[Check Out My P4treon For +70 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression changed drastically as he saw his protective barrier about to shatter. He crossed his arms defensively, reinforcing them with spirit energy.
BOOM!
His body was sent flying uncontrollably backward, crashing into the solid stone wall behind him. The point of impact left a noticeable dent in the structure, with cracks radiating outward.
"Hiss... Elder Ju's eighth spirit skill was actually broken by a seventh spirit skill? And he was sent flying? Is this the power of a 100,000-year spirit ring?"
"Incredible! No wonder 100,000-year spirit rings are the most coveted treasures in the spirit master world. With this kind of power, who wouldn't desire one?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's close friend Ghost Douluo couldn't bear to watch and turned his head away, covering his eyes. Meanwhile, Bibi Dong was utterly shocked, covering her mouth with her hands in an adorable gesture, her eyes wide with astonishment.
"That spirit skill's power is truly formidable. Yueguan was actually sent flying and seems to have sustained some injuries." Qian Xunji frowned slightly, feeling that Chrysanthemum Douluo might have been holding back.
Indeed, Chrysanthemum Douluo could feel a surge of blood rushing up his throat, but he immediately suppressed it. If his peers saw him spitting blood, how could he maintain his dignity?
"What a terrifying strike. This kid's strength has increased dozens of times since reaching Spirit Sage level." Chrysanthemum Douluo stood by the wall, his breathing somewhat labored.
Seeing Lin Yongming's overwhelming aura, Chrysanthemum Douluo suddenly regretted accepting Qian Xunji's request to test Lin Yongming.
"Excellent, truly excellent, Lin Yongming. That attack of yours nearly injured me. Fortunately, my strength is substantial and my spirit power profound. If a Spirit Sage—no, even a Spirit Douluo—had been standing in your path, they likely would have been pierced through, if not killed then certainly severely wounded." Chrysanthemum Douluo calmly brushed the dust off his clothes with an elegant gesture as he stepped forward.
"Ah! I'm honored by Elder Ju's praise. Today's instruction has been most enlightening." Lin Yongming replied with perfect courtesy.
"Shall we stop here then?" Lin Yongming suggested again.
"Absolutely not! We agreed on ten moves, and ten moves it shall be. We still have the final one remaining." Chrysanthemum Douluo inwardly cursed—after being covered in dust and having his blood roiled, did Lin Yongming think he could just call it quits?
"Then I await Elder Ju's final instruction." Lin Yongming made a gentlemanly gesture.
"Hmm, quite proper. Then let this elder teach you one last lesson." Chrysanthemum Douluo was rather pleased with Lin Yongming's respectful attitude.
"Very well. Here comes the final move!" As he spoke, Chrysanthemum Douluo's aura transformed, becoming incomparably sharp.
"Ninth Spirit Skill—Withered Chrysanthemums Blanket the Earth: Broken Blossoms, Broken Hearts!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's ninth spirit ring finally lit up as he dispersed his Golden Velvet Chrysanthemum spirit into countless petals that transformed into razor-sharp blades, forming a massive tornado of destruction.
In an instant, over half the plaza was filled with the swirling petals of Chrysanthemum Douluo's spirit. The terrifying aura of his ninth spirit skill forced Lin Yongming to retreat repeatedly until he reached the plaza's edge.
"Whoa! Let's back up further! Elder Ju is getting serious!"
"Yeah, I feel like we might get caught in the crossfire."
Many spectators retreated further back. In front of Qian Xunji, Spirit Viper Douluo, Spirit Serpent Douluo, and Ghost Douluo stood protectively, while Spirit Hawk Douluo moved to Bibi Dong's side.
"What are you doing? Get out of my way! Do you think I need protection?" Qian Xunji's face darkened as he waved the three aside.
"As you wish, Your Holiness." The three responded in unison, though they only stepped aside slightly.
"Sister Spirit Hawk... will he be alright?" Bibi Dong asked anxiously.
"Don't worry. Elder Ju will hold back if he sees Lin Yongming can't withstand it," Spirit Hawk reassured her.
Lin Yongming was genuinely surprised by the power of Chrysanthemum Douluo's ninth spirit skill—several times more formidable than his eighth.
"After this battle with Chrysanthemum Douluo, I've come to understand my true strength—I'm not inferior to an ordinary Titled Douluo." Lin Yongming had reached a clear conclusion.
By his estimation, his current strength was comparable to a 95th-rank Titled Douluo—yes, even stronger than Chrysanthemum Douluo himself. In this spar, Lin Yongming had only used about 70% of his power.
