Not far away—
Sensing the explosive clash of spirit power from the earlier battle, the elders and worshippers of Spirit Hall were rushing over with great speed.
Noticing this, Qian Daoliu immediately summoned a barrier of soul power, enveloping the Pope's bedchambers to prevent anyone from entering or spying.
He then raised his hand and, with a flick of his fingers, retrieved the two radiant, golden Angelic Leg Soul Bones from the bed and stored them into his soul tool.
Bibi Dong watched his actions silently, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she sneered inwardly:
"So you don't want the disgrace of your family made public. Hmph, as expected of you, Qian Daoliu."
Seeing her mocking expression only deepened Qian Daoliu's fury. He was tempted—truly tempted—to strike her down right then and there.
But then, he thought of his granddaughter, Qian Renxue.
His heart softened, and he began to weigh his options carefully:
"Xue'er has already lost her father… must she lose her mother as well?"
"Now that the Pope is gone, she's too young to take over. I still have to guard the Angel Statue. Though I can oversee state matters temporarily, that's not a long-term solution."
"Spirit Hall needs a Pope."
"Right now, the only suitable candidate… is Bibi Dong. In talent, aptitude, and intelligence, she surpasses all others. She is fully capable of bearing the title."
"Let her take over for now. Once Xue'er is strong enough, she can step down and pass the mantle to her."
"Perfect. That's what I'll do."
However, the position couldn't be handed over so easily. He needed to temper her pride—and issue a warning for Xue'er's safety.
After a long silence, Qian Daoliu came to a decision. He looked coldly at Bibi Dong and said:
"As for killing Ji'er… I can let it go. He brought it upon himself. A life for a life—perhaps this will help you let go of your hatred.
Moreover, I can recommend you as the next Pope, to oversee Spirit Hall."
"What?"
Bibi Dong's eyes widened in shock.
"You're not going to kill me… and you're handing me the Pope's position?"
She was stunned, her mind momentarily dazed.
Furrowing her brows, she thought to herself:
"Has the old man gone senile? I killed his own son, and he's letting me go? Is he really that tolerant? Tch… never underestimate Qian Daoliu."
Qian Daoliu's tone turned cold.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm only doing this for Xue'er. Otherwise, I'd have crushed you with a single palm."
"Letting you become Pope is your atonement. Your duty is to manage Spirit Hall's affairs and lay a solid foundation for Xue'er's future rule."
Then he officially announced her punishment:
"From now on, you will return to the Holy Maiden's Hall. Without my command, you are forbidden to take a single step outside."
Bibi Dong remained silent, her head lowered, laughing coldly to herself:
"Hmph! In the end, you just want me to willingly become your Qian family's puppet. Heh… Qian Daoliu, how predictable you are."
"But if you think I'll submit so easily, you're gravely mistaken.
Give me the Pope's seat, and I swear—you'll regret it."
Her delicate hands clenched into fists. In her heart, she made a silent vow:
"I must grow stronger, fast. One day… Qian Daoliu, you'll never be able to read me again!"
Qian Daoliu waited a while, but Bibi Dong still said nothing.
He frowned and added sternly:
"And let me warn you—do not harm Xue'er.
Otherwise, you'll find the corpse of a certain 'trash' lying at your feet.
You know who I mean."
"You wouldn't dare!"
Bibi Dong's head snapped up, her voice sharp as a blade, her face dark as thunder.
That "worthless" man—
She had truly loved him once.
But after so many years, the love had long faded.
If anything, her feelings had turned more toward hate than affection.
She was no longer the naïve girl she used to be.
She had seen through many things now, though she couldn't bring herself to admit it—because if she did, all those years of persistence would become meaningless.
So no matter what, she couldn't let anything happen to him.
"This Bibi Dong," Qian Daoliu thought grimly,
"Such a perfect woman—beautiful, graceful, gifted beyond compare—
And yet she's just another irrational, love-obsessed fool.
What's so special about that useless man, anyway?"
He ground his teeth in frustration, his head aching.
But seeing how rattled Bibi Dong became when he touched her weak spot eased his mind:
"At least I can be sure she won't harm Xue'er. Still, I'll have to keep a close eye on her."
Then he delivered one final warning:
"You'd best follow my plan.
You know perfectly well that if I want something done,
you can't stop me."
"Hmph. Fine. I'll do as you say," Bibi Dong said coldly, finally yielding.
She shot Qian Daoliu a frosty glare.
"But you'd better keep your word too.
Otherwise, I'll take down your entire Qian clan,
even if it costs me my life."
Qian Daoliu was clearly displeased by her doubt.
"I am not one to break promises. I will keep my word," he stated firmly.
He continued:
"As for Ji'er's death, I'll blame it on Tang Hao.
Ji'er was mortally wounded by him anyway—no one will suspect a thing."
"Besides, the second worshipper's son, Jin Ming, was also killed by Tang Hao.
Spirit Hall will settle that score eventually."
"And one more thing—keep your mouth shut.
This matter stays between us.
I don't want Xue'er to ever know you killed her father.
Not even a hint."
"Whatever," Bibi Dong replied with indifference.
Inwardly, she thought:
"Someone else to take the blame? Works for me.
Still… I didn't expect that old man to go so far—
letting go of vengeance, helping me clear my name.
He really does value Qian Renxue above all else.
To the point where he can endure the pain of losing his son?
Incredible."
"No… I need to find a way to get Qian Renxue out of Spirit City.
Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold back one day."
As the two came to an uneasy agreement—
The elders and worshippers arrived swiftly at the Pope's Palace.
"What's going on?" someone asked.
"Why has the Grand Worshipper's spirit power flared up again?"
They were all confused and full of doubt.
Just then, Qian Daoliu's thunderous voice echoed through the palace:
"The Pope has fallen!"
"Elder Jin Ming is also dead!"
"The culprit—heir of the Clear Sky Clan—Tang Hao!"
"From this day forth, all of Spirit Hall is to hunt down Tang Hao!"
"I want him dead, to atone with his life!"
Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd, followed by hushed whispers:
"What?"
"The Pope is dead?"
"How?"
"Wasn't it just a serious injury?"
…
Qian Daoliu ignored the murmurs.
He turned to two nearly identical men and barked an order:
"Qian Jun, Jiang Mo—escort the Holy Maiden back to the Holy Maiden's Hall.
Stand guard at the doors. Without my command, no one enters or leaves.
Anyone who dares trespass—kill without mercy.
Even a fly—swat it dead."