More than a month had passed since Ye Han and the others left.
Things had spiraled completely out of control, and Douluo Continent had entered what could be called its greatest upheaval in decades.
And it all began when Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo returned to Spirit Hall.
"Bang!"
"You two are level ninety-five Titled Douluo, yet you let a level ninety-one Titled Douluo escape. It would be a complete joke if word got out!" Bibi Dong sat at the head of the hall, her face frosty.
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo knew that they had mishandled this matter, so they could only lower their heads and await punishment.
Bibi Dong took a deep breath and said sternly, "Can you confirm that place truly is the inheritance ground of the Soul God?"
Bibi Dong still had her doubts about this matter. After all, she had been searching for a godhood for more than a year or two, yet the only clue she had discovered had been in Slaughter City.
But what kind of place was Slaughter City? It was filled with danger, peril at every turn. Even so, not everyone there could inherit a godhood.
According to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, the entire palace had only one stone tablet bearing the words "Soul God," and there had not even been any danger within the palace. Bibi Dong could not help but be suspicious.
Under Bibi Dong's pressure, Chrysanthemum Douluo could not be certain either. There were simply too many strange aspects to it.
"Your Majesty the Pope, although we failed to catch Dugu Bo, after returning, I sent people to clear out the Heaven Dou Empire personnel who had been there. The entrance to Soul God's Palace is now occupied by Spirit Hall," Ghost Douluo's hoarse voice slowly rang out.
Hearing this, Bibi Dong's expression softened slightly. Chrysanthemum Douluo hurriedly added, "That's right, Your Majesty the Pope. We have never come into contact with a godhood, so we cannot be sure either, but we did not touch anything inside."
Bibi Dong waved her hand at those words, and Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo quickly withdrew.
Only Bibi Dong remained in the great hall, making it seem especially silent for a moment.
"Someone, invite the Great Enshrinement of Elder Hall, Qian Daoliu," Bibi Dong said calmly, her expression profound.
To be honest, Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu did not have a good relationship. Over the years, Qian Daoliu had constantly been nurturing his granddaughter—also Bibi Dong's daughter—Qian Renxue, while Bibi Dong had paid no attention to her.
They could be called the most familiar strangers in all of Spirit Hall.
"Why have you called for me?" Qian Daoliu's tone was far from pleasant. Without waiting for an announcement, he strode directly into the hall and casually found a seat.
Bibi Dong paid no heed to Qian Daoliu's rudeness and said calmly, "It seems the Great Enshrinement has not been paying attention to recent events."
Qian Daoliu turned to look at Bibi Dong. She met his gaze without fear, and the atmosphere instantly became somewhat strange.
"Say what you have to say. If there is nothing else, I'll be leaving." Qian Daoliu rose impatiently and prepared to head out.
"Another godhood has appeared—the Soul God!"
As soon as Bibi Dong finished speaking, Qian Daoliu halted. His aura surged sharply. "Are you certain?"
"I'm not certain. That is simply what was written in that place. I do not know for sure," Bibi Dong said without hiding anything, because she knew that even if it was fake, Qian Daoliu would still go take a look.
"Where?"
"Heaven Dou Empire, Soul Hunting Forest. The entrance is in the hands of Spirit Hall. However, according to Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, a ray of Golden Light entered Dugu Bo's body and was taken away with him."
As Bibi Dong finished speaking, golden light flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes. He said with displeasure, "What a pair of useless fools. I will make a trip there. Send Heaven Dou Empire a notice—this matter cannot simply be forgotten. I will also give you an answer."
"I shall await your good news," Bibi Dong said blandly.
With Spirit Hall speaking out, and in Qian Daoliu's name no less, even Heaven Dou Empire had to weigh the situation carefully. At the same time, Star Luo Empire also made its stance known.
With something like this happening, Star Luo Empire might not have been able to participate at first, but afterward, how could it possibly refrain from taking a share?
After Dugu Bo arrived at Heaven Dou Imperial City and explained what had happened, Heaven Dou Empire was actually somewhat doubtful as well. But Dugu Bo was still a Titled Douluo.
Moreover, Dugu Bo stated that as long as Tiandou was willing to protect him, once he obtained a godhood, he could inform Heaven Dou Empire.
For a time, the three greatest powers on Douluo Continent became entangled. As Heaven Dou Empire refused to give ground, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and even the number of soul masters coming to Star Dou Great Forest began to decrease.
Far away, where Ye Han and the others were enjoying themselves, they also received the news.
"Looks like this matter is about to end. Poison Douluo is the one who'll suffer for it," Ye Han said with a wicked grin.
Although the others felt a little guilty about setting up Poison Douluo, they somehow still wanted to laugh.
Todo, who was training nearby, asked in confusion, "I feel like this has only just begun. Why do you say it's about to end?"
"Of course, because of Qian Daoliu. As long as Qian Daoliu makes a move, this matter will be exposed immediately." Ye Han had no doubts about it.
"Is this Qian Daoliu really that formidable?" Honjou Kaede asked curiously.
