Spirit City, Worship Hall.
Within the broad and solemn hall, Qian Daoliu, dressed in a simple white robe, knelt quietly before the statue of the god, as if he had merged with the surrounding light. At that moment, the clear, rhythmic sound of high heels striking the ground echoed from afar, shattering the divine silence. The footsteps clashed with the temple's sacred and dignified atmosphere, carrying a palpable sense of intrusion.
Qian Daoliu's ancient, well-like eyes shifted slightly, a faint crease appearing between his brows. Slowly, he opened his eyes. In his profound gaze, there was not a trace of emotion—only cold indifference. He looked toward the palace gate, where a figure in magnificent papal robes stood.
"This is a sacred place for meditation within the temple. Entry without permission is forbidden. Bibi Dong, why have you come?"
Qian Daoliu's voice was calm, yet carried an invisible pressure, like a god interrogating a mortal.
Bibi Dong stopped about ten paces away, her beautiful face covered with frost. She first cast a cold glance at the angel statue radiating an aura of disgust, then snorted coldly and flicked her wrist. A golden light shot forth like a sharp arrow toward Qian Daoliu.
Without standing or making any unnecessary movement, Qian Daoliu casually raised his right hand. The powerful invitation, as if grasped by an invisible palm, landed lightly in his hand.
It was an exquisitely crafted invitation, with delicate cloud patterns along its edges. The material was neither gold nor jade, yet it exuded a unique aura.
Yet, he did not even glance at the invitation, instead looking at Bibi Dong, as if waiting for her explanation, his indifference unchanged.
Seeing his aloof, detached attitude, Bibi Dong curled her lips in a mocking smile and spoke with undisguised sarcasm, "Qian Daoliu, open it and see for yourself. Let's see who, or what force, dares to plot such a grand scheme on this continent!"
Upon hearing this, a faint ripple flashed through Qian Daoliu's deep eyes. He lowered his gaze, focusing on the invitation, and gently opened it with slender fingers.
"Grand Martial Academy Opening Ceremony…"
He skimmed through the invitation. The names of the dean, vice dean, and four department heads, all bearing the title of Titled Douluo, made even Qian Daoliu's disciples, who had maintained their composure for a hundred years, involuntarily take a step back.
Five Titled Douluo!
And these were only the apparent high officials overseeing the academy. Behind them lurked the mysterious "Body Sect," possessing at least six more Titled Douluo!
"Grand Martial Academy… Body Sect…"
Qian Daoliu murmured. His voice was barely audible, but carried a solemn weight.
Yet, this loss of composure lasted but an instant. The next moment, his gaze returned to its former tranquility and depth, as if nothing had happened. He closed the invitation, looked up at Bibi Dong again, and in his indifferent gaze, there was now a hint of understanding.
He immediately understood Bibi Dong's purpose in delivering the invitation herself.
The grand opening of Grand Martial Academy could no longer be handled by sending just one or two Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall. This was a declaration to the entire continent, revealing the true strength of the Body Sect. If Spirit Hall, recognized as the sacred land of the soul world, could not send top experts to support it, their reputation and momentum would inevitably be overshadowed by the suddenly-emerging Grand Martial Academy and Body Sect.
After a brief contemplation, Qian Daoliu spoke in a calm voice, "I understand. At that time, I will send Golden Crocodile and Glowing Feather as Spirit Hall's representatives."
Golden Crocodile Douluo, the continent's only level-98 peak expert, was second only to Qian Daoliu and the late Tang Chen—arguably the third strongest in the world. His very presence could deter most villains and demonstrate Spirit Hall's foundation and strength. Simultaneously, Golden Crocodile Douluo's power and insight would allow him to better probe the true strengths and weaknesses of the Body Sect and Grand Martial Academy. Glowing Feather Douluo, the youngest among the worshipped elders, possessed exceptional talent and meticulousness, making him the ideal assistant.
Finishing, Qian Daoliu calmly looked at Bibi Dong, adding in an emotionless tone, "Or… you could attend yourself."
Though she had kept a low profile for years, he was well aware that Bibi Dong's power had only grown. Her talent was terrifying, and with the help of the God Trials, her rate of advancement was enough to make even him uneasy. In a few more years, even he might not be able to see through her true strength. If Bibi Dong attended herself, with her papal status and unfathomable power, she would be the most suitable candidate.
