At the end of the letter, he had even bluntly expressed his desire for a Soul Power Breakthrough Pill.
Bibi Dong saw that and immediately blasted the letter to pieces with her Soul Power.
"Trash!"
She had seen countless letters written in this manner over the years while killing the trash from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect.
Thinking of what had happened to those naive young women made her sick.
Bibi Dong had never imagined that her former lover could write a letter just like those pieces of trash.
For a moment, she had even wanted to deny that the familiar handwriting belonged to Yu Xiaogang.
Her first love was already dead. Why bring him back to life just to sully her beautiful memories?
Battle Tactics
After giving Bibi Dong a perfectly legitimate hard time, Qian Xunji strolled off to find Xiao Xue.
This time, he had learned his lesson. He checked the time first, found out it was a day off, and went to the residential area where his well-behaved little darlings lived.
He still came up empty.
"Where's the young lady?" Qian Xunji asked the maid.
"Miss went to the training grounds with Miss Jing and the others today," the maid answered honestly. She knew that Miss Qian Renxue cared deeply about His Holiness the Pope.
Qian Xunji immediately hurried off to the training grounds.
There'd be a good show this time. He'd bring Xiao Xue along to broaden her horizons and let her see a Titled Douluo fight.
That was right. He wanted to broaden Xiao Xue's horizons. He wasn't trying to manipulate the old man.
Although he'd sent the Titled Douluo elders, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Ghost Douluo out to lie in wait, he still didn't feel it was safe enough. Since he couldn't order the elders around, the old man would have to take the field himself.
At the training grounds
"Xiao Xue!" Qian Xunji called as soon as he entered.
No one answered. Qian Renxue hadn't noticed her dear father's arrival either; she was completely absorbed in the fight taking place in the ring.
The fighters were Dongfang Jing and Xiang Yu.
On the enormous circular platform stood a golden-haired young woman with a graceful figure. She moved with agility, dressed in gold, white, and black. Her outfit had a symmetrical crossed collar and resembled a modified qipao. A golden sun ornament adorned her hair, its dazzling color giving off a faint radiance. In her right hand, she held a golden mirror blade. Golden light shimmered across its strange, sun-shaped edge. Her expression was cold, her bearing sacred, and she inspired not the slightest irreverence.
Blazing Sun Divine Light—Dongfang Jing!
Facing her stood a golden-haired young man.
His hair was slicked straight back, and his resolute features were sharp and stern. He was tall and powerfully built for his age, clad in white armor edged with gold and decorated with numerous crosses. Three pairs of enormous platinum-colored wings spread from his back, and he gripped a golden greatsword shaped like a cross. At the point where the hilt met the blade sat a pair of golden angel wings.
The young man was hovering above the ring, warily watching the golden-haired woman below and her golden mirror image.
Jing and her mirror image moved in perfect symmetry, searching for an opening to attack.
Suddenly, the young man above swung out with a huge golden blade of energy.
Jing's reflexes far surpassed those of ordinary people. A flash of golden light passed, and she switched places with her mirror image. The blade of energy passed through the image and struck the ground, leaving a deep gash.
Taking advantage of the switch, Jing shifted position again and lunged at Xiang Yu in the air, but she was just short of reaching him.
She shifted once more, and Mirror Space unfolded. Within it, Jing could refresh the cooldown on her basic attacks and her mirror-swap ability. She also took 30% less damage, and when she flew forward and collided with an enemy, she could immobilize her target for one second.
Jing had done all that in less than a second!
During that one second of immobilization, the golden light flashed so brightly that it blinded everyone. No one nearby could make out the golden figure within Mirror Space.
"Big Brother Xiang Yu left himself open," Qian Renxue said, watching intently.
That was true. Under normal circumstances, with Xiang Yu keeping his distance, Jing couldn't reach him.
Arthur had excellent combat instincts. He knew the range of Dongfang Jing's movement skills and understood Xiang Yu's fighting style.
Xiang Yu was relying on his ability to fly and his advantage in Soul Power to attack from above.
After all, with Dongfang Jing's mobility and agility, it would be hard for Xiang Yu to land a direct hit if he took the initiative.
"But Xiang Yu still has a chance," Arthur said. He knew just how tough Xiang Yu was, especially when he was low on health and his passive ability kicked in. He had a powerful capacity to turn the tables.
"That's true. Big Brother Xiang Yu always gets stronger after he's hurt," Qian Renxue agreed with a nod.
"And Jing is probably running low on Soul Power," Arthur said, counting the skills Dongfang Jing had used.
Dongfang Jing's Blazing Sun Divine Light skin did let her recover a little Soul Power and deal slightly more burn damage in the sunlight.
But when Jing used her ultimate and transformed into a golden flash, that trickle of Soul Power recovery was nowhere near enough.
