Afterward, Su Ming stayed in his room, continuing his research on the connection between life and destruction energy, aiming to complete it before the upcoming match against Thunder Academy—a perfect opportunity to test his results.
Meanwhile, unaware of the upheaval his diary had caused, Su Ming's post-writing relief came at a high cost for others, thrusting them into a life-or-death crisis. Overwhelmed by the shocking revelations, Xiao Wu and the others decided to stay up and chat.
In the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong's cold voice resounded, "Nana, do you have anything else to say?"
Hu Liena trembled. Given the likelihood of Su Ming's words being accurate, what could she possibly say? Struggling to her feet, she approached Bibi Dong, kneeling with her head down and a pale face. "Teacher… I… have nothing to say. Expel me from Spirit Hall. I'll return my spirit bones, but I hope, perhaps in the next life, to repay you for your kindness."
When Hu Liena's parents died when she was young, she and Xie Yue had spent their early years in an orphanage. Spirit Hall's charity was what allowed them both to awaken their spirits and pursue studies there. Both siblings showed natural talent, with innate rank nine spirits, which soon drew Bibi Dong's attention. She had felt a unique attachment to Hu Liena, who, in time, became her disciple, allowing both her and her brother access to better training. Without her teacher, Hu Liena would never have had these opportunities.
Now, filled with a sense of resignation, she offered her spirit bones to Bibi Dong, ready to accept her fate.
Seeing Hu Liena in this state, Qian Renxue's heart softened. After all, in the original story, all three of them had made serious mistakes. But here, nothing irreversible had happened yet—there was no need to force Hu Liena to leave Spirit Hall or reclaim her spirit bones.
And Renxue could sense that Bibi Dong, despite her anger, wasn't radiating any killing intent; she merely wanted Hu Liena to learn her lesson.
Sure enough, Bibi Dong sighed. "Forget it. Luckily, none of this has happened yet. And as Su Ming pointed out, the downfall of Spirit Hall was a result of all three of us. Xiaoxue and I share in the blame; I can't let you shoulder it alone."
Despite her frustration, Bibi Dong remained rational. Though Hu Liena's actions in the original story had been infuriating, even Su Ming had called her a traitor. Bibi Dong herself had been similarly lost at one time, wishing to abandon Spirit Hall for Yu Xiaogang, betraying both her teacher and Spirit Hall. She had also neglected to give back.
So, thinking about it from Hu Liena's perspective, she thought, if I could get a chance to make amends, why can't Hu Liena?
Hu Liena looked up at her teacher in shock. Was she really forgiven?
In the original story, she had made grievous mistakes that led to the loss of two invaluable spirit rings and bones, as well as the deaths of Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo. Her life couldn't even begin to repay such a debt.
Bibi Dong lifted Hu Liena with one hand. "Nana, just remember this lesson. And I believe some of your behavior may have been influenced by the Killing God Domain."
"The Killing God Domain is a gift from Shura God; if he wishes, he can tamper with it at any time. Originally, I intended to have you train at Slaughter City after the Soul Master Competition, but now, I think it's best to forget that. Shura God's interference is… insidious."
Hu Liena, still concerned, asked, "Teacher, you also have the Killing God Domain. Aren't you worried that Shura God might tamper with it?"
Bibi Dong smiled faintly. "Nana, I am now infused with Rakshasa's divine power. If Shura God tried to manipulate the domain through his awareness, I would sense it. Moreover, the system has given me a Tranquil Heart Pearl, which helps me absorb and control evil thoughts. It would be almost impossible for Shura God to twist my will, unless he descended personally."
Hu Liena's realization brought her relief, and she smiled slightly. "So that's why you're so confident, Teacher."
Bibi Dong nodded. "So, Nana, my coldness earlier was merely to impress upon you the importance of this lesson. Love someone if you wish, but don't fall for the enemy. If necessary, cut your losses—this goes for me as well."
"We're fortunate that we've glimpsed the future and have a chance to change it. Let's be grateful for that."
She patted Hu Liena's shoulder.
Perhaps due to her mended relationship with Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong seemed more open in expressing her care for both Hu Liena and Renxue.
Seeing the tension dissolve, Qian Renxue addressed Bibi Dong. "Mother, is this why you asked me here? Ghost Douluo mentioned it was something that affected Spirit Hall's honor."
After a brief silence, Bibi Dong nodded. "Xiaoxue, I'd like you to participate in the Soul Master Elite Competition as an alternate. What do you think?"
Both Qian Renxue and Hu Liena were taken aback; neither expected such a proposal. The idea intrigued Qian Renxue. She was a soul master, after all, and the Elite Competition was a rare opportunity she'd soon outgrow. At twenty-three, she would be ineligible by the next round.
"Mother, is this because of Su Ming's strength?" Qian Renxue asked.
Bibi Dong nodded. "Yes, Su Ming's strength is formidable, and his abilities counter Nana's. Even if her spirit power surpasses his, I'm not certain she could win. If Su Ming uses the technique he showed against Yu Yuan Zhen, we would stand no chance."
"And Xiaoxue, I think you'd like the opportunity to spar with Su Ming. This is your chance, and since you'll compete under your true appearance, no one will suspect a thing. This will be your only chance."
