Far in the distant sky.
A series of terrifying sounds accompanied by overwhelming pressure poured down from the heavens to the earth.
The violent fluctuations of spirit power were so intense that even Bibi Dong, high above Spirit Hall, felt as if she were in another world.
"That old man Qian Daoliu is actually this powerful?"
Though the difference between the 98th and 99th ranks was just one level, the gap between them was greater than that between a 90th and 96th-ranked Title Douluo.
No wonder he wasn't afraid of my threats. At the 99th rank, augmented by divine power, his strength was easily enough to kill me in my current state.
The aftershocks raged on, lasting an unknown amount of time before gradually dissipating.
The battle had reached its conclusion.
Qian Daoliu, his white robes stained with blood, returned to the Elder's Hall of Spirit Hall.
Bibi Dong didn't know the outcome of the battle. After instructing Ghost Mei and Yue Guan to handle the aftermath, she made her way to the Elder's Hall alone.
However, the moment she arrived, she saw Qian Daoliu as if he had been waiting for her.
With a casual wave, Qian Daoliu erected a barrier around them.
Bibi Dong immediately grew wary, though her expression remained largely unchanged. She sneered coldly:
"What, are you planning to attack me now? How much strength do you even have left?"
Qian Daoliu's aura was chaotic and unstable. In this state, Bibi Dong was confident she could escape, so she showed no fear.
"Bibi Dong, you want to destroy Spirit Hall, don't you?" Qian Daoliu finally spoke the words.
"Oh? You figured it out?" Since Qian Daoliu's tone was so certain, Bibi Dong simply admitted it.
"What's your reason? Is it because of what Xiaojie did to you? If so, I apologize."
"Enough, Qian Daoliu. What's the point of bringing that up now?"
"That's right, I killed Qian Xunji. Xue'er has likely deduced the truth as well. But so what? Are you going to kill me?"
"Bibi Dong, stop this." Qian Daoliu gazed at her, his voice steady. "I can tell you still have feelings for Xue'er."
"Enough!"
Bibi Dong's anger was well within Qian Daoliu's expectations.
If possible, Qian Daoliu wouldn't have lowered himself to speak with this madwoman.
Their conversation might even be overheard by the Rakshasa God, but Qian Daoliu had no other choice.
He had to lay his cards on the table for Xue'er's sake.
"Bibi Dong, hear me out. After this, I won't interfere with anything you do. Even if you bring Yu Xiaogang to Spirit Hall, I won't stop you."
"Qian Daoliu, are you threatening me again?" Bibi Dong's face flushed with fury.
"I'm not threatening you." Qian Daoliu shook his head. "If Spirit Hall is destroyed, the Angel Clan will be wiped out including your daughter, Qian Renxue."
"What does her life or death have to do with me?" Bibi Dong frowned, sensing something deeper in the old man's words.
"Have you ever considered that Xiaojie's actions toward you weren't entirely his own doing? He might have been influenced by a higher power."
"A higher power?" Bibi Dong scoffed. "Qian Daoliu, are you still deluding yourself into thinking that beast was a decent man?"
Instead of refuting her directly, Qian Daoliu sighed. "Don't you find the timing of Tang Chen's return strange?"
"Not long ago, Tang Hao was crippled, unable to advance to Title Douluo. Then, suddenly, Tang Chen recovers."
"What are you implying?" Bibi Dong couldn't quite grasp his meaning, but she had a vague feeling she might be caught in some kind of trap.
"I don't know if I can trust you, but Qian Renxue is still your daughter." Qian Daoliu exhaled deeply. "Think about your divine trials. Think about when Tang Chen appeared."
"If Spirit Hall falls, Xue'er will die without a doubt."
Having said this, Qian Daoliu dispelled the barrier and walked through the doors of the Elder's Hall.
"Bibi Dong, think carefully." His parting words carried a heavy weight.
Watching his retreating figure, Bibi Dong fell into deep thought. "That old man wouldn't speak without reason. Did he discover something?"
Tang Chen's sudden appearance… my divine trials…
After returning to the main hall of the Elder's Hall, Qian Daoliu remained silent for a long time.
"I can only hope Bibi Dong comes to her senses."
The battle between Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen had ended in a stalemate.
Tang Chen's body was in poor condition. He hadn't used the Ring Explosion technique, only summoning the Asura God's Sword.
As they fought, his body seemed to falter as if something inside him was interfering.
Qian Daoliu, too, wasn't at his peak. His battle with Bibi Dong had left him unable to fully recover after using the Angel God's Armor. This time, he had drawn the Angel Holy Sword a weapon meant for the Angel God herself but even then, he wasn't at full strength.
Both sides fought to a draw, neither able to overpower the other.
In the end, Tang Chen withdrew first due to his failing body, while Qian Daoliu returned to Spirit Hall.
"Hah!"
"How interesting. A believer of the Angel God finally suspects the truth."
A sudden, deep voice made Qian Daoliu's brows furrow. His grip tightened around the Angel Holy Sword.
"Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King Di Tian, what business do you have here?"
"Oh, impressive, impressive."
From a swirling black mist, Di Tian's form materialized.
The moment he appeared, the oppressive aura of a dragon filled the surroundings.
"This is the domain of the Angel God. As her servant, even injured, I may not lose to you."
During their last encounter, Qian Daoliu had been at a clear disadvantage against Di Tian. But that hadn't been a full-power battle he hadn't used the Angel God's Armor, nor had he wielded the true Angel Holy Sword.
Now, things were different. Though not fully recovered, with the Angel Holy Sword in hand and the advantage of fighting on his home ground, his strength had greatly increased.
Himself, Tang Chen, and Bo Saixi their strengths were roughly equal.
But at sea, Bo Saixi was stronger.
Within the Angel God's temple, however, even Bo Saixi might not be his match.
"I came to you for a reason, though not to fight." Di Tian chuckled lightly. "Perhaps we can show you a way out."
"The relationship between soul beasts and humans do you not understand it?" Qian Daoliu retorted.
"Hmph, I've lived far longer than you. Of course I understand." Di Tian's voice turned cold. "But I'm here under my master's orders."
"Qian Daoliu, my master wishes to meet you."
"I don't trust you." Qian Daoliu stated bluntly.
"I'm only here to deliver a message. Whether you come or not is up to you." Di Tian tossed a token to Qian Daoliu.
"It contains a trace of my aura. Show it to any troublesome beings you encounter on your way."
With that, Di Tian's form dissolved back into the black mist.
A faint voice lingered after his departure:
"Qian Daoliu, come whenever you wish. We can wait."
"But can you afford to? Spirit Hall is being targeted by both the Rakshasa God and the Asura God."
"Just as you told Bibi Dong if you can't break this deadlock, you, and even your granddaughter Qian Renxue, will perish."
"Farewell, servant of the Angel God."