An hour later.
Under the night sky, Qian Renxue descended from Pope Mountain with teary, bloodshot eyes, her expression blank.
Needless to say, no matter what she did, she was still treated as an illegitimate daughter and had just hit another wall with her wicked mother.
Every time she recalled Bibi Dong's perpetually disdainful gaze, Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel a surge of sorrow and anger.
She asked herself—had she done anything wrong? Why did Bibi Dong have the right to look at her like that?
Back when Bibi Dong instructed her to infiltrate the Tian Dou Empire and replace Crown Prince Xue Qinghe in order to execute the "Bloodless Dissolution of Tian Dou" plan, had she ever refused?
No! It was the first time Bibi Dong had ever made a request of her. Even though her grandfather tried to stop her, she agreed without hesitation.
All for one reason—her longing for maternal love.
She thought that if she completed this task well, Bibi Dong would no longer treat her with coldness and disdain.
But as time passed and she grew older, she gradually realized that some hatred was simply baseless. Bibi Dong wouldn't change her attitude toward her regardless of what she did or how well she performed.
Even though she had come to terms with this truth, deep down, she still refused to accept it and continued clinging to hope until now.
After a long while, Qian Renxue wiped away the tears from her eyes, turned back to look at Pope Mountain shrouded in darkness, and her gaze turned icy cold.
The Tian Dou infiltration plan—she wouldn't abandon it. The years of effort she had poured into it absolutely could not go to waste.
"One day, when I ascend as the Emperor of Tian Dou, it will be your time to step down, Bibi Dong!"
Clenching her fists tightly and gritting her teeth, Qian Renxue silently vowed within her heart.
There were countless people in the world who had no parents. Me, Qian Renxue, do I really need your love, Bibi Dong?
However, not long after making this vow, the poor little angel once again shed golden tears unwillingly.
"She Long, is Young Master going to be alright?"
Seeing the change in Qian Renxue's expression, Ci Xue transmitted a message to ask She Long.
After some thought, She Long replied confidently, "A sharp sword is forged through grinding, and plum blossoms emit their fragrance after enduring bitter cold.
Young Master has the potential to become a god. What she's experiencing now is merely a bump on the road to growth. Ci Xue, we must believe in Young Master!"
Ci Xue: When did this Snake guy become so cultured? No way, I've got to hit the books hard when I get back!
---
Early the next morning.
After laboring half the night, Chu Chengzhou returned to the hotel and was about to head to his room for some rest when a member of the Tian Dou delegation approached him, saying that the Crown Prince requested his presence.
Without hesitation, Chu Chengzhou went upstairs and knocked on Qian Renxue's door.
"Dear Brother~, how was last night?"
After the door closed, Qian Renxue sat emotionlessly on the sofa and asked.
"Last night? Pretty good~"
Raising an eyebrow, though unsure why Qian Renxue would ask such a question, Chu Chengzhou smiled and replied.
How could it not have been good? Winning 3-5 against Hu Liena—what joy!
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue—who knew where Chu Chengzhou had gone last night—couldn't help but darken her expression. She shouldn't have asked!
"I have something important to discuss with you. Let's go to your Illusion Realm," Qian Renxue said grimly.
Both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were staying in this hotel, not far from her room. Qian Renxue didn't want to risk whether Chen Xin could hear their conversation through the walls, and even setting up a soul power barrier wasn't foolproof given Chen Xin's strength.
Nodding, Chu Chengzhou activated his Void Illusion World and pulled Qian Renxue's consciousness into the illusion.
Within the illusion, in a brightly lit candlelit room, Qian Renxue fell silent as she took in the scene before her.
What was the meaning of this wedding chamber plastered everywhere with the character '囍' (double happiness)?
"Little Angel, sit! Tell me what's on your mind!"
Plopping down onto the wedding bed, Chu Chengzhou patted the edge of the bed and gestured for Qian Renxue to join him.
Qian Renxue: I'll stand, thank you very much!
"Dear Brother, how does it feel to be the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall... or should I say, the soon-to-be Holy Maiden?"
Expressionless, Qian Renxue glanced at Chu Chengzhou and said.
She had originally intended to refer to the current Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall but remembered that she herself had once held that title, so she slightly rephrased it.
"Hmm? You already know?"