"Oh?" Bibi Dong sneered, her beautiful eyes mocking. "As the Pope of Spirit Hall, I am busy with countless affairs, overseeing everything. I have no time to attend such trivial ceremonies."
How could she not understand Qian Daoliu's scheming? The Body Sect's recent activities proved that Grand Martial Academy surely had unparalleled experts, perhaps more than one. If she attended in person, it would be difficult to fully conceal her strength. Should her trump cards be exposed, the secretive Rakshasa God Trials and her future plans would be gravely threatened. She would never do something that benefits others while risking herself.
With that, Bibi Dong no longer looked at Qian Daoliu, as if even a moment's pause would diminish her value. She snorted coldly, turned on her heel, and left. The hem of her magnificent robe traced a cold, hard arc as she quickly disappeared into the interplay of light and shadow outside the chapel doors.
Qian Daoliu watched her departure in silence, his face emotionless, only the fingers gripping the invitation tightening ever so slightly.
…
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Fengzhi held the same golden invitation received by Spirit Hall. But at this moment, the always composed and refined master of one of the Three Upper Sects, known for his calmness in adversity, found his hand trembling slightly. His usual poise was gone, replaced by shock and disbelief.
He stared repeatedly at the words "Titled Douluo," "Grand Martial Academy," and "Body Sect" written on the invitation. His lips trembled as he muttered, his voice a little distorted, "How is this possible… how can this be possible?"
"Five Titled Douluo… this… this is almost equal to the total number of Titled Douluo our three upper sects had before Clear Sky Sect closed its gates. But this is only the outer circle of the Body Sect!?"
This reality struck Ning Fengzhi like a heavy hammer, shattering the pride and plans he had built over many years. He had always aimed for the expansion of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, striving to surpass even the Clear Sky Sect. But now, just the tip of this newly-emerged Body Sect iceberg was enough to suffocate him with despair.
All his years of effort and governance seemed laughably futile, like a mayfly trying to shake a great tree.
"Fengzhi!"
A sharp, clear voice—like the sound of a sword—rang through the study, snapping Ning Fengzhi from his daze. Looking up, he met the stern, sword-like eyes of Sword Douluo Chen Xin. Bone Douluo Gu Rong also stood by with the same grave expression.
Sword Douluo looked at him and spoke each word with solemn gravity. "Now is not the time to worry whether our sect can reach a higher level, nor to marvel at our opponent's strength!"
He paused, his tone sharpening to pierce Ning Fengzhi's confusion. "Did you forget the name on the invitation? Ye Cien!"
"The current head of the Nine Heart Begonia Ye Clan is the outer sect master of the Body Sect and the Head of the auxiliary department at Grand Martial Academy!"
"Ye Cien…"
Ning Fengzhi repeated the name unconsciously. It was as if a cold bolt of lightning had pierced to his very soul. His whole body shuddered violently, a nameless chill running from tailbone to crown, freezing his limbs.
…
Heaven Dou Empire.
Emperor Xue Ye appeared weary, but his gaze was abnormally sharp. He gripped the golden invitation so tightly that his knuckles turned white. With a calm and refined demeanor, he looked at his heir, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, and said in a deep, serious voice:
"Qinghe, you will attend the Grand Martial Academy opening ceremony on behalf of the Heaven Dou Empire."
"Remember—no matter what happens, you must find a way to maintain a good relationship with the Body Sect. Even if you cannot become friends, you must never become enemies. Understood?"
Xue Qinghe bowed respectfully, displaying the right degree of solemnity and seriousness. "This subject understands. Please rest assured, Father. I will investigate the Body Sect thoroughly and do everything possible to establish a good line of communication."
A faint curiosity and desire for exploration flickered beneath her lowered eyelids.
The Body Sect… What exactly was this mysterious sect with sudden and terrifying power? She also wanted to witness for herself what made her grandfather treat this force so seriously.
"Take Xue Beng with you as well!"
…
Similar scenes, warnings, and shocks were currently unfolding in the Star Luo Empire's palace, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Lower Four Sects, and the core of every major soul master power on the continent.
The invitations from Grand Martial Academy were like stones thrown into a silent lake, stirring up massive waves in the vast sea of Douluo Continent—unsettling the leaders of various forces, and sending their most important figures to witness the dawn of a new era in the city known as Martial City.
…
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