"Guang Ling Worshiper."
As the man looked toward him, Gu Han respectfully placed a hand over his chest in salute.
"No need for formalities."
"Thank you, Guang Ling Worshiper."
In the presence of such powerful individuals, Gu Han remained cautious. He was very clear about his current position—he wasn't considered a particularly valuable talent. Qian Xunji had only taken him in as a student to motivate Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong was the true prodigy. Gu Han needed to remain grounded. Until he became truly strong, he would maintain the appropriate attitude toward these high-level powerhouses.
"No need to be so tense," Guang Ling Worshiper said with a casual wave of his hand. "Since the Pope has taken you as a student, Spirit Hall won't treat you unfairly."
"I've heard your martial soul is ice-type. Summon it—I'd like to take a look."
"Yes, sir."
Gu Han nodded and summoned the Darkfrost Sword, gripping it firmly in his hand.
The blade was an eerie blue, coated in a thin sheen of frost that radiated cold.
"Hmm, not bad. The quality of the martial soul isn't particularly high, but it's still upper-mid tier. Unfortunately, your innate soul power is on the low side."
With a glance, Guang Ling Worshiper had assessed the general level of Gu Han's martial soul. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exceptional either—at best, it was comparable to the Wind Sword of the Wind Sword Sect, perhaps even slightly inferior.
"But don't be discouraged. Spirit Hall has existed for millennia, and among its records are methods for enhancing martial souls. As long as you consistently hunt soul beasts with matching ice attributes—and the higher their quality, the better—your martial soul has room to evolve."
"Thank you for the advice, Guang Ling Worshiper. That's exactly what I've been aiming for."
Gu Han was, of course, aware that acquiring soul rings from soul beasts of the same element could help evolve a martial soul. However, this kind of information wasn't widely known on the continent—it was mostly kept within the great sects or imperial families.
His knowledge came from a past life—specifically from reading those insightful comments by sharp-eyed readers.
"Come to think of it, you're quite the clever one—discovering the alternative uses of whale jelly."
"I'm curious. How did you even think to experiment with something like that?"
Guang Ling Worshiper found it fascinating. According to Gu Han's profile, the boy had always been a disciplined student, frequenting only the library, academy, and Spirit Hall. So how did he end up exploring a substance usually known as an adult tonic?
"Yeah, Junior Brother, have you been up to something naughty?" Bibi Dong crossed her arms, her wide, bright eyes scrutinizing him.
If her junior had strayed down the wrong path, then as his senior, it was her duty to set him straight. After all, her teacher had once warned that visiting those kinds of places could be harmful to one's health.
Gu Han paused to gather his thoughts, then calmly delivered the explanation he'd prepared in advance.
"I read about whale jelly in the archives of Spirit Hall's library in Northwind City."
"I also have a general understanding of herbs and other medicinal substances."
"That got me thinking—what exactly is in whale jelly that replenishes the body's energy?"
"If it can restore vitality, then perhaps it can also strengthen the body itself."
"So out of curiosity, I bought a sample—less than a hundred years old—and tried it. As long as I kept my mind clear and used soul power to absorb the energy within, I found that it indeed improved my physique… and even slightly boosted my innate talent."
"Though the increase wasn't dramatic, something is better than nothing."
Guang Ling Worshiper nodded with satisfaction and praised him. "Excellent. Not only are you diligent, but you also think in ways others overlook—and more importantly, you apply your findings in a proper manner."
He sighed deeply. "Such a shame."
"Huh? What's there to be disappointed about? My Junior Brother's brilliant!" Bibi Dong tilted her head in confusion, staring at Guang Ling Worshiper. Why the regret? Her junior was clearly exceptional.
Guang Ling Worshiper chuckled. "It's a shame that a person can only have one teacher in their lifetime. If the Pope hadn't taken you in first, I would've gladly accepted you as my own disciple."
"I'm honored by your recognition, Guang Ling Worshiper."
Gu Han was genuinely surprised. A small piece of knowledge had earned him such high regard from a Titled Douluo?
Still, the rules of the continent were deeply rooted. A soul master could only ever acknowledge one teacher. It was a core value that shaped reputation, respect, and tradition.
Breaking that rule would brand him as someone who betrayed his mentor—a reputation that would destroy his future not just in Spirit Hall, but across the entire soul master world.
Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled mischievously. She clung to Guang Ling Worshiper's arm with a grin. "Guang Ling Worshiper, my Junior Brother would never betray his teacher."
"But that doesn't mean you can't guide him, right? Hehe!"
"You little rascal, always scheming."
Guang Ling Worshiper chuckled indulgently and flicked Bibi Dong's forehead with a finger.
"Ow—! That hurt~!"
Bibi Dong crouched down, clutching her head.
Guang Ling Worshiper blinked in surprise. He hadn't even used any force.
But then he caught a glimpse of Bibi Dong peeking up at him with a sly expression and immediately understood. Shaking his head, he couldn't help but laugh.
He didn't press her further. Instead, he turned to Gu Han and tossed him a token engraved with a six-winged angel and a divine sword—a personal Worship Token.
The back of the token bore a single word: "Five," signifying the identity of the holder.
"That little troublemaker isn't wrong. While I can't take you as a disciple, I do admire you. If you ever have questions or need help, just bring that token to the Hall of Worship and find me."
Gu Han caught the token mid-air and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your generosity, Guang Ling Worshiper."
"No need to call me that anymore. Just call me Senior from now on."
"Understood, Senior Guang Ling."
Gu Han responded without hesitation, accepting the shift in title immediately.
Guang Ling Worshiper nodded in approval, then glanced at Bibi Dong, still playing pitiful on the ground. He scolded her lightly, "Alright, stop pretending. Get up already."
"Hehe, you saw through it, huh?"
Bibi Dong giggled. She'd known all along that Guang Ling Worshiper would see through her act. But being the lively girl she was, she knew exactly how to play her part.
"You're even craftier than your master was at your age. From now on, you and Gu Han both can call me Senior as well. 'Worshiper' sounds far too formal."
Guang Ling Worshiper had a youthful mindset. Compared to those rigid old fossils, he got along with the younger generation much better.
He truly liked both Bibi Dong and Gu Han.
Especially Bibi Dong—he had interacted with her on more than one occasion.
And to be honest, he liked her even more than he'd liked Qian Xunji in his youth.
Though he wasn't much older than Qian Xunji himself, that didn't stop him from judging the man's younger self.
"Alrighty then—Senior Guang Ling!"
Bibi Dong beamed and cheerfully agreed.