Standing atop the grand hall was the unmistakable figure of the Title Douluo known as the Angel Douluo, Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu was draped in a flowing white robe, its hem billowing gently in the wind, his entire being emanating an aura of sanctity and authority.
His features were stern and resolute—etched with the passage of years, yet the marks of time only added to his gravitas and poise. His snow-white hair was neatly tied back, displaying his precision and discipline. His eyes seemed to contain the power of endless stars—deep, sharp, as if able to pierce through all illusion.
The innate aura of one born to command made the very air around him feel heavy, inspiring awe in all who met his gaze.
However…
Zhu Zhuqing shifted her gaze toward Aether standing ahead. While Qian Daoliu undoubtedly carried more presence, in comparison, Aether remained serene and unshaken even in the face of such a formidable figure. His detached air was like a proud plum blossom in winter—undaunted by any storm, blooming alone and resolute.
Buzz—
Suddenly, a torrent of oppressive soul pressure erupted in the Hall of Worship. Qian Daoliu stood unmoved, but the Title Douluo flanking him activated their martial souls. Brilliant soul rings unfurled one after another, and their various martial spirits released overwhelming energy, bearing down toward Aether and his group.
"Heh…"
Fortunately, Aether had already erected a barrier, so there was no need to worry about the soul power shockwave affecting those behind him.
With a casual smile, Aether glanced at the Fire Meow Meow in Yu Keke's arms.
Understanding his signal, Fire Meow Meow leapt forward in a blur. By the time it landed in the center of the hall, it had already grown to an imposing size.
"Roar!"
With a mighty bellow, Fire Meow Meow's flaming form blazed to life. As the Beast King, its aura clashed head-on with the combined pressure of the Title Douluo, showing no signs of backing down.
Despite facing so many powerful foes at once, Fire Meow Meow drew strength from the one standing behind it. Roaring again with renewed fervor, its echo lingered in the great hall, refusing to fade.
Excitement gleamed across its beastly face—how many soul beasts could boast of standing their ground before a dozen Title Douluo, and still act this wildly?
If only it could record this moment—surely the highlight of its entire life!
"Hahaha!"
Qian Daoliu burst into laughter at the sight, lifting a hand to halt the elders who were preparing to intensify their pressure. Then, meeting Aether's eyes from afar, he cupped his fists and introduced himself in a deep, clear voice:
"Honored guest, your reputation precedes you. I am Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worship of Spirit Hall."
"Aether. A traveler." Aether returned the gesture politely.
Seeing the elders retract their martial souls, Fire Meow Meow also withdrew its aura. Yet it did not shrink back to its original size, instead pacing gracefully to Aether's side, where it sat like a silent guardian.
"You've come a long way. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner—I was… rather preoccupied."
Qian Daoliu stepped down from the high platform, sweeping his gaze across the group before addressing the youth before him.
Their previous soul pressure was a test—an attempt to gauge this traveler's strength.
Unexpectedly, Aether hadn't even made a move. Instead, he had let his soul beast step forth on his behalf.
Yet from the casually raised barrier alone, one could tell: this young man's strength was just as unfathomable as the rumors suggested.
Though no energy fluctuations emanated from him, his calm and composed demeanor made it clear—this was no ordinary person.
"Traveler, look at that statue!"
Now that Qian Daoliu had descended, the divine statue behind him came fully into view. Paimon's eyes were drawn to it immediately. She pointed with surprise.
"Oh? You've seen a statue like this before, Paimon?"
Since he knew of Aether, Qian Daoliu naturally also recognized Paimon's origin.
"Hehe~ Grandpa, whose statue is this?"
Paimon giggled as she compared it mentally to a statue in Mondstadt—it looked very similar, actually.
"That is the statue of the Angel God."
"Angel God, huh… It really does look like that bard's statue in Mondstadt~ except his is placed outside."
Paimon nodded thoughtfully, not all that surprised to find a god statue here.
"Bard…?"
Qian Daoliu was momentarily puzzled. It sounded like she was referring to some wandering minstrel—how could such a person have a statue rivaling that of the Angel God?
"Yeah." Paimon confirmed, then added a bit sheepishly, "I call him 'the bard,' but his real name is Barbatos. He's actually a god."
"…"
Hearing her explanation, Qian Daoliu's beard twitched imperceptibly.
He'd nearly been misled by this little creature—who would've thought "the bard" was also a deity?
"This god Paimon mentioned who resembles the Angel God… where is he now?"
Qian Daoliu followed up with a question, clearly seeking something more.
He was chasing an answer to a question buried deep in his heart.
"Yeah, their statues are both super big. As for where he is now… he's probably at a tavern in Mondstadt."
Paimon glanced out the temple doors at the sun. It was near afternoon—if time here matched that in Teyvat, that bard was probably halfway through his drinks by now…
"Forgive me if I'm being forward, but… is this god Paimon mentioned male or female?"
"Male… I think…"
Paimon replied uncertainly.
From her travels with the Traveler, she'd learned that Barbatos was a wind spirit. The form he manifested was based on an old friend of his. As for his true identity—he was probably male… probably.
Qian Daoliu noticed her vague response and fell into deeper thought.
There was a secret buried in his heart—one he had never shared, not even with his most trusted confidant Qian Renxue, who was currently undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire.
He was asking about this god's appearance because…
The Angel God—the one who had always protected the Qian Clan—had gone missing!
To put it bluntly, he could no longer contact or even sense the presence of the Angel God.
The divine aura lingering in the Hall of Worship was but a remnant from long ago.
He had searched in vain for answers, and now, hearing Paimon speak of a god with a similar statue, he couldn't help but wonder—could this "bard" be the same Angel God?
Qian Daoliu intended to dig deeper, but with so many elders and worshippers present, now was not the time. Since they had met today, there would be opportunities to speak privately in the future.
Then, he turned his gaze toward Elder Golden Crocodile seated at the head. The elder understood and stood up, stepping forward.
He gave a polite nod to Aether and produced a sealed offering box from thin air.
Qian Daoliu accepted the box and smiled warmly as he said:
"An honored guest deserves a proper welcome. Please accept this small token of Spirit Hall's respect."
As he opened the box, a surge of spiritual energy burst forth—rushing out as though finally finding an outlet.
_
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