Chu Chengzhou was startled. Did the little angel find out about his rendezvous with the little fox last night?
"Hmph, if you don't want others to know, then don't do it in the first place!"
Qian Renxue snorted coldly.
"Well, I admit I'm a bit polyamorous, but you know, my late father's will left me no choice but to..."
Drawing a fingertip universe, Chu Chengzhou spoke with a grave expression.
"Stop—there's no need to explain this to me. That's not why I called you here."
Qian Renxue interrupted Chu Chengzhou mid-sentence.
She knew that if he kept talking, nine times out of ten, he'd end up suggesting she bear him a child.
"What's the matter, then?"
Blinking, Chu Chengzhou looked puzzled.
It seemed the little angel didn't mind his polyamory either? Excellent, truly wifely grace!
"Dear Brother, isn't the pain of a long-distance relationship unbearable for couples?"
Qian Renxue asked with a smile.
"Go on."
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou became interested.
"Let's make a deal. You agree to one thing for me, and I'll have my grandfather transfer Hu Liena to Tian Dou City."
Chu Chengzhou had just arrived in Spirit City and rushed to see Hu Liena that very night. At the time, Qian Renxue was quite angry.
But upon further reflection, she realized their connection might actually be a good thing.
After all, Hu Liena belonged to the Spirit Hall. With this relationship in place, even if she didn't end up with Chu Chengzhou in the future, there was no need to worry about him opposing the Spirit Hall.
To be honest, if the Spirit Hall had an enemy like Chu Chengzhou and failed to eliminate him early on, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for the Spirit Hall.
Killing Soul Douluo opponents at Soul Emperor and even possessing Titled-level strength (thanks to his Titan Giant Ape summon with at the eighty-thousand-year level)—this talent was too terrifying. Even Qian Renxue herself was far inferior.
Moreover, transferring Hu Liena to Tian Dou City—if she bore a child, wouldn't that infuriate Bibi Dong?
"The Pope probably wouldn't agree to this, would she?"
Chu Chengzhou hesitated but was also intrigued.
Qian Renxue wasn't wrong—long-distance relationships were indeed painful!
"No problem. The Spirit Hall ultimately answers to my Angel Family. As long as my grandfather speaks, no one can refuse!"
With a wave of her hand, Qian Renxue dismissed any concerns.
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou said, "Just tell me what you want me to do!"
Satisfied, Qian Renxue nodded: "Good, you're truly my good brother! I want the secret technique you use to absorb external energy!"
Chu Chengzhou's peculiar condition hadn't escaped Qian Renxue's notice. She was certain that the energy vortex—which only those with powerful spiritual power could detect—wasn't there before but suddenly appeared over a month ago. It must be due to this secret technique.
Moreover, not only Chu Chengzhou possessed it, but even Chen Xin did.
Recently, She Long and Ci Xue informed her that Chen Xin's aura had grown stronger, making them feel even more threatened. They suspected his soul power level had broken through.
Her intuition told her that Chen Xin's breakthrough likely had something to do with this special secret technique.
After all, although the energy vortex was small, over time, the amount of external energy absorbed would be enormous. With so much energy entering a soul master's body, how could their strength not improve?
"No way!"
Chu Chengzhou's expression turned serious as he flatly rejected the request.
If Qian Renxue obtained the soul core cultivation technique, she would undoubtedly pass it on to the Spirit Hall. And the Spirit Hall was already powerful enough. If their strength expanded further, the consequences would be unimaginable—unless the day came when his wings were fully hardened.
Qian Renxue pressed: "Why not?"
"I'm afraid you'll turn your back on me once you get what you want."
"I, Qian Renxue, am not that kind of person! Absolutely impossible!"
"Someone once said, the prettier a woman is, the better she is at deceiving."
"Who said that? Bring them out—I guarantee I won't beat them to death!"
"Little Zhang Mama said it!"
Lu Xun: Rare indeed, didn't I say that?
Zhou Shuren: Bull! How many things have you said? It was all me, wasn't it?!
Instantly, Qian Renxue developed a grudge against "Little Zhang Mama."
"Little Angel, I remember I once said that everything I have, you can have too—but on the condition that we have a..."
Chu Chengzhou began earnestly.
"Don't mention children!"
