Qian Xunji came all the way from the Worship Hall. Standing outside was a white-haired little Zhengtai. The left half of his face was covered with beautiful, ice-crystal scales, and his left eye shimmered like a star.
"Light Feather Offering," Qian Xunji recognized him instantly.
Though Guangling Douluo was only in his fifties, he was already at level 96. As a newly appointed offering of the Worship Hall, he had rarely appeared in public in his youth. Few on the continent even knew of his existence.
"Yes, the Pope has arrived. The Grand Offering is waiting for you inside," Guangling replied, waving his hand casually. He then descended the steps without another word.
Qian Xunji didn't question him. In the Martial Soul Hall, worshipers and elders held transcendent status. Especially the offerings—all were Super Douluos above level 96. Even as the Pope, Qian Xunji had to show them the utmost respect.
The world revered strength. Qian Xunji had always maintained a humble attitude toward these powerful beings.
---
He pushed open the door. The hall was vast and empty. At the very end stood a towering statue of a six-winged angel. Before it, a blond man stood with his back to him.
Qian Xunji looked at the figure and spoke respectfully, "Father."
This man was Qian Xunji's father—Qian Daoliu, the Grand Offering and ruling elder of the Martial Soul Hall. He was Angel Douluo, one of the three Peerless Douluos on the continent.
Even before Qian Xunji spoke, Qian Daoliu had already sensed his arrival. It was only after his son's greeting that he slowly turned.
His eyes scanned Qian Xunji, and a flicker of disappointment crossed his face. But he said nothing harsh.
"Not bad. You've reached level 93."
"Thank you, Father, for your praise. Compared to you, I bring shame to the Qian family."
Qian Xunji could only smile bitterly. His talent was, by far, the weakest in Qian family history. His father had been level 97 at his age, while he himself, over forty, had yet to break through level 95. It was a source of quiet humiliation.
"It's not your fault. I've seen your efforts," Qian Daoliu said gently. Then he asked, "I heard you've taken on a new student?"
"Yes, Father. The child isn't very talented, but he's clever and diligent. He reminds me of my younger self. Also, I hope his presence can influence Dong'er and encourage her to train seriously."
"I've seen the boy's background—poor, but sensible. Since you've accepted him, guide him well."
Indeed, the Martial Soul Hall's intelligence network was formidable. Gu Han had only just become Qian Xunji's disciple, yet Qian Daoliu already knew his entire history.
"I've also tested the effects of whale glue. It does enhance a soul master's constitution and talent. In a few days, I'll head to the sea myself to get you some ten-thousand-year whale glue. Hopefully, it'll still benefit you."
Qian Xunji brightened. While thousand-year whale glue was purchasable, the ten-thousand-year variety was nearly extinct. Most only saw it as a supplement for strengthening Yang, and few recognized its potential in cultivation. Retrieving it from the sea required multiple Soul Saints.
Still, Qian Daoliu hoped his son could advance. He hadn't traveled in a while—this would be a casual trip.
"By the way, how much longer do you plan to delay what I've told you before? If this continues, I'll find someone for you."
Having said what he came to say, Qian Daoliu now brought up every parent's favorite topic: marriage.
"Father... I haven't given it any thought yet."
Qian Xunji knew exactly what this was about. His father wanted him to marry a fine woman and continue the Qian family line. But all he cared about now was advancing quickly, not marriage and children.
"Hmm? You're already in your forties—nearly fifty. If you don't settle down and have children, who will carry on the Qian family?"
Though Qian Daoliu was over a hundred, he looked no older than thirty—his golden hair cascading past his shoulders, his aura commanding.
"Uh... I'll think about it, Father..."
Under his father's piercing gaze, Qian Xunji quickly lowered his head, unable to meet his eyes.
"Alright. You may go."
Qian Daoliu sighed deeply. He didn't want to force the issue—after all, he'd been the one who pushed his son into such intense cultivation in the first place.
"Yes, Father. I take my leave."
Qian Xunji walked out quickly, visibly relieved.
---
From the shadows, a golden-armored, burly man emerged.
"Brother... how long must we wait for the Qian family to have a new heir? If this goes on, I'll play the villain myself."
This was Golden Crocodile Douluo—level 98 and second in rank only to Qian Daoliu within the Martial Soul Hall. Though older, he respectfully called Qian Daoliu "big brother."
He'd long urged his brother to get Qian Xunji married and produce an heir. Years ago, he had even suggested that Qian Daoliu father another child himself—but that idea had been firmly rejected.
Now, all the pressure had fallen onto Qian Xunji.
Qian Daoliu thought for a moment and waved his hand. "Fine. Let's give Ji'er ten more years."
"Alright then. Ten more years. If nothing happens by then, I'll be the villain again."
Golden Crocodile Douluo truly worried about the future of the Qian family.
"From your tone, it sounds like you already have someone in mind?"
"Of course. The girl has immense talent—Title Douluo potential, flame attribute martial soul. Perfect for angel martial soul inheritance."
"You mean... Lingya?"
Qian Daoliu instantly guessed who it was. Ling Qian was just ten years younger than Qian Xunji and had already reached level 81 with innate soul power level 9.
"That's the one."
"Have you asked her about it?"
"Naturally. She said she's willing. If Qian Xunji agrees, she's ready to bear a child for the Qian family."
"In that case, we wait. If Ji'er still refuses in ten years, don't be a villain—I'll do it myself. He is my son, after all."
Just like that, the two men decided Qian Xunji's fate in a few words.
They didn't enjoy doing this, but the Qian family must not be left without descendants.
---
*(End of Chapter)*