The killing intent in Qian Daoliu's eyes surged like a tide, but his gaze unconsciously shifted to the Grand Elder, watching from afar. Now, as the fierce battle with Chu Shanhe had reached its climax, his extraordinarily sharp perception clearly sensed the Grand Elder's spiritual power, like an invisible net, constantly enveloping the entire battlefield. What chilled him further was the faint aura within that spiritual power, a transcendent, almost law-like divine intent.
What did this mean? It meant that this Body Sect Grand Elder's spiritual domain was likely approaching the legendary level of "divine sense."
A Douluo Chu Shanhe with a golden-level third awakening, an almost immortal body, and combat power rivaling the Ultimate Douluo, combined with the Wisdom brain Douluo whose spiritual power was nearing divinity… Even in Spirit City, if he forcibly used the Angel God's sword to take down these two, what would be the cost? Qian Daoliu knew it would mean his own demise, perhaps the deaths of several followers, and a great loss of Spirit Hall's vitality and centuries-old prestige.
At least for now, he could not pay such a price.
His gaze swept over the uneasy "Xue Qinghe" in the crowd below. If he died here, what would become of Xue'er? How could she defeat the ever-scheming Bibi Dong? Xue'er possessed the purest angel bloodline, destined to inherit the god position and revive the Qian family and Spirit Hall's glory. If she died during the final inheritance trial, what then? This was his ultimate purpose, the fate he was prepared to endure, even if imprisoned in the temple. If he fell early, Xue'er's divine path would be cut off completely!
For Xue'er, for the Angel God's inheritance, he must not die—not now.
With this thought, the last of Qian Daoliu's killing intent faded, replaced by deeper calculation and helplessness. His voice resumed its former peace and dignity, spreading across the world.
"Sect Master Chu's strength is astonishing, and your golden awakening is even more spectacular. But… let's call it a draw, shall we?"
Chu Shanhe was momentarily stunned. He had indeed sensed Qian Daoliu's killing intent earlier, which did not fit someone proposing a "draw." His gaze flicked to "Xue Qinghe" below—Qian Renxue in disguise—confirming his suspicion. As expected, according to Chen Yi's analysis, this old man was cautious.
"He's… afraid."
Thinking of this, Chu Shanhe gave a heroic smile. Though wounded, his momentum did not falter. He raised his fist and said loudly:
"Under the Angel Douluo, to participate in creation—if not for his Excellency's mercy, today Che Shanhe might not have withdrawn."
"In this battle, our sect is willing to yield."
Qian Daoliu's expression softened, gazing at Chu Shanhe and speaking gently:
"Sect Master Chu, you are too humble. The Body Martial soul's second awakening is truly unique, and the future is boundless."
The collapse of both peaks' reputations and the shock of this summit battle shook the entire soul master world, leaving a memory unforgettable for all present.
At that moment, Ye Cien, who had been watching from afar, stepped forward, soul power surging through his body. In the next instant, a huge nine-hearted Begonia phantom, clear as jade and brimming with incomparable life force, slowly blossomed behind him, its nine stamens shining with flowing light. A soft, warm pinkish-white light descended like rain from the nine heavens, precisely enveloping Chu Shanhe and Qian Daoliu.
Both suddenly felt a magnificent and gentle life energy flow into their bodies, and the remaining divine wounds on Chu Shanhe began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. Qian Daoliu, too, quickly recovered under the nourishment of this pure life energy, his breathing soon long and steady again.
After a moment, though both still appeared tired, their serious injuries stabilized and they regained basic combat strength. Qian Daoliu flexed his wrist, feeling soul power flowing smoothly through his body. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes as he looked at Ye Cien, his tone more sincere:
"The Nine-Hearted Begonia truly possesses great healing power at the titled Douluo level."
"Thank you for your efforts today."
Ye Cien returned to normal, bowing gently:
"His Excellency Angel Douluo; this is within our duty."
Qian Daoliu nodded, his eyes sweeping over Chu Shanhe, the Grand Elder, Xie Xiaoqing, Ye Cien, and the other strong members of the Body Sect, offering a sincere invitation:
"Today's battle brought me great joy and much benefit. Your noble sect has come from afar, and after such a grand battle, you must be tired.
"Why not move to the Worship Hall for some rest?"
