Bibi Dong had served as the Supreme Pontiff for many years. Although her foundation had been weak at the beginning, through years of careful management she had become both benefactor and patron to countless people within Spirit Hall.
Among them were many who had rejected Yin Zhang's invitation.
However, whether due to Yin Zhang's influence—or more precisely, their fear of the Hall of Worship—not a single one chose to report this information to Bibi Dong. As a result, she remained completely unaware that a grand scheme against her had been quietly unfolding for years.
Within Spirit Hall, there were many who disliked Bibi Dong.
What most of them could do was simply refuse to take part. They would not become informants either.
As for those who stubbornly refused or even intended to report matters, they were stopped by various threats. Even lone wolves with nothing to lose would soon find leverage held against them. If that still failed, an "accident" would eventually occur.
In short, the plan absolutely could not be exposed to Bibi Dong ahead of time.
If she were driven to desperation, the consequences would be extremely troublesome.
After thinking for a moment, Yin Zhang said to Yun Shan,
"Yun Shan, what is your current authority within the Hall of Worship? As the Third Priest, how much power do you actually have?"
Yun Shan pondered briefly before replying,
"As the Third Priest, I can command anyone below the Titled Douluo rank within Spirit Hall to cooperate with my actions. Even Titled Douluo who belong to the Hall of Worship but are not Priests—such as Snake Lance, Porcupinefish, and Tang Zhen—must accompany me when necessary. Of course, I cannot mobilize those who are currently executing missions assigned directly by the High Priest."
Yin Zhang nodded thoughtfully.
"My teacher knows most of my intentions. The other Priests also know bits and pieces, and they should generally support my actions. My teacher will definitely appear personally. As for the others, I can't be completely sure. Still, there are Sister Yunying's two grandfathers—they will help me for her sake. There's also Elder Tang Zhen, and Elder Poison… With so many people on my side, I really can't think of a reason I would lose."
Yun Shan nodded in agreement.
After a moment, Yin Zhang shook his head firmly.
"Forget it. There's no need to celebrate before everything is settled. If the Rakshasa God notices Bibi Dong falling into trouble and intervenes, things could become dangerous. Until the outcome is decided, caution is best."
---
Before dawn, the messenger sent by Snake Lance and Porcupinefish finally arrived in Spirit City. He went straight to the Hall of Worship and requested an audience with Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu was slightly puzzled. He had been cultivating in seclusion, and being interrupted was rare. However, when he heard that the letter was personally written by his granddaughter, Qian Renxue, and had to be delivered to him alone, he immediately summoned the messenger.
Qian Daoliu had always cherished this granddaughter.
She had lost her biological father at a very young age, and that father had been nothing but a disgrace. As for her biological mother, she viewed her existence as a permanent reminder of humiliation and violation.
Combined with Qian Renxue's gentle and fragile appearance when she was young, this had stirred an intense protective instinct in Qian Daoliu.
"The letter. Give it to me," Qian Daoliu said calmly.
"Yes, High Priest."
The messenger respectfully presented the letter and withdrew at Qian Daoliu's gesture.
The doors closed softly.
Qian Daoliu opened the envelope and slowly unfolded the yellowed letter paper.
---
Grandfather,
By the time you read this letter, Yin Zhang, Yun Shan, and Hu Liena should have already returned to Spirit Hall. I have several pieces of good news.
First, the Heaven Dou Empire is now firmly under my control. Some of the military marshals loyal to the Xue family noticed irregularities and attempted to rebel, but I have already ordered their execution. The remaining details are too numerous to explain fully in this letter.
I will remain in Heaven Dou City for a few more months to completely purge internal dissent, ensuring that the Heaven Dou Empire can merge with Spirit Hall smoothly and without hidden dangers.
Second—and most importantly—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has surrendered to Spirit Hall.
I am not sure whether Yin Zhang or Yun Shan has already told you. He prefers to keep a low profile, so perhaps not. That night, the seven of us acted together and encountered Bone Douluo Gu Rong at the city wall. He attempted to escape, but Elder Yun Shan stopped him.
We initially planned to kill Gu Rong, but Yin Zhang intervened. He threatened that if Gu Rong did not surrender, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would be destroyed, and Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin would die miserably. Under this pressure—and since there was no irreconcilable hatred between the school and Spirit Hall—Gu Rong compromised.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin soon arrived after sensing something was wrong. They were completely outmatched. Elder Yun Shan alone suppressed Chen Xin, even with Ning Fengzhi's support. In the end, under Yin Zhang's coercion and persuasion, they agreed to join Spirit Hall.
Ning Fengzhi made a few minor requests, mainly concerning a degree of autonomy. I believe this is acceptable. Even if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were fully absorbed, I would still feel uneasy. Trusting them completely would be dangerous.
I believe Ning Fengzhi agreed mainly for the safety of Chen Xin, Gu Rong, his sect, and his children. After his spirit evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, he had another son and daughter. He may be thinking that if their spirit awakenings also produce the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda…
---
Qian Daoliu slowly lowered the letter.
He was deeply shocked.
He had not expected Yin Zhang to have already established such overwhelming momentum. His methods, decisiveness, and foresight were astonishing.
If someone like him became the Supreme Pontiff, it might truly be a blessing for Spirit Hall.
Moreover, if the Heaven Dou Empire fully merged with Spirit Hall, the organization itself would inevitably change. Spirit Hall had always been a Spirit Master organization—but incorporating an empire would require a completely different structure.
After a moment, Qian Daoliu shook his head faintly.
Since Yin Zhang has already accomplished this much, he must have his own plans for what comes next. There's no need for me to worry blindly, he thought to himself.
-----------------_-----_-----------------
Read 40 advanced chapter on
👉 patreon.com/Master_fic