At these words, not only did Qian Daoliu's eyes narrow—but hidden in the corridor, Qian Renxue clapped a hand over her mouth, heart trembling. She knew his feelings—but never imagined he'd go this far for her.
"Nonsense!" Qian Daoliu's voice cracked like thunder, his aura rippling. "A prince's title isn't something you discard on a whim! Blood ties, duty—how can you so easily cast them aside? Such words reek of recklessness!"
"Not recklessness—choice," Dai Chengfeng countered, eyes blazing. "Can one truly have it all? If forced to choose between status and Xue'er, I choose Xue'er. You may call it immature, Grand Worship—but this is my truth. As for duty… I'll shoulder it my way. Must I be chained to Star Luo's palace? This continent is vast. With wings, Xue'er and I can soar anywhere."
Qian Daoliu studied him silently, as if seeing him anew. After a long pause, he asked an unexpected question: "Your soul power… exceeds Level 53?"
Dai Chengfeng's heart skipped—he knew his earlier resistance had betrayed him. No use hiding it now. "I recently broke through. I'm at Level 55."
"Level 55 at fifteen?" Qian Daoliu's brows lifted. "Rivaling Xue'er's speed. Your martial soul is Star Luo's White Tiger lineage—but its aura feels… different."
"My martial soul underwent a beneficial mutation," Dai Chengfeng replied cautiously. Forged by Heaven-Defying Immortal Herbs and Dark Demon Evil God Tiger blood, it's far beyond ordinary White Tigers—but such secrets stay buried, even from you.
Qian Daoliu didn't press further. Everyone had mysteries. He returned to his core concern: "Even with your sincerity and talent, Xue'er is my only granddaughter—the Spirit Hall's heir, future Supreme Pontiff, and the Angel God's chosen successor. Her partner must offer more than love. They need strength. Worthiness. To stand beside her through storms… even divine trials."
His gaze turned razor-sharp. "Dai Chengfeng—what makes you worthy now?"
The true test. Love was pure—but reality demanded power.
Dai Chengfeng straightened, radiating unshakable confidence. "At fifteen, I'm Level 55—with certainty of breaking through to Soul Saint before twenty! My martial soul rivals any apex beast martial soul! My resolve? To scale the soul master's peak—I'll dare even the Divine Path! And for Xue'er? I'd give my life!"
"Worthiness isn't granted—it's seized. I may lack strength today, but given time, Xue'er will never regret choosing me. The Spirit Hall won't regret accepting me! I swear: I'll guard Qian Renxue with my life, aid her ascent to the apex, walk the Divine Path with her—through life and death! Break this vow, and heaven and earth shall strike me down!"
Boom!
As the oath ended, Dai Chengfeng's soul surged—a ripple resonating with cosmic laws. A soul-bound vow—undeniable, irrevocable.
Qian Daoliu's composure finally cracked. His ancient eyes flickered—astonished. Such a soul-deep oath wasn't taken lightly.
Silence fell—but the air had shifted.
In the corridor, Qian Renxue wept silently, muffling sobs. You fool… why such a dire vow…
After an age, Qian Daoliu exhaled—a sound like rustling leaves. The crushing pressure vanished like receding tide.
"Sit." He gestured to a chair, voice flat but warmer.
Dai Chengfeng knew the worst had passed. He sat, respectful yet relaxed.
"Xue'er lost her parents young," Qian Daoliu said, rare tenderness in his voice. "She seems cold and strong, but her heart is tender, sensitive. Once she chooses… ten soul beasts couldn't drag her back. Since she chose you—and you've shown genuine devotion…"
He paused, eyes fathomless. "I won't oppose your courtship… for now."
Relief flooded Dai Chengfeng. He rose. "Thank you, Grand Worship!"
"Don't thank me yet." Qian Daoliu waved him down. "Tolerance isn't approval. Nor does it mean marriage—or public acknowledgment."
Dai Chengfeng sat, listening intently.
"Xue'er's divine trial nears its climax," Qian Daoliu continued. "No distractions. No outside pressures or gossip. Your relationship stays private. Publicly, you're merely close allies—nothing more. Privately?" He glanced away. "That's your affair. But maintain appearances."
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