The Heart

Just then, a violent fluctuation of spirit power suddenly erupted from the distance.

This sudden disturbance appeared exceptionally sharp and jarring in the deathly silent environment.

Qian Qizhou and the Snow Empress exchanged a glance, then silently flew toward the direction from which the sounds of combat originated.

In only a moment, they arrived at the edge of the battlefield, concealing themselves within a dense canopy of trees.

Looking down, they saw a clearing in the forest where over a dozen Spirit Hall spirit masters were locked in a fierce battle with five or six disciples wearing the attire of the Clear Sky Sect.

Spirit Hall held the numerical advantage, and relying on their tacit coordination, they bombarded the others with a barrage of flashing spirit skills.

Although the Clear Sky Sect disciples were few in number, each possessed formidable strength. Relying on the immense offensive power of their Clear Sky Hammers, they resisted stubbornly, fighting as they retreated, seemingly attempting to break through the encirclement.

But clearly, they had been tightly pinned down by the people from Spirit Hall.

Several corpses already lay on the ground, belonging to both Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect.

Seeing this scene, Qian Qizhou understood why the surroundings were so quiet, and he realized exactly what had happened.

It was nothing more than his nominal father returning and launching a war against the Clear Sky Sect.

As for this area, there were no terrifying spirit beasts clearing the field; the battle had simply scared away all the low-level spirit beasts in the vicinity.

As for why no ten-thousand-year spirit beasts were seen, they were likely observing from afar, unwilling to be easily drawn into a large-scale battle between human spirit masters.

Qian Qizhou lowered his voice and explained to the Snow Empress beside him, "Sister Snow, it seems the great battle I witnessed earlier was the fuse."

"Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect must have gone to war. Judging by this posture, Spirit Hall is playing for keeps; they intend to completely suppress the Clear Sky Sect."

However, speculation remained speculation. Once they finished fighting, it would be better to go down and capture a hostage to interrogate.

The Snow Empress nodded at his words, watching the people below with boredom.

As time passed, the battle below grew increasingly tragic.

The Clear Sky Sect disciples suffered continuous casualties, until finally, only two remained, standing back-to-back and struggling to hold on. They were covered in wounds, and their spirit power was nearly exhausted.

Spirit Hall had also paid the price of seven or eight casualties, and the remaining few, under the command of a leading Spirit Saint, launched a final, fierce assault.

A moment later, the last Clear Sky Sect disciple was struck by several spirit skills simultaneously amidst a desperate roar, collapsing heavily to the ground, dead.

The remaining members of Spirit Hall were also panting heavily. With no time to rest, they began to clean up the battlefield, intending to collect their companions' bodies before retreating.

Just then, Qian Qizhou and the Snow Empress descended silently from the sky, landing right in front of them.

The Spirit Hall members were startled, immediately and nervously summoning their spirits again, looking vigilantly at these two uninvited guests.

When they felt the terrifying pressure radiating from the Snow Empress, they were instantly seized with terror.

Qian Qizhou took a look, his gaze landing on the Spirit Saint: "Tell me the latest war situation you know, as well as the status of the Pope."

Facing the pressure brought by the Snow Empress, the group dared not withhold anything, trembling as they poured out everything they knew.

This included the orders their squad had received to clear the outskirts of the Clear Sky Sect, and the current progress of the known battlefronts.

"...That is the general state of the war."

"As for His Holiness the Pope..." the Spirit Saint continued with difficulty, "According to the highest-level announcement, His Holiness the Pope was ambushed by that scoundrel Tang Hao and has unfortunately fallen."

Upon hearing this, Qian Qizhou's previously calm expression instantly froze: "What did you say?!"

Had he heard correctly? The Pope? Fallen?

He stared fixedly at the man, asking in a harsh tone: "Qian Xunji is dead? Killed by Tang Hao?"

Although he was currently quite happy to see Qian Xunji suffer, he hadn't intended for him to actually die.

Moreover, as a Title Douluo, he had been at most severely injured when they parted that day; could he really have died from those wounds?

That shouldn't be...

Hearing this, the Spirit Saint hurriedly lowered his head, his voice even more terrified: "Replying... replying to My Lord, the news has been announced across the entire continent; it... it should be absolutely certain..."

"Now, the Holy Maiden has succeeded to the throne and become the new Pope, vowing to avenge the former Pope and completely eradicate the Clear Sky Sect."

However, Qian Qizhou didn't take in what he was saying. He stood where he was, his mind rapidly replaying the scene from that day.

Tang Hao's decisive strike had indeed been terrifying, but with the three of them blocking it together, although they were severely injured, their lives should have been safe... how could he be dead?

Was there a hidden, lingering injury from that strike?

No... that couldn't have escaped his eyes; even if there were, it shouldn't have been fatal.

Could it be that some other change occurred on the way? Or perhaps, within Spirit Hall itself...

Countless thoughts flooded his mind, causing his expression to shift uncertainly.

He didn't know how to feel.

He was only nine years old; to say he was completely indifferent would be impossible.

But for some reason, upon hearing this news, there was no grief in his heart, nor any sense of satisfaction.

There was just an indescribable, very awkward feeling.

The Snow Empress, listening from the side, was also slightly surprised by the fall of such a heavyweight figure in the human world.

However, when she turned her head and saw the boy's reaction, she seemed to understand the relationship between the two, so she didn't speak and quietly stepped back to the side.

After a while, Qian Qizhou finally came back to his senses.

The development of events seemed to far exceed any of his previous estimations, becoming complicated.

Thinking of this, he no longer paid attention to the terrified people before him. He temporarily suppressed the myriad doubts in his heart and turned to say to the Snow Empress, "Sister Xue, come with me first."

As his voice fell, the soul power around him surged, transforming into a purple stream of light, pushing his speed to the extreme as he flew towards the Pure Land of the King.

The forests, mountains, and rivers below receded with his rapid flight.

This feeling of the unknown was too awkward. Unfortunately, for now, he could only return and see if Guang Ling knew more about the situation.

After all, under those circumstances, even with the help of a support-type soul master, Tang Hao would absolutely not have been able to launch a second attack.

As for ordinary Titled Douluo, they were simply unable to stop Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, who were still in a relatively decent state at the time, let alone kill Qian Xunji.

However, regarding Qian Qizhou's sudden decision, the Snow Empress was indifferent and merely nodded.

The moment Qian Qizhou set off, she also transformed into an ice-blue stream of light and flew out together.

Although she did not understand the affairs of the human world, from what Qian Qizhou had said before, the sudden fall of that Pope Qian Xunji was not as simple as being killed, as publicly announced.

She recognized Qian Qizhou's abilities and insight. How could a person who had just overdrawn his strength through explosive rings, whom he had determined was on the verge of collapse, launch a second attack?

Just then, her clear and cold voice sounded, clearly entering Qian Qizhou's ears, "Don't be anxious, calm your thoughts."

Along with a trace of coolness, it instantly extinguished the surging restlessness in Qian Qizhou's heart.

She said calmly, "Emotional fluctuations will only affect your judgment."

Hearing this, Qian Qizhou slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, forcing himself to restrain his chaotic thoughts.

He nodded and said in a low voice, "Thank you for the reminder, Sister Xue."