"Your Holiness, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is anything but simple!" Ghost Douluo couldn't help but remark as he watched Di Tian and the others depart.
"Old Ghost is right," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, holding a chrysanthemum in his hand, its petals scattering in the wind. Unaware of the falling petals, he wore an expression of admiration. "To make Di Tian, whose strength rivals the Great Worship, vomit blood three times—even the Great Worship might not be able to accomplish that."
Bibi Dong did not respond, her deep gaze fixed on the distance.
"That girl… is she Tokisaki Kurumi?"
Originally intending to return to Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong and the two Douluo had sensed a surge of soul power and rushed over.
By the time they arrived at the battlefield, the battle was already nearing its end.
What appeared to be a shattered domain revealed the scene of Ning Fengzhi and the others confronting Di Tian.
Before they could fully grasp the situation, Di Tian began vomiting blood violently.
The energy emanating from the shattered space bore a striking resemblance to Tokisaki Kurumi's power, which led them to conclude it was some kind of special domain.
Not long ago, Qian Renxue had sent a letter questioning Bibi Dong, informing her about Di Tian, the immortal herbs, and the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
In short, Qian Renxue accused Bibi Dong of disrupting her plans.
It was only then that Bibi Dong learned Qian Renxue had encountered danger at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well last time.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, return to the Heaven Dou Empire immediately and meet with Xue'er."
"Tell her to be cautious of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Share everything we witnessed with her."
"Perhaps this so-called support sect is not as simple as the world believes."
Especially that girl named Tokisaki Kurumi—her involvement was likely connected to Di Tian's injuries.
As for Ning Rongrong, her aura had been concealed the entire time. Bibi Dong only sensed Tokisaki Kurumi opening a spatial gate and leaving.
"This…"
Chrysanthemum Douluo hesitated, wanting to say more.
"Go. Tell her to prioritize her safety above all else and avoid visiting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect alone if possible."
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo exchanged glances.
"As you command, Your Holiness." Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately flew toward Heaven Dou City.
After Chrysanthemum Douluo left, Bibi Dong turned to the taciturn Ghost Douluo and said:
"Return to the Worship Hall and inform Qian Daoliu about what happened here. Xue'er's personality is such that she wouldn't speak up unless the situation was truly urgent."
"If even someone as strong as Di Tian—who rivals Qian Daoliu—could be injured, I doubt Xue'er's soul bone can escape their notice," Bibi Dong continued.
"As for how to proceed, let Qian Daoliu deliberate carefully. I don't want to return and find Xue'er harmed in any way."
"Your Holiness, what do you mean…?" Ghost Douluo's heart pounded. Why did it sound like Bibi Dong was giving final instructions? That shouldn't be possible!
"Hmph. I will now complete my eighth divine trial. When I return, I will have a proper discussion with Qian Daoliu—about Xue'er and Spirit Hall."
"Tell those old fools to behave. Spirit Hall has always belonged to your Angel Clan—to Xue'er!"
"Now, go!"
"Yes… This subordinate will head to the Worship Hall at once." Ghost Douluo transformed into a streak of black light, speeding toward Spirit Hall.
Glancing briefly in the direction where Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had departed, Bibi Dong sighed.
"Was there never any fate between me and Yu Xiaogang?" Her voice carried a trace of melancholy. "If I hadn't personally tested the Heartbroken Acacia, I might not have believed it."
"A young girl's love was never meant to be. Right or wrong no longer matters."
"Betrayal from within?" Bibi Dong's mind flashed back to Qian Renxue's accusations at Shrek Academy.
She fell silent for a long moment. Perhaps if Yu Xiaogang had never existed, none of those events would have happened.
She would still be Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, adored by all.
Under Qian Xunji's expectations, she would have become Pope and methodically ascended to godhood at level 100.
Speaking of which, Qian Xunji's obsession with reaching level 100 was far deeper than hers. He couldn't achieve it himself but hoped his disciple could—gathering faith, just like the Sea God, to ascend.
Perhaps that had been Qian Xunji's goal from the start.
After everything that happened, Qian Daoliu still supported her as Pope—likely because of what Qian Xunji had cared about in life.
That old man might have treated it as Qian Xunji's dying wish.
Back then, she hadn't even reached Title Douluo. If not for Qian Daoliu's intervention, she would have died long ago.
She had killed Spirit Hall's Pope—her own teacher, Qian Daoliu's son.
"Qian Xunji, what's done is done. I can never forgive you."
"But as for Xue'er being my daughter…"
"I, Bibi Dong, acknowledge that." Her gaze turned clear as she murmured, "For Xue'er's safety, it's time to complete the eighth trial."
"Rakshasa God, whatever your purpose is, it's time to reveal your true nature."
A faint layer of soul power enveloped her body.
The energy of a 98th-rank Peak Douluo radiated outward. Then, Bibi Dong transformed into a purple streak of light, flying toward the Star Luo Empire.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
As soon as they returned to the sect, Ning Rongrong and the others were spotted by Dugu Bo. After all, Bone Douluo's spatial transportation method was far from subtle.
Using both his eighth and ninth soul skills simultaneously—it would be strange if it didn't cause a commotion.
"Sect Master, your method of return is… quite unique." Dugu Bo descended with Dugu Yan, watching as Ning Fengzhi and the other two jumped down from the Bone Dragon. He couldn't resist teasing them.
"Ah, Old Poison!" Bone Douluo laughed heartily, retracting his Bone Dragon martial soul. "I forgot to record it earlier—otherwise, you could've seen Di Tian vomiting blood three times. Truly a delightful sight."
"Uh… Di Tian?" Dugu Bo blinked. "You fought the Beast God of the Star Dou Great Forest?"
That bold?
Even with Ning Fengzhi's buffs, their combined strength was at most equivalent to two 98th-ranks. And they actually made Di Tian—who rivaled a 99th-rank Limit Douluo—vomit blood?
"Not us. It was Rongrong's doing." Sword Douluo's tone was much more serious. "Rongrong's condition doesn't seem well."
His words drew everyone's attention to Ning Rongrong.
Supported by Tokisaki Kurumi, Ning Rongrong's face was pale.
"Rongrong…" Ning Fengzhi's voice was laced with concern.
Before returning, Ning Fengzhi had already used the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's abilities to heal her.
But it had little effect.
"It's nothing serious," Ning Rongrong shook her head.
"Di Tian's soul strength is at the quasi-god level. Suppressing him naturally comes at a cost. I just need some rest to recover."
Even with the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's rules and the boost from her million-year soul ring, allowing her soul level to surpass Di Tian's, the backlash was still intense.
Materializing spiritual power and reintegrating the soul body into her physical form caused severe strain.
Her cultivation method leaned toward perpetual regeneration, and with the Grand Circulation of a grandmaster, her body could continuously self-repair. Otherwise, she wouldn't have dared confront Di Tian head-on.
Still, she had underestimated the toll. After Tokisaki Kurumi dispelled Zafkiel: City of Devouring Time, she had retracted the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—but Bibi Dong had still noticed.
However, they only saw them leaving. It shouldn't cause any major issues.
"So… what exactly happened?" Dugu Yan stepped closer to Ning Rongrong, her eyes filled with worry.
"I fought Di Tian. It was similar to battling the Evil Spirit Orca King's remnant soul, but more intense. My body couldn't handle it well."
In short, she had pushed herself too hard and needed time to recuperate.
"Oh, right." Ning Rongrong changed the subject, turning to the side. "Kurumi, stop stalling. Hand over what Di Tian gave us before he left."
Hearing this, Tokisaki Kurumi's hand stiffened, her entire body trembling slightly.