The next morning, a thin veil of dawn mist shrouded Sea God Island. The sea breeze carried a hint of cool moisture as it swept past the white buildings and verdant vegetation.
The lodging Sea God Island had arranged for its distinguished guest stood on a secluded, scenic cliff at the island's edge. It was an exquisite pavilion built from white sea stone, and opening a window revealed an endless expanse of blue.
Bo Saixi's figure appeared silently on the pavilion's terrace.
She still wore the vivid red robe that symbolized the dignity of the High Priestess. Her sea-blue hair was neatly pinned up, and she held a golden scepter. Her expression was calm and unreadable.
The morning light fell upon her, gilding her in a faint golden glow, holy and untouchable.
Almost the instant she landed, the pavilion door silently swung open.
Qian Daoliu stepped out. Today, he had changed into a more formal, pale gold robe. His golden hair hung loose, yet did nothing to diminish his bearing.
His expression seemed calmer than it had the day before, but a trace of eager anticipation was hard to conceal deep in his golden eyes.
"Bo Saixi."
Qian Daoliu's voice was as gentle as ever. He hurried forward, his gaze fixed on Bo Saixi, and asked, "You're here. What did Lord Sea God say...? What was his decision?"
Bo Saixi raised her sapphire-blue eyes and looked at him quietly. Only after a moment did she give a slight nod. Her ethereal voice rang out in the morning breeze. "Lord Sea God has issued a divine oracle. He has given his consent."
Just seven words, yet they fell like timely rain, and the taut string in Qian Daoliu's heart suddenly slackened.
An indescribable sense of relief and exhilaration surged through him. A sincere smile spread across his handsome face, carrying both the release of a burden and boundless hope for the future.
He agreed! Wonderful!
Qian Daoliu breathed a long sigh of relief. The careful plans and faint unease of the past few days had finally come to fruition.
He could almost see the stirring picture unfurling before him—
With Sea God Island's support, and with Bo Saixi, a Peerless Douluo of equal standing, granting her tacit approval—or even lending her aid—the internal strife in Spirit Hall would be resolved with ease.
No matter how ruthless Bibi Dong was or how great her ambitions, what kind of waves could she raise before overwhelming power and legitimate bloodline?
Xiao Xue reclaiming the position of Pope and taking back control of Spirit Hall would no longer be a distant dream.
And that was only the beginning!
When Xiao Xue joined with this gifted young man who bore the Sea God Inheritance, two divine bloodlines would merge, and the powers of angels and the ocean would converge... What kind of dazzling future would they bring forth?
The entire balance of power across Douluo Continent would be rewritten!
The continent's faith, resources, and fortune would all tilt toward their two families.
Perhaps a new age, ruled by divine bloodlines, would truly begin in their hands!
Qian Daoliu knew all too well what a level-ninety-nine Peerless Douluo meant on Douluo Continent.
Such a person stood at the very peak of the pyramid, a being almost equal to a deity on land.
Every move they made could shape the fate of the continent.
Ordinary struggles between factions and schemes seemed feeble and powerless before absolute strength.
He had chosen an alliance through marriage with Sea God Island not only because of Li Qing's potential, but also because he valued the supreme power Bo Saixi represented, power capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with his own!
That was his true trump card and source of confidence!
Though his thoughts churned, Qian Daoliu maintained a gracious smile and composed bearing.
He looked at Bo Saixi, waiting for her to continue.
Bo Saixi took in every subtle change in Qian Daoliu's expression. Her deep blue eyes remained undisturbed as she continued calmly, "As for your granddaughter... are you certain you can get her to agree? This is no ordinary matter. It concerns the future of both sides. If she resists, or has some objection to Li Qing himself... it could cause trouble later."
There was a note of caution in her voice.
Qian Daoliu valued the alliance of strength and the future of their bloodlines, but the wishes and rapport of the two young people at the heart of the marriage alliance were just as important.
At her words, Qian Daoliu smiled with quiet confidence. His tone was relaxed and certain. "You needn't worry about that. Xiao Xue has known her identity and responsibilities since she was young. She's bright and strong-willed. She understands what would truly benefit her and the future of Spirit Hall. As her grandfather, I'll talk things through with her and help her see the far-reaching significance of this. It won't be difficult to persuade her."
He paused, then glanced toward Sea God Hall, his voice taking on a hint of curiosity and subdued concern. "Li Qing is another matter... That child seems obedient, but he's clever and has plenty of ideas of his own. How will he react when he learns of this? Bo Saixi, are you sure you can get him to accept?"
This was one of the matters Qian Daoliu cared about most at present.
From Bo Saixi's description and Li Qing's Martial Soul, he had already sensed that the boy was extraordinary—and potentially rebellious.
An alliance through marriage with a boy of mysterious origins, who possessed an unknown divine Martial Soul and seemed to know many secrets, promised enormous benefits, but it also brought uncertainty.
He needed to ensure that nothing went wrong on Li Qing's side.
Bo Saixi met Qian Daoliu's gaze, her exquisite features still serene.
Li Qing's face flashed through her mind, sometimes obedient, sometimes voicing audacious "delusions." She felt conflicted.
But matters had come this far, and Lord Sea God's oracle had been issued. She had to make sure the plan went smoothly.
"I have my own way of handling Li Qing."
Bo Saixi's voice was quiet, yet carried an unshakable certainty. "He is, after all, the Son of God of Sea God Island, the successor chosen by Lord Sea God. Lord Sea God's will is his highest guide. I will guide him properly and help him understand the significance of this marriage."
Her words put Qian Daoliu's mind at ease.
At that, Qian Daoliu's smile broadened, and he nodded. "Excellent. With your assurance, I can rest easy."
As if remembering something, he added, "Now that this has been settled, we'll need to carefully discuss the details: the form the betrothal should take, when to announce it publicly, and how the two children should get along and build affection for each other. There's no need to rush; we must plan it thoroughly. Once I return, I'll begin making preparations."
"Mm." Bo Saixi agreed.
Seeing this, Qian Daoliu knew that his purpose in coming had been fully achieved—and that things had gone even more smoothly than he had expected.
He did not linger. He inclined his head to Bo Saixi in farewell, his tone once more gentle and unhurried. "In that case, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave and return to Spirit Hall. I'll make arrangements for Xiao Xue as soon as possible, then send people to Sea God Island to formally discuss the next steps."
Bo Saixi said nothing more, merely giving a slight nod. "Safe travels."
Qian Daoliu wasted no time. Golden light flickered around him, and he transformed into a dazzling streak that shot into the sky. He pierced the soft halo above Sea God Island and sped toward Spirit Hall on the mainland. His speed was astonishing; in the blink of an eye, he had vanished beyond the horizon.
Bo Saixi stood alone on the terrace at the cliff's edge, watching until the golden light disappeared completely from view.
The morning sea breeze lifted her red robe and blue hair. She gazed quietly at the boundless blue, motionless for a long while.
Lord Sea God had agreed to the marriage alliance, and Qian Daoliu had left satisfied.
Everything seemed to be moving in the expected direction.
Yet, for some reason, Bo Saixi did not feel much relief.
Li Qing's clear eyes, with their hidden secrets, seemed to appear before her again. In her ears, she could almost hear his irreverent grumbling and wild imaginings.
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