Chen Xin and the Sword God conversed in that mysterious space for a few minutes, but outside, less than three seconds passed. When Chen Xin opened his eyes, a sword mark had appeared on his forehead—just like Tianlin.
"Chen Xin, could it be you…" Qian Daoliu was shocked. As the Angel God's High Priest, no one knew better than him what this meant.
"It's exactly what you think. I've accepted a divine seat trial." Chen Xin didn't hide it. After all, it had happened before Qian Daoliu's eyes.
Moreover, because of this divine trial, he absolutely could not kill Qian Daoliu today. The Sword God's test was unusual—there was only one, and the content was the oath he'd just made.
He must defeat Qian Daoliu at his peak, using only his swordsmanship, before Qian Daoliu sacrifices himself for the new Angel God. If he fails, the test is lost.
Of course, Chen Xin would never tell Qian Daoliu this. Otherwise, Qian Daoliu might accelerate the Angel God's succession just to prevent Chen Xin from becoming a god.
"Divine inheritance—Sword Grandpa, you're incredible!" Ning Rongrong excitedly ran up, shaking Chen Xin's arm, acting spoiled.
Chen Xin affectionately patted her head.
It was because of this granddaughter that he found his sword path at the last moment, defeated Qian Daoliu, broke through rank 99, and gained the notice of a god.
"Master, congratulations!"
"Uncle Sword, congrats."
"Sigh, old sword, looks like I'll never catch up to you in this life."
Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi came to offer congratulations; Gu Rong was mostly happy, with a dash of envy.
Tianlin was especially happy. He'd long worried that, after becoming a god, he could only take two family members to the God Realm. His parents would always be his first choice.
If he could help Ning Rongrong become Sea God, Ma Hongjun become Fire God, that added four more. Ma Hongjun would never be forced to bring anyone—his choices were his own: one would be his teacher Flender, the other likely his future lover.
But what about Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, Gu Rong, Yin Yang, Dugu Bo, and Gu Ran? Tianlin couldn't abandon them. He needed more divine seats—ideally First-Class God, to bring others with him. Or help them become gods themselves, even a Third-Class divine seat was fine.
After all, Tianlin knew these people's talent was often below the original Shrek Seven Devils—not likely to attract divine attention on their own.
Now that Chen Xin had a divine inheritance, one of Tianlin's worries was resolved.
"Hmph, congratulations, Sword Dao Chen Xin!" Qian Daoliu's tone carried a hint of jealousy. He'd become the Angel God's High Priest, reaching rank 99 Ultimate Douluo with divine help, but the cost was he could never become a god himself.
"Elder Qian Daoliu, now, can you calmly discuss terms with us?" Ning Fengzhi stepped forward. Even though they'd won, he still showed Qian Daoliu full respect.
Qian Daoliu wasn't stupid. If Chen Xin had beaten him but didn't kill him, Ning Fengzhi must want something from him. He nodded,
"Say it. There's little in this world I can't get. As long as you release the Second and Seventh Priests, anything's on the table."
"Fine, two conditions for two people. First, swear in the name of your Angel God that your Worship Hall will never attack my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect again." Ning Fengzhi said.
After all, Golden Crocodile and Jiang Mo had come to the clan and been trounced by Chen Xin and Tianlin. They hadn't killed any disciples. The enmity wasn't deep; as long as the benefits were great enough, it was reasonable to let them go.
"That's easy. Listen up…" Qian Daoliu didn't hesitate to swear in the god's name. He hadn't planned to send more people to die anyway. Now that Chen Xin had broken through rank 99, the sect's strength could just about rival Spirit Hall—they could at least defend themselves, especially with Jun Tianlin growing stronger by the day. Surpassing Qian Daoliu was only a matter of time.
Now, his priority was to take his granddaughter back for the Angel God's trial, to catch up with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
But he was puzzled—if that was the condition, wouldn't it be quicker to just kill him and Golden Crocodile? Without them, the Worship Hall wouldn't be a big threat to the clan.
Sensing his confusion, Ning Fengzhi explained: a few days ago, a four-winged Fallen Angel appeared.
"Fallen Angel! Ning Fengzhi, you mean a Fallen Angel is hiding in my Spirit Hall?!" Qian Daoliu was furious. The Fallen Angel line was the direct enemy of the Angels. For one to cause trouble under his nose was intolerable.
He realized Ning Fengzhi needed his help to expose this third force hiding in Spirit Hall.
After all, different factions—they couldn't intervene in Spirit Hall, but that third party was an enemy of both. Only Qian Daoliu could be trusted not to collaborate with the Fallen Angel. Once he promised not to attack the clan, the enemy's enemy became a friend.
"Fine, Ning Fengzhi. I'll handle it. I'll get to the bottom of it, as repayment for Chen Xin sparing my life." Qian Daoliu promised. "Now, state your second condition."
"Thank you, senior. Since you agreed to the first condition, I'll return the Seventh Priest to you." Ning Fengzhi looked at Tianlin, who took out two large black crystals.
Inside each, a faint human figure could be seen—Spirit Hall's worshippers, sealed by Chen Xin's sword aura and then by Tianlin's dark gold seal.
Tianlin released the seal on Jiang Mo. The crystal melted away, revealing Jiang Mo's body. She Long hurried to help him and nodded to Qian Daoliu—he was fine.
Tianlin's sword aura was similar to Chen Xin's. He had also released Jiang Mo's soul power seal; with his strength, he'd recover quickly.
Ning Fengzhi continued,
"My second condition—I've long heard your Worship Hall possesses a set of inherited soul bones, the Angel's Six Bones, each at 99,999 years. I'm very interested. As long as you hand over any one of them, you can take Golden Crocodile Douluo away."
"Impossible!" Qian Daoliu refused without hesitation. These six bones were more precious than even six 100,000-year bones—they were Angel God's equipment, the key to godhood. Ning Fengzhi was biting off more than he could chew, trying to control Spirit Hall's godly inheritance and sever their line. Even if Golden Crocodile had to be sacrificed, he would never agree.