Heartbroken Qian Renxue

As the two flew away, Golden Crocodile and the other two hurriedly pulled Qian Renxue into the Spirit Hall branch. After all, the three of them were guarding Qian Renxue and Tai Yi with a specific purpose; if those factions discovered them, their entire plan would have been in vain.

Once they arrived inside the branch, Golden Crocodile Douluo asked Qian Renxue, "Xiao Xue, what did you mean when you said you found Tang Hao?"

Hearing this, Qian Renxue replied, "Ask Xiao Yi. He was the one who discovered it."

Upon hearing this, the three turned their gaze toward Tai Yi.

Seeing this, Tai Yi took the initiative to explain the analysis he had just shared with Qian Renxue to Golden Crocodile, Qian Jun, and Jiang Mo.

After listening to Tai Yi's analysis, the three nodded and said, "Xiao Yi, your analysis is sound. The battle between Qian Xunji and Tang Hao back then was indeed because they discovered that Tang Hao's wife was a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form. Later, our investigations confirmed that his wife was indeed the Blue Silver Emperor."

"So, what you said must be true."

Qian Jun then added, "I never expected that after twelve years of searching, we would finally find him. We can finally eliminate Tang Hao."

Qian Daoliu had not told his brothers the truth about Qian Xunji dying at the hands of Bibi Dong, as he wanted to maintain a stable Spirit Hall so that Qian Renxue and Tai Yi could grow up, rather than having his brothers take direct action against Bibi Dong upon learning the truth.

Therefore, Golden Crocodile and the others still believed that Qian Xunji had died from the injuries inflicted by Tang Hao, which was why they were all so eager to eliminate him.

Once the three had finished venting, Qian Renxue looked at Golden Crocodile and the others and asked, "Grandpa Golden Crocodile, why are you three here?"

It was no wonder Qian Renxue asked this; in her view, even if she and Tai Yi needed protection, a single Title Douluo elder would suffice. Furthermore, she knew that Snake Spear and Pufferfish were already protecting them, so they were well-covered even without the elders.

Hearing this, Golden Crocodile Douluo explained, "I originally came to protect you both, as you are the future hope of our Spirit Hall. But not long ago, Qian Jun and Jiang Mo came to me and told me that after you two set out on your journey, Bibi Dong actually sent people to notify our enemies, hoping to use their hands to stir up chaos and take the opportunity to eliminate or cripple you."

"So, we decided to play along, coming to your side to protect you while waiting to see which factions were bold enough to try, so we could wipe them all out at once."

Tai Yi nodded upon hearing this. He was well aware of Bibi Dong's actions; she was exactly that kind of person, even if the original story tried to whitewash her at the very end.

However, Qian Renxue was left at a loss. She had never imagined that her own mother would send people to kill or cripple her. She had previously assumed Bibi Dong simply disliked her, but she never expected such deep-seated hatred.

For a moment, Qian Renxue found it impossible to accept. Seeing this, Tai Yi quickly stepped forward to comfort her: "Xue'er, are you alright? Don't overthink it. Even without Bibi Dong, you still have me, Grandpa, and these elder grandpas!"

Hearing this, the three elders also chimed in, "Xiao Xue, Xiao Yi is right. You still have us!"

The four of them spent some time offering her comfort.

After a long while, Qian Renxue finally regained her composure. Tai Yi then said to the three elders, "Grandpa Golden Crocodile, Grandpa Qian Jun, and Grandpa Jiang Mo, you should leave for now. Since we've agreed not to expose your presence, you should go back into hiding. Don't let yourselves be seen; leave Xue'er to me."

Hearing this, Golden Crocodile asked, "Tai Yi, can you handle it?"

To this, Tai Yi replied, "Don't worry, Grandpa Golden Crocodile. I can handle it. You should go."

The three took one last look at Qian Renxue before departing. Once they were gone, Tai Yi felt a pang of heartache seeing the girl he had grown up with feeling so dejected.

To help her move past this, Tai Yi decided to tell her the full story of Qian Xunji and Bibi Dong later. Regardless of how she would view them afterward, he felt she deserved to know the whole truth.

Tai Yi said to her, "Xue'er, don't be sad. In a while, I will tell you why Bibi Dong hates you so much. You might understand the reason then."

Qian Renxue, still lost in her sorrow, snapped back to reality at Tai Yi's words. She looked at him and asked uncertainly, "Tai Yi, is that true? And are you sure you know?"

Tai Yi nodded and replied, "I really do know. Once Su Yuntao returns and we finish up here, I'll tell you as soon as we leave the branch."

Hope ignited in Qian Renxue's eyes. In her mind, if she only knew why Bibi Dong hated her, she could change and perhaps restore their relationship.

She said, "Alright, Xiao Yi. Once you finish questioning Su Yuntao and we leave, you must tell me."

Time passed, and eventually, Tai Yi heard footsteps outside the door.

Su Yuntao walked in.

Seeing him, Tai Yi asked, "Well, did you find out?"

Su Yuntao quickly replied, "My Lord, I have found out. Tang San is no longer in Notting City. He left a while ago, saying he was heading to an academy near Soto City."

Tai Yi nodded. If Tang San was no longer in Notting City, it likely meant Tang Hao had followed him. That would make it much easier for him to go and claim Tang San's mother's soul bone.