Qian Xunji did not leave the worship hall. Instead, he sat down cross-legged right there and swallowed the whale glue without hesitation. The moment it entered his mouth, a surge of pure qi and blood rushed through his body, igniting a searing heat within.
He immediately closed his eyes and began absorbing the surging energy.
From behind the offering hall, four figures slowly emerged—three tall, one short. They were the remaining enshrined elders of the Worship Hall, apart from Qian Daoliu.
"Big Brother."
The four of them bowed to Qian Daoliu before turning their gazes to Qian Xunji.
"Big Brother Ji'er has already missed the optimal age for cultivation. Will the whale glue still work?" Golden Crocodile Douluo asked hesitantly. As everyone knew, a soul master's prime years for cultivation were between the ages of six and twenty. Beyond that, even the most potent treasures of heaven and earth would show diminished effects.
Qian Daoliu gave a slight shake of his head. "Wait and see. Even if it helps only a little, it's worth it."
"Hehe, Big Brother, if it really works, let's head out and grab some more! I haven't left this place in years," Guangling Douluo said, flopping onto the steps and propping his face up with his tiny hands. His white lashes fluttered with mischief.
If it truly worked, they'd gather a pile and stack it up for Qian Xunji. Even a little progress was better than being stuck at Rank 96.
After all, he bore the Six-Winged Angel—a god-level martial soul blessed with divine soul power. Being stuck at Rank 96 was nothing short of humiliating. Even if no one voiced it aloud, Qian Xunji himself couldn't be satisfied.
Qian Daoliu remained silent, pressing his palms together as he knelt before the angel statue, praying solemnly.
"Oh no, Big Brother's ignoring me again..." Guangling Douluo sighed.
"Lao Wu—"
"Yes, yes, I know, I know."
Qingluan Douluo shot Guangling a disapproving glare.
Before he could speak further, Guangling waved dismissively. "You've said it a hundred times already. 'You can't leave Martial Soul City freely.' My ears are growing calluses."
"Sigh..."
Qingluan could only sigh in resignation.
"Still so mischievous, Lao Wu," Lion Douluo muttered, rubbing his forehead.
Guangling merely shrugged. "Can't help it. I was born this way."
"Enough. Don't talk anymore."
Golden Crocodile Douluo's voice silenced them all instantly. Despite being ranked second, he was the oldest among them and carried immense authority. Even Guangling behaved, puffing up his cheeks in protest but saying nothing more.
At last, Qian Daoliu ended his prayer and turned around. He looked at Guangling with gentleness in his eyes.
"Guangling, I know it's been hard for you to stay confined in the worship hall all these years. If you truly want to go out, I can assign you a task."
"What task?"
The moment he heard that, Guangling jumped up from the steps.
"The Martial Soul Hall received word from the Star Luo branch. Several powerful evil soul masters escaped from the Slaughter City. One of them is suspected to be a Title Douluo."
"Say no more. Where are they? I'll take care of it."
Excitement lit up Guangling's face. He'd been idle too long. Finally, a chance to stretch her muscles.
"Lao Wu, don't be reckless," Qingluan said, stepping forward. Then he turned to Qian Daoliu. "Big Brother, Lao Wu is too playful. It's easy for him to make mistakes. Let me go with him."
Guangling scowled. "Hey! I may be playful, but I'm serious when it counts."
Qian Daoliu shook his head. "Qingluan, trust Lao Wu. It's just a few evil soul masters. There's no need for two of our worshipers to act."
Even if one of them had reached Title Douluo level, it was unlikely they surpassed Rank 95. One worshiper and a squad of Angel Legion soul saints would be more than enough.
Besides, Qian Daoliu wanted Guangling to gain real battle experience.He hadn't fought seriously since joining the Worship Hall. This was a rare opportunity.
"But Big Brother..."
"I've made my decision. No more discussion."
Qingluan could only sigh and glance at Guangling. "Lao Wu, don't act on impulse. This mission is serious."
"Fine, fine, I promise I won't fool around," Guangling muttered, raising three fingers. "Happy now?"
Still, He couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
Since when did the Third Brother become so naggy? Isn't he supposed to be the cold and handsome type?
"Where did those soul masters go?" Guangling asked seriously now.
"Five escaped in total. One is likely a Title Douluo, one a Soul Douluo, and the remaining three are Soul Saints. They fled along the Dragon Blood River, heading southeast to the Dilong Mountains."
"Dilong Mountains... There's a city with over a million people nearby. That must be their target," Golden Crocodile Douluo speculated.
"Doesn't matter what they're planning. I'll leave now and get ahead of them."
With a wave of his hand, Guangling summoned a detailed map of the Dilong Mountains.
"Go, then."
Qian Daoliu nodded.
"Let's move out."
Guangling left the worship hall with a dozen elite Angel Legion members, all Soul Saints.
After he was gone, Qingluan turned to Qian Daoliu. "Big Brother, are you sure he'll be alright on his own?"
Qian Daoliu patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. Elder Demon Bear is stationed nearby. Besides, Lao Wu is a Rank 96 Super Douluo. Have some faith in him."
Qingluan opened his mouth to speak but closed it again. After a moment, he nodded. "You're right, Big Brother."
How could he forget? Lao Wu had walked the same rugged path as all of them. Reaching Rank 96 was no easy feat. If he could get that far, he wouldn't mess up over something small.
At that moment, Qian Xunji's eyes suddenly opened.
A flash of excitement gleamed within them.
"Father... It really worked!"
*(End of Chapter)*