Salas looked at the two people before him. Although unease churned in his heart, he still forced himself to remain calm.
Not long ago, when Tang Zhen had come to conduct an inspection, he had clearly noticed something amiss, yet he had not made things difficult for Salas.
Salas had originally believed he had narrowly escaped disaster. But now, with Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying standing before him, his heart skipped a beat. He couldn't help thinking that they had come specifically to investigate how he had been living here.
Yin Zhang silently observed Salas, saying nothing.
Having spent so long within Spirit Hall, Yin Zhang knew very well how much Spirit Hall despised those who indulged in luxury and pleasure, neglecting cultivation and failing to perform their duties—and how ruthless its punishments could be.
Even though the Supreme Pontiff Palace and the Hall of Worship were no longer on the same side, they shared the same deep disgust toward such people.
Now, when Yin Zhang recalled the events of the Great Spirit Arena from the original storyline—particularly Salas's behavior during the catgirl auction—everything became clear. It painted a vivid picture of Salas's decadent life in Heaven Dou City.
As long as Yin Zhang reported this matter to Spirit Hall and sent people to investigate, with a suitable justification, even a Platinum Archbishop like Salas—whose status was second only to the Supreme Pontiff and the Titled Douluo Elders—would be stripped of all his positions. As for continuing to preside over the Spirit Sanctuary or retaining his rank, that would be utterly impossible.
Under Yin Zhang's silent gaze, Salas began to panic.
Qiangu Yunying watched the two of them staring each other down, feeling slightly puzzled, but she remained quiet.
In her own view, she simply didn't understand the subtleties of human relationships and schemes. Rather than saying something that might leave others at a loss whether to laugh or cry, it was better to stay silent.
After several seconds of tense eye contact, Salas's once-firm expression finally wavered.
Only then did Yin Zhang speak.
"Salas, I've heard you've been living quite comfortably in Heaven Dou City these past years?"
At those words, Salas's heart jolted violently. So that was it—they really had come for this reason.
He swallowed hard and replied with difficulty, "I… I don't quite understand what Your Highness means."
Yin Zhang glanced at the many deacons nearby who were clearly watching the situation unfold and spoke calmly.
"There are too many people here. Why don't we go to your office and discuss this in detail?"
Cold sweat instantly formed on Salas's forehead.
Judging by Yin Zhang's tone, could it be that the Hall of Worship was dissatisfied with him? Was it because he had sided with the Supreme Pontiff Palace?
But over the past few years, the Hall of Worship hadn't said anything at all!
Panic surged through Salas's heart. Along the way, he tried several times to start a conversation, but Yin Zhang ignored him completely, instead chatting and laughing with Qiangu Yunying. That only made Salas even more uneasy.
From Yin Zhang's perspective, Salas's reaction showed that the psychological pressure he was applying was working perfectly.
Once inside the office, Yin Zhang swept his gaze across the room. The luxury within was several times greater than that of the main hall outside.
Just by estimation, the office occupied only about two-thirds the size of the hall itself. Calling it a massive training arena wouldn't have been an exaggeration.
After closing the door, Salas hurriedly spoke.
"Your Highness, I truly don't know why you and Miss Yunying have come to see me. If there is anything you need, please feel free to say so!"
Seeing the urgency written all over Salas's face, Yin Zhang let out a light chuckle.
"Salas, you've been exposed."
The words struck Salas like a bolt of lightning. He froze in place, his face draining of color as cold sweat poured down his forehead.
Just as despair threatened to swallow him whole, his long-dormant mind finally began to work again.
He suddenly understood what Yin Zhang meant.
Although Yin Zhang had said he was exposed, judging from his attitude and behavior since arriving at the Spirit Sanctuary, it was clear he had no intention of using this to force Salas from his position. Instead, he had some other objective.
Realizing this, Salas felt a surge of joy.
As long as he could retain his position as the master of the Spirit Sanctuary and remain a Platinum Archbishop, sacrificing other things was entirely acceptable.
Yin Zhang watched the rapid changes in Salas's expression and silently praised him. Despite having been corrupted by the decadent atmosphere of Heaven Dou's nobility, Salas was still worthy of his title—clever and sharp.
Yin Zhang's actions were also part of his long-term preparation.
In the future, he intended to overthrow Bibi Dong and take control of Spirit Hall himself.
As the master of the Heaven Dou City Spirit Sanctuary and one of only two Platinum Archbishops in Spirit Hall, Salas wielded enormous power and influence. He had countless subordinates and connections throughout the Heaven Dou Empire.
Even within Spirit Hall itself, many people were aligned with Salas.
Under such circumstances, winning Salas over would save an immense amount of effort later on.
If Yin Zhang were to expose him outright, Salas would most likely lose everything. At that point, no one could predict who would replace him as the master of the Heaven Dou Spirit Sanctuary—and that would give Bibi Dong the perfect opportunity to insert her own people.
It was far better to hold Salas's weakness in hand, then use the authority of the Hall of Worship to force his submission.
When the time came to drive Bibi Dong from power, taking over Spirit Hall would become far smoother. Unlike Bibi Dong—who, after becoming Supreme Pontiff, had still needed to expend enormous effort and time stabilizing her position—Yin Zhang intended to secure everything cleanly from the start.
In short, winning Salas over brought only benefits, with no real drawbacks.
In the future, once Yin Zhang rose to power, he would not fear Salas turning against him. By then, whether or not Yin Zhang had become a god, his strength would unquestionably stand at the peak of the continent, with the entire Hall of Worship backing him.
Surrounded by numerous Consecrated Elders, Salas would have no choice but to obey.
And when everything was finally stabilized, even allowing Salas to return to Spirit City and retire peacefully would be inconsequential.
But for now, while his strength was still limited, Yin Zhang had to act with caution and choose the most advantageous path.
Salas pondered deeply. Thinking of everything he had done over the years, he knew that if a thorough investigation were launched, he would never escape unscathed.
Yin Zhang sat down on a diamond-inlaid chair beside Qiangu Yunying and finally spoke.
"Salas, we are fully aware of everything you've done in Heaven Dou over the past decades—your corruption and excesses included. You also know who my teacher is: the Second Consecrator of the Hall of Worship, Gold Crocodile Douluo, a Rank 98 peak Douluo, and someone who will soon reach Rank 99 and become a Limit Douluo."
"I'll be frank with you. In the future, Spirit Hall will no longer be divided between the Supreme Pontiff Palace and the Hall of Worship. Bibi Dong will be driven from power—her good days are numbered."
"I hope you can see the situation clearly. A wise man adapts to the times."
"I trust you'll make the right choice, Salas. What do you say?"
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