Chapter 261: Qian Daoliu's Test
"Grand Worship, the Pope's Palace has been highly active recently. I suspect that woman is preparing to launch the Soul Hunt Plan she proposed years ago!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo wasted no time in speaking upon entering.
Although Bibi Dong had given strict orders for secrecy, the large-scale movement of personnel was impossible to conceal unless Golden Crocodile Douluo and the others were blind.
The Soul Hunt Plan was something Bibi Dong had proposed twenty years ago. However, it had been unanimously opposed by the Worship Hall and other elders at the time, leading to its temporary abandonment.
But no one had forgotten Bibi Dong's insane plan. Now, seeing the large-scale mobilization of the Spirit Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo immediately thought of it.
Qian Daoliu nodded, showing no surprise. Rather than saying Bibi Dong was restarting the Soul Hunt Plan, it would be more accurate to say that ever since she proposed it twenty years ago, she had been secretly preparing for this moment. Now, she was merely bringing her plans into the open.
"Grand Worship!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo spoke anxiously, "If Bibi Dong is initiating the Soul Hunt Plan now, I suspect her targets aren't limited to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. She may also be aiming at the Nine Star Hall's branch in the Sunset Forest."
"It's not a possibility—it's a certainty!"
Qian Daoliu said indifferently, "Bibi Dong is launching the Soul Hunt Plan at this moment because she cannot contend with the alliance of the Clear Sky Sect, Star Luo Empire, and Sea God Island alone. She wants to seize control of the Heaven Dou Empire to strengthen herself.
Since we have already severed ties with Bibi Dong, and Xue'er will never support her, she is not only trying to eliminate opposing forces within the Heaven Dou Empire but also seeking to cut off Xue'er's wings, paving the way for her own infiltration."
Golden Crocodile Douluo's expression changed drastically. He immediately asked, "Should we send someone to warn Xue'er and the Sunset Forest branch?"
"No need."
Qian Daoliu shook his head.
"Grand Worship, why?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo was puzzled, and though Thousand Jun Douluo and Demon Subduing Douluo remained silent, their expressions showed the same confusion.
"Because I want to test that brat Xiao Yu one more time. And Bibi Dong will be his final test!"
Qian Daoliu's expression remained calm, his handsome face showing not the slightest ripple. "You all know about the relationship between Xiao Yu and Xue'er, don't you?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo, Thousand Jun Douluo, and Demon Subduing Douluo all nodded in unison. Though they had doted on Xue'er for over twenty years, treating her like a treasure, in the end, she had still been taken by someone. However, that man had both the status and strength to back it up—far better than the one the former Pope had his eyes on. At least they weren't angry to the point of losing reason, like Qian Xunji.
"Although Xue'er and that brat agreed to a fair partnership, the fact that he still has two other women by his side makes it clear—our future cooperation will inevitably be led by the Nine Star Hall."
At this, a trace of hostility finally appeared on Qian Daoliu's otherwise calm face, showing his dissatisfaction with Xiao Yu's romantic affairs.
Hearing this, Golden Crocodile, Thousand Jun, and Demon Subduing all looked equally displeased. Xue'er was of unparalleled status, yet that brat was still unsatisfied? If not for the fact that an untouchable Limit Douluo stood behind Xiao Yu, they would have gone to teach him a lesson long ago.
"The Spirit Hall has stood for ten thousand years. Handing over such a vast legacy to someone else… to be honest, I am unwilling!"
Qian Daoliu took a deep breath and said, "That is why I have allowed Bibi Dong to act freely for so long. I want to see Xiao Yu's true potential. Otherwise, does she really think I'm some weak fool?"
"I see!"
The three elders suddenly understood. No wonder Qian Daoliu had turned a blind eye when Qing Luan, Xiong Shi, and Guang Ling—the three worshipers who had joined halfway—switched allegiance to Bibi Dong.
Golden Crocodile Douluo had even suggested that Qian Daoliu personally take action against the defectors. With his level ninety-nine strength, enhanced by the Angel God's power within the Spirit Hall, even if Bibi Dong and several worship elders joined forces, they wouldn't be able to stop him. Even if he only executed one of them, it would have served as a deterrent.
"But isn't this test a bit too difficult for Xiao Yu?"
Even after understanding Qian Daoliu's reasoning, Golden Crocodile Douluo still frowned. "I admit that Xiao Yu has extraordinary potential, and the Nine Star Hall has many experts, but Bibi Dong now controls most of the Spirit Hall's power. Even without us, the thousand-year foundation of the Spirit Hall isn't something a newly established sect like Nine Star Hall can shake."
"Don't underestimate the foundation of Nine Star Hall."
Qian Daoliu's lips curled into a faint smile. "You all probably don't know this yet, but Xiao Yu has already broken through to the Title Douluo realm. With his divine martial soul, he might not even be someone you three can defeat."
"What?"
Golden Crocodile, Thousand Jun, and Demon Subduing Douluo felt their entire worldview shatter. They had expected Xiao Yu to eventually step into the Title Douluo realm, but this was far too soon.
How old was he now?
Twenty-three? Twenty-four?
Bibi Dong's prized disciple had barely reached Soul Emperor before the age of twenty-five, and she had celebrated as if the heavens themselves had descended, making sure the entire Spirit Hall spread the news and glorified her achievement. Compared to Xiao Yu, that was nothing more than a pile of canine excrement.
What Qian Daoliu said next shocked the three even further. "Xue'er has also broken through to the Soul Douluo level. With that brat's help, she successfully absorbed the soul ring of the Azure Bull Python, the king of the Star Dou Forest. At this rate, in a few years, my title as Angel Douluo will likely be passed on to Xue'er."
"So, Grand Worship, does this mean that deep down, you have already accepted the fact that Nine Star Hall will surpass the Spirit Hall in status in the future?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo, after recovering from his initial shock, asked this question while staring at Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu slowly nodded. "Because of that brat, Xue'er has reached the Title Douluo realm without relying on the Angel God's trials. In a way, he can even be considered my savior."
Originally, Qian Daoliu had planned for Qian Renxue to reach level one hundred as quickly as possible. During her ninth trial, he intended to sacrifice his life, cultivation, and soul to forcibly increase her compatibility with the Angel God.
But now, with Qian Renxue's rapid progress, opening the god trials would take far less effort. When the time came for the ninth trial, he would only need to sacrifice his life and cultivation, preserving his soul.
Once Qian Renxue ascended to godhood, as long as his soul remained intact, she could resurrect him as her divine servant.
"So rather than saying Bibi Dong is a test for Xiao Yu, it would be more accurate to say that she is my way of convincing myself, a way to give an answer to the ancestors of the Qian family."
(End of chapter)
🌟 Unlock the World of Stories with Early Access on Patreon! 🌟
Hello, beloved readers and supporters!
I am thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into our captivating stories before anyone else. By joining the Patreon community, you'll unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including:
📚 Early Access to 20 Chapters: Be the first to explore new chapters, experiencing the twists and turns of our tales well ahead of regular readers. Your journey through our stories doesn't have to wait!
💬 Connect with the Community: Join a vibrant, like-minded group of readers who share your passion. Engage in exciting discussions, share theories, and make new friends who love the stories as much as you do.
👏 Support the Creator: Your patronage directly contributes to the ongoing creation and improvement of the content you love. Be a vital part of the creative journey!
Patreon.com/anish_44
https://ko-fi.com/anish_44