After deciding to stay longer in Spirit Hall City, Liu Erlong spent her days digging into all the arrangements Qian Xunji had made to help the common people, driven by curiosity.
She soon learned that Spirit Hall would summon deacons from its many branch halls—especially those in small towns and villages—to come to Spirit Hall City for training.
On one hand, they were taught how to use various tools that improved farming efficiency and speed. On the other, they were taught agricultural techniques that could increase crop yields.
Beyond that, Qian Xunji had even invested heavily into a dedicated research institute within Spirit Hall City that focused solely on such topics.
This made Liu Erlong deeply admire and respect Qian Xunji. Compared to her second brother, Yu Xiaogang, who only ever talked but never acted, His Holiness the Pope was the one who truly cared about the commoners.
Originally, Liu Erlong had wanted to visit both the deacon training facility and the research institute. But those places were clearly off-limits to outsiders like her and Flender.
Left with no other choice, she made a decision—she would request an audience with Pope Qian Xunji. She wanted to ask him personally if she could visit those places, to witness with her own eyes the results of his efforts for the people.
Inside the Pope's residence, Qian Xunji was in his study, reading through the archives of Spirit Hall's affairs handled by the Secretariat during his absence over the past few months.
"Reporting to His Holiness. A Soul Emperor named Liu Erlong wishes to see you," came the respectful voice of a Holy Emperor Guard outside the door. "She claims to be an old acquaintance of yours. Shall we allow her in?"
Qian Xunji's sharp brows twitched slightly as his handsome face showed a flicker of surprise and curiosity.
'Liu Erlong? She really came? But what is she here for?'
"Let her wait for me in the main hall."
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Only after finishing the documents that detailed Spirit Hall affairs for the second month did Qian Xunji slowly rise and head toward the main hall.
"His Holiness has arrived!"
With the loud proclamation from a squad of Holy Emperor Guards, Liu Erlong—seated in a chair inside the grand hall—immediately stood up, feeling nervous and uneasy as she awaited Qian Xunji's arrival.
Just then, the door was pushed open, and in walked Qian Xunji with a faint smile on his handsome face. Clad in luxurious robes, tall and poised, his golden hair flowed down his back, and his sharp brows and starry eyes gave him an extraordinary presence.
"Liu Erlong, how is it?" he said. "Now that you've arrived in Spirit Hall City, I assume you've uncovered the truth about Yu Xiaogang?"
Though they had already met once in Balak Kingdom, seeing him again now—radiating power and elegance—Liu Erlong couldn't help but feel her heart race. Her cheeks turned slightly red.
'So this is His Holiness the Pope... He really is handsome and has such a noble aura.'
Faced with his question, Liu Erlong's heart ached as she recalled everything she had learned about Yu Xiaogang. She lowered her head in guilt and spoke earnestly.
"Forgive me, Your Holiness. I wronged you. I never imagined Yu Xiaogang would turn out to be such a hypocritical and heartless man. Everything he told me... it was all just empty words. He had no intention of helping commoner soul masters at all."
"In contrast, it is you, Your Holiness, who has been truly and sincerely working to improve the lives of the people!"
By the end, her eyes were full of admiration and respect.
Qian Xunji was slightly surprised. 'She already knows about all the work I've done for the people?'
"It's nothing," he said, shaking his head with a sigh. "I just believe that commoners are people too. If I can help them live better lives within my capabilities, then that's what I should do."
His humble response only made Liu Erlong admire him more.
"Your Holiness! One reason I asked to see you today is to apologize for misunderstanding you back in Balak Kingdom. The other is that I hope to visit the research institute you established in Spirit Hall City. I also want to see how the deacons from all over are being trained to assist the people."
"If possible, I would even like to join Spirit Hall myself, to help the commoners alongside you!"
She looked at him sincerely and hopefully, her eyes filled with determination.
Qian Xunji was surprised by her request. But he had no intention of accepting her into Spirit Hall—at least, not yet.
He knew that Liu Erlong was the daughter of Yu Luomian, vice sect master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Unless she fully broke away from the clan, he wouldn't consider letting her join.
However, he had no issue letting her visit the research institute and the deacon training academy.
He knew that in the future, both Liu Erlong and Flender could establish a soul master academy of their own. Letting her witness Spirit Hall's benevolence and efforts now would only serve to influence more people down the line.
"Our Spirit Hall's work for the people is genuine," he said with a smile. "We've got nothing to hide. Since you wish to visit, I'll take you there myself."
He didn't directly address her request to join Spirit Hall, but he did agree to take her on a tour.
Soon after, Qian Xunji led Liu Erlong out of the Pope's residence and began showing her around Spirit Hall City.
At the research institute, she saw ongoing work on a variety of initiatives—high-efficiency farming tools, improved iron smelting techniques, and ongoing advancements in papermaking.
With his calm narration, Qian Xunji explained:
The farming tools were to improve work efficiency.
The refined ironwork methods would help reduce the cost of ironware so that ordinary people could afford pots, hoes, axes, and other daily tools.
Papermaking was being improved so that books could become affordable to the masses, enabling knowledge to spread among the lower classes.
Listening to all this, Liu Erlong's admiration for Qian Xunji only grew. Her respect quickly began to turn into affection, though Qian Xunji remained unaware.
After the tour of the research institute and the training academy, Qian Xunji returned with Liu Erlong to the Pope's residence.
"Ji'er!"
Just as they reached the entrance, a voice called out.
From a distance, the old geezer Qian Daoliu stood before the Douluo Hall, hands behind his back, eyes fixed on Qian Xunji.
"Father, what is it?" Qian Xunji asked, puzzled as he walked over.
Looking him up and down, Qian Daoliu shook his head and let out a long sigh, his tone full of heartfelt advice.
"Ji'er, while I've told you to carry on our family line…"
"…you must still have a conscience!"
"Ling Yuan gave birth to Xue'er for you, and you just brought Ah Yin back not long ago. Even though Ah Yin is a soul beast, since you've already gotten her pregnant, you must take responsibility!"
"She hasn't even given birth yet!"
"How can you go and flirt with another woman already?!"
Qian Daoliu grew more and more indignant as he spoke, looking at Qian Xunji as if he were scum—his eyes filled with disappointment and righteous fury.
"Does your conscience not hurt at all?!"