking at Xiao Yu below the stage, Bibi Dong's expression was complicated. She then spoke softly, "Xiao Yu, after yesterday's battle, my disciples seem to have been infected with some kind of evil poison. It will take years of rest to completely cleanse it. But how much time in a soul master's life can be dedicated to detoxification?
Especially at their age, which is the most suitable for cultivation. Therefore, I've heard that your martial soul has the ability to remove evil poison. I'd like to ask you to help cleanse the evil poison within them, allowing them to regain their ability to cultivate.
This way, even if their life force is still lacking, at the very least, they can continue to cultivate in the future... and not waste their prime years.
This is a personal request from me. If you're willing to help, this ten-thousand-year Thunder Dragon Left Arm Spirit Bone, which I obtained by chance while hunting spirit beasts, will be your reward."
To be honest, if Bibi Dong hadn't been truly desperate, she would never have sought Xiao Yu's help.
After all, she had previously sent so many people to hunt him down.
But she had no choice. If she didn't act soon, Hu Liena and the others would be in danger.
After Hu Liena and the others had their soul power and life force absorbed by Tang San during the competition, as soon as the tournament ended, Bibi Dong had Chrysanthemum Douluo thoroughly examine their bodies. However, after the examination, Chrysanthemum Douluo was shocked to discover.
Not only had Hu Liena and the others lost their life force, but Tang San's Blue Silver Grass had also planted a mysterious toxin within their bodies. This toxin acted like a curse, both hindering the recovery of their life force and worsening their physical condition.
If this toxin wasn't removed soon, Hu Liena and the others would be in grave danger.
Originally, since Tang San was the one who caused this, they should have sought his help. However, Tang San had been taken away by Tang Hao, and they had no way to find him.
Bibi Dong didn't want to seek help from Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu, fearing that it would cost her more and further weaken her control over the Spirit Hall. Therefore, Bibi Dong had no choice but to turn to Xiao Yu, who also possessed a sacred aura.
After all, compared to being further manipulated by Qian Daoliu, sacrificing a ten-thousand-year spirit bone was a small price to pay.
Below, Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and the others, upon hearing that the Pope had offered a ten-thousand-year Thunder Dragon Spirit Bone to save them, lowered their heads even further.
As the Pope's disciples, they had enjoyed her support. Yet, not only had they failed to share her burdens, they had even caused her such worry.
They truly felt ashamed of the Pope's sacrifices for them.
After hearing Bibi Dong's words, Xiao Yu inwardly sneered.
Now you come to me?! Why don't you go find Tang San?! Why come to me?! If you hadn't sent people to kill me earlier, I might have helped you for the sake of the spirit bone. But since you tried to kill me, why should I help you?! Do you really think I'm the kind of person who repays evil with good?!
With a mocking laugh, Xiao Yu calmly said, "I'm sorry, Your Holiness. Although my martial soul possesses a sacred aura, I'm not skilled at detoxification. Perhaps you should find Tang San to help you. After all, he's the one who caused this. Only he knows how poisonous his Blue Silver Grass has become and why it's so toxic."
The poison in Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was something even Bibi Dong couldn't handle. It must have evolved by absorbing the life force of countless poison-attribute spirit beasts. Even if Xiao Yu could detoxify it, he couldn't be bothered.
Hearing Xiao Yu's refusal, Bibi Dong tightly gripped her scepter, her beautiful face showing a trace of anger.
This damned kid...
Bibi Dong naturally knew why Xiao Yu was unwilling to help her. But since she needed his assistance, she could only suppress her anger and say, "Xiao Yu, I know there might be some misunderstandings between us. How about this: besides this spirit bone, if you're willing to help, I'll owe you a favor. How does that sound?"
For Hu Liena's sake, Bibi Dong could only lower her dignity slightly.
Seeing the Pope lower herself to owe a favor to a junior for their sake, Hu Liena and the others felt even more disheartened.
At the same time, their hatred for Tang San grew.
If he hadn't acted recklessly during the competition, how could the Pope have been humiliated like this?