He hadn't employed his Killing Intent Aura, Adversity's Will, or his newest ability, Thunder God's Breath. Since this was just a test, there was no need to reveal all his cards—especially not in front of Qian Xunji.
Of course, Lin Yongming wasn't certain if Chrysanthemum Douluo was also holding back, but he was confident he was at least equal to the elder's current display.
"Lin Yongming, if you can't withstand this, His Holiness will certainly consider it as you having withstood ten moves," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, noticing Lin Yongming hadn't made any countermove yet.
"How could I? I was just marveling at the might of Elder Ju's ninth spirit skill. This battle with you is a rare learning opportunity—how could I stop now?"
"In fact, I have one more new spirit skill—one that comes with my Spirit Avatar. I'd appreciate Elder Ju's guidance." Lin Yongming smiled as he regained his focus.
"Oh? A Spirit Avatar's innate skill?" Chrysanthemum Douluo was intrigued.
"Thunder God's Descent: Judgment!"
Lin Yongming's expression turned solemn as he gripped his Thunder Judgment Sword with both hands. Countless bolts of lightning erupted from his body.
"Hmm?!" Chrysanthemum Douluo instinctively retreated.
The massive Thunder God Avatar behind Lin Yongming stepped forward, planting an incredibly intricate magic circle beneath its feet that covered the entire plaza. Lightning of all kinds crackled within it.
The center of the circle emitted an astonishing gravitational pull. To Chrysanthemum Douluo's shock, the blades from his ninth spirit skill were being forcibly drawn toward it.
"BREAK!"
With a low, thunderous roar, Lin Yongming drove his Thunder Judgment Sword into the ground. The Thunder God Avatar mirrored his movement, striking the center of the magic circle with its colossal blade.
"Damn it! He's not holding back at all!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's face truly changed this time as he immediately fled the plaza at top speed.
BOOOOOOM!
An earth-shattering shockwave erupted from the circle's center, spreading outward. For a moment, everyone present felt the entire Spirit Hall tremble.
"Holy—! Spirit Avatar, release!"
The several Titled Douluos present immediately summoned their spirits and spirit rings to withstand the devastating shockwave.
"Uh-oh... I might have overdone it." Lin Yongming blinked in realization.
When the energy finally dissipated, Qian Xunji and the others saw that the plaza's center had been replaced by a massive crater. The entire area was now unrecognizable.
"Is... is this really the power of a seventh spirit skill?" Everyone stared dumbfounded at the scene before them.
As the crowd remained stunned, Chrysanthemum Douluo swiftly returned to the plaza's edge, standing opposite Lin Yongming.
"Ahem... Not bad, not bad at all. You've withstood my ten moves. The younger generation is indeed formidable." His awkward cough sounded especially loud in the silent plaza.
His words finally snapped everyone out of their daze, and the sound of collective gasps filled the air.
"I'm deeply grateful for Elder Ju's guidance today." Seeing that Chrysanthemum Douluo had withdrawn his spirit power, Lin Yongming recalled his own spirit.
Strangely, after retracting his Spirit Avatar, Lin Yongming didn't feel any of the usual weakness that typically followed.
"Could it be because my seventh spirit ring was self-condensed? It seems there's more to spirit rings than meets the eye—their secrets run deeper than surface appearances suggest."
"Ahem... Well said, well said." Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled amiably, though inwardly he was fuming: "Guidance? Guidance my ass! That last move nearly killed me! Thank the heavens I ran fast enough!"
Turning to Qian Xunji, he clasped his fists respectfully. "Your Holiness, I have completed the ten-move assessment of Lin Yongming. His strength is comparable to a newly advanced Titled Douluo. Lin Yongming is undoubtedly a rising powerhouse of our Spirit Hall."
"Moreover, this battle was conducted openly, witnessed by all present who saw Lin Yongming's combat prowess firsthand."
Qian Xunji finally emerged from the doorway.
"Yueguan, what have you done? You've destroyed the plaza! The repair costs will be deducted from your salary." The Pope said calmly.
"What?!" Chrysanthemum Douluo stared blankly.
"Is there a problem? I tasked you with testing Lin Yongming's ten moves, not demolishing buildings. Since you damaged it, you'll pay for it." Qian Xunji stated matter-of-factly.
"Excuse me???" Chrysanthemum Douluo's face was a picture of bewilderment.
"All elders aside, the rest of you return to your duties. Lin Yongming, and you others—come inside the main hall."
"As for Elder Ju... arrange for the plaza's repairs." Having issued his orders, Qian Xunji turned and entered the hall.
"What?!" Chrysanthemum Douluo stood rooted to the spot, scratching his head in frustration. "So in the end, this is all my fault?!"
