Before a massive angel statue stood an elegant middle-aged man, smiling as he watched Li Xun and his companions.
"Middle-aged" wasn't quite accurate—Li Xun knew this man was actually over a hundred and fifty years old.
Yet time had left no marks on his face, his golden long hair making him appear remarkably youthful beneath it.
This was Li Xun's second time visiting Spirit Hall, but his first encounter with Qiandao Liu.
"Sect Master Ning, I must thank you for your assistance the other day," Qiandao Liu said with a gentle smile, placing a hand over his chest and bowing slightly to Ning Fengzhi.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had joined Spirit Hall many years ago, so by rights, Qiandao Liu should have addressed Ning Fengzhi as the Eleventh Enshrinement, yet he deliberately refrained from doing so.
"Great Enshrinement, you flatter me. Given the circumstances that day, even if I weren't part of Spirit Hall, I would have stepped in to help if I came across the situation."
Ning Fengzhi returned the smile and, along with Li Xun and Sword Douluo, paid their respects to Qiandao Liu.
As one of the continent's most powerful Soul Masters, even if their side had genuinely been of assistance, proper etiquette couldn't be neglected.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi's courtesy, Qiandao Liu nodded with a smile before turning his gaze to Sword Douluo. "You are Chen Jianjun's son, aren't you? You truly carry your father's demeanor."
As a Limit Douluo, his perception and insight far surpassed that of ordinary Soul Masters.
Even before Sword Douluo had reached the Hall of Offerings, Qiandao Liu had sensed a sharp Sword Qi. And as he drew closer to the hall, that Sword Intent grew increasingly potent.
"If the opportunity arises, I wish to challenge you, just as my father did."
Sword Douluo stood ramrod straight, his wide sleeves billowing slightly as if stirred by an unfelt wind, like a sword poised to be drawn at any moment.
Ning Fengzhi and Li Xun were startled and prepared to smooth things over.
But Qiandao Liu simply smiled and said, "I accept your challenge, though you must first reach the Limit Douluo level."
Chen Jianjun had died by his hand years ago, so it was only natural for the son to seek vengeance for his father.
Qiandao Liu harbored no fear of such grudges. Confident in his ability to suppress Sword Douluo, he believed that despite any resentment, Sword Douluo would have no choice but to serve Spirit Hall. This was the bearing of the continent's strongest.
Sword Douluo gave a slight nod, his imposing aura receding abruptly. He had merely expressed his intent—such was his Way of the Sword.
The tense atmosphere dissipated instantly, and Qiandao Liu shifted his attention to Li Xun. "And who might this be?"
He had never met Li Xun before and hadn't paid any attention to the previous Soul Master Competition, considering it mere child's play.
Qiandao Liu looked questioningly at Ning Fengzhi, wondering when the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had recruited such a young Title Douluo.
It never crossed his mind that this could be the Li Xun Qian Renxue had mentioned repeatedly, as their ages and cultivation levels didn't align.
The continent's youngest Title Douluo, Tang Hao, had only advanced in his forties. Though Qiandao Liu hadn't checked Li Xun's bone age, he was certain the young man before him was no older than twenty.
A genius—a true, peerless prodigy.
If he continued cultivating like this, he would undoubtedly become another Limit Douluo. And if fate favored him... attaining godhood wasn't beyond reach.
Qiandao Liu's gaze toward Li Xun shifted instantly. If such a monstrous talent didn't belong to Spirit Hall...
"Greetings, Great Enshrinement. My name is Li Xun."
Li Xun wasn't surprised when he noticed Qiandao Liu's gaze.
He believed that no matter which sect he visited, they would all develop special thoughts about him upon seeing him.
Now that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was affiliated with Qiandao Liu's faction and with the connection through Qian Renxue, he wouldn't face any risks here.
"So you are Li Xun..."
Upon hearing this, Qiandao Liu suddenly understood: "Indeed a prodigy, no wonder Xiaoxue always mentions you."
Qian Renxue's talent was unquestionable - a God-level Spirit with innate twenty-level Soul Power. Even after several years of setbacks, she far surpassed ordinary people.
Yet this talented young girl always murmured Li Xun's name, and Qiandao Liu could tell she felt pressured. Her current diligent cultivation was precisely because she didn't want to be overshadowed by someone.
He had seen Li Xun's records before and marveled at his talent, but never expected him to advance to Title Douluo in such a short time.
"Senior Sister's talent is actually better than mine. She was just delayed by trivial matters in previous years." Li Xun appeared very humble, and he was speaking the truth.
A woman who had struggled until thirty, yet managed to cultivate from level seventy to godhood in just five years - her cultivation speed and talent were remarkable.
"Yes... This is actually my fault too... You're quite good."
Mentioning Qian Renxue, Qiandao Liu sighed: "Come in and have a seat."
He then led Li Xun and the others into this holy land in the hearts of countless Spirit Hall's Soul Masters.
Whether because of Ning Fengzhi, or Li Xun and Sword Douluo, or perhaps all three reasons, Qiandao Liu showed the group great respect.
Jugs of fine wine and exquisite dishes were arranged on the long table.
When everything was ready, everyone took their seats.
"Please be seated, everyone, and make yourselves comfortable. Xiaoxue will be here shortly." Qiandao Liu sent a voice transmission and gestured an invitation.
Everyone smiled and sat down.
"May I ask why Sect Master Ning has come to Spirit Hall this time?"
After some casual eating and drinking, Qiandao Liu inquired about Ning Fengzhi's purpose, addressing him as Ning Enshrinement rather than Sect Master Ning.
The enshrinements in Spirit Hall were originally ranked according to cultivation level and time of entry into the Hall of Offerings, but Ning Fengzhi's situation was special, setting a precedent.
Sword Douluo was the Eighth Enshrinement, ranked after the two Super Douluos Qian Jun and Xiang Mo. Bone Douluo was the Ninth Enshrinement, while Poison Douluo was the Tenth.
Ning Fengzhi gently put down his wine cup:
"To be frank with you, Great Enshrinement, Pope Crown summoned our master and disciple. But considering His Excellency the Pope might be busy now, we didn't want to disturb him and came to the Hall of Offerings first."
"Oh!"
Qiandao Liu's eyes flashed with sharp light as he glanced at Ning Fengzhi, then briefly rested on Li Xun: "Enshrinement Ning's decision is quite reasonable. With Spirit City undergoing reconstruction, this is indeed a busy time for the Pope."
He had seen Ning Fengzhi during the Beast Tide, but with everyone immersed in the incident of multiple Title Douluos falling, he hadn't paid much attention to Ning Fengzhi.
However, after so many days, Ning Fengzhi's first visit being to the Hall of Offerings made him instantly understand the situation.
He was still concerned about the conflict between Qian Renxue and Bibidong.
Though he didn't wish to see the Spirit Hall so divided, Qiandao Liu was still quite pleased that Xiaoxue had such support behind her.
Moreover, the losses Bibidong had brought to the Spirit Hall this time were too great. Entrusting the entire Spirit Hall to her hands might not be a good thing.
"Grandfather, Teacher, Sword Enshrinement, Junior Brother." Just then, a clear and beautiful voice rang out.
Everyone turned to look toward the source of the voice.
They saw a young woman with graceful posture and elegant bearing standing at the doorway. Her golden hair cascaded like a waterfall, and sunlight streaming through the door crack bathed her in a golden glow, making her appear as if she were bathed in golden light.
Compared to before, Qian Renxue had become even more beautiful.
This also marked the first time Li Xun and Qian Renxue had seen each other in two and a half years.
(End of Chapter)