Qian Daoliu had lived for a very, very long time—so long that most of the faces that had once held important places in his life had faded into blurred outlines.
He had once thought he was prepared, that like every Grand Worshiper who waited in the Worship Hall, he could calmly give himself over when he reached the end of his life.
But at this moment, watching Qian Renxue stand within that golden halo, watching the golden sword mark on her forehead that had already completed eight transformations, Qian Daoliu suddenly felt that those preparations were still not enough.
He had not yet seen Qian Renxue truly step into the God Realm. He had not yet seen her become a god, nor had he seen her stand firm within the halls of the God Realm.
But if he wanted to see those things, he first had to become the flame burned away when that door opened.
Standing before the Angel God Statue, Qian Daoliu looked at Qian Renxue and pressed those surging emotions deep into his heart, revealing not a trace of them.
When he spoke, his voice remained steady. "You have already completed the first eight trials. The ninth will be the most important step, and it requires you to be in your best condition. Rest well first. Regulate your breathing and recover, let both your body and mind return to their peak. When the time comes, return to the Worship Hall."
Qian Renxue looked at Qian Daoliu. His calm face was reflected in her golden eyes, as though she wished to read something deeper from his expression.
But she saw nothing, only a grandfather's concern for his granddaughter.
"Alright." She nodded. "I will face the final trial in my best condition."
Qian Daoliu said nothing more. He merely