Chapter 88: Strategic Sowing
Golden Crocodile Douluo looked at Qin Xuan and Jing Ni with some surprise. "High Priest, what is the important matter?" Under normal circumstances, Qian Daoliu would not summon him unless Spirit Hall was facing a crisis.
"Let me introduce you. This is Xuan'er's wife, Jing Ni. Not long ago, with Xuan'er's help, she mastered her twin spirits, and her spirit power advanced to level 97. According to the rules, she will become one of us, but her ranking..."
"Say no more, High Priest. I understand the rules," Golden Crocodile interrupted. He was arrogant, but he was a man who strictly adhered to the Hall's traditions. He turned to Jing Ni, his mental force sweeping over her. At over two and a half meters tall, with a robust physique, he looked like a walking human tank.
"It has been nearly twenty years since my battle with the High Priest. Little girl, you are very good. And Xuan'er, you've found a good wife."
"The same to you, Senior Golden Crocodile. Your strength is also formidable," Jing Ni replied, her voice clear and cold.
"Haha, what big words! Come with me." Golden Crocodile laughed heartily, not angered by her tone. He turned and walked out, each step making the Elder Hall tremble. Jing Ni followed gracefully behind him. The two transformed into streaks of gold and red light, flying out of sight.
"I hope she doesn't overdo it," Qin Xuan sighed.
"Rest assured, Xuan'er. Golden Crocodile will not truly harm her," Qian Daoliu said beside him.
"I'm not worried about Jing Ni. I'm worried about Senior Golden Crocodile," Qin Xuan said with a humblebrag.
Qian Daoliu simply smiled, thinking the boy didn't understand the true gap between Peak Douluo.
At that moment, Qin Xuan pretended to have just remembered something. "By the way, High Priest, there's something I'm not sure if I should say. Do you know of Sea God Island?"
"Oh? You know of that place?" Qian Daoliu asked, surprised.
"I've heard a little," Qin Xuan lied smoothly. "When sorting through Jing Ni's master's belongings, we found a note that mentioned it. It said a divinity similar to our Angel God is worshipped there, and that its High Priestess was a super Douluo at the same level as you, though that was many years ago."
"To know of Xixi... it seems Jing Ni's master was an extraordinary person," Qian Daoliu said, a hint of recollection in his eyes.
"That's not what I wanted to talk about," Qin Xuan said, getting to the point. "On my way back, I heard rumors that 'Big Brother' sent people to attack Sea God Island. Knowing it has a super Douluo, I hoped you might advise him to withdraw the order to avoid unnecessary sacrifice."
Qian Daoliu waved his hand dismissively. "This is groundless. I already rejected Ji'er's proposal half a year ago." It was a joke; he would never send troops to attack his beloved Xixi.
"But I happened to hear a few Cardinals say that 'Big Brother' deployed four Titled Douluo Elders—Demon Bear, Ghost Leopard, Giant Rhino, and Demonic Wolf—and over two thousand Spirit Masters, led by the Holy Maiden herself. They also said..."
"What else did they say?" Qian Daoliu's expression finally turned serious.
Qin Xuan hesitated deliberately. "They also said... that 'Big Brother' ordered this without your knowledge."
Qian Daoliu's face darkened. "Someone!" A Guardian Knight in silver armor appeared and knelt. "Are Ghost Leopard, Demon Bear, Giant Rhino, and Demonic Wolf in the Elder Hall?"
"Reporting to the High Priest, the four Elders left a month ago," the knight replied.
Qian Daoliu knew it was true. "Go and call the Supreme Pontiff to see me," he commanded, his voice grim. He was furious. Why hadn't he just disciplined that good-for-nothing son of his properly? Not only would this make an enemy of Sea God Island, but his beloved Xixi would resent him for it.
The Guardian Knight left, and Qian Daoliu immediately summoned the Third and Fourth Worships, ordering them to intercept the expeditionary force as quickly as possible. When the hall was silent again, he sighed. "Xuan'er, you did well in this matter. I have been too lenient with your Big Brother."
"High Priest, you are too kind. 'Big Brother' was just being overeager," Qin Xuan said with a righteous expression.
Qian Daoliu saw his 'innocent heart' and was gratified. He encouraged Qin Xuan a few more times before letting him leave. Not long after, Qian Xunji rushed over, thinking his father wanted to discuss Jing Ni's appointment. Instead, he was met with a merciless scolding. In the end, Qian Daoliu issued a new order: from now on, without his personal permission, the Supreme Pontiff Palace was forbidden from deploying any Titled Douluo from the Worship Hall.