Chapter 361: Meeting Qian Renxue Again
Staring at the closed doors of the Pope's Palace, Dai Yao let out a faint sigh, his expression turning cold. Without further delay, he turned and swiftly headed towards the Elder Hall. After several attempts to see Bibi Dong, she still refused to meet with him. It was time to set aside his compassion for her and do what was necessary to protect those he cared about.
Moments later, Dai Yao arrived at the Elder Hall. This sanctuary, hidden deep in the mountains, was serene, with few people present. Led by an attendant, he soon stood outside the Angelic Hall. The doors opened after the attendant announced his arrival, and Qian Daoliu, bathed in golden light, looked at him with a kindly smile.
"Child, I've been waiting for you."
Dai Yao stepped into the hall. Once the doors closed, he took a deep breath and said, "I've made my decision, Great Elder. I will go to Tian Dou Empire."
Qian Daoliu nodded with satisfaction, pleased both for Dai Yao's choice and for the support this meant for Qian Renxue. If a rare talent like Dai Yao chose to support Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue's chances of success would dwindle to almost nothing.
Qian Daoliu extended his hand, passing Dai Yao a golden token. "This is the Angel Token, the highest authority within the Elder Hall. No one in Spirit Hall may defy the orders of the bearer of this token. I have already sent Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo to Tian Dou City to assist Qian Renxue with the coup. Now, in my name, take this token to Qian Renxue and instruct her to begin. Once done, you may return here."
Receiving the Angel Token, Dai Yao felt its divine aura radiate from the intricate angel engraving, as though he were holding a golden sun.
Dai Yao replied, "I understand, Great Elder." He turned and boarded the prepared carriage. Soon, the carriage left the Elder Hall, passing through the bustling streets of Spirit City, past its gates, and gradually growing distant...
Tian Dou City, Spirit Hall of Tian Dou
Salas was deep in paperwork when a sudden, urgent knock interrupted his focus. He frowned slightly. "Enter."
The doors opened, and a guard stepped in, bowing respectfully. "Platinum Bishop, a masked man in a black robe has arrived with your Platinum Bishop Token. He wishes to see you."
Hearing this, Salas's frown quickly transformed into a look of realization. He had only given his Platinum Bishop Token to one person—Dai Yao. Given Dai Yao's current sensitive identity in Tian Dou Empire, it made sense he'd conceal himself.
Salas had been instrumental, along with Ferdinand, in helping Dai Yao secure his position in Spirit Hall after he defeated Spirit Hall's renowned Golden Generation, proving himself the most gifted soul master of his generation.
Suppressing his excitement, Salas stood quickly. "Bring him in immediately!"
The guard was startled by the bishop's eagerness, intrigued by the identity of this masked visitor who could elicit such a response. "Yes, sir."
The guard quickly returned to the hall entrance and escorted Dai Yao inside. "Sir, the bishop is waiting for you in the sanctuary. Please, follow me."
The guard's attitude was noticeably more respectful, amusing Dai Yao. Moments earlier, the guard had been far more arrogant. But such was the reality of this world, a fact Dai Yao was well accustomed to. Nodding, he followed the guard inside.
The sanctuary was vast, grand, and second in majesty only to the Pope's Palace itself.
"Still wearing a mask, little one?" Salas chuckled, descending from the dais and playfully chiding Dai Yao.
Dai Yao smiled as he removed his mask and lowered his hood, allowing his long, golden hair to cascade over his shoulders.
Salas patted his shoulder, measuring Dai Yao's height with a proud grin. "You've grown, haven't you?"
In the five years since he'd last seen him, Dai Yao's youthful features had sharpened into those of a mature, confident young man. Salas recalled Dai Yao's arrival from Star Luo Empire, accompanied by Zhu Zhuqing, both of them like startled young beasts, wary and guarded. Now, however, the raw, unpolished gem had transformed into a dazzling, imposing figure.
"Salas Grandfather, you look older." Dai Yao teased.
Salas was taken aback before feigning a scowl and giving Dai Yao a playful jab in the chest. "Brat! You'd better not show up if it's only to tease me."
Dai Yao laughed, "I'm just joking, Salas Grandfather. If not for your help back then, I might not have even made it out of Tian Dou City alive."
Salas huffed, "If I hadn't helped you back then, you'd be in Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's pocket! They were vying for you back then, but luckily, you chose Spirit Hall."
Dai Yao chuckled, keeping quiet about his current close relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Little did Salas know, he was practically a member of the clan now.
Salas's expression turned curious, "You're the one who defeated the Golden Generation back then. Let me see how far you've come in these five years."
