Douluo Dalu: From Shinobi to Spirit Master

An underground expanse, vast as a football field, was meticulously divided into three sections, separated by thick walls of gleaming alloy. Overhead, luminous pearls embedded in the ceiling shone brightly, illuminating the space as though it basked in daylight.

Su Chen's eyes widened, scanning every detail.

In the first section, rows of test benches gleamed, lined with petri dishes, nutrient solutions, and intricate instruments. The setup was almost a perfect replica of what he had envisioned—perhaps even better. The walls were reinforced with dense alloys, ventilation systems hummed efficiently, and a plush sofa sat off to one side, inviting brief moments of rest.

The second section, in stark contrast, was a barren yet imposing training ground. Black obsidian covered the floors and walls, built to endure relentless impacts. Dummies of various types and metal blocks were neatly arranged, ready for whatever experiments or tests might take place.

The third section, however, caught Su Chen off guard.

A hot spring gurgled peacefully, sending thin wisps of steam curling into the air. Surrounding it were luxurious beds adorned with petals, verdant flowerbeds, and intricate rockeries that created an idyllic scene. It was a haven for relaxation, exuding tranquility and indulgence.

Encased within the outermost layers of alloy and further reinforced with a soul power barrier, this underground marvel was not just secure—it was impenetrable.

"It's... outrageous," Su Chen murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. "An experimental area, a training ground, and... a relaxation zone for four? This is beyond extravagant!"

The sheer scale and quality of the construction were staggering. Just the alloy lining the walls must have cost millions of gold soul coins. Adding the top-tier equipment, nutrient solutions, and energy-conducting glazed spar? The total investment could easily rival the price of several ten-thousand-year soul bones.

And yet, it had all been completed within a mere seven days.

Seven days!

The efficiency of the Spirit Hall was nothing short of terrifying.

Su Chen's admiration was tempered by incredulity. He had anticipated support but never imagined this level of generosity.

"Hmm~"

A soft, melodic chuckle broke through his thoughts. A familiar scent, faintly sweet and intoxicating, wafted past him as a delicate hand rested on his shoulder.

"Are you satisfied?"

The voice was playful yet seductive, its owner leaning in so close that her warm breath tickled his ear.

Su Chen stiffened, his instinct to retreat battling against the sheer audacity of her gesture.

After all, how could he reject the Pope herself—Bibi Dong?

"Satisfied," Su Chen finally replied, his tone betraying a mix of awe and begrudging acceptance. "More than satisfied."

He wasn't lying. Even in the ninja world, with all its resources and secrecy, he had never enjoyed such a pristine experimental environment. Back then, he and Orochimaru had hidden in damp caves or abandoned facilities to evade the prying eyes of the Third Hokage and Danzo. Those makeshift labs were far cries from the perfection he now stood within.

Bibi Dong's burgundy eyes sparkled with satisfaction. She pinched his cheek lightly, the corners of her lips curving into an impish grin.

"You're lucky, little one. This place now belongs to you. But remember, if you plan to bring anyone else here, you must inform me first."

Su Chen's expression froze for a moment as realization dawned.

This wasn't just his base of operations.

It was directly beneath Bibi Dong's private garden.

"What is this... living arrangement?" Su Chen muttered under his breath, his lips twitching.

Bibi Dong seemed to read his thoughts, her laughter like a clear bell. "You insisted on the highest level of safety, didn't you? Tell me, is there any place in Spirit City more secure than my domain?"

Her confidence was unshakable, her demeanor teasing as she lightly traced her lips with a jade-like finger, then blinked at him innocently.

Su Chen was momentarily speechless.

She wasn't wrong.

Even Tang Hao's future attack on the Spirit Hall hadn't managed to breach this area. If safety was the priority, no place could rival this.

"Fine," he sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose this will do."

Bibi Dong's smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

Compared to this underground base, Su Chen felt his earlier requests were mere trifles.

