Chapter 233: Qian Renxue
The more Qian Daoliu spoke, the brighter his eyes shone with fervor and conviction.
But then
"The Angel God's divine inheritance is no longer for you to decide," Ye Wen said calmly.
Qian Daoliu froze, his gaze locked onto Ye Wen. Even though Ye Wen now held the title of Seagod, Qian Daoliu's unwavering loyalty to his faith was enough to drive him to draw his sword if necessary.
Seeing their elder's steely resolve, the other six offerings activated their martial spirits without hesitation, each glowing with soul rings. The most impressive of them was Golden Crocodile Douluo's ninth ring, a ten thousand year soul ring an exceedingly rare sight on the continent.
Yet Ye Wen remained unphased by the seven titled Douluos gathered before him. He acknowledged their faith but found their defiance unwarranted. Merely by unleashing a sliver of his godly aura, he forced all seven to their knees, immobilized under its weight.
Each of them, on bended knee, lifted their heads to glare defiantly at Ye Wen, unwilling to be subdued. Clapping slowly, Ye Wen gave a half smile.
"Impressive," he remarked. "The strength of Spirit Hall's foundation over the millennia is commendable, but let me remind you none of you could withstand even a single blow from me. I suggest you think carefully. I hold no malice toward Spirit Hall."
With that, he eased his pressure. The seven exchanged glances, their expressions conflicted. They understood the vast chasm between mortals and gods if he could suppress them without lifting a finger, resistance was meaningless. His mere presence had shown them that even combined, they would stand no chance.
But for Qian Daoliu, this revelation was particularly devastating. He had spent his life safeguarding the Angel God's inheritance for Qian Renxue. He could not bear to see it jeopardized.
As if sensing her significance in the matter, Ye Wen glanced toward the entrance and spoke in a clear voice.
"Since this concerns you as well, Qian Renxue, why not join us?"
To the surprise of the offerings, Qian Renxue appeared at the door, her gaze trained on Ye Wen with a complex expression. Under the watchful eyes of the others, she stepped forward and gave a respectful nod.
"Greetings, Seagod. Greetings to all of you."
Qian Daoliu grew even more anxious. Foolish girl! Now was not the time to get involved especially with a figure whose motives were unclear.
As Qian Renxue drew closer, Ye Wen took a moment to study her. In her refined presence, he saw an elegance surpassing even that of Tang Yuehua. Her demeanor exuded a noble grace, calm and self assured. If not for certain twists of fate, how could someone like her be defeated?
"Thank you, Seagod, for sparing my grandfather and the other offerings," she said, her voice steady. "But regarding the Angel God's inheritance, may I ask what plans you have?"
Ye Wen looked at Qian Renxue with mild interest. Her composed, respectful manner surprised him she was nothing like the impulsive, love driven version of her in the original story. Here was a poised young woman who carried herself with the dignity of a true leader.
Under Ye Wen's gaze, Qian Renxue neither flinched nor wavered. Her serene smile never faltered as she waited for his response.
"I'll put it plainly," Ye Wen said, his voice somber. "If you become the Angel God, you will die. And the Angel God's divinity will be destroyed along with you."
Qian Renxue maintained her composure, but Qian Daoliu's face contorted with shock and anger. He was desperate for answers.
"Why?" he demanded, his voice strained. He had no reason to believe Ye Wen was lying; the Seagod had no need to deceive them.
Ignoring Qian Daoliu, Ye Wen kept his gaze on Qian Renxue, waiting to see her response. She lowered her eyes thoughtfully, as if contemplating a weighty matter.
Seeing her silence, Ye Wen asked, "You seem to be considering something. Would you care to share your thoughts?"
Qian Renxue nodded slightly. "Yes… I believe you, Seagod, may understand my concerns better than I do myself." Her gaze grew distant as she continued, "Ever since I was young, I've had strange dreams. In these dreams, I feel like I become the Angel God, locked in battle against a deity wielding a blade of malevolent energy, radiating an aura of slaughter and destruction. The dreams always end with me, as the Angel God, gravely injured, fleeing to the mortal world."
She paused, her expression tinged with uncertainty. "In those dreams, other figures sometimes appeared, but over the years, their faces have faded from memory."
Qian Daoliu turned to her in dismay. "Renxue, why didn't you ever tell me this?"
Qian Renxue's calm facade softened, and she looked at her grandfather with faint embarrassment. "It was only a dream, Grandfather," she replied with a gentle smile. "And until today, I had no reason to connect it to the Angel God."
Her words struck everyone like a thunderclap, and a realization dawned on them. Qian Daoliu murmured, "Our God was wounded by an enemy in the divine realm, and that's why she…"
Even without him finishing, the meaning was clear.
Ye Wen nodded slightly, confirming their suspicions. "Exactly. The Angel God's fall was likely due to this same enemy. And Qian Renxue here may very well be her reincarnation." He turned to Qian Renxue, studying her carefully. "The aura in your soul is unlike that of ordinary mortals even those who inherit your family's Angel Spirit. You carry a unique trace of divinity, a presence that only gods possess."
At this, Qian Daoliu stumbled back, then sank to his knees before his granddaughter, who looked at him in shock.
"Grandfather! What are you doing?" she exclaimed, rushing to his side to help him up. Despite Ye Wen's revelation, she retained only the faintest echoes of her past life, none of which diminished her familial love.
Still dazed, Qian Daoliu rose with her support, gazing at her with newfound reverence. He trusted Ye Wen's words, understanding that only a divine conflict in the heavens could have brought about their God's demise.
If enemies awaited the Angel God in the divine realm, even regaining her godhood might only lead to a tragic end.
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