Chu Shanhe and the Grand Elder exchanged glances, both seeing clarity and a trace of caution in each other's eyes. Qian Daoliu's current invitation was not merely for rest—it carried deeper meaning. However, since the other had conceded and shown willingness for "peace," it would be inappropriate to provoke further conflict.
"Haha, that's exactly what I was about to say! It's an honor to enter the Worship Hall and see what I can. I will not refuse such hospitality."
"The Angel Douluo is very kind; forgive our impudence," the Grand Elder replied gently.
Soon, under Qian Daoliu's guidance, several Worships from Spirit Hall led the way, followed by the powerful Body Sect group, heading in formation toward the most ancient and sacred building at the heart of Spirit City—the Hall of Worship.
Watching their leader depart, the onlookers from all sides gradually dispersed, their faces still filled with excitement and awe. Today's battle and its aftermath would surely be a hot topic in the soul master world for a long time.
On a distant mountaintop, Bibi Dong watched the two factions leave together, the last bit of anticipation in her eyes turning to cold disappointment and deep calculation. She snorted coldly, her figure quietly melting into the shadows.
…
The Hall of Worship was solemn, its soaring dome adorned with mythic murals of angels descending to purify the world, soft sacred light streaming from every corner. The most striking sight was the angel statue at the end of the hall, towering dozens of meters tall.
Qian Daoliu led everyone to the statue, turning to introduce it with eyes full of piety and pride:
"Everyone, this is the ancestor of my Qian family, the Angel God, and the source of faith for Spirit Hall!"
Hearing this, Chu Shanhe, the Grand Elder, Ye Cien, Xie Xiaoqing, and even Chen Yi restrained their expressions, bowing solemnly before the statue. This was not submission to Qian Daoliu or Spirit Hall, but the most basic respect for an ancient god whose merits rebuilt the continent.
Ten thousand years ago, the continent fell into chaos, corruption rampant, the people struggling to survive. The Angel God cleansed the filth, reestablished order, and left Spirit Hall to oversee the soul masters, establishing the relatively stable pattern of the continent. Their achievements deserved respect, regardless of position.
Qian Daoliu watched the Body Sect pay their respects and smiled in satisfaction, his wariness easing. His gaze then fell, as always, on the calm Chen Yi, his tone both questioning and meaningful:
"Young Sect Master Chen Yi is unmatched, and your knowledge is surely extraordinary. I wonder how much you know about the ancestor of the Qian family?
"In your opinion, how does that god compare to others?"
As soon as he spoke, except for Qian Daoliu, the other Worships in the Hall were stunned, looking at Chen Yi in disbelief. Was the eldest brother hinting that this thirteen-year-old boy really… truly had a connection with a certain god? Or was even an heir?! How could that be possible?!
On the Body Sect's side, Chu Shanhe and the Grand Elder remained calm, unsurprised. For Qian Daoliu to only now realize Chen Yi bore a god's inheritance was odd. Qian Daoliu's question was both a temptation and a subtle confirmation, weighing the "weight" of Chen Yi's inheritance.
Chen Yi listened, his expression unchanged. He stepped forward, looked up calmly at the towering angel statue, his clear eyes reflecting the holy light, and spoke slowly, his voice clear and sincere:
"In the dark ages, the Angel God appeared with the holy sword, cleansing all filth and evil in the world, reestablishing order and light, and opening a new era for the Douluo Continent.
"Such merit is salvation and grace across generations. As an ancient god of compassion who changed the course of hearts, Chen Yi can only continue to admire."
These words were sincere and heartfelt. Setting aside positions and grievances, the Angel Gods' setting and deeds in the original work truly deserved respect.
Qian Daoliu's smile deepened, even bringing a sense of relief. Sincere respect from one suspected to be the successor of a mighty god weighed more than the praise of thousands, filling him with pride as a descendant of the Angel God and the great priest.
However, Chen Yi was not finished. He paused slightly, his gaze seeming to pierce the statue, seeing a far more distant and cruel truth. His tone remained calm, yet it was as if he was stating a cold fact:
"It's a pity…
"With a heart for the people and great merit—if only he had not fallen halfway, perhaps… he could have gone farther, seen higher places, and left more possibilities for this world."
...
Bonus chapter at 100 PS