Chapter 375: Before the Battle
Within the Douluo Hall of Spirit City, or more precisely, the Angel Shrine, Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue stood solemnly beneath the towering statue of the Angel God.
Qian Daoliu looked at Qian Renxue with a serious expression. "Xue'er, are you prepared? This will determine your very survival."
Qian Renxue reflected on her life. She remembered her father Qian Xunji's death, her mother Bibi Dong's hostility, and the years she had spent navigating the scheming court of Heaven Dou City alone. But in the end, she had found the person she truly loved, someone she could entrust her life to, and had even reconciled with the conflicts in her heart.
Resolute, Qian Renxue replied, "Grandfather, I am ready. For the sake of completing this final trial, I am willing to give everything."
Becoming the new Angel God had been the goal of the Angel Clan for tens of thousands of years, a legacy that embodied countless sacrifices and hope. Qian Daoliu affectionately stroked her hair, shaking his head slightly. "Xue'er, there's no need to rush. No matter what chaos may come, I'll bear the burden for you."
Qian Renxue replied firmly, "Grandfather, I've been foolish in the past, not understanding your intentions or the purpose of the Angel Clan. But now I understand: the Angel Clan's purpose is to vanquish evil and protect the world, winning the faith of all spirit masters. Our ancestors achieved it, and so will I."
Qian Daoliu sighed. "You've grown, Xue'er. Very well, I'll clear the path for you, but you must tread it with caution."
Qian Renxue shook her head. "Grandfather, there's no need for you to sacrifice yourself. I have a way to begin the final trial."
Surprised, Qian Daoliu asked, "How did you know that the inheritance requires sacrifice? I've long prepared myself to offer all my power for the Angel Clan."
Instead of replying, Qian Renxue took out a vial of golden blood, radiating immense energy. This was one of the two drops of divine blood that Yang Potian had given her.
Qian Daoliu was astonished. "Xue'er, what is this? I can feel an immense divine power within it."
Qian Renxue held the vial with a steady gaze. "Grandfather, this was given to me by Potian. It's a drop of divine essence, and it should help me initiate the ninth Angelic Trial. The Empire needs you now more than ever."
As she spoke, the vial of divine blood floated up, glowing brightly and resonating with the enormous Angel statue. A golden portal opened in the space before her, as if leading into the void, and an inexplicable force seemed to call to Qian Renxue.
Gripping the Angelic Holy Sword, Qian Renxue bowed deeply to Qian Daoliu before stepping through the portal without looking back.
Qian Daoliu could only smile wryly. For decades, he had plotted and planned for his granddaughter, even resolving himself to make the ultimate sacrifice. But Yang Potian had foreseen the need for his sacrifice in order for Qian Renxue to ascend, and had made preparations.
As Qian Renxue entered the portal, it vanished. There was no turning back now. She would either become a god or perish.
Qian Daoliu gazed at the towering Angel statue, bowing deeply before he turned and left.
Golden Crocodile Douluo and Hu Liena, along with others, anxiously pored over the maps. As more reports arrived, they pieced together the dire scale of the soul beast army.
Despair spread among them. The Star Dou Forest seemed to have emptied its ranks; there were more than ten hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts among them, with Di Tian, the peerless expert, leading them, along with the ominous presence of other terrifying soul beasts.
Di Tian's power was immense. Not even Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong could hope to defeat him in a one-on-one battle, much less with the numerous other beasts at his side.
Adding to their concerns, the Sensitive Clan was guiding the soul beast army, indicating that Tang San, who fought against four Titled Douluo alone in the battle at Skywing Academy—including the powerful Sword Douluo and Yang Zhentian—might also be with the beasts.
Golden Crocodile Douluo, who was aware of Qian Renxue's trial requirements, felt unease seeing the clan's situation. At that moment, a flash of golden light appeared, and Qian Daoliu entered the room.
Seeing Qian Daoliu, everyone felt an anchor of reassurance. Golden Crocodile Douluo and the other six Elders knew that Qian Renxue's trial would require a sacrifice.
They all bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Grand Worship."
Qian Daoliu waved them off. "What's the situation? Have we gathered enough intel on the soul beast forces?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo reported everything they had learned, including his speculations and the comparison of their respective strengths.
After a thoughtful pause, Golden Crocodile Douluo finally voiced his concern. "Elder Brother, is Xue'er alright? Will she be able to complete her trial?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head. "She's holding her own. She has a plan, and the outcome is in her own hands now."
He then asked, "What about the Emperor? Any word from her?"
Hu Liena answered quickly, "Grand Worship, the Empress has been in seclusion since absorbing the Three-Eyed Golden Lion's spirit ring. Her retreat is inaccessible to us, so we have no updates on her condition."
Nodding, Qian Daoliu focused his attention on the battlefield, more aware of Bibi Dong's situation than anyone else.
Golden Crocodile Douluo hesitated before speaking. "Elder Brother, Di Tian has joined the battle, and he's brought several formidable beasts. I've already sent for aid from Skywing Academy."
Qian Daoliu studied the reports and maps carefully. "Distant water won't quench nearby fire. Even if Yang Potian and Skywing Academy respond, it'll be some time before they arrive. We must rely on our own strength. Leave Di Tian to me."
"Are you certain, Elder Brother? Di Tian's strength is unparalleled. Should we organize a group assault?" Golden Crocodile Douluo asked, clearly concerned.
Qian Daoliu shook his head. "We don't have the manpower to surround Di Tian. This is Spirit City, the stronghold of the Angel Clan. I will personally defend this sacred place."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1