Qian Daoliu's special response

Spirit City, Worship Hall.

Late at night, the Worship Hall was even more hushed and shadowy than during the day. Massive stone pillars cast long shadows, and candles flickered in the drafts sweeping through the hall, casting wavering light over divine statues that had been worshipped for centuries.

Deep within the Worship Hall, three figures sat facing one another in a secret chamber.

In the seat of honor sat an old man with white hair and beard, an austere face, and a serene expression. His aura was so thoroughly restrained that he seemed no different from an ordinary elderly man. Yet whenever his eyes opened, they held a depth and majesty that could make heaven and earth pale.

A level ninety-nine Peerless Douluo, the Grand Pontiff of Spirit Hall—Qian Daoliu.

Below him, a burly middle-aged man clad in golden armor sat rigidly upright, an indescribably complicated expression on his face.

He was Dragon Subduing Douluo—the Spirit Hall Consecrator whom the outside world credited with "killing Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao."

On the other side, Azure Luan Douluo stood with his hands behind his back. His stern face betrayed no emotion as he quietly listened to Dragon Subduing Douluo's report.

"Grand Pontiff, I have checked this repeatedly." Dragon Subduing Douluo's voice was low and grave. "Tang Hao... was certainly not killed by me."

Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes. Stars seemed to swirl within those seemingly clouded depths.

He said nothing, merely watching Dragon Subduing Douluo in silence.

A trace of cold sweat formed at Dragon Subduing Douluo's temple, but he kept his back straight and continued, "I was indeed carrying out a mission in that area, but I was still more than thirty li from the battlefield. By the time I arrived, Azure Luan was already there, and the battle