Sign-In in Douluo Dalu.

Chapter 389.

On this day, in a room within Yuexuan Pavilion.

Tang San finished his day's assignments and slowly stood up, his gaze drifting to the mist-shrouded Heaven Dou City outside the window. The fog was particularly heavy today, blanketing the city in a thick, ethereal veil.

The door creaked open, and Tang Yuehua entered.

Tang San turned around, expecting his aunt to review his progress for the day. But as he faced her, he noticed something unusual—her typically elegant and composed demeanor was marred by a deep furrow in her brow.

"Aunt, what's wrong?" Tang San asked, surprised.

Throughout their time together, his aunt had always –maintained her graceful and calm appearance. The only time he had seen her express unrestrained emotion was the joy she showed upon reuniting with his father.

Now, however, her expression was one of unmistakable worry.

"There is troubling news," Tang Yuehua said with a sigh. "Bad news from the Soul Hall."

Tang San's heart sank at her words.

Although his father had never explicitly told him about his mother's connection to the Soul Hall, Tang San had pieced it together on his own. The Spirit Hall had long since become his greatest enemy.

It was fortunate that his appearance had changed, otherwise, the Soul Hall might have discovered him long ago.

"What's the news?" Tang San asked, his tone serious.

Tang Yuehua met his gaze and spoke softly. "The news arrived today. Yesterday, the Supreme Pontiff's Palace in Soul City made an announcement to the entire continent, the position of Pontiff has been reinstated. Historically, this position was second only to the Supreme Pontiff within the Soul Hall, but it had been abolished. Now, it has been revived. You can imagine the implications."

Tang San was stunned.

Over the past six months, his aunt had taught him a great deal about the inner workings of the continent's power structures, including the Soul Hall. He understood the significance of the Pontiff's position.

"Who is the new appointed Pontiff?" he asked, his voice low.

Tang Yuehua shook her head. "The announcement was vague. They only provided a title, calling him ;White Pontiff'. He remains shrouded in mystery. But whoever he is, his strength must be extraordinary. His appointment has undoubtedly bolstered the power of the Soul Hall once again."

She paused before continuing, her tone gentle but firm. "Xiao San, you must not let this news unsettle you."

"'White Pontiff ?… White!! Could it be?"

Tang San's heart skipped a beat. Could it be the White Death God? He had saved Hu Liena twice, and it wasn't inconceivable that the Soul Hall might recruit him. But Wang Wu didn't seem like the type to be easily swayed or manipulated.

Perhaps Bibi Dong had used some extraordinary means?

Tang San's mind raced. If it were true, the Soul Hall's strength had indeed grown significantly. Based on his father's observations, the White Death God's power was terrifying—likely at the level of a Titled Douluo.

Moreover, he was still young, and his future potential was immense, perhaps immeasurable.

"I hope it's not him…" Tang San thought with a heavy heart.

Tang Yuehua continued, her voice lowered. "Additionally, the White Pontiff has been appointed as the third consecration of the Elder Hall."

Tang San's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Only Titled Douluo are eligible to enter the Elder Hall," she explained. "To become a consecration, let alone the number third, requires unparalleled strength. While the Soul Hall hasn't revealed much about his capabilities, we can infer that this Pope in White is an exceptionally powerful individual."

Tang San nodded silently. He had learned enough about the Elder Hall to understand its importance within the Soul Hall's hierarchy.

"After his appointment," Tang Yuehua continued, "the Supreme Pontiff decreed that the White Pontiff would travel across the continent, visiting Soul Halls in the name of 'inspection' to establish his authority. In a few months, he is likely to visit the Soul Hall Temple here in Heaven Dou City. The royal family of the Heaven Dou Empire will undoubtedly treat his arrival with great importance."

She added with a meaningful look, "Recently, hasn't a certain young lady from the royal family been spending time with you? It would be wise to maintain a good relationship with her. It may give you an opportunity to observe this White Pontiff up close."

Tang San hummed in acknowledgment but didn't refuse.

His aunt's Yuexuan Pavilion specialized in educating the children of noble families, allowing them to interact with the aristocracy and royalty. Recently, a young girl from the Heaven Dou royal family had indeed been visiting him frequently. His aunt had mentioned that she was the little princess of the Heaven Dou Imperial family.

In the past, Tang San would have dismissed such interactions outright, his heart entirely devoted to Xiao Wu. No other woman could have held his interest.

But now, he understood the value of forming connections and engaging in conversation, even if his heart remained unchanged.

As his aunt had said, building relationships could be a powerful tool.

"I hope to see the White Pontiff when he arrives," Tang San thought, a quiet determination settling within him.

"In the name of the Supreme Pontiff, visiting the Soul Hall Temples across the continent… It seems the Supreme Pontiff is grooming the White Pontiff as a confidant."

In the grand hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect, Ning Fengzhi's expression was thoughtful, his brow slightly furrowed.

Though more than four years had passed, Ning Fengzhi appeared unchanged—calm, poised, and elegant as always.

Beside him stood Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo, their appearances similarly unaltered. At their age and level of strength, visible changes were rare, their statures and auras seemingly frozen in time.

"Uncle Sword," Ning Fengzhi said, his voice steady, "you are an honorary elder of the Soul Hall. Have you ever encountered the White Pontiff? What can you tell us about his strength?"

Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, pondered for a moment before replying, "I haven't met him personally, but I do know this, the second consecration of the Elder Hall is at least three levels stronger than me. The White Pontiff holds the position of third consecration in the Elder Hall, a role that requires the approval of many Titled Douluo within the Elder Hall itself. This is something the Supreme Pontiff cannot directly influence."

He paused, his gaze steady. "For him to hold that position, his strength cannot be below mine. Additionally, for the Supreme Pontiff to value him so highly suggests he has immense potential, a unique status, and is most likely very young."

Ning Fengzhi nodded silently, processing the information.

Bone Douluo, Gu Rong, sighed softly. "This so-called inspection tour isn't just about visiting the Soul Hall Temples across the continent—it's a show of strength. It seems the Soul Hall is preparing to make its move sooner than we anticipated."

The hall fell into a contemplative silence.

Over the years, Ning Fengzhi had sensed the growing ambitions of the Soul Hall. Now, with the emergence of the White Pontiff, the political landscape of the continent seemed poised for upheaval.

Finally, Ning Fengzhi broke the quiet. "By the way… it's been more than four years now. Has there been any news about that boy?"

Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with memory and regret. Sword Douluo's gaze briefly flickered with nostalgia before both of them shook their heads.

Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi let out a soft sigh.

"Fengzhi, how is Rongrong these days?" Bone Douluo asked hesitantly, steering the conversation in a different direction.

Ning Fengzhi's expression softened as he replied, "She's been doing well."

He continued, his tone reflective. "In the first year after he disappeared, she was unusually quiet, keeping to herself. But in the years since, she's returned to her usual self—or at least, that's how it seems. She trains harder than ever and has matured into someone I could only have hoped for before".

"She's become more composed and resilient… perhaps the best version of herself I've ever seen. But it's exactly because of this that I worry."

He paused, his voice growing quieter. "In these past four years, she hasn't mentioned him once. For a time, I thought she had finally moved on. But last year, she quietly funded the construction of a small town near Suotuo City. Only then did I realize… she hasn't forgotten him at all."

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