Ferocious Fang Douluo, the Amazement of the Worship Hall Elders

Cloud-Treading Villa, training grounds.

Tap, tap, tap...

Zheng Yue led the Judgment Knight Corps onto the training grounds. They stood in perfectly uniform formation; not only were everyone's movements identical, even the breathing of the warhorses beneath them was in perfect sync.

Upon seeing Qian Xunzong, the captain of the Judgment Knights led everyone off their horses. They placed a hand across their chests and bowed to Qian Xunzong.

"Judgment Knight Corps, greetings to our lord!!"

"Greetings to our lord!!"

Their voices soared into the skies, their momentum majestic and overwhelming. Qian Xunzong nodded in satisfaction. "Rise."

"Thank you, my lord!"

The Judgment Knights rose in perfect unison, standing straight and upright. Qian Xunzong nodded approvingly.

"Gui Mei, Yue Guan, what do you think of my Judgment Knight Corps?"

Seeing such an elite cavalry force, Gui Mei and Yue Guan could not help voicing their admiration.

"Badass!"

"Invincible!"

Hearing them, Qian Xunzong rolled his eyes and turned to Zheng Yue.

"Manager Zheng, what do you think?"

Zheng Yue looked over the Judgment Knight Corps, then said with a smile, "Villa Lord, this old servant can only say that with such a legion, one could ride roughshod across every corner of the continent."

Zheng Yue's words left Qian Xunzong feeling utterly pleased. He glanced at Gui Mei and Yue Guan and mocked them.

"Listen to that. That's what culture sounds like. That's what a proper evaluation is. Learn from him."

Gui Mei and Yue Guan smiled awkwardly, secretly regretting that they had not thought of those words themselves. They were simply too damn cool!

Qian Xunzong looked toward Zheng Yue and asked, "Manager Zheng, your cultivation should be quite high, shouldn't it?"

Since Zheng Yue had been able to say what he had just said, he must have seen through the level of the Judgment Knight Corps. That meant his own level was certainly not low either.

Hearing this, Zheng Yue said modestly, "In reply to the Villa Lord, this old servant followed the Pope from a young age and was influenced by him. By luck, I reached the rank of Titled Douluo, bearing the title Ferocious Fang. However, I suffered some injuries in my youth. The Pope took pity on this old servant and allowed me to retire here at Cloud-Treading Villa while also protecting this place."

A Titled Douluo!

Gui Mei and Yue Guan stared in utter disbelief at the white-haired, frail-looking old man before them. He was actually a powerhouse at the Titled Douluo level.

Having a Titled Douluo guard the estate—was that even reasonable?

"Oh? I never expected Manager Zheng to be a Titled Douluo. Isn't it rather beneath your talents to merely serve as a villa manager?"

"Haha, old, weak, sick, and crippled—I'm simply spending my retirement here. The work is easy, so this old servant can keep at it for another decade or two." Zheng Yue stroked his beard as he spoke.

Although Qian Xunzong did not know the reason, he could clearly see that Titled Douluo generally retained youthful appearances. Yet Zheng Yue looked just like Dugu Bo from the original story after his poison had sunk deep into his bones.

"Fine. But since I've become the Villa Lord of Cloud-Treading Villa, your injuries are my responsibility. I'll definitely cure you." Qian Xunzong smiled.

Hearing Qian Xunzong's words, a glimmer appeared in Zheng Yue's eyes. He smiled and shook his head. "This old servant appreciates the Villa Lord's kindness, but these injuries have accumulated for too long. There is no need to waste Spirit Hall's resources on this old servant. Reaching the rank of Titled Douluo is enough for this lifetime. Those resources and treasures would be better used to cultivate more juniors."

However, Qian Xunzong waved a hand. "Hey, Manager Zheng, now that you're the chief steward of my villa, I certainly can't treat you poorly. It's settled. Once I cure you, you'll have to work a little harder and help me manage Cloud-Treading Villa properly."

