The two of them received the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King's brain, which emitted an enticing aroma, full of anticipation in their hearts.
The brain of the hundred-thousand-year Evil Killer Whale King had already brought them a considerable improvement, let alone this brain from a million-year-old soul beast.
The two of them slowly closed their eyes, letting their minds settle, then cautiously placed it into their mouths.
In an instant, a gentle yet immense energy burst from the whale brain, flowing into their limbs and bones like a warm spring, yet rampaging through their meridians like a thousand galloping horses.
When the brain's energy completely merged into her body, Ye Lingling suddenly opened her eyes, a brilliance flashing in them like never before.
She was astonished to find that she had directly crossed four levels of obstruction, her soul power skyrocketing to Level seventy-nine, just one step away from the threshold of Soul Douluo.
Shui Bing'er already possessed an extraordinary physique and potential. Nourished by the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King's brain, she advanced even more smoothly.
Her soul power increased by three levels, reaching rank eighty-nine, just a step away from advancing to Title Douluo.
This sudden surge in strength made both of them delighted and emotional. When they looked at Yan, their gazes were filled with gratitude and admiration.
"Brother Yan, this is amazing. My soul power increased by a full four levels."
"I went up three levels."
Yan smiled and nodded, feeling quite gratified.
Shui Bing'er and Ye Lingling's rise in strength gave them more confidence in facing the unknown challenges ahead.
"Unknowingly, we've been out for a year already. During this year, we've all grown a lot. The truce between the Spirit Empire and the Star Luo Empire has expired. Who knows what will happen next? Let's head back first. Once we're back, you both can also focus more on your divine trials."
"Mm. Brother Yan, we'll follow your arrangements."
After that, the three of them left Vast Sea City.
On the other side, the armies of the two great empires were gathering at the border.
Facing the aggressive Spirit Empire army, under the suggestion of the main war faction led by Yu Xiaogang, the Star Luo Emperor did not compromise and chose to fight.
But they underestimated Qian Renxue's strength and determination.
The Qian Daoliu faction sent out several Worship elders and a large number of soul masters to support Qian Renxue.
Even without Yan's participation, and without Bibi Dong's backing of Qian Renxue, the Star Luo army still suffered a crushing defeat with heavy losses.
The gap in strength between the two sides forced the Star Luo Emperor to once again set aside his pride and actively seek peace by ceding territory.
But this time, Qian Renxue ignored him.
Qian Renxue wanted to seize the opportunity to pursue and directly take down the Star Luo Empire.
With the Star Luo Empire on the brink of destruction, Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to shamelessly seek help from Bibi Dong.
And this was exactly what Bibi Dong had been waiting for.
Bibi Dong's interference placed Qian Renxue in a dilemma.
The Star Luo Empire made it clear that if they were to surrender, it would only be to the Spirit Hall ruled by Bibi Dong. Otherwise, they would fight to the death, even at the cost of national extinction.
Qian Renxue would not easily hand over the Star Luo Empire, which was already within her grasp, to Bibi Dong, so she once again accepted the Star Luo Empire's peace terms.
This time, the Star Luo Empire ceded half of its territory to the Spirit Empire in exchange for a year's reprieve.
Thus, three-quarters of the Douluo Continent's land was now under the control of Spirit Hall.
Qian Renxue still had confidence in herself.
She firmly believed that in one year, she would definitely take the entire Star Luo Empire.
Spirit Hall.
Qian Renxue confided her dissatisfaction to her grandfather.
"Grandfather, if it weren't for that woman's interference, I would have taken the Star Luo Empire this time."
"Xue'er, I believe you can do it. Since this has already happened, don't dwell on it. Perhaps it's a good thing."
"Grandfather, I don't understand. She personally stepped in and disrupted our plans, trying to steal the credit, dividing Spirit Hall into two factions and letting the world see the cracks. How can that be a good thing?"
Qian Daoliu smiled faintly and comforted her:
"Silly child, all these years, your energy has been focused on how to unify the Douluo Continent, and you've neglected your own growth. You are the heir of our Angel lineage, and you must also consider your own future."
Qian Daoliu knew very well in his heart that Bibi Dong's strength was growing stronger. Ever since she changed her cultivation method, he could no longer see through her.
One day, he would leave this world, and by then, Qian Renxue would have to face everything on her own.
Before that day came, he wanted to see Qian Renxue become stronger at the very least, to be able to protect herself.
"Grandpa, I've also been focusing on cultivation these past years."
"I know. Although you've already broken through level eighty, that's far from enough. Moreover, your future soul power growth will only become harder. Only through the God Trials can you increase rapidly."
"God Trials?"
"Yes, that's the reason I called you here."
In Qian Daoliu's view, the ceasefire would allow Qian Renxue to focus more on the Angelic God Trials.
After listening to her grandfather's explanation and looking at the massive Six-Winged Angel statue inside the Douluo Hall, Qian Renxue felt the weight of her mission.
"Xue'er, are you ready?"
"Grandpa, I'm ready. Let's begin."
"Good. Open your eyes."
Qian Daoliu gently raised his hand, and the golden light on the long sword held by the Six-Winged Angel statue behind him descended from the sky, completely enveloping Qian Renxue's body.
Golden light flowed over Qian Renxue's body, and immediately afterward, nine golden light screens appeared before her.
Seeing these nine light screens, Qian Daoliu could not hide the joy in his eyes.
"Angelic Nine Trials… It's actually the Angelic Nine Trials… The Nine Trials… have finally appeared."
Qian Renxue looked at her grandfather, full of doubt in her heart.
"Grandpa, what's wrong? What do these nine golden screens mean?"
Only then did Qian Daoliu come back to his senses, speaking with relief: "Xue'er, the one all previous Douluo Hall Masters have been waiting for is actually you. Grandpa is proud of you."
"Grandpa, I still don't understand what you mean."
"Child, I'll tell you in the future. Over the long period ahead, you'll have to complete nine trials from the Angelic God. During the assessment process, Grandpa will stay by your side."
"Okay, I understand. But before the God Trials begins, I want to return to Spirit City first."
Qian Daoliu nodded.
He knew Qian Renxue was still worried about the Spirit Empire and had to make proper arrangements before she could fully devote herself to the Angelic God's trials.
A few days later, Qian Renxue returned to Spirit City and was both surprised and delighted to see Yan, who had rushed back from Vast Sea City.
"Yan, you're back. That's wonderful."
"I came back late. I've already heard about Bibi Dong intervening in the war."
"There's no need to mind that. The Star Luo Empire will be ours sooner or later. You've returned at the perfect time you can supervise the Spirit Empire on my behalf."
"Me?"
Qian Renxue smiled, then explained.
"To tell you the truth, over the next year, I'll be undergoing the Angelic God's trials in Douluo Hall. During the time I'm away, I can only rest assured if I hand over the empire to you."