Chapter 84: Qian Xunji's Folly
When facing a rule-breaking ability like that, the best strategy was to not get hit.
Amidst his thoughts, Yue Guan had already flown to Gui Mei's side, embracing him excitedly. "Did you see, Old Ghost? I have a 100,000-year spirit ring now too!"
"Alright, Yue Guan, stop being disgusting," Gui Mei said with a look of disdain, though he added seriously, "Your Spirit Ability is indeed powerful. But it's very easy to injure teammates in a large-scale battle."
He knew Qin Xuan's ambitions were vast, and he wouldn't make the same foolish mistakes as the current Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji. For instance, the recent expedition to Sea God Island. Even the High Priest had failed there in the past, yet Qian Xunji thought he could succeed? It was just asking for humiliation.
"Ah, I got too excited. But it's not a big deal," Yue Guan said, letting go of Gui Mei. His seventh spirit ring glowed, and a giant golden chrysanthemum with a diameter of tens of meters bloomed beneath his feet, lifting him up. A deep golden light was released from it, covering everyone. "The moment I obtained the ring, I also awakened an innate domain."
Ling Yuan cursed under her breath. "Damn it. I'm going crazy." A 100,000-year ring was one thing, but a domain too? Her own Spirit evolution suddenly felt less special.
"Calm down," Qin Xuan transmitted to her. "I'll get you a 100,000-year ring too. Maybe you'll awaken one as well."
"This is my Adamantine Domain," Yue Guan announced proudly. "Within this domain, allies will be covered in an indestructible golden light, and their strength will be amplified by 100%. While it's not a true immunity like the little chrysanthemum, it is durable and can defend against powerful attacks."
"Now even I'm envious," Gui Mei admitted.
"Not bad," was Jing Ni's cold, two-word evaluation.
The duo had officially advanced to Titled Douluo. The five of them returned to the valley.
"You've both reached level 93. You'll need a good cover story for your new rings," Qin Xuan reminded them.
Yue Guan replied respectfully, "We will say we were fortunate enough to find two transforming Spirit Beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest."
"Good," Qin Xuan said. "Now, I have a mission for you. Gain Qian Xunji's trust and monitor his every move in the Supreme Pontiff Palace. Do the same for the Holy Maiden. If those two meet alone, notify me immediately."
He calls the Supreme Pontiff by his name? Yue Guan's face turned pale as cold sweat appeared on his forehead. "My lord... Qian Xunji has the High Priest and the other elders backing him."
"I know," Qin Xuan smiled. "My goal is the position of the next Pontiff. I won't have a direct conflict with him. You just need to monitor him." He had no intention of revealing his plan to eliminate Qian Xunji to anyone but Jing Ni.
Yue Guan breathed a sigh of relief. While he would have followed an order to kill Qian Xunji, he was glad he wouldn't have to face the High Priest's wrath.
Gui Mei, however, frowned. "My lord, regarding the Holy Maiden, I recall something."
"Speak."
"Before we left Spirit City, we saw the Supreme Pontiff send the Holy Maiden, along with Demon Bear, Ghost Leopard, and two other Titled Douluo, to lead over two thousand Spirit Masters on an attack against Sea God Island," Gui Mei said. "He did this behind the High Priest's back."
Hearing this, Qin Xuan's face darkened, and he couldn't help but curse, "Idiot!"
He vaguely remembered this from the original story. Spirit Hall's attack on Sea God Island had ended in a disastrous defeat, with two Titled Douluo and nearly two thousand Spirit Masters lost. Bibi Dong, as the Holy Maiden, had survived, desperately protected by the few survivors. What worried Qin Xuan was not the loss of life, but the effect this would have on Bibi Dong.
He had long suspected that her insane, self-destructive love for Yu Xiaogang wasn't just because of Qian Xunji's assault. It was likely that something happened between them during their courtship that solidified this obsession. What better way to elevate a relationship than to experience life and death together? After this battle, Bibi Dong would feel an unbreakable bond with Yu Xiaogang. He, however, having been protected the entire time, would only feel the relief of his own survival.