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The icy killing intent in Qian Daoliu's words made Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo instinctively shrink back.
The next moment, Qian Daoliu's actions sent chills down their spines even further.
"As for the two of you—"
'We're dead—dead—dead—'
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo had no doubt that their heads might roll at any second.
At this critical moment, Bibi Dong suddenly spoke up. "Great Elder, Ghost Elder and Chrysanthemum Elder belong to the Elder Hall.
You have no authority to decide their fates. Now that my teacher has returned to the embrace of the Angel God, we need to select someone to take charge of the situation. Please stay your hand and refrain from killing innocents.
If blood must be spilled, please direct your wrath toward the Hao Tian Sect. Infighting only tarnishes the glory of the Angel God."
The mention of the Angel God caused Qian Daoliu's killing intent to diminish significantly. A thoughtful look flickered across his eyes.
Though Qian Xunji's death brought a pang of sorrow to his heart, it was fleeting. After all, Qian Xunji was merely a product of his lineage, and Qian Daoliu harbored no deep affection for him.
What truly mattered to him now was the safety of Qian Renxue.
Bibi Dong's words were not without merit. He carefully studied the stunning woman before him.
"Who is she? Xun'er's disciple, the former Holy Maiden.
But because of Xue'er's extraordinary talent, she was passed over as the successor to the Spirit Hall's Pope position. Why has she returned?
She doesn't carry the aura of the Killing God Domain after clearing the Killing God City.
Her cultivation has already reached the level of a Title Douluo? It seems she has encountered some extraordinary fortune to achieve such a level at her age. Moreover, she possesses twin martial souls—there's a chance she could reach level 99 in the future.
Xue'er is destined to inherit the position of the Angel God. She shouldn't be burdened with the administrative duties of the Pope.
I no longer wish to involve myself in the affairs of the Spirit Hall. My priority now is Xue'er's divine inheritance.
In that case, allowing this girl to temporarily assume the position of Pope wouldn't be a bad idea. Once Xue'er ascends to godhood, we can reclaim it.
Below the gods, all are but ants. The Spirit Hall will always belong to the Qian family."
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Qian Daoliu ultimately decided to prioritize the bigger picture. However, the fact that the Spirit Hall's Pope had been killed involved the dignity of both the Qian family and the Spirit Hall.
There was no way they could let the Hao Tian Sect or Tang Hao off the hook.
"If that's the case, then I'll make a move after so long. Let's also test this girl's capabilities. The position of Pope isn't something just anyone can occupy."
"You make a valid point.
As the Great Elder, I indeed have no right to interfere in the operations of the Spirit Hall.
I remember you are Xun'er's disciple, Bibi Dong, correct?
As the former Pope, though I no longer oversee the Spirit Hall's operations, I can designate the next successor.
As the Holy Maiden, you are qualified to inherit the position of Pope. This campaign against the Hao Tian Sect will serve as your trial. However, the Hao Tian Sect has many strong individuals. Those above level 95 will be handled by our Shrine Hall.
You are responsible for the rest. I hope you don't disappoint me.
From this moment on, you are the acting Pope of the Spirit Hall."
As he spoke, Qian Daoliu cast a meaningful glance at Bibi Dong.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something strange about this entire situation. But at this point, he didn't want to meddle in these affairs. His sole focus now was to see Xue'er ascend to godhood as soon as possible.
Bibi Dong accepted the appointment graciously. After pondering for a moment, she slightly bowed and asked,
"May I ask whether the Hao Tian Sect should be completely annihilated or merely weakened?"
This was something Qian Daoliu hadn't considered earlier. Reflecting on his past conflicts with Tang Chen, his heart softened slightly.
"We'll weaken them. How many Title Douluos does the Hao Tian Sect currently have?"
"Not counting Tang Hao, who is on the run, there are six Title Douluos."
Bibi Dong clearly knew her facts, answering fluently.
Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu's gaze turned cold.
In the past, to eliminate threats to the Spirit Hall, he had slaughtered countless soul masters across the continent.
"A mere martial soul sect without divine protection dares to boast seven Title Douluos.
They will surely become a major threat in the future. Leave them with only two Title Douluos as a gesture of goodwill to Tang Chen, that old man."
With that, Qian Daoliu left, taking Qian Xunji's body with him.
Though Qian Xunji hadn't achieved much, he was still a Title Douluo and deserved burial in the Hall of Titles within Spirit City, the resting place of deceased Title Douluos throughout history.
Bibi Dong watched the elderly man who had devoted his life to the Spirit Hall with an indifferent gaze, a hint of disdain flickering in her eyes.
Though the Spirit Hall didn't yet have the so-called Eight Legions of later years, it could still easily gather 5,000 high-level soul masters.
In an instant, tension spread across the continent like wildfire.
As the epicenter of the storm, the Hao Tian Sect received the news almost immediately. In the meeting hall, the Elders of the Hao Tian Sect wore expressions of fear.
They were veterans of the Hao Tian Sect, well aware of Qian Daoliu's past. If not for Tang Chen, how could the Hao Tian Sect enjoy its current peace?
"Patriarch, I've said it before—Tang Hao is a disaster waiting to happen! You refused to listen when I warned you not to let him wander freely. And now look what's happened! He killed the Pope—what are we supposed to do now?!"
The Fourth Elder, the youngest and weakest among the Hao Tian Sect's Title Douluos, was the first to lash out. However, his pale expression betrayed his inner fear.
The other elders joined in, collectively condemning Tang Hao's recklessness.
Tang Wei, whose face bore signs of aging, remained silent, though his bitterness was evident. Why did Tang Hao have to provoke the continent's most powerful soul master faction?
Tang Xiao, who had also reached the level of a Title Douluo despite being slightly less talented than Tang Hao, sat quietly to the side.
Amidst the chaos, Tang Wei slammed his fist onto the conference table.
"Enough of this nonsense! Your cowardice disgraces the name of the Hao Tian Sect!
So what if Qian Daoliu lost a son? At worst, I'll offer my life to settle the score. Then, the entire Hao Tian Sect will retreat into seclusion and avoid worldly affairs.
Given the relationship between my father and Qian Daoliu, he won't push us too far."
Looking at Tang Wei's bloodshot eyes and impassioned tone, it was clear that this decision to sacrifice himself was a difficult one, even for him.
The elders, shocked by this unexpected outcome, tried to dissuade him.
"My mind is made up. Don't try to change it. Without Father, the backbone of the Hao Tian Sect has broken.
Our disciples have grown arrogant and unruly. This calamity is well-deserved.
I hope everything goes as planned. Quickly have the disciples prepare. If the Spirit Hall arrives, it'll be too late.
This place is no longer safe. We'll retreat to the hidden sanctuary established long ago."
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