Hearing Qian Xunzong's words, Zheng Yue could not help feeling warmth in his heart. "This old servant will naturally do his utmost to manage the villa for the Villa Lord."

"Good. Let's leave it at that for today. I haven't even had a proper rest since returning, and tomorrow morning I have to go see Grandpa and the others again. Dismissed."

"Yes, Villa Lord."

Afterward, Qian Xunzong returned to a room in the rear courtyard of Nine-Cloud Residence. He lay on the soft bed and drifted into sleep. The Jade Balance Xiejing Beast burrowed into his arms and soon began breathing evenly.

The next day, the sun was already high in the sky.

Qian Xunzong stretched lazily in satisfaction. Without that old bastard disturbing him, sleeping really was comfortable.

After getting up and washing up simply, he picked up Xiaojing, the Jade Balance Xiejing Beast, called over the two generals, and headed for the Worship Hall.

He did not bring the Judgment Knights, mainly because there was no need. Who in Spirit City would dare lay a hand on him? That would be a joke.

The two men and one beast headed toward the Worship Hall.

About half an hour later, they arrived at the Worship Hall. Qian Xunzong had Gui Mei and Yue Guan hold Xiaojing outside, since the Worship Hall was not a place just anyone could enter.

Qian Xunzong pushed open the doors and entered. Inside the Worship Hall, the seven great worship elders and Qian Daoliu were all present.

"Yo, Grandpas, Dad, you're all here."

Qian Xichen said affectionately, "Zong'er, did you rest well?"

"Heh, you slept from yesterday afternoon until now. How could you possibly have rested badly..." Qian Daoliu chuckled and mocked.

You old bastard, what did I ever do to you? Why are you acting like some snark machine? If you weren't my dad, I'd jump up and give you a soul-crushing headlock.

Qian Xunzong added silently, If I could beat you...

"Enough. What kind of thing is that to say? Zong'er was dragged by you into the Star Dou Great Forest the morning before yesterday and barely got any rest. What's wrong with letting him sleep a little longer? Say another word and go back to your Papal Palace. Don't stand here getting in my way. Seeing you makes me mad!!"

Hearing this, Qian Xichen immediately gave Qian Daoliu a scolding. The latter curled his lips.

Fine, fine, you're my dad, so you have the final say. If you weren't my dad, I'd jump up and give you a soul-crushing headlock.

He silently added, If I could beat you...

"Hahaha, Zong'er, I heard from your father that you absorbed a Soul Ring beyond your limit? Let Grandpa have a look..." Qian Xichen said with a smile.

"Sure, Grandpa."

As soon as he spoke, Qian Xunzong immediately summoned his martial soul. Soul Power surged around him as the Judgment Deity, holding the Judgment Blade, appeared behind him. His body radiated a sacred aura. Then, three Soul Rings—purple, black, black—lit up in succession, their imposing might surging forth.

At this sight, the eyes of the worship elders present filled with astonishment. Although they had just heard Qian Daoliu recount the events, seeing it with their own eyes still left them shocked.

Qian Xichen was no exception. After his brief surprise, he walked to Qian Xunzong with a beaming smile, reached out, and rubbed his head, his face filled with gratification.

"Hahaha, good, wonderful! The Angel God has blessed us."

The other worship elders at the side also began offering their congratulations.

"Haha, wonderful! What Zong'er has accomplished is unprecedented, and I fear it will never be surpassed..."

"Heaven blesses Spirit Hall! Heaven blesses Spirit Hall!!"

"With Ji'er and Zong'er here, the strength of our Spirit Hall will surely rise to another level!"

"..."

The worship elders all voiced their praise. Qian Xunzong already possessed the heaven-defying talent of Twin Martial Souls, and now he had accomplished such a feat. Reaching the pinnacle of the continent was practically certain; he might even have the chance to recreate the glory of the Angel God from back then.