The next day.
Yin Zhang brought Qiangu Yunying to meet Qian Daoliu. Qian Daoliu had originally intended to ask Yin Zhang about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, but Yin Zhang spoke first.
"High Priest, I brought Sister Yunying here today because I'd like to ask you for a favor."
Qian Daoliu was taken aback, a little curious. Qiangu Yunying had only just returned from Slaughter City—he had heard about it that very morning from Qian Jun and Jiangmo.
Those two had complained endlessly:
"Sigh, the world really is going downhill. Little Yunying finally came back from Slaughter City. I was planning to surprise her when she reached Spirit City, but the moment she arrived, she went straight to find Yin Zhang, completely ignoring us two old men. She didn't even spare a glance for her father and brother before running off to Yin Zhang's place. What kind of manners are these?"
"Exactly! She doesn't care about our old bones at all!"
Qian Daoliu had only laughed and shaken his head.
Now, facing Yin Zhang, he smiled faintly and said, "Whatever you need, just say it. There's no need to be so formal."
Then he added meaningfully, "Little Xue praised you quite a bit in the letter she sent me. It really made me look at you in a new light."
Yin Zhang wasn't surprised. In fact, he thought the news had arrived rather slowly. As for why he hadn't brought it up when he visited the Hall of Worship after returning to Spirit City, it was simple—since they would learn sooner or later, there was no need to rush.
He smiled lightly.
"Since the High Priest already knows, there's no need to hide it. I only hope you'll support me. I will lead Spirit Hall to an unprecedented height. I can guarantee that."
Qian Daoliu looked at him intently. Knowing what he did of Yin Zhang, he believed those words weren't empty boasts.
"Very well," Qian Daoliu said with a nod. "If you have that confidence, then I will support you."
Yin Zhang nodded in return and continued,
"The High Priest should also be able to sense it. Sister Yunying has just come out of Slaughter City. The killing intent and heavy bloody aura on her body have already affected her state of mind. Your Seraphim Spirit embodies holy power—just a trace of holy light would be enough to resolve this issue. I ask that you lend a hand and help her."
Qian Daoliu turned his gaze to Qiangu Yunying.
Indeed, the dense bloody and evil aura clinging to her made him instinctively uncomfortable.
Qiangu Yunying also spoke up, "Grandpa Qian, I hope you can help me. This aura makes it impossible for me to cultivate in peace."
She was very familiar with Qian Daoliu. After all, she had practically grown up under his watch. Sometimes, when Qian Daoliu looked at her, he couldn't help but think that if his own granddaughter were also by his side, perhaps he wouldn't feel so lonely.
Qian Daoliu nodded.
"Of course. Yunying, step forward. I'll help you purify the bloodiness and evil qi within you."
Qiangu Yunying and Yin Zhang exchanged a glance. Yin Zhang smiled and nodded encouragingly, and she returned the smile before stepping forward to stand before Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu summoned his Seraphim Spirit. Its nine spirit rings appeared, several of them at the hundred-thousand-year level—proof of the rewards he had obtained through the Angel God trials. Though he didn't deliberately release pressure, the sheer presence of a Limit Douluo made both Qiangu Yunying and Yin Zhang feel their bodies sink. Yin Zhang fared slightly better, but the gap was still clear.
So this is the difference between me and a Limit Douluo… Yin Zhang thought. Not huge, but it's there.
"Yunying," Qian Daoliu said solemnly, "do not suppress the darkness within your heart. Reveal it fully, and I will purify it together with the rest."
Slaughter City had exposed Qiangu Yunying to endless darkness. Though she had tried to suppress its influence, it had never truly disappeared. If left untreated, it could become a hidden obstacle in the future.
She nodded. That was what she wanted as well. Summoning her flame plundering spear, she held it firmly. The evil qi, bloody aura, and the shadows in her heart surged forth all at once, becoming even denser. Her expression grew fierce and sharp.
Fortunately, she was facing away from Yin Zhang and didn't worry about him seeing her like this.
Qian Daoliu observed calmly, then raised his right hand.
Behind him, the Seraphim Spirit lifted its massive Angelic Sacred Sword, carrying Qian Daoliu into the air. Brilliant holy light poured down, completely enveloping Qiangu Yunying.
A hazy mist rose from her body, like steam evaporating after intense exertion.
Qiangu Yunying's body grew weaker by the moment, yet her spirit became increasingly clear and tranquil. Yin Zhang watched closely, ready to step forward at any time.
After three or four minutes, the darkness within her was finally cleansed by the holy light of the Seraphim.
Qiangu Yunying looked pale and exhausted, but her mental state was better than ever.
The instant it ended, her body swayed and nearly collapsed.
Yin Zhang stepped in immediately, supporting her.
"Sister Yunying, are you alright?" he asked softly.
She smiled and nodded.
"I'm fine. Thanks to Grandpa Qian's help. If I'd relied on myself alone, it would have taken a very long time to completely eliminate this evil qi, bloody aura, and the darkness within my heart."
Yin Zhang smiled in relief, then turned to Qian Daoliu and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, High Priest, for helping Sister Yunying recover. If you ever need anything in the future, come to me. As long as it's within my ability, I won't refuse."