Qian Daoliu was thrilled. Qian Xunji was even more ecstatic.
At long last, he had earned the recognition of the Angel God and passed the trial—no less than the Eighth Test.
That meant he could one day stand on equal footing with his father, reaching level 99.
Finally… finally, their family name would no longer be diminished before their ancestors.
"Ji'er," Qian Daoliu's tone was warm yet pressing, "since you've obtained the Angel's Eighth Examination, isn't it about time you considered marriage?"
He struck while the iron was hot. His son's long-standing knot had been untied; now was the perfect moment to nudge him further.
Ten years? That had been the original agreement—but the situation had changed.
"Uh…"
It was as if cold water had been poured over Qian Xunji's head. His excitement cooled instantly. After a moment's thought, he said, "Father, I'd prefer to wait until the divine trial is—"
But before he could finish, he caught sight of his father's darkening face. His lips twitched, and he sighed in surrender.
"Alright, alright. I'll marry and settle down first. But only after completing the Eighth Test will I think about heirs."
"Good! In that case, I'll find Lingyuan immediately and choose an auspicious date for your wedding."
Qian Daoliu's mood shifted in a heartbeat, his smile returning in full force.
"Lingyan?"
Qian Xunji knew of her—a fire-attribute martial soul user, a Flame Spirit. They'd met several times before.
She had striking violet hair cut to her shoulders, a sleek black leather coat, refined features, and a flawless figure. A fine choice indeed.
"But Father… will Lingyan agree? I won't force someone into marriage. If she refuses, I won't accept it."
"Haha, no need to worry. I've spoken with her and with the Golden Crocodile. There's no issue. As long as you consent, we can prepare the announcement."
"Oh, and the girl's talent is excellent. You'll head to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to find a suitable immortal herb for her. I also recall a thirty-thousand-year Flame Right Arm Bone in the vault—give it to her as well. She must be treated generously."
Qian Daoliu didn't voice everything. In his mind, the higher the parents' bloodline talent, the higher the child's innate starting point—as long as no mutation occurred.
The Six-Winged Angel was a divine martial soul; the chance of mutation was zero.
And why was he so sure their offspring would awaken it?
What a ridiculous question. The Six-Winged Angel was the sole god-level martial soul on the continent—who could compare?
"Yes, I understand."
Since she was willing to marry into the Qian family, Qian Xunji would naturally treat her well. Sincerity was essential.
"Master is getting married!?"
Bibidong's eyes lit up at the news, her gossip-loving soul ablaze.
"Who? Who is it? Who's marrying Teacher?"
She glanced about but found no likely candidate.
"Dong'er, no need to search. She's not here. Master's only telling you two for now."
Qian Xunji chuckled. The girl might look more mature now, but deep down, she was still a child.
"Oh… alright then."
Bibidong's shoulders slumped, disappointed she wouldn't meet the bride.
"Master, might I ask who she is…?"
Gu Han was just as curious. For someone of Qian Daoliu's standing to act as matchmaker, the woman had to be exceptional.
"Yes, yes! Teacher, what's her name?"
Bibidong leaned forward, her large eyes sparkling with burning gossip-fire.
"Bishop Lingyan."
Qian Xunji spoke plainly, not hiding the truth from his two apprentices.
"It's Sister Lingyan?!"
Bibidong knew her well. Though Lingyan was old enough to be her mother, she still addressed her as "sister." Soon, that title would change to "Master's wife."
"Congratulations to Master and Bishop Lingyan," Gu Han said sincerely.
He remembered Lingyan clearly—her martial soul was the titled Flame Spirit. When hunting Daming and Erming, she'd been slain by the two beasts after trying to rush the kill.
Still, a top-tier fire-attribute beast martial soul combined with Qian Xunji's own… their children's talent would be formidable.
"The Pope!"
Yueguan appeared outside the pavilion, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
"No need for formality."
"Thank you, Your Holiness."
"Yueguan, you know of my father's arrangement. I need you to visit the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to find a suitable immortal herb for Lingyan."
No wasted words—Qian Xunji stated his request directly.
"Rest assured, Your Holiness. The Well holds a Chicken-Crested Phoenix Sunflower, a fire attributed immortal herb, perfect for Lord Lingyan."
Yueguan's tone shifted swiftly. Not long ago, he'd treated Lingyan as an equal. Now that she was to be the Pope's wife, his respect had increased accordingly.
"Good. I'll trouble you, then."
"It's my honor, Your Holiness. I'll depart at once."
With that, Yueguan turned and left, setting off immediately for the Well.
The Pope's marriage was no small matter—it would send ripples across the continent. Naturally, the Martial Soul Hall would invite the two great empires, major sects, and scattered experts alike to attend.
"You two train diligently here. Don't wander. I've many preparations to oversee."
Qian Xunji stood, speaking seriously—mainly to warn Gu Han not to lead Bibidong astray.
"We obey, Teacher."
Gu Han bowed, Bibidong following suit.
"Hm."
Qian Xunji nodded. Whether Bibidong listened or not, with Gu Han around, nothing serious would happen.
Indeed, Gu Han's presence had made her far more obedient. It was a convenience Qian Xunji appreciated—and one he felt smug about. His eye for disciples was truly excellent.
"Sis, let's get back to the Baolian Lantern story."
Gu Han's version focused on Erlang Shen's perspective—especially how his exceptional elder sister eloped with a mere mortal and even had a child, letting Bibidong experience his feelings firsthand.
It was also a subtle lesson against love-blindness.
Thanks to his storytelling practice, Gu Han soon had Bibidong fully immersed in Yang Jian's viewpoint, sympathizing deeply with him.
But when the tale reached the part where Erlang Shen was held hostage at knifepoint, Bibidong couldn't help but complain.
"Brother, didn't you say Erlang Shen's body was saintly—invulnerable to blades and impervious to all laws? How can a dagger threaten him?"
"That's just to protect his foolish nephew. Chen Xiang's still a child, and as Yang Jian's nephew, he couldn't bear to harm him."
"Well, true… but Liu Yanchang is still damned!"
Bibidong nodded firmly, arriving at the same conclusion as Erlang Shen—that it was all Liu Yanchang's fault!
Two fathers, two fates. Yang Jian's and Chen Xiang's sires were complete opposites—no wonder Yang Jian despised Liu Yanchang.
(End of Chapter)