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Qian Xunji's imprisonment was a well-kept secret. Aside from the highest-ranking members of Spirit Hall, hardly anyone knew about it. Even the staff delivering his meals three times a day remained unaware of the luxurious prison's most notable occupant.
Given Qian Xunji's immense pride, if word of his incarceration spread throughout Spirit Hall, it would be no different from Yu Xiaogang's disgrace becoming infamous across the continent. No one could predict whether Qian Xunji would collapse into despair or even take his own life the moment he was released.
On this particular day, the tightly shut gates of the luxurious prison suddenly swung open, and a familiar, melodious voice rang out—
"Father."
The once emotionless Qian Xunji slowly lifted his head upon hearing the voice he knew so well. In his hollow eyes, a faint glimmer of light emerged.
A few moments later, two figures stepped into the doorway of his small prison chamber—Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu.
---
"Father, Xiaoxue, why are you here?"
Qian Xunji looked up at them, forcing a gentle smile despite the state of ruin he had fallen into. However, as soon as he remembered his disheveled appearance, he quickly averted his gaze, unwilling to meet their eyes.
Qian Renxue stepped closer, her eyes brimming with sadness and guilt as she took in her father's haggard form. The once proud and powerful man was now a mere shadow of himself.
"Father, you can leave now. I'm here to take you home."
A wave of regret washed over her—if only she had worked harder to complete her Angelic Trials sooner, she could have spared him so much suffering.
But Qian Xunji merely shook his head and spoke softly,
"Xiaoxue, let me stay here. I no longer have the face to return to the outside world. Just knowing that you've grown up safe and strong is enough for me."
Ever since he had been imprisoned, his entire worldview had collapsed. Even if he stepped out, there was no hope of breaking through anymore. His life had become meaningless—in short, he had completely shut down.
"BANG!"
Suddenly, Qian Daoliu struck Qian Xunji's head with a fierce slap, his furious voice echoing through the chamber.
"What nonsense are you spouting?! Do you even realize how much Xiaoxue has sacrificed? She has embarked on the Nine Trials of the Angel, a divine trial bestowed by the Ancestor God! She has already completed the Seventh Trial and is destined to become a God! Do you think she fought this hard just to see you waste away in this place?!"
---
"The Nine Angel Trials… F-F-Father…"
Qian Xunji's voice trembled as he looked at Qian Daoliu. Of course, he understood the meaning of the Angel God's Trials—it could only mean that Qian Daoliu was prepared to sacrifice himself.
Qian Daoliu met his gaze with unwavering determination, his expression calm yet resolute. Without saying a word, his eyes spoke volumes—he was ready to give his life for the Angel God's descent.
"Go clean yourself up and come with me. A descendant of the Angel Clan, content with rotting away in prison—I refuse to believe that I, Qian Daoliu, raised such a worthless son!"
---
A Short While Later…
After freshening up, Qian Xunji's cultivation had returned to Rank 96, restoring him to his former youthful appearance, looking no older than thirty.
Standing beside Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue, it was undeniable that they were family—their features bore an unmistakable resemblance. However, Qian Xunji's aura had changed forever. The once-radiant pride in his demeanor was nowhere to be found.
As soon as they stepped out of the prison, Qian Daoliu activated his spirit power, shielding their surroundings from prying ears. His voice turned grim—
"Xiaoxue, Bibi Dong's life is in grave danger."
Qian Renxue's heart skipped a beat. She had resolved not to think about Bibi Dong anymore, but upon hearing these words, she couldn't stop herself from trembling.
"Grandfather, what are you saying?! Didn't you tell me she was doing just fine outside?!"
Qian Daoliu sighed, "Yes, she has indeed been doing well… but do you know what your brother did during the Spirit Master Tournament's semifinals?"
"Tang Hao is dead. Your brother killed him—and not just him, but even Tang Hao's son. He stripped them of their soul bones. Two Shrek Academy teachers also perished."
"But Tang San survived."
"And if he makes it back to Shrek Academy, what do you think will happen?"
---
"Heaven Dou Academy's teams have been traveling for about twenty days to reach Spirit City. Do you really think I ordered you to complete the Seventh Angel Trial within a month just for no reason?"
Qian Renxue's expression darkened instantly.
"Grandfather! Where exactly is Shrek Academy in Heaven Dou City?!"