Ye Han did have some authority on this matter. "He is currently one of the three Limit Douluo, and he knows what a godhood is!"
Aside from true gods, fewer than ten people in this world could distinguish a godhood. Qian Daoliu was definitely one of them.
He possessed the Angel God's godhood, had participated in the Seagod Nine Trials, and knew Poseidon and Tang Chen. Identifying a godhood could not be any easier for him.
"He's that amazing? Then won't he discover that we were behind this?" After hearing Ye Han's description, Yoruichi grew somewhat worried. Qian Daoliu did not seem like someone easy to deal with.
Ye Han merely smiled. "Hehe! You don't need to worry about that. Remember that stone tablet? He definitely won't recognize the other words on it. It'll be more than enough to confuse him. Besides, we never showed ourselves, so he won't suspect us at all."
After Ye Han said that, everyone felt somewhat relieved.
Meanwhile, after receiving the news, Qian Daoliu had already arrived at the entrance to the so-called Soul God residence in Soul Hunting Forest.
"Great Enshrinement!"
"Mm. Guard the outside. I'll go in and take a look." Qian Daoliu nodded and walked straight inside.
Qian Daoliu was not surprised by the altered environment. He lifted his foot and walked forward, soon arriving before the stone tablet.
Looking at the words on it, Qian Daoliu found himself unable to judge. When faced with something unfamiliar, one naturally began to wonder what it was.
He continued onward and entered the palace. After sensing the surrounding Soul Power, he frowned. "This place is indeed strange. Such an ancient aura must have existed for quite some time, but no matter how I look at it, it does not resemble a godhood inheritance ground. Could it be because of Dugu Bo?"
Qian Daoliu would not rashly draw conclusions about certain matters. After leaving, he headed straight for Heaven Dou Imperial City.
"I have business with Dugu Bo. Tell him to come meet me. Don't worry, I will not take his life," Qian Daoliu said calmly as he stood before the Heaven Dou Emperor.
Feeling Qian Daoliu's aura, the Heaven Dou Emperor could only agree helplessly. Besides, Qian Daoliu had said that he would not harm Dugu Bo's life.
When Dugu Bo heard that Qian Daoliu had come for him, he knew he could not escape. The gap between them was far too great.
"I wonder what business Senior has with me?" Dugu Bo braced himself as he looked at Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu studied Dugu Bo and frowned. "Is the Soul God also a Nine Trials?"
"What Nine Trials?" Dugu Bo knew why the man before him had come, but he truly had no idea what this sudden question meant.
Seeing that Dugu Bo did not seem to be pretending, Qian Daoliu said calmly, "Come here."
Dugu Bo truly did not want to go over, but circumstances forced his hand. He could only obediently approach as Qian Daoliu placed a hand on his head.
Dugu Bo jumped in fright and instinctively staggered several steps back.
"Don't worry. I will not do anything to you. I am merely checking your body," Qian Daoliu said, ignoring whether Dugu Bo agreed or not.
Qian Daoliu soon withdrew his hand, rose to his feet, and said, "Farewell!"
Everyone was at a loss as they watched Qian Daoliu leave without explanation, but it was already good enough that he had not made a move.
After returning to Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu entered the great hall just as freely as before, paying no attention to Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo standing nearby.
"It's fake."
"Are you certain?" A glint flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes.
"Even if that place was once a godhood inheritance ground, it certainly is not one now. It may have been abandoned. As for Dugu Bo, his talent is poor, he is old, and he is covered in injuries. If the poison in his body is not resolved, he will die within a few years. There is no need to concern ourselves with him," Qian Daoliu said disdainfully.
"That Golden Light..."
Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke subconsciously, but immediately regretted it. Who was the man before him? The strongest person in Spirit Hall.
"Hmph! I examined Dugu Bo's body. There was not a trace of divinity in him. That Golden Light may have been a fragment of a soul from that time, perhaps merely some memories. It is completely useless. And the two of you had better not make such mistakes again."
Hearing Qian Daoliu's words, both of them broke out in cold sweat and respectfully lowered their heads.
Qian Daoliu said nothing further and left directly. Watching him go, Chrysanthemum Douluo could only wonder why he had been so loose-tongued. Fortunately, neither Bibi Dong nor Qian Daoliu intended to pursue the matter this time.
After receiving accurate information, Bibi Dong ordered that control over Soul Hunting Forest be lifted and extended goodwill toward Heaven Dou Empire, stating that this matter could be resolved reasonably.
Bibi Dong did not want to begin an all-out war just yet. Besides, only her side knew the true situation now. Giving Heaven Dou Empire a favor that did not exist was perfect.
Heaven Dou Empire was equally bewildered upon receiving the news. However, since Spirit Hall had made its position clear, Heaven Dou Empire also announced that if it truly obtained a godhood inheritance, it would certainly proclaim it to the world.
For a time, Star Luo Empire was the most awkward party. It had gained nothing, and now Spirit Hall was no longer restraining Heaven Dou Empire from the side.
Heaven Dou Empire also made its statement. In the end, Star Luo Empire could only remain silent, and the matter was hastily allowed to pass.
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