Half a Year Later, I'm Not Going!!!

Time flew by in the blink of an eye.

In an instant, half a year quietly passed.

An ancient, forceful message crossed countless halls before silently arriving at Cloud-Treading Villa.

Within the villa courtyard stood a tall, upright youth. His luxurious silver-white robe trimmed in gold accentuated his handsome features and otherworldly bearing.

A crystalline, radiant luminous ornament on his chest slowly circulated with a soft white glow, dispelling the faint chill of dusk around him and adding a sacred, ethereal air to his presence.

This person was Qian Xunzong.

After half a year of tempering, his Soul Power had steadily risen, his foundation becoming increasingly solid. The aura around him was restrained and gentle; he appeared peaceful, yet concealed a depth far beyond that of his peers.

The moment Qian Xunzong received the message, a look of understanding flashed through his eyes. It had come from his grandfather, the First Offering, Spirit Hall's foremost enforcer and twin-flower red staff—Qian Xichen.

There was no need to think further. The entire batch of Immortal-Grade Herbs he had presented half a year ago had surely been completely absorbed and refined by the Offerings, with results finally emerging.

Qian Xunzong raised a hand to smooth the folds of his robe. The soft glow of his luminous chest ornament gradually receded as he calmly boarded the Cloudstep Light-Carriage, leaving Cloud-Treading Villa and flying toward the majestic, solemn Worship Hall.

He passed through layers of magnificent jade palaces and long white-jade stairways. Along the way, every Spirit Hall disciple and guard who saw him bowed in greeting, their eyes filled with reverence and respect.

The moment he entered the main hall of the Worship Hall, a vast, ocean-like Soul Power pressure rushed toward him. Yet when it reached Qian Xunzong, it gently dispersed without the slightest hint of offense.

The atmosphere within the hall was mild yet solemn. The Offerings, usually stern, imposing, and cold, now looked at Qian Xunzong with undisguised affection and fondness, as though they were looking upon their own most promising junior.

"Zong'er is here. Come over quickly," Qian Xichen said slowly, his aged voice warm and carrying irrepressible amusement.

Qian Xunzong stepped forward and gave a slight bow, his manner humble and proper. "Greetings, Grandfather. Greetings, esteemed Offering elders."

"Good, good, good! Good child, there is no need for such formality." Second Worship Xinghe was the first to laugh heartily, his eyes brimming with approval. "Half a year apart, and you have become even more steady and outstanding. As expected of Spirit Hall's peerless genius, one seen only once in a century."

Third Offering Moyun nodded in agreement, his tone sincere. "The Immortal Divine Herbs you sent half a year ago rendered an immense service. We secluded ourselves for half a year and absorbed and refined them all. The gains far exceeded our expectations!"

The group immediately began listing the gains from this seclusion, their voices full of delight.

Of the seven Offerings who had entered seclusion together, only Sixth Offering Feng Fuyao successfully broke through his bottleneck. His Soul Power rose steadily from the peak of level ninety-six into the realm of a level ninety-seven Titled Douluo, greatly increasing his strength.

Though only one person had broken through, the gains of every other Offering were equally heaven-defying. While they had not advanced in level, the pure medicinal power of the Immortal-Grade Herbs cleansed their Soul Power channels, washed away the bottlenecks and hidden injuries accumulated over years of cultivation, and gave them entirely new, profound insights into their martial souls, soul skills, and the mysteries of Soul Power circulation.

These insights were incomparably precious. They directly saved them years, even more than a decade, of bitter, motionless cultivation. Their foundations became ever more robust and solid, while their combat power subtly improved by no small measure. Though their levels seemed unchanged, their true strength was already vastly different.

It could be said that Qian Xunzong's actions alone had caused the overall strength of Spirit Hall's Worship Hall to undergo a qualitative leap.

The more the Offerings spoke, the more satisfied they became. Their gazes toward Qian Xunzong grew increasingly affectionate and doting. In their eyes, Qian Xunzong not only possessed unparalleled talent, but also knew gratitude and honored his ancestors, caring deeply for his elders. Compared with the arrogant, reckless, and impulsive Qian Xunji, he was truly far more outstanding.

Qian Xunji: Reckless? Me?

"Little Zong has rendered great service this time. We shall remember it in our hearts, and naturally cannot let you contribute for nothing." Fourth Offering Chu Mingshan stroked his beard and smiled. He was the first to raise a hand, and a Soul Bone with a warm, heavy radiance appeared floating before them.

"This is a sixty-thousand-year skull bone. Child, take it, and do not find it lacking."

Before his words had even fallen, the other Offerings acted as well. For a moment, treasure light filled the hall.

