When Li Xun's gaze met Qian Renxue's, her eyes flickered as she revealed a sweet smile.
"Xiaoxue, your Teacher came specifically to see you this time," Qiandao Liu glanced between the two of them, chuckled, and beckoned to Qian Renxue.
"It has been a while since I last saw Teacher," Qian Renxue responded amiably, smiling as she sat beside Qiandao Liu.
Though the two had met not long ago, this was merely polite conversation, and Ning Fengzhi didn't offer any explanation.
However, Qian Renxue's presence significantly improved the atmosphere among everyone, making conversations less circuitous.
After several rounds of drinks, Qiandao Liu suddenly looked at Li Xun and uttered an abrupt, seemingly out-of-place remark: "Xiaoxue and Li Xun are actually close in age. You should get along well in the future!"
This statement immediately brought the lively atmosphere to a halt.
Everyone present was an adult, and there was no shortage of cunning old foxes among them. They all understood the implication behind Qiandao Liu's signal.
Yet, this also left everyone in a dilemma.
Ning Fengzhi, already aware of the progress between Li Xun and Ning Rongrong, naturally didn't want any additional complications to disrupt their relationship.
Sword Douluo, knowing how complicated Li Xun's current situation was, immediately showed a peculiar expression on his face.
As for Li Xun, he was well aware of his own circumstances...
"Grandfather, Junior Brother and I actually have a good relationship..." Qian Renxue felt her cheeks grow warm upon hearing Qiandao Liu's sudden comment.
"That's good. When you first told me about him, I didn't quite believe such a prodigy truly existed. But seeing him today confirms that I've grown old."
"The younger generation surpasses the older. This world will soon belong to you young people," Qiandao Liu affectionately stroked Qian Renxue's golden hair.
"Grandfather, what are you saying? No matter how talented we are, aren't we still under your protection?" Qian Renxue shifted uncomfortably, feeling as if the chair was particularly unyielding today.
"Haha, the time I can offer you protection is limited. You might not know yet, but your Junior Brother has already been promoted to Title Douluo."
"What?!"
Qian Renxue was startled, widening her beautiful eyes to look at Li Xun. "You're already a Title Douluo?"
"Just luck. I only broke through recently and fortunately didn't encounter any bottlenecks," Li Xun felt amused seeing Qian Renxue's astonished expression.
He knew that over the past few years, Qian Renxue had secretly been holding a grudge, determined to surpass him.
Receiving confirmation, Qian Renxue's expression shifted repeatedly, her slender hands hidden in her sleeves fidgeting incessantly.
Today's news had truly taken her by surprise. She had originally intended to boast about her cultivation progress to Li Xun, but now...
Since passing the third trial, her strength had improved significantly. According to her calculations, even if she hadn't caught up to Li Xun, she should have been close.
Now, it seemed there was still a considerable gap.
No wonder Grandfather would say that... She secretly glanced at Li Xun, her mind racing.
Qiandao Liu observed Qian Renxue's subtle reactions.
It seemed his granddaughter wasn't averse to that young man.
Thinking about it, it made sense. With such monstrous talent, even the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky Sect appeared somewhat dim in comparison.
Moreover, his appearance was exceptionally handsome.
Any woman would find it hard not to develop favorable feelings toward him.
"Xiaoxue, don't be discouraged. The real challenge begins after reaching level ninety. With your talent, I believe you'll catch up soon."
Seeing the situation rapidly heading in an undesirable direction, Ning Fengzhi quickly tried to lighten the mood with a casual remark.
Though meant as comfort, it actually helped Qian Renxue calm down considerably, mainly because she suddenly thought of Li Xun's current circumstances.
She wondered how the three girls around Li Xun were getting along with him now.
This inexplicable thought startled Qian Renxue, and she quickly dismissed it, changing the subject: "May I ask what brings Teacher to Spirit City?"
As soon as she said this, even Qian Renxue herself sensed something amiss.
If Ning Fengzhi and Li Xun were here, didn't that mean the Heaven Dou Empire currently had no one in charge?
And the only person who could make these individuals drop everything and come together was...
Indeed!
As Ning Fengzhi recounted the matter concerning Bibidong, a flicker of anger arose in Qian Renxue's heart.
There had been an unspoken understanding between her and Bibidong - neither would interfere with the other's affairs.
Qian Renxue's stance had long been made clear.
She wouldn't meddle in Spirit Hall matters, but Bibidong couldn't dictate terms to the Heaven Dou Empire either.
Yet now, in such a short time, Bibidong had reached out her hand again!
She hadn't even confronted Bibidong about the recent deaths of several Elders and Title Douluos!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
The Spirit Hall had lost five Title Douluos at once, two of whom were Elders - such losses were incalculable.
Qian Renxue's eyes turned cold as she looked at Qiandao Liu: "Grandfather, I believe Bibidong is no longer fit to hold the position of Pope."
"This matter is not for you to decide!"
Suddenly, a cold voice filled with anger came from outside the hall.
Everyone turned to look and soon saw Bibidong entering with Huliena.
"You should focus on your cultivation. It's best you don't interfere with Spirit Hall affairs." Bibidong scanned those present, and when her gaze fell upon Li Xun, she couldn't help but frown.
A flash of surprise appeared in her eyes, but she quickly turned her attention back to Qian Renxue.
"You tell me not to interfere? But how have you been managing the Spirit Hall?" Qian Renxue sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing with anger:
"Losing five Title Douluos at once? Or causing the deaths of nearly a thousand Soul Masters? If we let you continue like this, you'll likely lead the Spirit Hall into an abyss."
When Qian Renxue received the news two days ago, it struck her like a thunderbolt. She had wanted to confront Bibidong immediately but was stopped by her grandfather.
She never expected that before she could seek Bibidong out, the other party would come first.
And with such an unapologetic attitude!
It was at this moment that Li Xun and the other two truly understood the extent of the Spirit Hall's losses this time.
For a Soul Master to cultivate to the Title Douluo level was extremely difficult - requiring talent, resources, and Spirit Rings, all indispensable. Typically, the continent would only see one or two new Title Douluos every ten to fifteen years.
Given how hard they were to replace, every Title Douluo was precious. The loss of even one could severely damage a major power.
The previous deaths of four Title Douluos were shocking enough, but to learn there was another unknown Title Douluo who had fallen, along with nearly a thousand Soul Masters...
"This operation was indeed my mistake."
Bibidong noticed the look in Qian Renxue's eyes and felt her heart gradually grow cold. "But without this discovery, we might never have known about the powerful force hidden within the Star Dou Great Forest."
"Compared to being suddenly attacked without any preparation in the future, I believe this outcome is acceptable."
"You're just twisting logic to suit your argument!"
Qian Renxue slammed the table, her chest heaving violently with anger.
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