Before Chu Chengzhou could finish, Qian Renxue cut him off with a blackened face.
What exactly do you like about me? Can't I just change it?
At this moment, Qian Renxue wished Bibi Dong and Chu Chengzhou could switch personalities.
That way, she could simply chop Chu Chengzhou's head off and enjoy the maternal love she had always craved!
"Then there's nothing I can do. I'd rather die than give it to you!"
Shrugging, Chu Chengzhou spread his hands.
"What if I beat you half to death?"
Narrowing her eyes, Qian Renxue subtly threatened.
"My little angel, would you really bear to do that?"
Smiling, Chu Chengzhou reached for Qian Renxue's delicate hand (in the illusion, she was in female attire).
"Hmph!"
Snorting coldly, Qian Renxue pulled her arm back and turned her head away.
"Or how about this—we make a bet?"
After some thought, Chu Chengzhou suggested.
"Hmm? Tell me more?"
"One day, if you can defeat me purely based on your own strength, then everything will be up to you. Whatever you command, I'll do!"
After pondering for a moment, Qian Renxue said, "Deal!"
Qian Renxue knew that at present, she couldn't defeat Chu Chengzhou despite being one ring higher in soul power.
Not to mention anything else, but this illusory art alone was unsolvable for her. Even with her Angel Head Bone boosting her spiritual power far above her peers, she still couldn't resist it.
But circumstances change. Once she returned to the Spirit Hall and underwent the Angel God Trial, her strength would skyrocket. By then, subduing Chu Chengzhou wouldn't be an issue.
Shaking his head, Chu Chengzhou said, "Don't rush. Since it's a bet, surely I can't let you reap all the benefits?"
"What do you want?"
"Little Angel, be my girlfriend~!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, flower petals rained down throughout the room. The audacious Chu Chengzhou pulled Qian Renxue into his arms and kissed her luscious red lips.
---
Noble etiquette?
Not bullying men and women—could that even be called nobility?
A few minutes later, Chu Chengzhou left Qian Renxue's room—yes, with two panda eyes courtesy of her.
In the illusion, he had teased the little angel, but once back in reality, the little angel transformed into a punitive angel and promptly delivered two punches without a word.
---
That night, in the Shrine Hall.
"Grandfather, Xue'er wants to ask you for a favor!"
Qian Renxue addressed Elder Qian Daoliu.
"Oh? Little Xue'er, tell me~"
Qian Daoliu was curious.
"Xue'er hopes you can transfer Hu Liena to the Tian Dou Spirit Holy Hall and replace its upper echelons with loyal members of our family."
Qian Renxue spoke with a serious expression.
Although she hadn't obtained the secret technique and the deal with Chu Chengzhou hadn't been finalized, Qian Renxue still hadn't changed her original plan.
Transferring Hu Liena to the Tian Dou Spirit Holy Hall would mean more time spent together with Chu Chengzhou. Over time, her stance would naturally lean closer to the Spirit Hall.
Moreover, once Hu Liena was there, Qian Renxue would have the opportunity to mold her into her own loyal follower.
Additionally, Qian Renxue, who had begun harboring rebellious thoughts, wanted to give Bibi Dong a big surprise.
Hadn't Chu Chengzhou always been nagging about wanting a child? Why not let Hu Liena bear him one? Surely Bibi Dong would love that, right?
Hmm, hopefully that bad woman Bibi Dong would enjoy it.
"Xue'er, do you dislike Hu Liena? If that's the case, Grandfather can revoke her Holy Maiden status right now."
Qian Daoliu assumed his precious granddaughter was jealous of Hu Liena because Hu Liena received the affection from Bibi Dong that Qian Renxue had always yearned for but never obtained.
Ever since the death of his eldest son Qian Xun Ji, for Qian Daoliu, his granddaughter Qian Renxue was everything—more important even than the Spirit Hall itself. After all, without the Angel Family's legacy, the Spirit Hall would have no reason to exist.
If his precious granddaughter desired it, even canceling a major event and letting the various forces across the continent make a wasted trip wouldn't be a big deal.
Even if they were dissatisfied, who could possibly oppose the Spirit Hall?
As for Bibi Dong?
This woman was naive if she thought she could win over the entire Angel Family, which had a legacy spanning twenty thousand years. The majority of those she could recruit were low-ranking members at best.