She had already spent over twenty days training, dueling, and ultimately fusing with Hei Xue. Now, she would need time to reach Heaven Dou City—but if Bibi Dong fell into Tang San's hands, her fate was sealed.
Bibi Dong's body housed several precious soul bones. If she was caught by someone burning with vengeance, there was no doubt—she would be dismembered, her soul bones stripped away.
Qian Daoliu's gaze sharpened.
"Qian Xin."
Qian Dao Liu Calls for Assistance
At Qian Dao Liu's command, one of the two bodyguards he had dispatched appeared—a branch family member of the Angel Clan, a young woman named Qian Xin.
"Patriarch, Elder, Young Master."
Qian Xin greeted Qian Dao Liu, Qian Xun Ji, and Qian Ren Xue respectfully. If Qian Xun Ji had completed the Angelic Trials, he would have been the family head by now, and Qian Dao Liu would have become the former patriarch. But instead, Qian Xun Ji had ended up behind a sewing machine in prison.
Qian Dao Liu spoke calmly, "You know where Shrek Academy is. Take Xiaoxue there."
Upon hearing this, Qian Xin's expression remained composed, but her heart was filled with unease. Qian Dao Liu and Qian Ren Xue assumed Bibi Dong was doing well—but in reality, before she reached Shrek Academy, she had suffered terribly, reduced to the state of a beggar.
If the Patriarch and Young Master found out the truth, would they cut her down in fury?
Should she go beg the Pope for help instead?
Despite her inner turmoil, Qian Xin kept her face neutral.
"Young Master, please follow me."
She spread two pairs of pure white wings and soared toward Heaven Dou City. Behind her, Qian Ren Xue unfolded four pairs of pristine angelic wings and followed.
---
"Eight-Winged Angel… Xiaoxue's Martial Soul Has Evolved."
Qian Xun Ji's expression froze for a moment before realization struck. He turned to Qian Dao Liu with a hint of concern.
"Father, will Xiaoxue be in danger if she goes to Heaven Dou City alone?"
But Qian Dao Liu dismissed the thought with indifference.
"What danger?"
"Xue'er is already stronger than you, her useless father."
"Not to mention, she has the divine artifact, the Angelic Holy Sword, protecting her. The few remaining strong fighters in Heaven Dou Empire have already been wiped out by that boy."
Qian Xun Ji hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking—
"Then… what is that child's current strength?"
Qian Dao Liu snorted in irritation.
"Go find out yourself."
Ever since Qian Zhen Han used an Evil Spirit Master's technique to extract the Golden Holy Dragon's essence, the conflict between him and Qian Dao Liu had only escalated.
---
Twenty-Five Days After the Semifinals of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament…
After a long and grueling journey, Tang San and Yu Xiao Gang finally returned to Heaven Dou City, carrying Tang Hao's corpse.
They headed straight toward Moon Pavilion.
The Heaven Dou Empire's academy teams had been provided with elite warhorses, capable of traveling dozens of miles per day without exhaustion. In contrast, the common carriage Tang San had hired for his journey was far slower.
Despite having fewer people traveling with him, Tang San's return took five extra days compared to the others.
---
Inside Moon Pavilion…
The entire building had been shut down after the news of Tang Hao's death spread. Only a handful of people had remained, waiting for Tang San's return.
Inside, Tang Yue Hua collapsed over Tang Hao's corpse, wailing uncontrollably.
His body was mangled and bloodied, his wounds had festered, yet she didn't care about the filth or the horror—she clung to him, sobbing bitterly.
"Second Brother! Second Brother!"
Beside her, Tang San knelt before the corpse, tears streaming down his face despite his efforts to hold them back.
Yu Xiao Gang stood nearby, but he had no words to offer.
---
The Anger of the Haotian Sect
A third elder of the Haotian Sect, a Titled Douluo, stared at Tang Hao's corpse.
Upon seeing the six missing soul bones, his rage boiled over.
He clenched his teeth and growled—
"Spirit Hall has gone too far!"
Standing nearby, Bai He wore a grim expression.
"Third Elder," he said solemnly, "according to my Minzhi Clan's intelligence, Spirit Hall has been amassing spirit masters at an alarming rate. It seems they are preparing for something massive."
"There is a high chance they plan to move against our Haotian Sect."
His expression darkened further.
"We must take Tang San and Yue Hua back to Haotian Sect immediately."
(End of Chapter)