On the road back to the Heaven Dou Empire, Qian Renxue and her two companions.
"What? You sent word to Grandfather?" Qian Renxue's voice lost its composure.
What are She Long and Ci Xue thinking?!
Bibi Dong's temperament was similar to hers unyielding to force but responsive to softness.
If Grandfather tracked her down, he would undoubtedly demand to know her whereabouts.
And if Bibi Dong acted recklessly, today might become her funeral.
"Change of plans. We're not returning to the Heaven Dou Empire yet. We're heading toward Spirit Hall."
Qian Renxue activated her Six-Winged Angel martial soul again. As a member of the Angel Clan, the divine-grade Six-Winged Angel allowed flight even before reaching Title Douluo status.
"Young Lady, you..." Seeing Qian Renxue take to the skies, She Long and Ci Xue exchanged glances before rising to match her altitude.
"Are you worried about Her Holiness the Pope?" Ci Xue ventured cautiously.
"Yes." Qian Renxue sighed. "With her stubborn temper, if she refuses to disclose my whereabouts, Grandfather might very well kill her."
"Her grudge with the Angel Clan... I don't know the details, but you two must know something, right?"
"Young Lady, the Grand Elder forbade us from speaking of this. Truthfully, we don't know much ourselves." She Long and Ci Xue avoided her gaze.
"I'm not blaming you." Qian Renxue shook her head. "But she is still my mother. I can't stand by and watch her die especially not by Grandfather's hand."
A level 98 Title Douluo was formidable, yes. Bibi Dong could overpower the three of them easily.
But against Grandfather? She stood no chance.
Even among level 99s, there were tiers. According to Grandfather, his power verged on the divine.
If Bibi Dong provoked his wrath, survival would be impossible.
Qian Renxue fell silent at Bibi Dong's mention of the Rakshasa God.
Regardless, she couldn't bear to see either side come to harm.
Propelled by the soul power of two Title Douluos, Qian Renxue though only a Soul Sage soared at incredible speed.
The trio raced toward Spirit Hall in formation.
"Young Lady, there's something I'm unsure whether to mention..."
She Long hesitated, words caught in his throat.
"Uncle She Long, Uncle Ci Xue, you've watched me grow up. Compared to that woman who despises me, you two feel more like family. Please, speak freely."
"Understood." After the Dark Devilgod Tiger incident three years ago, both had noticed subtle changes in Qian Renxue imperceptible to outsiders.
She Long exhaled deeply. "If my next words offend, I hope you'll let them pass like the wind."
"Of course."
Seeing his solemnity, Qian Renxue nodded.
"The Pope no, Bibi Dong what she said earlier might have been true."
"Her god trial may indeed require devouring a Six-Winged Angel soul master." She Long paused. "And from her tone... the target is likely you."
"Frankly, if possible, Ci Xue and I would prefer her death at the Grand Elder's hands."
Silence
After She Long's revelation, the three flew wordlessly.
Finally, Qian Renxue chuckled softly. "Yes, I sensed it too. That moment she directed killing intent at me... though something made her stop."
"Young Lady, I share She Long's view." Ci Xue added. "Bibi Dong possesses twin martial souls and divine inheritance. I doubt even the Grand Elder can suppress her indefinitely."
"At just 49, she's reached level 98 a terrifying pace."
"If if reconciliation proves impossible..."
"You'll be in grave danger. So will Spirit Hall."
"Thank you, Uncle She Long, Uncle Ci Xue." Qian Renxue's expression remained unreadable, as though beyond joy or anger.
"Your concern is valid. I asked Ning Fengzhi to investigate Bibi Dong's actions to see her intentions."
"Where exactly is that Breakthrough to Elder Pill destined?"
"Once this crisis passes, we'll reassess."
Suddenly, the trio sensed two familiar soul power fluctuations and turned toward their source.
No!
Qian Renxue's heart lurched.
They're actually fighting!
"Uncle She Long, Uncle Ci Xue, hurry! That woman can't die yet!"
Sensing the epicenter, they accelerated toward the raging soul power.
Just then, a surge of sacred energy erupted across the sky.
A colossal sword of light pierced the clouds, radiating blinding brilliance.
"Ninth Soul Skill Angel's Judgment!"
Qian Daoliu's dignified voice reverberated with the soul power's spread.
The overwhelming majesty carried a chill deeper than winter's frost.
Even Qian Renxue struggled to reconcile this voice with the kindly grandfather she knew.
It's over...
Why must that woman be so stubborn?!
Would bending slightly break you?
Even if you hate me, hate the Angel Clan must you abandon all reason?!
Did you actually tell him you ate me?!
Grandfather has only me as his heir! How could you dare!
She Long and Ci Xue unleashed their full power, shielding Qian Renxue from the shockwaves.
Even as level 92 Title Douluos, the residual force slowed them drastically.
By the time the energy subsided, only Qian Daoliu's slender silhouette remained visible in the distance.
With a soul master's keen vision especially theirs the scene was clear.
Unlike Qian Daoliu, single-mindedly focused on killing Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue noticed more:
Bibi Dong's figure reforming...
The red soul ring on Qian Daoliu's Six-Winged Angel brightening again...
The Angel's Judgment sword taking shape once more
Desperation sharpened Qian Renxue's voice as she amplified it with soul power:
"Grandfather, STOP! Spare her!"
"It's me Qian Renxue! I'm alive, unharmed!"
"What?!"
The familiar voice froze Qian Daoliu mid-action. His ninth soul skill stuttered, dissipating into golden motes as he turned toward the distant speck.
"Xiao Xue? You're truly Xiao Xue?!"
The half-formed Angel's Judgment shattered, its fragments drifting earthward like luminous snow.
"We greet the Grand Elder!" She Long and Ci Xue bowed.
Qian Daoliu studied the two Title Douluos, then Qian Renxue. "Xiao Xue, what's happening? Weren't you in danger?"
"It's like this..." Qian Renxue summarized events, omitting the most violent exchanges the near-fatal confrontation.
"I see." Qian Daoliu's gaze lingered on the silent Title Douluos. As her grandfather, he detected the omissions but chose not to press.
"Go. Speak with her. Then we return to Spirit Hall." He sighed. "Remember no matter what, your grandfather stands behind you."
"Mm."
Qian Renxue descended, landing before the disheveled Bibi Dong.
"We meet again, Pope-sister." This time, she didn't call her Mother.
"Surprised you survived. Though you don't look too well."