If necessary, with a single command, even as the Pope, Bibi Dong wouldn't be able to issue orders beyond the Pope's Palace.
"That's not it. But Grandfather, there's no need to ask further. Xue'er has her own plans."
Qian Renxue shook her head.
"Alright, Grandfather won't ask. Everything will be as you wish!"
Qian Daoliu smiled warmly and nodded.
---
The next day, Qian Daoliu visited the Pope's Palace, a place he hadn't set foot in for many years.
Not long after, two terrifying auras rose within the Pope's Palace, detected by all soul masters across Spirit City.
Ultimately, after a display of power, the "Lonely Elder" subdued the "Widow." Restricted by the Rakshasa God Trial, Bibi Dong, unable to fully utilize her strength, eventually conceded.
Of course, even without the restrictions of the Rakshasa God Trial, Bibi Dong still couldn't match Qian Daoliu's strength at this point.
Without the "Invincible on Land" Tang Chen or the "Invincible in the Sky," Qian Daoliu was currently the strongest on the continent. Bibi Dong, who hadn't yet completed the Rakshasa God Trial or obtained the Rakshasa Scythe, naturally wasn't a match for him.
Bibi Dong understood that Qian Daoliu refrained from avenging his son's death because Qian Renxue was her biological daughter. But that didn't mean Qian Daoliu was someone to be trifled with.
If she didn't comply, even as the Pope of the Spirit Hall, she wouldn't be able to protect her disciple Hu Liena.
That morning, under the bright sunshine, representatives from various factions began arriving at the square in front of the Pope's Palace.
By now, temporary viewing stands had been set up on both sides of the square. The Holy Maiden Enthronement Ceremony was about to begin.
"Tian Dou Empire, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe has arrived!"
"Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi and Sword Elder Chen Xin have arrived!"
"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Clan Leader Thunder Elder Yu Yuanzhen has arrived!"
"Star Luo Empire, Crown Prince Dai Weisi has arrived!"
"Elephant Armor Sect, Sect Leader Hu Yan Zhen has arrived!"
"Holy Dragon Sect, Sect Leader Tuoba Xi has arrived!"
"Wind Sword Sect…"
At the entrance to the square, whenever a representative from a faction arrived, the Spirit Hall's red-robed bishops serving as ushers would loudly announce their arrival.
The Spirit Hall's influence was immense. Excluding those whose rank wasn't high enough, only the secluded Hao Tian Sect and the non-mainland-operating Slaughter City hadn't sent representatives to attend.
Of course, the Spirit Hall was also cunning. Knowing the deep enmity between the Tian Dou Empire, Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and Star Luo Empire, they deliberately arranged their seating together.
Each faction had two front-row seats. For the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin occupied the front row. To the left were the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with Clan Leader Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Tianxin seated. To the right was the Tian Dou Empire, with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and Chu Chengzhou seated.
Since there were two front-row seats and the Tian Dou Empire had no other heavyweight representatives besides Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, Chu Chengzhou naturally took the seat without hesitation.
Qian Renxue sat to the left, next to Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin. Chu Chengzhou sat to the right, with the Star Luo Empire's delegation beside him, including Crown Prince Dai Weisi and the Star Luo royal family's Grand Elder Dai Feng.
"Hmph!"
Glaring at Chu Chengzhou beside him, Dai Weisi snorted and turned his head away.
He saw red whenever he laid eyes on Chu Chengzhou. Not only was this scoundrel an enemy of the empire, but just a few days ago, he had caused the humiliating incident of "acknowledging a thief as a father" right outside the hotel.
If not for the inappropriate setting and his own inferior skills, he would have even considered killing Chu Chengzhou on the spot.
"What's wrong, Little Mentally Ill Tiger, are you dissatisfied with your father?"
Chu Chengzhou smirked and transmitted a voice message to Dai Weisi.
Instantly, Dai Weisi turned his head and glared furiously at Chu Chengzhou.
"Little Chicken, keep it up. I love that look of yours—disliking me but unable to do anything about it!"
Chu Chengzhou relentlessly taunted Dai Weisi.
"You—!"
Fury ignited in Dai Weisi's eyes as he stood up, ready to charge at Chu Chengzhou and deliver a punch.
