"Like… where is the Clear Sky Sect?"
Tang Yuehua's expression changed slightly. Although she had long suspected that Qian Renfeng came for this reason, hearing him ask so directly still left her visibly shaken.
"Hehe… Young Master Qian is certainly straightforward."
"The Clear Sky Sect has been in seclusion for many years. Not many people know that I'm a disciple of the sect."
"Where did you learn of this, Young Master Qian?"
Qian Renfeng locked eyes with her. "Headmistress, truthfully, more people know of your identity as a Clear Sky disciple than you think."
"It's just that, out of respect for the Clear Sky Clan's power—and because you're genuinely important to the Heaven Dou Empire—no one dares to speak of it."
Tang Yuehua's face turned grave. This secret was one she had never revealed.
Even if she had inadvertently left subtle clues during past contact with fellow sect members, it should not have reached the level of widespread knowledge.
"So now, Young Master Qian has come to tear away that thin veil?"
Qian Renfeng nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, Headmistress. After all, I've been at Moon Pavilion for a year and a half."
"But I've made no progress. I can't wait any longer."
"Although life at Moon Pavilion has been pleasant—reciting poetry, teasing junior sisters…"
"I do enjoy it. Still, I never forgot my true mission."
"If you won't tell me, then I'll find it myself. But when that day comes…"
"My memories of Moon Pavilion won't hold me back from doing what must be done."
Tang Yuehua was visibly shaken. She knew this boy's true age—just fourteen. Though tall and mature-looking like someone in his twenties, he was still a teenager.
Yet here he was, speaking of seeking out the Clear Sky Sect… and attacking it?
"You don't believe me, do you?" Qian Renfeng said with a faint smile.
Then—he released his Angel Martial Soul.
Twelve glowing white wings radiated divine golden light, illuminating the dimly lit Moon Pavilion with brilliance. Nine soul rings rose around him, the last one glowing crimson red—a 100,000-year soul ring.
Tang Yuehua's composure collapsed. Her body trembled slightly, her usual poise and elegance shattered.
Covering her mouth with one hand, her muffled exclamation escaped through her fingers.
"A… Titled Douluo?!"
"A fourteen-year-old Titled Douluo with a 100,000-year soul ring?!"
She couldn't believe it.
Had anyone else claimed such a thing, she would've laughed them out of the room.
But this boy was sitting right here, in her life's work—Moon Pavilion.
A long silence passed.
The sky brightened slowly. Sunlight crept along the horizon, stretching itself lazily awake.
"…Fine. You win."
"A Titled Douluo with a 100,000-year soul ring. If you want to find a place, there's no hiding it from you."
"You are a miracle."
"Here—this is the address of the Clear Sky Sect. For Moon Pavilion's sake, I hope you won't act with bloodshed."
"As you said—just a sparring match."
Tang Yuehua pulled out a prepared piece of paper. It marked the route from Heaven Dou City to the Clear Sky Sect.
She had expected this day to come.
Stretching lazily in the morning light, her elegance seemed even more alluring.
Qian Renfeng took the note and set down a soul tool bracelet on the table in exchange. Then he turned and walked away.
If nothing unexpected happened…
This would be his last visit to Moon Pavilion.
He made his way back to his courtyard in the early morning light.
That year and a half spent here—finally, not in vain.
—
On the way, Qian Renfeng sat at a tofu stall along the street.
"Boss, two bowls of tofu pudding!"
It was still early, and the street was quiet. The vendor moved quickly and served the bowls in no time.
Qian Renfeng dug in ungracefully, devouring his share.
Moments later, a familiar magnetic voice called out:
"Boss, another bowl!"
"Coming!"
The vendor responded. Qian Renfeng glanced up briefly—then went back to eating.
"Xue Qinghe" (actually Qian Renxue in disguise) picked up the untouched second bowl and began eating it slowly.
"I heard you visited Moon Pavilion last night."
"Any luck?"
Qian Renfeng placed the note gently on the table and tapped it.
"Mission accomplished."
"Once we bring down the Clear Sky Sect, only the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Sea God Island remain. After that, the god trial is nearly complete."
Xue Qinghe skimmed the note and tossed it back dismissively.
"It's fake."
"That location… It's Slaughter City."
Qian Renfeng froze mid-bite. A chilling killing intent surged in his eyes.
"She lied to me?!"
Xue Qinghe didn't even look up. "That woman's not so simple."
"She's probably already fled Heaven Dou City."
"This lead… might be lost."
Snapping his fingers, he summoned a black-clad man who instantly appeared at his side.
"Seal all city gates. Search thoroughly. Did Moon Pavilion's headmistress leave the city?"
Qian Renfeng glanced toward Moon Pavilion. From there to here had taken him less than ten minutes.
Could she have escaped?
Half an hour later—
The black-clad man returned and whispered a few words to Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe's face darkened.
"She's been seen at the East Third Gate, West Second Gate, and North First Gate."
"She left the city five minutes ago."
"If we give chase now… we probably won't catch her."
"Unless I split with Poison Thorn Douluo—I take the East, you the West, and he takes the North?"
Qian Renfeng shook his head.
"She's not worth putting yourself at risk without a Titled Douluo escort."
"Your safety is more important than some trial."
He flexed his back—and twelve angelic wings unfurled.
With a gentle flap, he soared into the sky. Divine energy coalesced around him as a female angel guardian manifested at his side.
"I'll take East and West. You cover North!"
With that, he vanished into the sky.
The tofu vendor stood dumbfounded.
"Sir…"
"…you didn't pay yet…"