At last, Xiang Yu held on until the immobilization wore off. He immediately used his first skill to charge out of Jing's range, then countered with Overlord Slash against Mirror Space.
Jing had no choice but to leave Mirror Space. The moment she did, it shattered like a mirror and vanished.
The outcome was clear!
As an agility-type Soul Master, Dongfang Jing was frail, and her Soul Power was nearly depleted. She could barely keep fighting.
In a duel, Xiang Yu could afford to make countless mistakes. If Dongfang Jing made even one, she lost.
"I think Sister Jing did really well this time. Why did she still lose? Big Brother Xiang Yu is just ridiculous," Qian Renxue couldn't help exclaiming. If it had been her, she'd have lost the moment Sister Jing's Mirror Space trapped her.
"All of Jing's attacks landed on his armor. Xiang Yu had anticipated them and protected his vital spots," Arthur explained with a smile, seeing how frustrated Qian Renxue looked.
He'd only noticed after the fight, when he examined the marks on Xiang Yu's armor.
"Xiang Yu deliberately left himself open."
Jing probably knew it was a trap, too. But it was her only chance to break through and attack, so she had no choice but to take it. If she was fast enough, she could immobilize Xiang Yu before he had time to defend himself.
"How devious!" Qian Renxue exclaimed, then asked in confusion, "When Big Brother Xiang Yu fought you before, didn't you both just trade blows and fight head-on?"
"That's because he and I are both well-rounded warriors without any obvious weaknesses. And he has to fight me up close. If he tried to fly into the air and keep his distance like he did against Dongfang Jing, I'd have a chance to use a Martial Soul Fusion Skill."
"Is that so?" Qian Renxue rubbed her head, feeling a headache coming on. Her big brothers and sisters were all so impressive!
"Xiao Xue, when you're fighting an opponent who's at least as strong as you, you have to learn to think. Come up with a plan."
Qian Xunji nodded from behind them. Then, like a ghost, he suddenly spoke up. "That's right, Xiao Xue. You need to study hard."
Qian Renxue stiffened like a cat with its fur standing on end. She turned around and saw Qian Xunji standing behind her. Only then did she slowly relax. "Dad, when did you get here?"
She didn't seem bothered at all by the way he'd suddenly spoken.
Arthur, standing beside her, wasn't surprised in the least.
As a hero summoned by Qian Xunji, he'd known the moment the Summoner arrived. But Arthur also knew that there was something wrong with his Summoner's head, so he generally tried to ignore him whenever possible.
Xiang Yu remained composed as he folded his wings and landed.
Dongfang Jing also leaped lightly down from the platform.
"Everyone, it's been a long time. Are you ready for the unknown crisis that's coming?" Qian Xunji said, putting on airs in front of his heroes. He stood with his hands behind his back. Based on his experience with those children, they should be gazing at him admiringly, saluting, and shouting with passion, "We have awaited your arrival, Your Holiness! We will bring you the glory of victory!"
That was how a proper hero should respond.
Qian Xunji looked at the four of them below and gave them a pointed look.
Xiang Yu looked up at the sky.
Dongfang Jing looked down at the ground.
Arthur studied the patterns on his clothes.
Qian Xunji's disappointed gaze fell on the last one, Qian Renxue.
The golden-haired girl had seen how much influence her father had over the children at Spirit Hall Academy. She'd personally witnessed how those kids responded to him.
But...
If her big brothers and sisters weren't going to say anything, it'd be awkward for her to be the only one. Still...
Looking at the golden-haired man in front of her, his eyes filled with expectation—
Qian Renxue closed her eyes, clenched her fist, and stepped forward. She raised her hand in the salute Qian Xunji had taught her, then looked up at him with sincere eyes.
"I have awaited your arrival, Your Holiness. I will bring you eternal victory and glory. Your wish is my goal..."
The girl's voice grew louder, and her gaze grew more resolute.
"I will protect you forever, and everything you love."
I will protect you forever, Dad!
When Qian Xunji heard that, he stroked his chin.
Those were good words. He'd have to remember them!
He'd use them again next time.
Hidden nearby, Qian Daoliu had originally planned to watch his granddaughter's daily training. His face had turned green.
Xiao Xue was the future Angel God, and that rebellious son was teaching her to say things like that.
Qian Xunji nodded with satisfaction and stroked Qian Renxue's soft golden hair. It felt wonderful, and he wanted to keep petting her, but he still had business to discuss. With regret, he restrained himself and pulled his hand back.
"Very good. That's the spirit. Since you're all ready," Qian Xunji continued, ignoring the three heroes who hadn't responded.
"Then follow me! I'll show you what a real battle looks like."
As he spoke, Qian Xunji picked Qian Renxue up.
The three behind him exchanged glances, then chose to follow.
Before you continue