"Enough, Dai Weisi, sit down! You're the Crown Prince of the empire; no need to argue with someone who's as good as dead."
Beside him, Dai Feng gave Chu Chengzhou a glance and said to Dai Weisi.
"May I ask, esteemed elder, how old are you?"
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou asked Dai Feng.
"I am eighty-six. Young man, remember to respect your elders."
Dai Feng calmly replied.
"Ah yes, you're eighty-six—how many more years do you have left to live~?
Elder, remember to send someone to inform me of your burial site when you're on your deathbed. If I have time, I'd like to visit your grave and see if the grass grows taller than others'.
Of course, if your body is lost without a trace, there's no need to tell me.
After all, digging up an empty grave wouldn't be fun."
Chu Chengzhou smiled and nodded.
Hearing this, Dai Feng's expression darkened.
However, he was a man who knew his limits. Aware that fighting wasn't appropriate at this venue—and knowing he couldn't overpower Chen Xin—he merely shot Chu Chengzhou a cold glance before turning his head away and remaining silent.
Time passed slowly, and the Holy Maiden Enthronement Ceremony began.
Boom boom boom—
Accompanied by a series of deep rumbling sounds, the heavy doors of the Pope's Palace slowly opened.
At this moment, 108 solemn-faced red-robed bishops emerged from the side doors, forming two lines extending from the front of the Pope's Palace to the entrance of the square.
"The Pope has arrived!"
The lead red-robed bishop announced loudly.
Soon after, Bibi Dong appeared wearing a dazzling golden ceremonial gown, holding a gemstone scepter, and wearing a nine-curved purple-gold crown. Behind her followed twelve red-clad titled elders.
After the Spirit Hall members shouted their blessings, Bibi Dong and the twelve titled elders sat on gilded chairs in front of the Pope's Palace.
At this point, Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, acting as the host of the ceremony, proclaimed loudly: "Presenting the Pope's direct disciple, Hu Liena!"
"Presenting the Pope's direct disciple, Hu Liena!"
"Presenting the Pope's direct disciple, Hu Liena!"
"Presenting the Pope's direct disciple, Hu Liena!"
The red-robed bishops' chants echoed repeatedly, quickly spreading from the front of the Pope's Palace to the foot of Pope Mountain.
Soon after, at the foot of Pope Mountain, surrounded by numerous palace knights, Hu Liena, dressed in a white ceremonial gown, walked solemnly up the steps of Pope Mountain.
Wherever she passed, the knights clad in silver armor, wielding silver spears and swords, knelt on one knee to welcome the soon-to-be officially enthroned Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall.
After a long while, Hu Liena, accompanied by the palace knights, slowly walked to the center of the square in front of the Pope's Palace.
"Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope, and all the elders!"
Hu Liena knelt on one knee and respectfully bowed to Bibi Dong and the twelve titled elders.
Bibi Dong nodded and looked at Gui Mei beside her.
Gui Mei then solemnly opened the book in his hands and began reciting in a loud, unceasing voice: "Today, we honor Hu Liena, recipient of the Purple Record Medal, part of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, and the Pope's direct disciple. Her talents are extraordinary... she gained the Killing God Domain by striking down evil, advancing to the Soul Emperor at the age of twenty-two, becoming one of the continent's outstanding figures..."
Gui Mei droned on and on. Half an hour later, he showed no signs of stopping.
If it weren't for the fact that the Holy Maiden position belonged to his own wife, Chu Chengzhou would have fallen asleep by now.
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but feel sorry for his wife. After all, Hu Liena was still kneeling in the square. Who knew if her legs had gone numb?
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue, hearing that Hu Liena possessed the Killing God Domain, glanced at Chu Chengzhou on her right. She finally understood why Chu Chengzhou, after visiting Spirit City just once, had become close to Hu Liena.
There was no doubt—they must have hooked up in Slaughter City!
"...Therefore, Hu Liena is hereby appointed as the ***th generation Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall and the first successor to the position of Pope!"
After another ten minutes, Gui Mei, whose mouth was almost dry, finally stopped speaking.
"Long live the Holy Maiden!"
"Long live the Holy Maiden!"
"Long live the Holy Maiden!"
At this moment, everyone affiliated with the Spirit Hall—with the exception of the seated elders in front of the Pope's Palace—bowed and chanted in unison.
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