Three supreme Soul Bones exceeding fifty thousand years in age appeared one after another: a torso bone, a left arm bone, and a leg Soul Bone. Every piece possessed outstanding attributes and flawless quality, all of them treasured collections the Offerings had kept hidden away.

Beyond that, several luxurious gold cards with extraordinary auras floated quietly in the air. Each represented a massive fortune of ten million Gold Soul Coins, enough to leave ordinary soul masters gazing up at them for a lifetime.

All manner of rare medicinal ingredients, supreme treasures, and high-grade gift boxes emerged endlessly, piling up across a jade table to one side of the hall. The dazzling collection was worth a fortune.

Seeing this, Qian Xunzong immediately put on a humble, declining expression. He repeatedly waved his hands, wearing a gentle, harmless smile. "You Offering grandfathers think too highly of me. This grandson merely did something small. There is truly no need for such generous gifts. I absolutely cannot accept them."

His verbal refusal was sincere and polite, and his brows and eyes were filled with reluctance. Yet his body was especially honest.

His feet quietly edged forward, his hands silently spread open, and his gaze locked tightly onto the treasures, afraid that one of the Offerings might suddenly regret it. His contradictory appearance made the Offerings unable to suppress their laughter, and they grew even fonder of this clear-minded, clever junior.

"Hahaha, foolish child, this is what you deserve. Just accept it all!"

"No amount of treasure could match your talent and contributions. There is no need to refuse!"

The Offerings laughed as they stuffed every treasure into Qian Xunzong's hands, not allowing him any chance to decline.

Seeing this, Qian Xunzong no longer pretended to refuse. He accepted all the supreme Soul Bones, ten-million-Gold-Soul-Coin cards, and rare materials with complete peace of mind, his movements smooth, clean, and without the slightest hesitation.

As he looked at the mountain of treasures in his arms, an imperceptible smile flashed through the youth's eyes. He had gained enormously; this trip had truly not been in vain.

At last, Qian Xichen, seated at the head, slowly raised his hand. Two entirely gilded tokens carved with intricate, sacred patterns and exuding supreme authority appeared out of thin air, floating quietly in midair.

They were none other than Spirit Hall's highest tokens—the Worship Tokens.

Holding one of these tokens granted unrestricted passage throughout Spirit Hall, exemption from the vast majority of hall regulations and punishments, and even the right to refuse orders from the Papal Palace. Its authority was so great that it was akin to the personal presence of an Offering.

With a solemn expression, Qian Xichen gently placed one Worship Token into Qian Xunzong's hand, his tone mild but carrying unquestionable authority.

"This Worship Token is bestowed upon you. With it, you may do as you please within Spirit Hall. No one may restrain you."

He then handed over the second Worship Token and instructed, "As for the other, pass it on to your elder brother for me. He has recently been helping your father handle official duties, and his efforts have been considerable as well."

"This grandson obeys." Qian Xunzong nodded slightly, carefully putting away the two Worship Tokens and gathering all the treasures into his arms.

"Goodbye, Grandfather! Goodbye, Offering grandfathers!"

"Hahaha!"

After bidding farewell to the delighted Offerings, Qian Xunzong walked out of the Worship Hall with light steps and a beaming smile, carrying a huge pile of rare treasures. Even his aura became more relaxed and contented.

After leaving the Worship Hall, Qian Xunzong did not return directly to Cloud-Treading Villa. Instead, he turned and headed toward Falling Dust Pavilion, where Qian Xunji lived.

Falling Dust Pavilion was quiet and elegant. Qian Xunji usually cultivated and recuperated there, rarely disturbed by anyone. At that moment, Qian Xunji was sitting cross-legged upon a stone platform in the courtyard, his eyes closed as he regulated his breathing and cultivated. Soul Power circulated steadily around him, creating a scene of peaceful tranquility.

Hearing footsteps, Qian Xunji opened his eyes. When he saw that it was Qian Xunzong, he immediately revealed a gentle smile. "Little Zong, why have you come?"

Qian Xunzong walked forward slowly, took out the Worship Token meant specifically for him, and handed it over. "Here, Brother. Grandfather told me to pass this on to you. It is a Worship Token bestowed by the Worship Hall, so make sure you keep it safe."

The instant Qian Xunji saw the token in his hand, his pupils abruptly contracted. The smile on his face exploded into wild joy, and ecstasy instantly spread across his entire face.

"Holy shit!!!"

Having spent many years in the Papal Palace, he naturally knew the value of a Worship Token better than anyone. This was Spirit Hall's highest-grade token of privilege. With it, he could practically walk sideways through Spirit Hall and would no longer need to be restrained by Papal Palace rules in everything he did!

