Azure Luan Douluo was stunned. He hadn't expected Qian Ye to find an opportunity to counterattack under such overwhelming pressure.
Through sheer will and instinct, Qian Ye had used a soul skill to create an illusion, deceiving even the elder's eyes. Then, from his blind spot, he had circled behind to strike.Such battle awareness was nothing short of extraordinary — not the reaction of a child, but of a predator.
So… he adapts even mid-death, Azure Luan Douluo thought. He's dangerous already.
But the elder was no ordinary opponent. A Title Douluo could sense the ebb and flow of another's soul power as easily as breathing. Even if Qian Ye concealed himself perfectly, Azure Luan Douluo would know the instant he entered his range.
The moment Qian Ye lunged, countless azure feathers appeared around the elder. They streaked outward in a radiant wave, weaving together into a glowing net of light that enveloped the sky.
Qian Ye's expression didn't change as the net closed around him. The next instant, he was caught and dragged downward, the wind roaring past him.
Azure Luan Douluo smiled and flicked his wrist — the net constricted and pulled Qian Ye smoothly before him.
They descended together, landing on the mountain's lower ridge. The elder folded his wings with a satisfied sigh, a deep laugh echoing from his chest.
"Hahahaha!"
Qian Ye looked up, puzzled. "Uncle Azure Luan, what's so funny?"
Azure Luan Douluo's laughter subsided, replaced by a bright, approving smile. "I'm laughing because I'm pleased! You've exceeded even my expectations. If you keep this pace, Spirit Hall will see another master rise within a few short years."
He looked at Qian Ye more intently. "Tell me, Little Ye — have you heard of the Spirit Hall's upcoming assessment?"
"Assessment?" Qian Ye repeated calmly, eyes narrowing slightly.
Azure Luan Douluo nodded. "It's held every year, though you weren't qualified before. But in about a month, the new assessment begins. This time…"He paused, his tone sharpening. "…it's different."
Qian Ye tilted his head. "Different how?"
"Pope Bibi Dong made a last-minute decree," the elder explained. "This assessment will decide our next Holy Son or Holy Daughter — the successor to the Spirit Hall Pope."
Qian Ye's eyes glinted faintly. "A last-minute decision?"
Azure Luan Douluo nodded gravely. "Yes. It was sudden, even for us. Clearly, it's not a coincidence."
A faint smirk tugged at Qian Ye's lips. He already understood.Bibi Dong's ambition hadn't changed — power belonged only in her hands. She'd inherited the position after Qian Xunji's death, and ever since, she had removed or silenced every obstacle in her way. Even Qian Renxue, the true blood heir of the Qian family, had been sent away rather than allowed to inherit.
And now, with him — Qian Ye, the Grand Elder's adopted son — emerging as a new force within Spirit Hall, she had moved quickly to protect her influence.
So she wants to crown her pet disciple before I can grow into a threat.
Azure Luan Douluo continued, "The Grand Elder knows this. That's why he's ordered the seven of us to return — to train you together. He intends for you to claim the title of Holy Son."
Understanding flashed across Qian Ye's face. Everything fit neatly now: his father's haste, the elders' sudden involvement, this so-called assessment.
He would have one month to grow — to surpass Hu Liena — and claim the future of the Spirit Hall for himself.
Good, he thought coldly. Let Bibi Dong play her games. I'll take her throne from the inside before I burn her entire world down.
Aloud, he said only, "I understand. I'll seize the position of Holy Son."
Azure Luan Douluo laughed loudly, utterly satisfied. "Hahaha! That's the spirit, Little Ye. The Grand Elder was right about you!"
Spirit Hall — The Main Chamber
The atmosphere was frigid. Three figures knelt before Pope Bibi Dong — Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan.
"Trash!"
Bibi Dong's cold voice sliced through the air like a blade. "A group of arrogant fools."
None of the three dared lift their heads. The weight of her killing intent was suffocating.
She stepped down from her dais, heels clicking sharply on the marble floor. "You went to provoke him — and got humiliated instead? Is this how I've trained my disciples?"
Hu Liena trembled slightly. "Teacher… Qian Ye used the Grand Elder's title to suppress us. We—"
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed, her tone colder still. "So? Did you think the Grand Elder had ceased to exist before you acted? You went without preparation, without a plan, and came crawling back defeated. Pathetic."
Xie Yue quickly spoke up, "Your Holiness, it was our mistake. We won't fail again."
Bibi Dong exhaled slowly, regaining her composure. She turned to Hu Liena, her voice soft but razor-edged. "Nana, I've placed great hope in you. Don't let me down again."
Hu Liena lowered her head. "I understand, Teacher. I'll repay this humiliation with my own hands."
"Good." Bibi Dong's lips curved into a thin smile. "Forget this incident. Focus on what's coming. In one month, our Spirit Hall's assessment begins. This time, we will determine the next successor to the Pope's throne."
Her gaze swept across the three, freezing them where they knelt.
"This choice will not be mine alone — every disciple will witness it. I will not allow the title of Holy Son to fall into the hands of an outsider again."
Finally, she looked at Hu Liena directly, eyes gleaming with intent."Nana, you know how I've trained you — groomed you as my successor, my Holy Maiden. This time, you must not disappoint me."
Hu Liena's heart pounded, both fear and excitement flickering across her face. "I understand, Teacher. I swear — I won't let you down."
Bibi Dong smiled faintly, though her gaze was cold enough to kill.
Good, she thought. The board is set. Let's see who survives the next move.