Chapter 232: The Angel God
Qian Daoliu was drenched in cold sweat, visibly shocked by what he had just witnessed. Not even Bo Saixi could perform such a feat. Qian Daoliu opened his mouth as if to say something, but words escaped him, too stunned to speak. Ye Wen, however, showed little interest in conversing with him and instead strode purposefully towards the Offering Hall's main sanctuary.
Inside, a magnificent statue of a six winged angel stood, glowing with pure, holy light. Ye Wen couldn't help but admire it. The angel it depicted must have been a paragon of justice and righteousness. Qian Daoliu, visibly tense, followed him inside.
There was good reason for his nerves; the sanctuary served not only as his own place of meditation and a council chamber for the high ranking Douluos but also as the sacred ground for the Angel God's inheritance. Much like Seagod Island's holy grounds, this was the center of the Angel God's divine trials.
Qian Daoliu's earlier flare of spirit power had stirred the other offerings, who soon entered the hall. Golden Crocodile Douluo, the second offering and a powerful figure, immediately stepped forward, his usual boldness undeterred.
"Brother, who is this kid?" he asked.
The question sent a shiver down Qian Daoliu's spine. By now, he had already concluded that this young man was likely a god, specifically the one his beloved Bo Saixi had served the Seagod himself. Although he mourned Bo Saixi's passing, the Angel God's legacy was paramount in his mind, above even his personal grief.
Raising his hand urgently, Qian Daoliu gestured for Golden Crocodile Douluo to stop speaking and sent him a sharp, warning glance to avoid further offense. As someone who deeply understood the temperament of high level powerhouses, he knew that most gods valued their freedom above all. Qian Daoliu himself shared that mindset and was not one to be trifled with.
Ye Wen, however, barely acknowledged Golden Crocodile Douluo's presence, focused instead on the imposing angelic statue in the hall. Observing this unfiltered display of power, Qian Daoliu realized Ye Wen was indeed a being of divine authority, one who, in his eyes, moved with godly freedom.
A soft sigh from Ye Wen broke the silence, and he spoke, "It seems the Angel God has truly perished."
The weight of these words shattered Qian Daoliu's composure. Unable to contain himself, he blurted, "Seagod, how can you say such a thing?"
Ye Wen was mildly surprised that Qian Daoliu had correctly guessed his identity but then mused at the irony. Here was an elder, more than a hundred years old, addressing him a much younger man as "Lord." Ah, humanity indeed was skilled at bowing to strength when faced with it. Beneath the titles and powers, Qian Daoliu was simply a man clinging to illusions.
Casting a glance at the other offerings who had gathered Golden Crocodile Douluo, Blue Phoenix Douluo, Fiery Lion Douluo, Radiant Bow Douluo, and the twin Dragon Staff Douluos, Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Ye Wen took in their impressive lineup. Together, they represented a unique balance of power, an unusual combination that would have given the strongest defenders of Seagod Island quite a challenge.
Turning back to Qian Daoliu, Ye Wen continued, "As the Angel God's high priest, you should know better than anyone how long it's been since she last responded to you."
Qian Daoliu's face darkened at the reminder. It had been fifty long years since the Angel God last issued a divine decree, and though Qian Daoliu had buried the doubt deep within, he had to confront the truth now. Still, he tried to salvage his belief. "Perhaps she has had matters to tend to," he argued, his tone almost pleading. "I refuse to believe that our Angel God has fallen."
Ye Wen looked at him with pity, seeing through the frail deception. "She didn't even have the strength to leave behind a single trace of her divine consciousness," Ye Wen said, pointing over his shoulder to the statue. "What more proof do you need?"
The revelation struck Qian Daoliu like a hammer blow, and he fell to his knees. For generations, his family had revered the Angel God, and now he could no longer deny her absence. A tear slid down his weathered cheek as he murmured, "O great Angel God…how could this be…"
Golden Crocodile Douluo watched his elder brother with sympathy, wanting to console him but wary of the stranger in their midst. Here was a man so powerful that Qian Daoliu had insisted on restraint; Golden Crocodile Douluo hesitated to interfere.
Ye Wen, seeing the sadness in Qian Daoliu's eyes, respected his silence. After a few moments, Qian Daoliu spoke up, his tone steadier but filled with a new resolve.
"No, the Angel God has not abandoned us," he murmured. "As long as I can still feel the sacred essence of her divinity, all is not lost. Once Xue'er grows stronger, she will undertake the Angel's Nine Trials and inherit the Angel God's glory."
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