At the Qi Blood Soaring Hall, a fiery aura flowed through the space like something tangible.
Chu Shanhe stood at the head of the hall, his tall figure as upright as a pine tree, his gaze sweeping over everyone. Once he confirmed their arrival, he began in a low voice.
"Now that everyone's here, let's discuss the trip to Spirit Hall City."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a unique penetrating power.
Chen Yi stood beside his father, Chen Zhen. Upon hearing those words, a look of understanding flashed in his eyes; this must refer to the promise he made to leave his name in Douluo Hall.
Chu Shanhe continued,
"This matter was agreed upon with Spirit Hall, but we must not neglect the sect. After consulting with the elders, I've decided that I and the Grand Elder will personally go on this trip. The other three elders will accompany Xie Xiaoqing, with Elder Ye Cien overseeing the outer sects."
He looked at Chen Zhen.
"While we're away, you'll be fully in charge of internal affairs, with everyone else cooperating to ensure the sect's stability."
Going to Douluo Hall to leave one's name was a great event for any sect. The personal visit of the sect master was not only solemn but also a necessary formality. Within the sect, a strong figure must always be in charge.
Chen Zhen stood and cupped his fist.
"Sect Master, rest assured."
At that moment, Chen Yi suddenly stepped forward, saluted Chu Shanhe, and said,
"Sect Master, I wish to go as well."
As soon as these words left his mouth, the hall fell abruptly silent. Many eyes turned to Chen Yi, filled with surprise and calculation.
Chu Shanhe asked with interest,
"Tell me your reason."
He felt a faint anxiety in his heart. Given Chen Yi's unprecedented soul ring ratio and Qian Daoliu's insight, his identity would surely be guessed. After all, Spirit Hall City was Spirit Hall's headquarters; Chen Yi's visit would be like a lamb in a tiger's den.
Chen Yi's expression was calm, his voice clear.
"There's an old saying: 'A thief may succeed for a thousand days, but there's no way to prevent a thief for a thousand days.' Now that my soul ring issue is exposed, rather than let Qian Daoliu speculate in secret, it's better to bring it out in the open."
He looked around at the elders and continued,
"Spirit Hall is powerful—that's indisputable. Our sect has grown stronger, but in many ways, we still lag far behind."
His words hit home; everyone in the hall listened silently, for it was the truth.
"Therefore," Chen Yi's voice grew firmer, "the best approach is to either completely dispel any killing intent Qian Daoliu may have, or at least make him understand our position and interests."
"This trip to Douluo Hall is the best chance to speak openly and honestly at Spirit Hall's sacred ground, under the eyes of every major faction."
A brief silence fell over the hall.
The Grand Elder slowly stroked his beard, fixing a deep gaze on Chen Yi, then at last looked back at Chu Shanhe. The two exchanged a glance.
"Agreed," the Grand Elder said slowly, his voice full of approval.
"Passive hiding is never the right solution. If something can't be avoided, face it head-on."
Chu Shanhe nodded and said to Chen Yi,
"In that case, you'll come along."
Chu Shanhe's decision was not made lightly. On the one hand, Chen Yi's analysis was accurate. On the other, they had confidence; even if conflict arose in Spirit Hall, the combined strength of several experts could ensure Chen Yi's safety. Moreover, as the inheritor of a god's legacy, Chen Yi had many hidden cards and was never simple.
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Chen Yi smiled and bowed, earning a big eye roll from Xie Xiaoqing.
At that moment, Xie Xiaoqing grinned and asked,
"So, when do we leave?"
She couldn't wait to show herself before the good people of Spirit Hall City. If she didn't make a splash in Douluo Hall, wouldn't it be like wearing fine clothes at night?
Chu Shanhe smiled a bit proudly,
"Since it's decided, we'll set out tomorrow. That old Qian Daoliu must have been waiting to meet us for a long time."
Chen Yi glanced around the hall and declared loudly,
"Our Body Sect's strongest are going to Douluo Hall to leave their names. We must go, and go boldly, so the world can see the true Body Sect!"
His words rippled through everyone's hearts like a stone thrown into a calm lake.
"To leave one's name in Douluo Hall..." Huang Qiyi murmured, eyes full of longing.
"It's every Title Douluo's dream."
This sentiment resonated with many. Even though the Body Sect had conflicts with Spirit Hall, it didn't prevent them from holding special feelings for Douluo Hall—a sacred place for all Title Douluo across the continent. To have one's name inscribed there meant recognition by the entire soul master world.
The atmosphere in the hall warmed, with many people whispering about the impact this trip would have. Chu Shanhe smiled in relief at the sight. Raising his hand, the hall fell silent.
"Very well," he said in a low voice.
"Let's prepare. This trip is not only to leave our names, but Spirit Hall City is a dragon's pool and tiger's den—preparations must be thorough."
Everyone responded in agreement and began to leave the hall.
As Chen Yi was about to leave, Chu Shanhe stopped him.
"Xiao Yi, stay a moment."
Once only Chu Shanhe, the Grand Elder, and Chen Yi remained, Chu Shanhe's expression turned serious.
"You asked to come. Besides what you said, do you have another plan?"
Chen Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded calmly.
"Sect Master, you are perceptive. I do have another idea."
"Let's hear it," the Grand Elder said, his gaze probing.
Chen Yi took a deep breath.
"I want to see with my own eyes how far Spirit Hall has come today. Also, I want to use this opportunity to test the true nature of Qian Daoliu's attitude toward our Body Sect."
That last sentence froze both Chu Shanhe and the Grand Elder. They exchanged looks, seeing the same understanding in each other's eyes.
"Go, and prepare well," Chu Shanhe finally said.
"Gather at the mountain gate at dawn."
As Chen Yi descended from the hall, the sunset painted the sky gold.
Just as Chen Yi readied himself for the journey, news that Body Sect Master Chu Shanhe and Wisdom Brain Douluo would personally lead their experts to Douluo Hall to leave their names spread like wildfire across the continent.
For a time, the eyes of the entire soul master world were drawn to the magnificent city at the heart of the continent—Spirit Hall City.
Everyone understood: this event, more than just inscribing a few names on the monument, could turn out to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the mainland.
Night was falling, but in many hearts, the lights of calculation were burning bright.