Dai Yao grinned, "Be prepared, Salas Grandfather."
"Ha! I've seen it all, kid. Nothing you show me will shock me. You're only a Spirit Emperor—what could be so impressive—"
The last words caught in his throat as his gaze locked onto the soul rings materializing around Dai Yao. His eyes widened as his focus landed on the blood-red ring.
The oppressive aura of the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring stifled even his own spiritual power and momentarily disrupted the flow of his soul power.
"Impossible… a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring… how?" Salas stammered.
Dai Yao gave a modest smile. "It's a long story, but let's just say it wasn't easy."
"Kid, you've certainly given me a shock today. The Pope must have handsomely rewarded you for this," Salas said, his initial amazement undiminished.
At the mention of Bibi Dong, a shadow crossed Dai Yao's face.
"Salas Grandfather, the Pope has indeed granted me many honors. However, I came here with a serious matter to discuss."
Salas's demeanor shifted at once, understanding this was no time for casual talk. "What is it?"
Dai Yao produced the Angel Token, showing it to Salas. As Salas recognized the token, his face filled with reverence.
"The Angel Token… With it, you act in the name of the Great Elder. How did you obtain it?" he asked, astonished.
Dai Yao explained, "The Great Elder granted it to me. I've been sent to Tian Dou City to initiate a coup in the palace."
Salas regarded the token with a complicated expression, and after a moment, he said heavily, "The time isn't ripe yet. Acting too soon could lead to unforeseen risks. This has been in motion for decades; to lose it all by rushing now would be a tragedy."
Salas, as one of the few aware of the secret within the Tian Dou royal palace, had long been in direct contact with Qian Renxue. He knew better than anyone the inner workings of the imperial court. Emperor Xue Ye was already suffering from a slow-acting poison, and it was only a matter of time before he passed, leaving the throne to "Xue Qinghe." If they merely waited, the throne would fall into Spirit Hall's hands without a single blade drawn. Forcing the situation now could provoke unforeseen complications.
Dai Yao understood the risks of acting prematurely, but he also knew that Qian Daoliu had his reasons for urgency. If Qian Renxue continued waiting within the Tian Dou Empire, Bibi Dong's rapid progress would eventually outpace her. Even with Qian Daoliu's support, Qian Renxue would be too late to inherit the Angelic Deity's position ahead of Bibi Dong. If Bibi Dong succeeded in achieving her godhood first, the Angelic Clan would face destruction. Qian Daoliu was aware that initiating the coup early could lead to complications, but he could wait no longer.
"He's out of time," Dai Yao said quietly, then added, "It's an order from the Great Elder—I don't have a choice."
Salas nodded reluctantly. "Alright then, I'll arrange a private meeting with her."
Feeling reassured, Dai Yao provided Salas with his current location, noting that he couldn't risk meeting Qian Renxue at the Tian Dou Spirit Hall due to the sensitive relationship between Spirit Hall and the Tian Dou Empire. A single sighting of them together could lead to disastrous consequences.
Salas agreed. "Very well. She will come to find you."
Dai Yao turned to leave, but Salas, after a moment's hesitation, called him back.
"Wait."
Dai Yao paused, turning to him. "Is there something else, Grandfather Salas?"
Salas took a deep breath and spoke solemnly. "Dai Yao, you may be under the Pope's command, but becoming too closely involved with the Great Elder could cause the Pope to become suspicious of you. You may not be fully aware of the enmity between the Pope and the Great Elder."
Salas didn't explicitly say "a death sentence," but the meaning was clear. This was a warning born out of genuine care for him.
Dai Yao felt grateful, but he knew this warning held no weight. His connection to Bibi Dong was far more complex than people knew, and before coming to Tian Dou City, he had already accepted the risk of a falling out with her.
"Thank you."
He nodded firmly and left without looking back.
Tian Dou Palace
After a formal gathering and seemingly inebriated from wine, Xue Qinghe's expression cleared as soon as he stepped into his carriage.
"A clever tactic for avoiding alcohol, Your Highness."
A lifeless voice echoed in the carriage.
Xue Qinghe looked at the speaker, a young man with a head of silvery hair, like an elderly man close to his end. Xue Qinghe chuckled. "Even as the Crown Prince, I can't always refuse invitations. Surely, you understand that, being the Moon Pavilion's most accomplished student."
Tang San's expression softened for a moment as if something within him had come alive, only to vanish as he quickly returned to his deadened state.
Since Xiao Wu's death, he had become a different person. Only vengeance fueled him now—vengeance against Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Dai Yao. As long as they lived, he could find no peace.
