Until Clear Sky Falls, We Shall Not Return!

Knock, knock.

Late at night, Wang Zhao returned to the residence. He had barely knocked twice when the door opened on its own.

Why "on its own"?

Because there was no one behind it.

"?"

Wang Zhao's eyes widened slightly. He slowly turned around and saw a ghost...

Ahem.

It turned out Sister Die was standing there soundlessly, her gaze faint and resentful, like a neglected wife waiting at home for her husband who had yet to return.

"Why are you back so late?"

Her voice was as cool and calm as ever, yet at this moment it felt like a blast of bitter ice, threatening to freeze Wang Zhao solid.

Feeling the strange atmosphere, Wang Zhao did not know whether it was merely his imagination, but the sense of déjà vu in his heart grew stronger.

"S-Sister Die, you're still awake..."

He yawned and spoke with a sleepy face, intending to muddle through it that way.

But the moment he finished speaking, Wang Zhao froze as well.

Why had he reacted like that?

It was not as if he had done anything guilty...

Strange.

"Come back earlier next time."

Die did not press him further. After saying that calmly, she walked into the residence.

Wang Zhao answered with a smile and hurried after her, closing the door behind him.

Heaven and earth bear witness, he really had not done anything tonight.

What could two little brats possibly do?

One little brat had merely comforted another little brat.

Only...

Was that really all there was to it?

For some reason, Wang Zhao felt that his mind was a little sluggish today. Ever since that moment outside the Library, he and that girl no longer seemed to be mere strangers who happened to read together.

Or rather, they were still strangers on the surface.

And since they were strangers...

Then hugging for a while was perfectly reasonable, right?

At least, that was how Wang Zhao comforted himself.

As he entered the residence, he suddenly noticed a room that had never been lit up at night before. Through the window paper, he could see the silhouette of a curvaceous figure.

It was Bibi Dong's room.

Normally, as the Saintess, Bibi Dong had her own sleeping quarters in Spirit Hall, and it was not really appropriate for her to come live here. Usually, only Die and Wang Zhao stayed in the residence.

But why had she come over today?

Seemingly noticing the boy's confusion, Die explained:

"The Saintess is relatively free right now. I do not know about after she becomes Pope in the future, but at least during this period, she can easily act according to her own preferences."

"So Sister Dong'er is staying here tonight?"

Die nodded.

At that moment, Bibi Dong in the room seemed to notice that Wang Zhao had returned. Without even raising her head, she sorted through the documents in her hands and called out:

"Wang Zhao, come in."

Hearing that, Wang Zhao paused. He glanced at Sister Die beside him, gave a bitter smile, and walked in with small steps.

It seemed he would not be getting any rest tonight.

"Go over all of these, then we'll discuss tomorrow's deployment of Spirit Hall personnel and the arrangements for the Clear Sky Sect..."

The two began a long, intimate discussion.

The next morning.

Wang Zhao stood atop the eaves, gazing into the distance at Bibi Dong's retreating figure, his eyes distant.

Another upheaval was coming...

I wonder whether all my plans within it will go as I wish.

After all, I have coveted that thing for a long time.

Wang Zhao thought to himself.

Naturally, he would not be going along this time, nor did he intend to join in the excitement. After all, he was only a lowly Soul Master.

More importantly, even if he went, in what capacity should he go?

Bibi Dong's student?

The future Pope's student?

Neither was appropriate, nor did either fit Wang Zhao's own way of keeping a low profile.

Becoming the target of public attention might bring a moment of glory, but it would be followed by endless trouble. How could he cultivate in peace then?

Perhaps some would rather have that moment of glory, but he would not.

For Wang Zhao, rather than seek comfort, he preferred to seek "freedom from unease."

Besides, as the new Pope who was about to take office, Bibi Dong ought to play the starring role in this immensely glorious spectacle herself...

Pope's Palace.

Bibi Dong wore the noble robes of the Saintess and stood at the head of the hall, looking down upon the gathered experts, bishops, knight orders, and legions.

She slowly drew a breath, then exhaled. Calm and composed, she raised her voice and declared:

"Compatriots of Spirit Hall!"

"Our Pope, His Holiness Qian Xunji, fought for the safety of the continent and pursued the thief Tang Hao in a righteous campaign. Yet that man refused to reform, his crimes monstrous and heinous, ultimately causing the fall of Spirit Hall's Pope and tarnishing our sacred prestige."

"Now Tang Hao is like a homeless dog, like a rat crossing the street, hiding in the dark corners of the continent. But that alone is not enough to quell the resentment of the people."

"Considering that he is a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect, and that the Clear Sky Sect has had many conflicts with Spirit Hall in recent years, we cannot let this matter rest. We shall settle both old debts and new together!"

At that moment, Ghost Douluo, who had remained silent below for a long time, suddenly stepped forward. He clasped his hands in salute toward Bibi Dong, then echoed:

"Please give the order, Saintess. March upon Clear Sky and avenge our Pope!"

Since Ghost Douluo had taken the lead, Chrysanthemum Douluo would not remain idle. He stepped forward as well:

"Please give the order, Saintess. March upon Clear Sky and avenge our Pope!"

Seeing this, the bishops, knights, and legions below immediately dropped to one knee in unison. Their momentum surged like a rainbow as they shouted together:

"Please give the order, Saintess! March upon Clear Sky and avenge our Pope!!!"

Bibi Dong did not speak at once. Instead, her gaze stretched into the distance, as though she were waiting for something.

Finally.

Outside Pope's Palace, a majestic golden pillar of light rose from a distant mountain. Two figures clad in golden robes embroidered with silver slowly emerged on either side of it.

Both had flowing golden hair and burly builds. The one on the left had an icy gaze, like a beast from the abyss that devoured all things. The one on the right resembled a lion, his crimson eyes blazing like torches, his entire body radiating a fierce heat as though he would burn everything to ash.

Worship Hall...

Second Worship, Golden Crocodile Douluo!

Fourth Worship, Mighty Lion Douluo!

Those present with considerable experience immediately recognized the two.

With that, the meaning of the golden pillar of light went without saying.

The legendary Grand Priest, the veteran Angel Douluo invincible in the skies—Qian Daoliu!

What exactly did Worship Hall intend by arriving at this moment?

Those present could not help but speculate inwardly. But rather than speculation, they already had the answer deep in their hearts.

This time...

The Clear Sky Sect was done for!

Qian Daoliu did not appear personally.

Nor did the two Worships say a word. They merely stepped through the air and silently took their places behind Bibi Dong, one on either side.

The meaning they conveyed was equally obvious—

They had come to support Bibi Dong and represent Worship Hall's backing.

Only then did Bibi Dong finally speak:

"Pass down the order. Mobilize and prepare for war. This time, until Clear Sky falls... we shall not return!"

"Until Clear Sky falls, we shall not return!"

"Until Clear Sky falls, we shall not return!"

"Until Clear Sky falls, we shall not return!"