(Note: Sources suggest Tang San and Qian Renxue are nine years apart, making Qian Renxue currently twenty-three while Tang San is fourteen. Another source notes that Qian Renxue is thirty-six by the end of the original work, eleven years older than Tang San.)
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished uploading the whole series in patreon, thanks for supporting me and special thanks to all the patrons for joining
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After Bibi Dong's words, Qian Renxue felt inclined to use the tournament as a chance to face Su Ming. With her participation, Spirit Hall had a shot at victory. Without her, even Hu Liena and Xie Yue's spirit fusion skills probably couldn't match Su Ming. However, a slight hesitation remained as she turned to Bibi Dong and said, "Mother, but I'm already at the Contra level. If I compete, it might alert the emperors of the two empires, which could interfere with Spirit Hall's future plans."
"And my spirit is the Six-Winged Angel. Given my age, they might deduce that I'm your daughter. Are you ready for that to be revealed after concealing it for so long?"
This was the first time Hu Liena learned of Qian Renxue's strength, which stunned her. Qian Renxue, only two years older than her, was already a Contra!
Unbeknownst to Hu Liena, had Qian Renxue not been focused on her undercover mission, she might have already reached Title Douluo status, especially with the system's power rewards.
Even Bibi Dong was shocked at Qian Renxue's growth. She had asked about her power level recently, and Qian Renxue had only replied, "It's a secret."
"Xiaoxue, what level are you now?" Bibi Dong asked in astonishment.
Qian Renxue replied calmly, "Eighty-three."
Her tone was devoid of pride; she even felt her progress was slow.
"Mother, are you sure about this?" Qian Renxue continued.
Bibi Dong nodded. "Let the world know I have a daughter. Why should we keep it hidden?"
"Besides, with your power, I think you should inform your grandfather. He'll be overjoyed to hear of your progress."
Qian Renxue fell silent before admitting, "Mother, I've refrained from telling Grandfather about my level for a reason."
Knowing Qian Renxue's concern, Bibi Dong said, "Xiaoxue, you're worried that once he learns of your progress, he'll immediately start the Angel God trials. But you don't want that. You want him to live, not sacrifice himself for you."
Qian Renxue nodded, without speaking further.
Seeing her hesitation, Bibi Dong continued, "Xiaoxue, you can't keep this from him forever. Even if you waited until level ninety-nine, the god trials only exempt you from the first seven tests. Your grandfather would still have to sacrifice himself eventually."
Qian Renxue understood. Participating in the tournament would make concealing her level impossible.
"Alright then, I'll call Grandfather and discuss it with him. Mother, you have to support me in convincing him."
In the end, Qian Renxue relented, hoping the system would reveal a way to save her grandfather from having to sacrifice himself.
"No need. I'll handle it," Bibi Dong said, activating her Rakshasa divine power to transmit her voice to the Offering Hall. "Qian Daoliu, Xiaoxue needs to speak with you. Come to the Pope's Hall immediately."
In the Offering Hall, Qian Daoliu, who had been meditating, opened his eyes, gazing in the direction of the Pope's Hall. Bibi Dong's message had reached him from afar—an impressive feat for a Title Douluo. She had clearly concealed her true strength.
And that aura… divine power?
Surprised, Qian Daoliu swiftly vanished from the Offering Hall, reappearing moments later in the Pope's Hall.
"Xiaoxue, what did you want to discuss with Grandfather?" Qian Daoliu asked with a smile.
This time, Qian Renxue didn't return his smile. She spoke seriously, "Grandfather, I have something to tell you: I'm at level eighty-three."
Qian Daoliu's eyes lit up with joy. "Xiaoxue, you've given me such a surprise! No wonder you kept your level a secret."
Qian Renxue continued, "Grandfather, Mother and I discussed this, and I plan to join the tournament as a Spirit Hall team reserve. You've noticed the Heavenly Dou team's strength—they're formidable. With the Spirit Hall team's current lineup, victory is uncertain."
But before she could finish, Qian Daoliu interrupted, "No, Xiaoxue. You need to come to the Angel Temple to start the god trials. Once you become a god, Spirit Hall can unify the continent! Winning the tournament is secondary. Your talent and strength must be kept hidden; it would allow the empires to prepare if revealed."
Before Qian Renxue could respond, Bibi Dong interjected firmly, "Qian Daoliu, this is not a negotiation but a notification. Why worry if the empires are alerted? Spirit Hall's current power shouldn't fear two empires without a single Title Douluo."
"The tournament provides the perfect opportunity to reveal Spirit Hall's true might. Our focus should be on gaining the continent's sects through diplomacy first, and force if necessary."
Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu were stunned.
Unfazed by Bibi Dong's attitude, Qian Daoliu replied calmly, "Bibi Dong, you have a point. Still, I believe it's best if Xiaoxue undertakes the god trials immediately. Once she becomes a god, the sects will naturally submit."
"Or do you want to reach godhood before Xiaoxue? You have a god's aura yourself."
"That's enough!" Qian Renxue, unable to hold back, shouted, "Grandfather, this has nothing to do with Mother. This is my decision. I don't want you to die for me!"
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