As they departed from the Spirit Hall, the imposing figures of Yue Guan and Gui Mei flanked the small boy, Song Qing. The contrast in their sizes was comical, yet the air around them crackled with the immense power emanating from the two Super Douluo. Once they were a good distance away, beyond the immediate earshot of any potential eavesdroppers, the silent communication between the old ghost and the old flower began.
'That threat from Her Holiness…' Gui Mei's thoughts echoed in Yue Guan's mind, laced with a rare hint of nervousness.
'Indeed,' Yue Guan responded mentally, his usual flamboyant demeanor replaced by a more serious tone. 'I haven't seen her so… intense in a very long time. Not even when dealing with those stubborn elders who dared to question her authority.'
'Remember how she dealt with the Clear Sky Clan all those years ago?' Gui Mei's thoughts were a chilling reminder of Bibi Dong's ruthlessness. 'Even then, her warning wasn't this… personal. This felt different.'
'It felt like she was threatening our very existence,' Yue Guan mused, a shiver running down his spine despite his immense power. 'If anything happens to this little Holy Son…'
'We might as well dig our own graves right now,' Gui Mei finished grimly. 'It would certainly be less painful than facing her wrath.' They both understood the gravity of their mission. Bibi Dong's protectiveness towards Song Qing had been steadily growing, and this latest display was a clear indication of just how much she valued him.
'He did reach Soul Ancestor just after his eighth birthday,' Yue Guan thought, a touch of awe in his mental voice. 'Such talent… it's no wonder Her Holiness is so protective.'
'Our lives are in his tiny hands now,' Gui Mei quipped, though there was no humor in his thought. 'Let's just make sure nothing even remotely dangerous gets within ten miles of him.'
Their journey to Heaven Dou City was swift and uneventful, thanks to the sheer intimidation factor of having two Super Douluo subtly radiating their power. They eventually reached the prestigious Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, its sprawling grounds bustling with talented young Spirit Masters.
Song Qing's eyes lit up as he spotted a familiar figure waving excitedly from a group of students near the entrance. "Sister Yan!" he called out, hurrying towards Dugu Yan, his two silent guardians following closely behind.
Dugu Yan, now a vibrant young woman of nearly thirteen, her purple hair cascading down her back, embraced Song Qing warmly. "Little Qing! You came! I'm so glad to see you!" She then turned to her friends, a wide smile on her face. "Everyone, this is my good friend, Song Qing, from… from far away."
She introduced him to her group of friends, mostly girls, their eyes widening in curiosity at the sight of the adorable young boy. One girl, particularly striking with a delicate veil covering the lower half of her face, was introduced as Ye Lingling. There were others whose names flitted past Song Qing's ears in a flurry of greetings.
"He's so cute!" one of Dugu Yan's friends squealed, pinching Song Qing's cheek gently.
"Look at his eyes!" another exclaimed, her gaze filled with admiration. "They're like little stars!"
Questions rained down upon Song Qing, each more enthusiastic than the last. "Where are you from?"
"How old are you?"
"What's your Martial Spirit?"
Before he could answer one question, another would be thrown his way, leaving him slightly overwhelmed but somewhat enjoying the attention and the occasional hug or playful touch.
As they were chatting, a figure approached their group, exuding an air of noble confidence and a commanding presence.
It was Yu Tianheng, his bearing was quite impressive. He possessed a naturally imposing aura, and his eyes held a hint of arrogance.
"Yan'er," he said, his voice smooth and confident, a charming smile gracing his lips. He seemed surprised to see a young boy standing so close to Dugu Yan. "I was hoping to have a word with you." He glanced at Song Qing with a hint of disdain. "Who is this?"
Dugu Yan's smile vanished, replaced by a cold glare. "Yu Tianheng," she said, her voice sharp and dismissive, "this is my friend, Song Qing. He has come all the way to visit me, and I would appreciate it if you would leave us alone. I have no time for your nonsense right now." Her tone left no room for argument.
Yu Tianheng's smile faltered slightly, taken aback by her coldness. He turned his attention to Song Qing, a condescending smirk playing on his lips. "And what brings a child like you to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?"
Song Qing, who had been observing Yu Tianheng with a thoughtful gaze, a whirlwind of fragmented memories swirling in his mind, stepped forward. 'So, this is Yu Tianheng,' he thought, assessing the young man before him.
He straightened his small shoulders, a spark of determination in his eyes. "My name is Song Qing," he announced, his voice clear and confident despite his age.
"I am the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall with the Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor." He paused, letting his words sink in, then continued, his gaze locking with Yu Tianheng's. "I have heard that you are the inheritor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, said to possess the strongest Martial Spirit in the world. As a fellow dragon spirit master, I would like to challenge you to a spar."
Yu Tianheng's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in contemplation. The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall? Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor Spirit? This young boy? He considered the challenge for a moment, a flicker of pride and perhaps a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Very well," he said, nodding slowly. "I accept your challenge."
The group made their way towards the academy's arena, a large open space designed for such duels. Yue Guan and Gui Mei remained close to Song Qing, their expressions unreadable, though a subtle amusement flickered in their eyes.
'This should be… entertaining,' Yue Guan thought to Gui Mei.
'Indeed,' Gui Mei responded mentally, a ghostly chuckle echoing in Yue Guan's mind. 'That little brat has no idea what's about to hit him.' They both knew Song Qing's true soul power was far beyond what anyone here could imagine.
Yu Tianheng, brimming with confidence, had a soul power of Level 22, a respectable achievement for his age and lineage. He had no inkling that the seemingly innocent young boy who had just challenged him possessed a soul power of Level 44, a secret carefully guarded by the Spirit Hall.
The two Super Douluo exchanged a knowing glance. This wasn't going to be a spar; it was going to be a massacre. And they were both quite eager to witness the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan get thoroughly trounced by their adorable Holy Son.