"You're correct, Your Highness. It's late; I should take my leave."
Tang San bowed his head respectfully.
Xue Qinghe found his deference somewhat disappointing, waving dismissively. "You may go."
Tang San nodded, lifting the carriage curtain to exit. Once outside, he melted into the shadows, leaving the carriage to continue into the depths of the palace.
No sooner had he left than a dark shadow emerged from Xue Qinghe's body, coalescing into a sinister figure.
With pale silver hair, dark robes, and an aura of shadow and malice, the doppelganger's voice purred in a sultry tone. "My, my, Tang San is fiercely loyal to you. It seems he'll do anything for his revenge."
Dark Qian Renxue lounged languidly on the carriage cushions, her long, elegant fingers tracing her lips, painted a deep wine-red.
Eyes closed, Xue Qinghe scoffed. "His loyalty is only to his revenge, hoping to use the Tian Dou Empire to resist Spirit Hall. Don't you see that as clearly as I do?"
Dark Qian Renxue laughed lightly, leaning close as her hand caressed Xue Qinghe's cheek. "True, it's just as you say. Such a beautiful face hidden beneath a cold facade... even the loveliest flower withers without sunlight. That Tang San, on the other hand, is a fine specimen—exceptionally talented and heartbroken. Perhaps he could be an ally, don't you think? Even that woman…"
A flash of irritation crossed Xue Qinghe's face. She opened her eyes, visibly exasperated. "Enough. Out."
"Oh, did I touch a nerve?" Dark Qian Renxue continued with a coy smile. "We are, after all, one and the same. I can feel your loneliness. You can't deny it; you've yearned for someone to confide in, haven't you?"
Xue Qinghe's expression hardened. "I once wished for such companionship, but my childish hopes died the moment I arrived in Tian Dou Empire. There is only Grandfather and me in this world. No one else."
Dark Qian Renxue giggled, putting on an exaggeratedly heartfelt expression. "Such sentimentality. But remember, I'm here to stay—we'll always be together."
With a smug grin, she added, "But tell me, after the coup, won't Tang San be rendered obsolete?"
Xue Qinghe's gaze grew contemplative. "Not necessarily. I respect his talent. If he remains loyal, I might spare his life and even help him pursue his vengeance."
Dark Qian Renxue gave a skeptical laugh. "Compassionate, aren't we? Do you honestly believe he'd stay loyal after discovering your true identity?"
"You can't know until you try," Xue Qinghe replied, smiling slyly.
Her intentions toward Tang San weren't purely practical; she felt an urge to claim his loyalty completely. Yet, his current lack of resistance dampened her interest somewhat.
Surprised by her own feelings, Dark Qian Renxue laughed aloud. "Who knew you harbored any personal interest in Tang San? But I wonder how you'll sway him from his vendetta against Spirit Hall. And what then? If it comes down to choosing between Tang San and Dai Yao, what will you do?"
"Dai Yao? If he leaves that woman's side and swears allegiance to me, I'll make him second only to myself. But if he remains loyal to her, he will face death…" Xue Qinghe's voice was distant, filled with steel.
Her mind drifted back to her first encounter with Dai Yao. His talent and power had astounded her—even at the Spirit Elder level, he'd obtained a ten-thousand-year spirit ring. Though she herself wielded a divine spirit, the Six-Winged Angel, she couldn't achieve such a feat at his age. For the first time, she had felt genuinely challenged by a peer, and with it came an urge to bring him under her command.
However, circumstances had driven him to join Spirit Hall, aligning him with Bibi Dong instead of her. If the coup succeeded and she returned to Spirit Hall in full authority, she'd extend an invitation to Dai Yao and see if he dared refuse.
The carriage slowed to a stop, and Dark Qian Renxue melded back into Xue Qinghe's form. The servant outside respectfully lifted the carriage's curtain as Xue Qinghe stepped down, surprised to find two figures radiating the power of mountains awaiting her.
Looking around and confirming the Spirit Hall guards, she relaxed and addressed them. "Uncle She, Uncle Ci, what brings you here?"
The two men were Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo, elite members of the Elder Hall.
Snake Lance Douluo observed Qian Renxue, who wore the guise of Xue Qinghe, with a subtle pang of sympathy. For over twenty years, she had lived undercover as a man in the Tian Dou Empire, a life no doubt filled with hardship. But now was not the time to dwell on sentiment. Adopting a serious tone, he said, "Young Master, the Great Elder's special envoy is waiting outside for you. He awaits your audience."
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