Standing atop the rear mountain of the Supreme Pontiff Hall, Qian Daoliu clasped his hands behind his back. From here, he had a clear view of the entire Spirit City.
He cast a glance over his shoulder, then turned back to gaze into the distance.
"Haha! Brother Qian, long time no see. You're still as impressive as ever!"
A hearty laugh echoed up from the base of the mountain as Tang Chen ascended swiftly. Don't let his massive war hammer fool you—his speed was anything but slow.
Only when Tang Chen reached the summit did Qian Daoliu finally turn around, smiling as he greeted him.
"Brother Tang, it's been ten years. You've only grown stronger."
"Ah, you flatter me. If you were to use divine power, I wouldn't stand a chance."
Tang Chen waved his hand with a grin. He fully acknowledged Qian Daoliu's strength. Without divine power, he could manage to win by half a move or fight to a draw at best. But if Qian Daoliu tapped into his Angel God's power, he knew he wouldn't be able to match him.
"Divine power is external, after all. When it comes to true skill, you've got the edge, Brother Tang."
Qian Daoliu wasn't just being polite. Tang Chen was, without question, one of the most naturally gifted individuals in the past few centuries. Born with full innate soul power and wielding a top-tier—but not heaven-defying—Martial Soul, his strength came not from the hammer itself, but from how far he had pushed its potential.
The Clear Sky Hammer became formidable precisely because Tang Chen had pushed it to its absolute limits. He had even created his own soul skills tailored to it and pioneered techniques like ring detonation. Among those of the same rank, few could rival him.
It was thanks to his mastery that the Clear Sky Clan earned its reputation of today.
Qian Daoliu genuinely admired his longtime rival. When it came to understanding one's Martial Soul, if Tang Chen claimed to be the best, no one would dare call themselves second—including Qian Daoliu himself.
"Haha, there's no need for us to flatter each other. Your son's wedding, the next generation rising—it's a joyous occasion. Come, let's have a drink!"
Tang Chen laughed heartily, clapping Qian Daoliu on the shoulder as he extended the invitation.
For this wedding, Qian Daoliu and the other Worship Elders would not appear publicly. Only a select few powerful individuals knew of their presence.
Still, this was a celebration, and Qian Daoliu didn't want everyone to be overly restrained. So he gave permission for the Worship Elders and Spirit Hall's senior members to enjoy themselves freely, as long as they didn't reveal their soul power. After all, who could tell a Titled Douluo just by appearance?
As for presiding over the event, Qian Xunji was no greenhorn. He could handle it.
---
Outside the Spirit Hall, a crowd of Soul Masters had already gathered, elites from across the continent all converged here.
Yue Guan stood at the front with a microphone, announcing loudly, "Thank you all for your patience. Now, let's welcome the bride and groom!"
As his voice rang out, the crowd parted on its own. The grand doors of the main hall opened, and Qian Xunji stepped out in formal attire, leading a tall, graceful woman with a white veil covering her head.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The moment they appeared, thunderous applause erupted. All eyes turned to the stars of today's event.
"Junior brother, junior brother, look! Our master's bride looks so beautiful!"
Bibi Dong tugged excitedly at Gu Han's arm, practically vibrating with joy. Anyone who didn't know better might think she was the one getting married.
Gu Han glanced at his sleeve, now visibly wrinkled and stretched—this was his carefully chosen new outfit. He chuckled helplessly.
"Senior sister, I know you're excited, but maybe tone it down a little. You're about to ruin my clothes."
But today's Bibi Dong was different from usual. Dressed in a wine-red gown, her long hair draped elegantly down her back, and her bangs swayed lightly above her exquisite, stunning face. She drew more than a few admiring glances herself.
The gift-giving ceremony went unspoken—each major power had presented extremely generous offerings.
"Silence, please! Everyone, quiet down! Next, the bride and groom will complete the wedding rites under everyone's witness!"
Yue Guan's voice, bolstered by both soul power and the microphone, easily quieted the lively crowd.
Still, Gu Han couldn't help but silently grumble. Why does Yue Guan's shrill voice always sound like some sort of eunuch announcer?
"One bow to the heavens and earth!"
The couple turned to face the sky and bowed.
"Second bow to the Angel God!"
They turned again and bowed toward the Hall of Consecration.
"Third bow, to each other."
Qian Xunji and Ling Yuan bowed to one another.
"The ceremony is complete. Escort the bride to the wedding chamber!"
With the final words, Ling Yuan was led away by her bridesmaids.
Qian Xunji stayed behind, delivered a few formal remarks, and then announced the start of the feast.
"Haha! Congratulations, Your Holiness!"
The celebration was in full swing. No one dared stir up trouble on such a grand day.
As night gradually fell...
"Come, everyone, drink to your heart's content today!"
Qian Xunji, already a bit tipsy, raised his glass repeatedly to toast the guests.
"Haha! Your Holiness, it's getting late! Better hurry back to your bride—don't keep her waiting, haha!"
Yu Yuanzhen laughed loudly, throwing in a good-natured jab.
"That's right! Don't worry about us, Your Holiness. You should head to the wedding chamber already, haha!"
Laughter broke out all around. Even the more prominent elders of the Spirit Hall joined in to tease him.
Qian Xunji didn't try to argue. After saying his farewells, he left the banquet hall.
---
"Brother Gu Han, I really owe it to you. My father went to great lengths to get me a ten-thousand-year soul bone for my right leg. After forcing all the toxins into it, I can clearly feel my body improving—and even my cultivation speed has picked up. It's all thanks to you. Let me toast you."
"Haha, it was nothing. But... have you thought more about my proposal, Elder Dugu?"
Gu Han waved it off with a smile, then turned toward Dugu Bo, who had been sitting quietly nearby.
"I have," Dugu Bo replied. "I'm willing to join the Spirit Hall—but I have a small request."
"That's great news! Senior, feel free to ask—anything within reason, we'll do our best to accommodate."
Gu Han smiled broadly. So long as Dugu Bo agreed to join, most requests would be worth it.
Bibi Dong, equally curious, leaned forward and added, "Elder Dugu, please speak your mind."
"My only condition is this: after I join, I'd prefer the Spirit Hall not place too many restrictions on me. You know what I'm like—I've always lived freely and hate being tied down by rules."
"Haha, you needn't worry, Elder Dugu. Other than those with specific duties, most of our Soul Masters operate freely. As long as you don't harm innocents or violate our principles, you'll be treated no differently than a rogue Soul Master."
Both Gu Han and Bibi Dong laughed. They'd expected some serious demand—this was hardly one.
Bibi Dong clapped the table and declared, "Elder Dugu, I'll make the decision on this. You only need to lend your name to the Spirit Hall."
"Haha! In that case, thank you, little Brother Gu Han, and thank you, Your Highness the Holy Maiden!"
Dugu Bo let out a hearty laugh, raised his cup, and downed it in one go—signifying his agreement to join the Spirit Hall.
~~~
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