Chapter 1
Jing Tianming, you are not good enough for Nana!
Wuhun City, the Pope's Palace.
"Tianming, about your engagement with Nana."
"Let's just leave it at that!"
The gilded palace, entirely constructed of white jade, shone brightly under the dazzling lights, exuding brilliance and holiness while also adding a touch of solemnity. Bibi Dong, the Pope, sat high on her gilded and jade-inlaid throne, looking down at the young man below.
She was stunningly beautiful and possessed a noble and elegant demeanor, yet her expression was utterly indifferent.
His words were cold and emotionless, like those of an emperor who held the power of life and death.
"As my personal disciple, Nana is destined to become the Holy Maiden of my Spirit Hall in the future."
"Tianming, you should understand what this means."
Without waiting for the boy's reply, his voice suddenly turned heavy, carrying an undeniable authority, and his aura subtly surged.
"As the future Holy Maiden of my Spirit Hall, and even the next Pope, her husband cannot be an ordinary person with only half a level of innate soul power."
"The saint's reputation and dignity must not be tarnished."
"The reputation of my Spirit Hall, built up over ten thousand years, and the authority of the Pope, must not be tarnished!"
As soon as he finished speaking, his imposing manner suddenly subsided, and his tone returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
"Besides, your engagement to Nana was arranged by your parents. At that time, Nana was still young and knew nothing about love. You hastily agreed to it only to obey your parents, not because of your own wishes."
"This engagement was arranged so hastily."
"How can this be considered valid?"
"Furthermore, you should know that yourself."
"You and Nana are from two different worlds now, and you are destined to have no future together."
"With Nana's talent, she is destined to become a powerful and long-lived Title Douluo in the future."
"With your innate soul power at only half a level, your future achievements are destined to be limited, and your lifespan will not be very long."
Three consecutive "destined" statements seem to corroborate this conclusion.
"Then how can the two of you spend your lives together?"
"Forcing them together will only add another tragedy to the world."
"This is the result." Bibi Dong paused, her gaze fixed on the boy called Tianming.
"I suppose... this isn't what you wanted to see either?"
If it weren't for consideration for Nana's feelings and to avoid being labeled as a bully within the Spirit Hall, she wouldn't have summoned Jing Tianming alone to discuss these matters. Now, she only hopes that Jing Tianming is a smart man and knows when to back down.
Otherwise, for the sake of her only disciple, she would have no choice but to take some unconventional measures.
But then, the boy standing below the hall raised his head. His still-youthful features were already sharp and angular, revealing a resolute expression.
There was not a trace of anger on his face, and his demeanor was measured; he bowed and greeted the guests with composure. His voice was calm and clear, without a hint of fear.
"Your Holiness, is this your intention, or Nana's own?"
A fleeting hint of surprise crossed Bibi Dong's eyes. It was hard to believe that such mature words came from the mouth of a six-year-old child. It was clear that Yue Guan had indeed taught her quite well in terms of manners.
Looking back now, it was an unintentional act.
You could call it a form of early compensation.
Being personally instructed by a titled Douluo is not something just anyone can enjoy.
Unfortunately, Jing Tianming ultimately disappointed her, failing to awaken a martial soul that satisfied her like Xie Yue and Nana. Instead, he awakened a malignant mutated martial soul that initially surprised her but later deeply disappointed her. Most importantly...
His innate soul power is only half a level!
Otherwise, she wouldn't necessarily be unable to accept the engagement between Jing Tianming and Nana.
Unfortunately, it backfired.
In her eyes, Jing Tianming is no different from a useless person and is not worthy of being her disciple at all!
Thinking of this, Bibi Dong said without the slightest hesitation, "It is my will, and it is also Nana's will."
"In that case, I am willing to dissolve the engagement," Jing Tianming said decisively.
"Very good!" Bibi Dong nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Don't worry, I will make amends for this matter."
"Although your innate soul power is only half a level, you can still cultivate. Therefore, regarding cultivation resources..."
"I can promise that I will continue to supply you until you break through to the Great Soul Master level."
"But!" she suddenly changed the subject.
"Given your current aptitude, you are indeed no longer suitable to stay in Spirit City. How about this, I will personally select a primary-level Spirit Master academy in a major city for you later, and Elder Ju will personally escort you there to enroll."
"In that case, I'll make sure you're not bullied over there."
After saying that, he turned his head to look to one side.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been waiting quietly to the side, understood and a complex look flashed in his eyes, but he still bowed slightly in response.
"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope!"
The next second, Jing Tianming's voice suddenly came.
"Your Holiness, no need!"
The hall fell silent instantly; the air seemed to freeze for a moment, and you could hear a pin drop.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had not yet straightened up, changed his expression.
Bibi Dong's expression also turned cold instantly, and her tone regained its authority, "Are you dissatisfied with my arrangements?"
Jing Tianming placed one hand on his chest, bowed slightly, and remained humble and polite. "Your Holiness the Pope, it is not that I am dissatisfied, but that I wish to find a place for myself."
"Oh." Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow. "Have you made up your mind?"
Jing Tianming raised his head. "Your Holiness, I am aware of my low aptitude. No matter which academy I go to, I will become a laughing stock. Even with Elder Ju's authority, I imagine there will be no shortage of private criticism."
"Therefore, it's better to be uncomfortable in the academy."
"It would be better for a junior like me to return to my roots and live a peaceful life back in my ancestral home."
"As for the path of cultivation, I do not seek great achievements. Being able to live a wealthy life at home would be enough to make my life worthwhile."
"You're quite open-minded." Bibi Dong's brows relaxed, and then she nodded.
"Very well, I grant your request!"
"..."
Not long after, outside the palace.
"Dawn!"
A familiar voice came from behind.
Just as Jing Tianming followed Chrysanthemum Douluo out of the palace gate, he turned around and saw two young men walking towards him, one in white and the other in red.
He knew both Xie Yue and Yan, Hu Liena's simp.
Hu Liena, the person directly involved, didn't come, but Xie Yue and Yan did. Jing Tianming had some idea of what was going on. Bibi Dong had called him aside today to discuss these matters, which was undoubtedly a pre-arranged plan. Therefore, he didn't respond, nor did he want to say anything more, simply waiting for the two to approach. Then, he saw Xie Yue stop, glance at him, and sigh, "Tianming, try to think more positively."
"This outcome is good for Nana and for you."
"Xie Yue, why waste your breath on him!"
A rough, arrogant voice suddenly rang out, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.
Yan raised his chin and looked down at Jing Tianming, his contempt undisguised, and his words were unrestrained and quite loud.
It seemed as if he was afraid that the people around him wouldn't hear him.
"He's a complete loser now, not even worthy of carrying my shoes. He's utterly unworthy of Nana!"
"If anyone had any self-awareness, wouldn't it be the right thing to break off the engagement?"
After saying that, he twitched his lips in an exaggerated manner, turned his nostrils up toward Jing Tianming, and looked at him with disdain and contempt in his eyes.
"Does he, a grown man, really think he can keep pestering Nana with a marriage contract left by his parents, making our future Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall willingly marry this good-for-nothing, support him for the rest of her life, and spend her whole life making a fool of herself with him?"
"Is this reasonable?"
"Does he deserve it?!"