"You've got some serious luck, kid. His Holiness the Pope is actually willing to take you in as a disciple."
On the way there, Yue Guan couldn't resist teasing Gu Han.
"Senior Yue Guan, please don't make fun of me. Honestly, I don't even know how to describe how I'm feeling right now."
Gu Han let out a bitter chuckle. Truth be told, the idea of Qian Xunji taking him as a student had never once crossed his mind. It was completely unexpected.
When Qian Xunji brought it up so suddenly, he'd been utterly shocked.
By all logic, all he had done was provide information on the effects of whale jelly—not nearly enough to warrant a Titled Douluo, let alone the Pope himself, personally taking him as a disciple.
"You little brat, playing the humble card after landing such a huge benefit. Shouldn't you be thrilled that His Holiness is taking you under his wing? Why the bitter smile?"
"Well, of course I'm happy, Senior Yue Guan. It's just... it all feels a bit overwhelming."
"Overwhelming, huh? I suppose that's fair. After all, His Holiness has only ever accepted one disciple—Xiao Dongdong."
Yue Guan seemed to understand then. In the end, this kid was still just a teenager. No matter how mature he might act, getting personally chosen by the Pope was bound to shake anyone's composure.
Xiao Dongdong…
Gu Han twitched at the name, inwardly speechless. Was he referring to Bibi Dong?
Just imagining the future Bibi Dong—the domineering empress-like figure she'd become—and then pairing that with the way Yue Guan had just called her made Gu Han shake his head, trying to rid himself of the cognitive dissonance.
Right now, Bibi Dong was just a nine-year-old girl. For someone like Yue Guan, a powerful Soul Douluo, to call her that wasn't strange at all. He only hoped Yue Guan would still have the guts to use that nickname in the future.
Yue Guan led Gu Han through the grounds of the Spirit Academy and arranged a single room for him.
This wasn't any kind of special treatment. Every student who got into the Spirit Academy was among the most talented across the entire continent—each of them had their own private dormitory, to ensure they had personal space and privacy.
"All right, kid. Rest up here for the day. I'm heading off."
After settling him in, Yue Guan looked a bit worn out. He also had his beloved garden to tend to. What if his precious flowers and plants withered while he was away for days?
"Thank you for everything, Senior Yue Guan. I really appreciate the trouble."
"Enough with the formalities. I'm exhausted."
Yue Guan waved a hand dismissively and walked away without looking back.
After seeing him off, Gu Han shut the door to his dorm.
The room was about sixty to seventy square meters, designed in a style that combined European elegance with a touch of ancient simplicity. The mix should've felt odd, but somehow it worked seamlessly.
Just past the entranceway, the kitchen was to the right. On the left was a combined bath and restroom.
It was more than enough space for one person, with plenty of room to spare.
As a dormitory, there was no living room. The southern end of the room opened up to a balcony. Pulling open the floor-to-ceiling curtains let in abundant sunlight.
The place was fully furnished. All Gu Han needed to do was step out and pick up some basic toiletries.
After the long journey, he was understandably tired, so he simply lay down and rested through the night.
---
The next morning, a knock came at the door.
"Hey, brat, you in there?"
It was Yue Guan's voice. Gu Han scrambled out of bed, quickly responded, and straightened out his slightly wrinkled clothes before opening the door.
Sure enough, Yue Guan was leaning against the corridor pillar.
"Good morning, Senior Yue Guan."
"Skip the pleasantries. Wash your face, change your clothes—we're going to meet your teacher."
Yue Guan gave Gu Han a once-over, then pulled out a Spirit Academy uniform from his soul tool.
"This is your uniform. If you don't have anything else to wear, put this on for now."
"Thank you, Senior Yue Guan. Give me a moment."
Gu Han nodded, took the uniform, and returned inside. After washing up and tidying his hair, he changed into the academy outfit.
As a sword cultivator, Gu Han naturally exuded a sharp, disciplined aura. Now dressed neatly, his entire demeanor transformed. He looked striking and confident—every inch the picture of youthful brilliance.
"Not bad. Clothes really do make the man. With that look, who knows how many young girls you'll have swooning."
Yue Guan fluttered his lashes dramatically as he winked at him.
Gu Han immediately broke into goosebumps and gave a helpless smile. "Please, Senior Yue Guan, spare me. Let's just head out—can't keep the teacher waiting, right?"
"Fair enough. Let's go."
Yue Guan nodded and, without wasting time, led Gu Han toward the rear gardens behind the Pope's Hall.
The scenery was breathtaking, filled with plants that Gu Han didn't even recognize.
Within the garden was a pavilion, where Qian Xunji sat sipping tea. Beside him was a porcelain-like little girl.
She had long, wine-red hair, delicate features, and a slightly chubby baby face that only added to her cuteness. She was staring at Gu Han with the same curious gaze he was giving her.
"Greetings, Your Holiness."
"Greetings, Master."
Gu Han understood full well how to climb the ranks—he called "Master" without hesitation or guilt. After all, as someone without a sect or backing, he was desperate to improve.
Before he could grow stronger, having a powerful Master as a guardian was invaluable.
"Mm, stand up," Qian Xunji said with a nod. He then looked at Yue Guan. "Yue Guan, go rest."
"Thank you, Master."
"Many thanks, Your Holiness. I'll take my leave," Yue Guan replied and turned to leave.
Once Yue Guan was gone, Qian Xunji gestured to the girl beside him.
"Xiao Han, this is your senior sister, Bibi Dong—the one I told you about yesterday."
"Dong'er, this is my newly accepted disciple, Gu Han."
"Hello, Senior Sister. I'm Gu Han."
Seeing that Bibi Dong had been eyeing him curiously, Gu Han took the initiative to greet her after Qian Xunji introduced them.
"Mm. Hello, junior brother. From now on, just call me Big Sis Dong. If anyone ever bullies you, tell me. I've got your back."
Bibi Dong puffed up her little arms and walked over with a touch of pride, patting Gu Han's shoulder like a tiny mob boss standing on tiptoe.
She's actually pretty adorable at this age, Gu Han thought to himself. Outwardly, he smiled and said, "Then I'll be counting on you, Senior Sister."
"No need to be polite."
Bibi Dong waved her hand grandly, as if to say say no more.
"Xiao Han, Dong'er."
"Master."
Both of them stood upright when Qian Xunji spoke, showing him their full attention.
Though Bibi Dong was already a two-ring Grandmaster, she was still just a child, standing barely over 150 centimeters tall.
Gu Han, on the other hand, was already 175. Standing side by side, her petite figure only made her seem cuter.
"From now on, the two of you will study and cultivate together. Dong'er, you're not to drag Xiao Han into mischief—understood?"
Qian Xunji gave her a stern look as he spoke. The whole reason he accepted Gu Han was to let him have a stabilizing influence on Bibi Dong, help her focus on learning and cultivation.
The last thing he wanted was for Gu Han to get led astray by her.
"Okaaay~"
Bibi Dong lowered her head, puffing her cheeks as she mumbled her reply.