Returning to Spirit Hall, Lin Chen's Fiancée

Because flying is faster than traveling by boat, Lin Chen and his group returned to Vast Sea City in just two days.

After returning to Vast Sea City, Golden Crocodile Douluo went to the Spirit Hall Branch in Vast Sea City and arranged for a number of carriages to prepare for the return journey to the Spirit Hall.

Upon hearing this, the deacon of the Spirit Hall quickly arranged a spacious carriage. After everyone boarded, the carriage traveled along the Official Road towards Spirit City.

Because of Demon Subduing Douluo's injury, the group traveled at a stop-and-go pace, taking about twenty days to finally return to the Spirit Hall.

Twenty days later, Spirit Hall

As soon as Demon Subduing Douluo entered the hall, he was immediately sent for treatment, while Golden Crocodile Douluo went to the Worship Hall to report the news to Qian Daoliu.

Lin Chen and Qian Renxue parted ways at the entrance of the Guest Courtyard, each going back to rest and prepare to alleviate the fatigue from their journey.

The following morning, Qian Daoliu sent guards to invite Lin Chen to the Worship Hall.

When Lin Chen entered the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu was sitting in the main seat, while Golden Crocodile Douluo was standing to the side. Upon seeing him enter, Qian Daoliu nodded, gesturing for him to sit down, before speaking, "How is Seventh Brother's injury?"

Golden Crocodile Douluo replied, "Seventh Brother's injuries are not serious; most of the skin and flesh on his left arm has been burned, and he will need several months of rest to recover."

Qian Daoliu nodded, then turned his gaze to Lin Chen and asked seriously, "I heard from the second brother that you encountered the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King in the Sea and were rescued by a giant."

"Who is that giant? Could he be a divine manifestation like the Angel God?"

Lin Chen remained silent for a moment, considering the situation in his mind. He couldn't tell everything about Zero, but he also couldn't keep quiet about it.

Thinking this, Lin Chen slowly said, "That giant's Zero. If we were to describe him as a god, that would be quite accurate. We were able to survive this time thanks to his help."

A glint flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes. "Then you've obtained the inheritance of a god? And according to the second brother, that giant's strength is unmatched even by the Angel God."

Lin Chen shook his head, somewhat embarrassed. "I was indeed being watched by Zero, but I didn't receive his inheritance."

"He was attracted by my Martial Soul, but he's just been keeping an eye on me; he can't be considered his successor."

Qian Daoliu nodded, not pressing for details about Zero's background, but instead asking a more practical question, "Will he still help you if you're in danger in the future?"

Lin Chen shook his head. "Zero's organization has rules against interfering in internal conflicts within human civilizations. This intervention is already an exception."

Qian Daoliu nodded and asked one last question, "What about that golden ray that fell from the sky?"

Lin Chen said in a low voice, "I'm not too sure about that either, but it's highly likely that Zero descended upon the Douluo Continent to block this beam of light; driving away the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King was just an accident."

Qian Daoliu nodded, his gaze lingering on Lin Chen for a few seconds before he slowly said, "I understand the situation. You should go back and rest."

Lin Chen stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo, and then turned and left the Worship Hall.

After Lin Chen left, the Worship Hall was quiet for more than ten minutes. Then, several figures entered the hall one after another.

Apart from the severely injured Demon Subduing Douluo, all the other elders arrived.

The Third Offering Azure Luan Douluo walked in front, followed closely by the Fourth Offering Mighty Lion Douluo, and then came the Fifth Offering Light Feather Douluo, the Sixth Consecration Qian Jun Douluo, and others.

Qian Daoliu sat in the main seat and, after everyone was seated, said in a deep voice, "I called you here today to discuss two matters."

"The first thing is that giant Zero who appeared in the Sea this time."

Qian Daoliu said calmly, "I believe Second Brother has already told you about what happened in the Sea. That giant named Zero is very likely also a god, and his strength is definitely above that of the Angel God."

"From today onwards, the matter concerning Zero is classified as a top secret of the Spirit Hall. No one is allowed to disclose it, nor are they permitted to inquire about it privately with Lin Chen."

The worshippers nodded and agreed in unison.

"As for the second matter," Qian Daoliu smiled slightly, "What do you think of this kid, Lin Chen?"

After a moment of silence, Mighty Lion Douluo spoke first, "Need I say more about this kid? He reached level 64 in Soul Power Level at the age of eleven and also absorbed Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring."

"Even if you searched the entire history of the Douluo Continent, you wouldn't find anyone more outstanding than Lin Chen."

Azure Luan Douluo nodded as well. "Talent is only one aspect. This kid also has a good temperament. He's calm and composed, and he acts with discretion. He's a promising talent."

Qian Jun Douluo chuckled and continued, "Moreover, this kid is very loyal. When Xue'er was in Heaven Dou City, he stayed by her side the whole time and helped Xue'er ascend the throne instantly, without asking for anything in return."

"When Xue'er returned to the Spirit Hall, he followed her back and offered to provide her with precious Immortal Herbs to help Xue'er complete the Angel God Trial."

"When we were at the Sea, his first priority was to take care of Xue'er, and we old folks all saw that."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded beside him without saying a word, but his expression clearly showed his approval.

The Mighty Lion Douluo added, "Moreover, this kid is loyal to the Spirit Hall. Xue'er only gave him a few Soul Bones, but the benefits he brought to Xue'er and the Spirit Hall are far greater than those few Soul Bones."

The other retainers were also all satisfied with Lin Chen's character and talent, and they were generous with their praise.

Qian Daoliu listened to everyone's evaluations. Although his face remained expressionless, the satisfaction in his eyes was undeniable.

After the assembled worshippers finished speaking, he smiled and said, "In that case, I also have something to announce."

The other worshippers, upon hearing this, looked at Qian Daoliu with curiosity.

Qian Daoliu looked at everyone and said with a smile, "I intend to betroth Xue'er to Lin Chen. What do you all think?"

Mighty Lion Douluo was stunned for a moment, but after regaining his senses, a big smile immediately appeared on his face.

Azure Luan Douluo and Golden Crocodile Douluo exchanged a glance and smiled.

Mighty Lion Douluo immediately stated, "Of course I have no objection. Lin Chen is a perfect match for Xue'er; his talent, temperament, and character are all impeccable."

Azure Luan Douluo nodded. "I have no objection either. Besides, I can tell that Xue'er is also interested in this girl and Lin Chen. Rather than dragging it out, we might as well settle things first."

The Qian Jun Douluo smiled and echoed, "I agree with your decision, Big Brother. I feel at ease entrusting the future of the Spirit Hall to them."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded with a smile, "Lin Chen is indeed a good kid, and he also has that Zero behind him."

"Although we can't directly interfere in the affairs of the Douluo Continent, this relationship serves as a safeguard for the Spirit Hall."