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Bibi Dong, still curious, asked, "Teacher, I don't understand. What does this have to do with us? Surely you didn't call us back from our training just to see a sea spirit master, did you?"
Qian Xunji put down his chopsticks and smiled. "I just praised you for being mature and composed, but now you're being so impatient."
"Of course, I wouldn't interrupt your three-year training just for a single sea spirit master."
"The reason is that after capturing this sea spirit master, we obtained some information. According to his account, he comes from an overseas island called Sea God Island. The island is home to over a thousand sea spirit masters and has seven cities. His spirit was considered evil, so he was exiled from Sea God Island. By chance, he ended up on the coast of Douluo Continent. In order to quickly increase his spirit power level and return to Sea God Island for revenge, he turned to the path of a fallen one."
"An island with over a thousand spirit masters—this is why I've decided to send a force to conquer Sea God Island and demonstrate the might of Spirit Hall."
As Qian Xunji spoke, his voice grew louder, clearly filled with a desire to conquer this unknown Sea God Island.
This was understandable. Qian Xunji had been the Pope of Spirit Hall for many years but had yet to achieve any truly remarkable accomplishments. The appearance of Sea God Island presented him with a golden opportunity to make a name for himself.
By conquering this island with its thousand spirit masters, Qian Xunji believed he could solidify his reputation and truly establish his authority across the continent.
"So, Teacher, you called us back to join this expedition?" Bibi Dong asked, still unsure.
"Yes. You've all reached the level of Soul Emperors, and you, Bibi Dong, are the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall. This expedition will involve a large number of people, making it the perfect opportunity for you to establish your authority within Spirit Hall."
"It's also the best test of your growth during your training," Qian Xunji explained without hiding his intentions.
Hearing Qian Xunji's ambitious words, Lin Yongming couldn't help but feel uneasy. He knew that this attack on Sea God Island was doomed to fail because of the presence of Bo Saixi, the High Priestess of Sea God Island and an invincible Limit Douluo in the ocean.
However, Lin Yongming couldn't reveal this to Qian Xunji. How could he explain that he knew Sea God Island had a Limit Douluo and seven Title Douluos? There was no way to justify such knowledge.
"Thank you for your trust, Your Holiness. However, there's something I feel I must say, though I'm not sure if it's appropriate," Lin Yongming suddenly spoke up.
"Oh? Lin Yongming, what are your thoughts? Speak freely," Qian Xunji said, surprised. In his impression, Lin Yongming was always composed and reserved, so it was unexpected for him to speak up like this.
"Thank you, Your Holiness."
"I believe that since Sea God Island uses the word 'God' in its name, it's clearly not an ordinary place. I think it would be wise to first investigate the island thoroughly before deciding whether to attack. This would be the most prudent course of action," Lin Yongming suggested, knowing full well that he couldn't change Qian Xunji's mind.
But Lin Yongming still wanted to try. After all, the losses from this expedition would be significant. Although the original story didn't specify the exact number of casualties, it mentioned that two of Spirit Hall's Title Douluos had perished on Sea God Island. Lin Yongming didn't want these people to die needlessly.
"Lin Yongming, you're quite thoughtful and cautious. But this is only natural, as you're not yet aware of Spirit Hall's true strength."
"I believe Sea God Island may have Title Douluos, but how many could there be? Two, three, or even four? Even if there are seven or eight, Spirit Hall can handle them."
"The advantage will undoubtedly be ours," Qian Xunji said with a confident smile, dismissing Lin Yongming's concerns.
"Your Holiness, I spoke out of turn," Lin Yongming replied calmly.
Inwardly, however, he shook his head in frustration. "On their home turf, in the ocean, where is the advantage? Even if we doubled our forces, it would still be futile."
Lin Yongming had tried his best, but Qian Xunji's tone made it clear that his words had no effect.
"It's fine. Your suggestion is a good one, and I'll continue to gather more information from the sea spirit master," Qian Xunji said, waving his hand.
"Moreover, I didn't call you back just to have you participate casually. I intend to have the two of you lead and command a thousand troops. Bibi Dong will be the captain, and Lin Yongming will be the vice-captain."
"Once we land on the island, I plan to split our forces into two groups. Don't let me down," Qian Xunji explained his plan to them.
"Teacher, this… I'm afraid we're not capable of such a responsibility. Leading a hundred people would be one thing, but commanding a thousand? If I make a mistake in command and the mission fails, I would be held accountable," Bibi Dong said, clearly taken aback.
"Your Holiness, I agree. Please reconsider this appointment. Attacking Sea God Island is already a risky endeavor, and we have no experience in such a critical role. This is no trivial matter," Lin Yongming added quickly.
"Your Holiness, I also think the Holy Maiden and Lin Yongming are right. We can serve as soldiers, but we're not fit to be commanders," Blue Silver Empress also spoke up in their defense.
"Your Holiness, I agree with the Holy Maiden and the others. Not only might they struggle to command respect, but we also know nothing about Sea God Island. We must not underestimate this mission. It requires the utmost care and preparation," Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been silent until now, also voiced his opinion.
"You all make good points. Very well, I'll consider this carefully. For now, let's finish our meal before the food gets cold," Qian Xunji nodded, not pressing the matter further.
"Your Holiness, when do you plan to set out for Sea God Island?" Lin Yongming couldn't help but ask.
"Since you've returned, we'll depart for Hanhai City in three days. Use these three days to rest," Qian Xunji explained.
"Dong'er, the empty courtyard next to yours will be for Lin Yongming and Blue Silver," Qian Xunji added.
"Understood, Teacher. After dinner, I'll take them there," Bibi Dong nodded, clearly pleased with the arrangement.
"Thank you, Your Holiness," Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress expressed their gratitude.
The dinner lasted nearly an hour, and aside from the discussion about Sea God Island, no other topics were brought up. After leaving the dining hall, Bibi Dong finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness. It wasn't because of our relationship that we were called back," Bibi Dong said, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"I told you, the Pope is wise and fair. You were overthinking things," Lin Yongming said with a slight smile.
"Alright, let me take you to your quarters," Bibi Dong said, now genuinely smiling for the first time since arriving in Spirit City.
Aside from Qian Xunji's residence, the other courtyards were similar in size and layout.
After half an hour of tidying up the long-unused rooms, Bibi Dong bid them goodnight and returned to her own courtyard.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 266 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 70 power stones I will publish the next chapter.