Qian Daoliu

Spirit Hall possessed the most comprehensive intelligence network across the entire continent.

Yet, the existence of such a formidable expert outside their records left Bibi Dong feeling unsettled.

She loathed the sensation of matters slipping beyond her control.

Seeing her grave expression, Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo were gripped by intense anxiety, fearing they might face her punishment.

"You may withdraw," Bibi Dong said, waving them away.

"Yes!"

As if granted a reprieve, the two retreated with haste.

Once they had gone, Bibi Dong stood up, a cold glint flickering in her eyes.

Should I go and investigate personally? Or perhaps, relay this information to the old man?

Given that Ye Xuan had easily defeated Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo even after they unleashed their Spirit Fusion Skill, Bibi Dong already considered his strength to be on par with her own.

Were it not for her status, she would have headed to Soto City without hesitation.

After a moment of deliberation, she finally reached a decision.

"I shall pass this information to him instead."

She felt it would be more appropriate to inform Qian Daoliu of these developments.

If Qian Daoliu traveled to Soto City and clashed with this man, the outcome would be favorable for her regardless of who emerged victorious.

Soto City.

Ye Xuan spent his days observing the training of Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, while also gaining insights from his previous experience with the 'Polar Static Domain'.

By now, Ye Xuan had successfully forged his own Sword Twenty-Three.

Under Ye Xuan's occasional guidance and their own diligent efforts, Zhu Zhuqing had reached level 30, while Ning Rongrong had attained level 29.

After hitting level 30, the group traveled to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt a spirit beast for Zhu Zhuqing.

The process went exceptionally smoothly. Once Zhu Zhuqing successfully broke through to become a Spirit Grandmaster, Ye Xuan's earlier hypothesis was confirmed.

His first spirit skill, 'Mimic: Zhu Zhuqing', had indeed seen its multiplier increase from the original 3x to 5x.

His first spirit ring had also shifted from yellow to purple.

Naturally, his second spirit ring remained yellow.

The return journey to Soto City was uneventful, but upon arriving at their residence, they found someone waiting for them.

The visitor was a man in his thirties or forties, dressed in a grey robe.

Though a smile graced his face, the aura of a superior radiated from his entire being.

Most importantly, however, was his terrifying strength.

If Chrysanthemum Douluo and his companion were but a mountain stream, the man before him was like the vast, boundless ocean.

In this world, only a handful of individuals possessed such power.

Combined with his appearance and temperament, Ye Xuan immediately deduced his identity.

"Young Master Ye, you certainly kept me waiting!" the man said with a smile.

"Are you here for me?" Ye Xuan's expression remained calm. He turned to Xiao Wu and the others and said, "You three go inside first; I need to have a word with this senior."

"Understood!" Zhu Zhuqing and the others replied before quickly departing.

Once they had returned to their rooms, Ye Xuan said to the man, "Senior, let us step into the courtyard to talk."

"Very well." The man nodded and followed Ye Xuan inside.

He walked straight over and sat down. Once seated, he spoke directly, "You aren't the least bit flustered. Do you recognize me?"

"How could I not recognize the renowned Angel Douluo? Though, I am curious—has the Angel Douluo decided to start running errands for the Pope?" Ye Xuan remarked.

His words carried a clear sting of sarcasm, which Qian Daoliu caught immediately.

"Young Master Ye need not mock this old man. I heard that you are a brilliant youth of only fourteen or fifteen, yet you easily defeated Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo after they used their Spirit Fusion Skill. Naturally, I had to come and see for myself," Qian Daoliu said.

"Is that so? Well, the Angel Douluo has seen me now. What do you intend to do?" Ye Xuan asked.

"I wish to make a friend of you, Young Master Ye," Qian Daoliu replied.

"Make a friend?" Ye Xuan could not discern the truth from Qian Daoliu's eyes.

Having lived for over a century, the old man was not so easily read by the likes of Ye Xuan.

"Indeed, a friend. I know you are researching spirits. I possess several texts regarding the path to godhood that I could lend you. Would you be willing to be my friend?" Qian Daoliu offered.

"Texts on becoming a god? For such important books, the Angel Douluo must want me to do something in return!" Ye Xuan said.

"I want you to protect my granddaughter for me," Qian Daoliu stated his purpose plainly.

"Protect your granddaughter? With you as the Angel Douluo, who in this entire continent would dare provoke her?" Ye Xuan countered.

He knew the ending that awaited Qian Renxue because he had read the book.

But Qian Daoliu could not possibly know this; from his perspective, why would a heaven-sent daughter like Qian Renxue ever need someone to protect her?

"I must ensure my granddaughter is well-protected. If I were to wait until someone moved against her before finding help, wouldn't it already be too late?" Qian Daoliu said.

"Are you not worried, Senior, that I might become the very person who moves against your granddaughter?" Ye Xuan countered.

"While I do not know the reason why Young Master Ye is willing to shelter this hundred-thousand-year soul beast, I believe that a man like you, once having accepted my sincerity, could never be an enemy to Xue'er," Qian Daoliu stated with conviction.

"Since Angel Douluo has put it this way, I will accept. However, I do not want the contents of the books you provide to be altered in any way," Ye Xuan said.

"I, Qian Daoliu, would never stoop to such base tactics." As he spoke, Qian Daoliu produced a book and handed it to Ye Xuan.

After Ye Xuan reached out to take the book, Qian Daoliu produced a token and offered it to him as well.

"What is this?" Ye Xuan asked, puzzled.

"An Elder Token. With this, Young Master Ye becomes an Elder of my Elder Hall. Of course, I made inquiries before coming here and know that you dislike being constrained. Therefore, the Elder Hall will not demand anything of you; you may continue your affairs as usual. With this token, you may issue commands at any Spirit Hall branch you encounter."

The sincerity Qian Daoliu offered was more than sufficient.

Ye Xuan took the token and said, "Very well, I shall accept it without further modesty. However, I will not be heading to Tiandou City just yet; I need to wait for some time."

"No problem." Qian Daoliu was not in a rush, though he added, "Young Master Ye truly does know something, doesn't he?"

For Ye Xuan to say he would not go to Tiandou City yet clearly indicated he was aware of Qian Renxue's true identity.

Before coming to find Ye Xuan, Qian Daoliu had already felt that the young man was an eccentric who understood the past and the future.

Now, it seemed that was indeed the case.

"I know a thing or two. After all, this world is so treacherous; if I didn't understand a few things, how could I hope to survive?" Ye Xuan said with a chuckle.

"With your strength, Young Master Ye, there is nowhere in this vast world you cannot go. For you, survival is a simple matter. Since our business today is settled, I shall take my leave. I will have someone secretly notify Xue'er; when you arrive in Tiandou City, you may go directly to find her."

Having said this, Qian Daoliu rose and departed.