Here, everything he could ever need was laid out with meticulous precision. It wasn't just a laboratory—it was a fortress, a symbol of unparalleled power and resources.

"My esteemed Pope, your generosity truly knows no bounds." Su Chen cupped his hands, bowing slightly with an air of genuine respect. His expression, however, carried a touch of solemnity. "This gift is invaluable, but I will not let it be for nothing. It just so happens that I've made some progress in my cultivation research. Now that I have this laboratory, I'll ensure results within a few days."

He spoke firmly, his tone unwavering.

Originally, Su Chen had intended to hold off on revealing his findings. Yet seeing the scale of this investment, he swiftly adjusted his plans. He wasn't naïve—such extravagant spending wouldn't go unnoticed by the higher echelons of the Spirit Hall. Even with Bibi Dong's authority, questions would be raised, and fingers might point his way.

If she faced scrutiny, Su Chen, as her subordinate, would inevitably bear the brunt as well.

Delivering results would silence dissent and strengthen her position. Su Chen was confident in his abilities—his cultivation research would not disappoint.

Hearing his response, Bibi Dong paused mid-step, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Her crimson eyes softened, her gaze lingering on the young man.

This child…

The Pope's expression shifted subtly, the faintest trace of warmth gracing her otherwise icy demeanor. His words carried more weight than he realized. In her current position, she navigated treacherous waters daily, her authority constantly challenged by both open rivals and hidden schemers.

"You truly are different." Bibi Dong's voice softened, almost imperceptibly. "Don't overexert yourself. Take your time—I am in no hurry."

The warmth in her tone was fleeting, but genuine. For a moment, the towering pressure of the Pope's crown felt lighter on her shoulders.

"Then I'll leave you to your work," she continued, her elegant figure turning toward the exit.

As she walked past, Bibi Dong reached out, gently tapping Su Chen's forehead with her finger. Her crimson lips curved into a rare, playful smile.

"Remember," she said, her voice now laced with authority. "To enter, simply stand at that position and release your soul power. The barrier will recognize only the two of us."

She extended her hand, revealing a small, dark token that glinted under the luminous pearls embedded in the ceiling.

"This is for you. With it, no one in the Spirit Hall will obstruct you. And should you ever face danger beyond these walls, it will serve as your safeguard."

Su Chen accepted the token, its weight heavier than he anticipated.

The Pope's figure disappeared up the stairs, her movements graceful yet imposing. Only when the sound of her footsteps faded did Su Chen lower his gaze to the item in his hand.

It was crafted from an obsidian-like metal, with silver engravings along its edges and rubies embedded at precise intervals. But what truly caught his attention were the intricate carvings on its surface—a sword, a hammer, a crown, a fragmented human silhouette, a dragon, and a chrysanthemum.

Su Chen's breath hitched.

"This… this is the Pope's decree."

He turned the token over in his hands, his expression unreadable.

This wasn't just a gift. The decree was the highest authority within the Spirit Hall, second only to Bibi Dong herself. To carry it was akin to carrying her will—it was a symbol of absolute command.

"Incredible." Su Chen exhaled slowly, the enormity of the gesture settling in. "With this, I could walk freely even within Heaven Dou Empire's borders, unchallenged."

His fingers tightened around the token. He had no choice but to accept its significance.

Bibi Dong's methods were ruthless and calculating—her reputation was built on both fear and respect. Yet, when she chose to care for someone, her dedication bordered on the extreme.

"Could this be…?"

Su Chen stopped mid-thought, a chill running down his spine. He had read about such personalities before. They often embodied unwavering loyalty but also terrifying possessiveness.

The term surfaced unbidden in his mind.

"Yandere…"

He shook his head sharply, dispelling the idea. No, that couldn't be it. Whatever Bibi Dong's intentions, there was no romantic subtext here.

She was the Pope, and he was her chosen subordinate. That was all.

Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that his path ahead would be anything but ordinary.