Ghost Douluo shot him a sympathetic look before following the others inside.
"Elder Ju, I'll be going in first." Lin Yongming said with a smile.
"Get lost! Unless you want some extra 'guidance'!" Chrysanthemum Douluo snapped.
Lin Yongming promptly hurried to the hall's entrance.
The other elders filed into the hall one after another. Bibi Dong, however, deliberately lingered at the doorway.
"Xiao Ming!" Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she gazed at Lin Yongming, tears welling up.
"Dong'er, you've suffered... and endured so much for me." Lin Yongming's playful demeanor vanished as he looked tenderly at her.
"Xiao Ming, your eyes... they're so beautiful." Bibi Dong reached out dreamily, her fingers brushing his cheek.
"Dong'er, I can finally see your face clearly. You're even more beautiful than I imagined." Lin Yongming clasped her hand, then suddenly pulled her into an embrace.
Today, Bibi Dong wore a perfectly fitted flowing dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her tall frame, paired with her unique pinkish-purple hair—long bangs slightly wavy—and her exotic features gave her an enchanting, captivating beauty.
"Xiao Ming, not here... the teacher will see!" Bibi Dong stiffened in shock, never expecting Lin Yongming to hug her right at the Spirit Hall's entrance.
"It's alright now. His Holiness has already given permission. We don't need to hide from your teacher anymore." Lin Yongming explained gently.
"What? Why?" Bibi Dong was confused—she didn't know about Qian Xunji's wager.
"You'll understand once we're inside." Lin Yongming released her with a soft smile.
He had wanted to hold her hand as they entered, but Bibi Dong—still nervous and blushing—quickly pulled away, feeling it was too bold.
When Lin Yongming and Bibi Dong entered the main hall, they found Qian Xunji and the other elders already in their respective positions.
"Bibi Dong pays respects to Your Holiness." She knelt respectfully on one knee, her voice slightly trembling.
"Greetings, Your Holiness." Lin Yongming remained standing, cupping his fists in salute.
"Dong'er, stand aside for now." Seeing her nervousness, Qian Xunji gestured for her to move away.
"Yes, Teacher." Bibi Dong nodded and quietly stepped to the side.
"Lin Yongming, you've done well. Exceptionally well. I underestimated the enhancements from your 100,000-year spirit ring." Qian Xunji stared at Lin Yongming for a long moment before finally speaking.
"I'm honored by Your Holiness's praise." Lin Yongming replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"Good. I keep my promises. Since you've withstood Elder Ju's ten moves, I hereby make an exception and appoint you as an elder of Spirit Hall, enjoying all the same privileges and treatment as the others."
"Elder Ghost, bestow upon Lin Yongming the Spirit Hall Elder Token."
Qian Xunji produced an exquisitely crafted token unlike any Lin Yongming had seen before. It bore six symbols—a sword, a hammer, wings, a dragon, and others—before handing it to Ghost Douluo to pass to Lin Yongming.
As Lin Yongming received the token, a cool sensation spread through his palm. The material was clearly extraordinary.
"I thank Your Holiness for this honor!" Lin Yongming knew the protocol and knelt respectfully on one knee.
"Rise. You've earned this through genuine strength. You deserve it." Only when Lin Yongming knelt did a faint smile appear on Qian Xunji's lips.
"As a Spirit Hall elder—though only a 75th-rank Spirit Sage, your combat power has reached Titled Douluo level—it would be improper for other members to address you casually. Therefore, choose your title."
Qian Xunji's words surprised Lin Yongming—he was being granted an official epithet.
"Ah... Your Holiness, I truly haven't considered this matter before." Lin Yongming admitted helplessly.
He really hadn't thought about his Titled Douluo name. Should he go with "Blind"? "Blind Douluo"?
Though he'd been jokingly called "Blind Man" before, that was just teasing.
His true inherited title was "Celestial Emperor," but that seemed too ostentatious for now.
"Haha! Lin Yongming, never expected your title to come so soon, did you?"
"You were blind before—if you can't think of anything, how about 'Blind'? Blind Douluo has a nice ring to it!"
Ghost Douluo teased when Lin Yongming remained silent.
"I object! I think 'Thunder' would be more fitting. If we're being bold, why not 'Thunder God Douluo'?" Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had just entered, raised his hand and shouted.
"My spirit is now the Thunder Judgment Sword... so I shall be called 'Thunder Judgment.'"
After some thought, Lin Yongming made his decision. He'd initially considered "Thunderbolt," but that title was already taken. Thus, he settled on the name derived from his spirit—Thunder Judgment Douluo.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 105 power stones I will publish the next chapter.