"Good, good, good! Thank you, Grandfather!!!"

Qian Xunji tightly gripped the Worship Token with both hands as though he had obtained a supreme treasure. He repeatedly stroked the patterns upon it, his eyes blazing as he grinned from ear to ear, feeling as though his entire person were floating into the air. Inwardly, he rejoiced wildly.

From now on, I, Qian Xunji, am someone with privileges too! Who can casually push me around anymore?

"I'm leaving, Brother!!"

As Qian Xunzong watched his ecstatic expression, an almost imperceptible smile flickered through his eyes. He said nothing more. After exchanging a few simple pleasantries, he turned and left Falling Dust Pavilion, intending to return to his own Cloud-Treading Villa.

Yet just as he stepped out through the courtyard gates of Falling Dust Pavilion, a guard from the Papal Palace hurried over and said, "Young Master, the Pope has ordered you to report to the Papal Palace immediately to review official documents. There must be no delay!"

Qian Xunji, who had still been immersed in joyous elation, had his smile instantly freeze. He stood petrified on the spot.

One second ago, he had held top-tier privileges and felt full of vigor. The next, he was being dragged off to perform labor and drudgery?

The enormous contrast left Qian Xunji completely bewildered, and his mentality immediately collapsed.

The captain of the guards stepped forward and said respectfully, "Young Master, please follow this subordinate to the Papal Palace."

Qian Xunji's face alternated between green and white. The Worship Token he had just received flashed through his mind, and light instantly reignited in his eyes. His back straightened at once, and his confidence surged to its peak!

He had nearly forgotten. He was no longer an ordinary Holy Son who could be pushed around at will—he had a Worship Token!

At once, Qian Xunji raised his chin and held his head high. His gaze became arrogant and domineering, his presence fully unleashed, as he roared at the guards with complete confidence and unyielding force, "I'm not going!"

His voice was thunderous, echoing throughout the entire courtyard of Falling Dust Pavilion. It was filled with defiance, without even the slightest intention of yielding.

The guards froze on the spot and looked at one another. No one had expected the eldest young master, who usually obeyed the Pope's commands so dutifully, to dare openly defy the Pope's decree.

For a moment, the atmosphere in Falling Dust Pavilion's courtyard became strange, so silent that a pin drop could be heard.

The guards had no choice but to return and report. Within moments, an incomparably terrifying, vast pressure swept over them and enveloped the entire Falling Dust Pavilion.

Qian Daoliu's figure arrived in an instant, floating above the courtyard. His golden hair whipped wildly as Soul Power surged around him. His face was terrifyingly grim, and his gaze was sharp as blades as he stared fiercely at Qian Xunji below, roaring in fury.

"You little brat! You have some nerve! Are you trying to rebel?!"

As the Pope of Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu's authority was overwhelming. When he was enraged, even ordinary Titled Douluo trembled in fear and did not dare meet his gaze.

On any normal day, Qian Xunji would have long since bowed to apologize, trembling too hard to utter a word.

But today was different!

Qian Xunji held a Worship Token, and his confidence was overflowing. He was not afraid in the slightest.

Qian Daoliu froze. Damn it, why had this brat suddenly become so bold? If he did not go to the Papal Palace, how long would it take him to review all those memorials himself?!!

He had not been trying to drag his own son off as cheap labor. He was entirely doing it to temper him.

Not only did Qian Xunji show no fear whatsoever, he instead held his head high and chest out, strode forward, and shoved the Worship Token in his hand directly before Qian Daoliu's face, so close that it was nearly pressed against him. He shouted arrogantly.

"Rebel against what?! I have a Worship Token! Holders of Worship Tokens are exempt from the Pope's orders! I am not doing this drudgery today! What can you do about it?!"

His tone was arrogant, his manner overbearing, and his face was plainly written with smug satisfaction: I have privileges, so I'm not afraid of you. It was as if he had already secured an absolute victory.

In his view, this was a Worship Token personally bestowed by the First Offering. With supreme privileges in hand, mere drudgery at the Papal Palace was not worthy of making him lower himself to go there.

However.

Facing the Worship Token shoved before him, the enraged Qian Daoliu was stunned for only 0.01 seconds.

The next moment, Qian Daoliu raised his hand and swung it with absurd speed and not the slightest hesitation. A sharp, resounding smack rang out.

A gentle yet irresistible force erupted instantly, accurately knocking the Worship Token straight out of Qian Xunji's hand.

The golden Worship Token flew from his grasp, tumbled several times through the air, and landed heavily on the ground.

Then Qian Daoliu glared at the stunned Qian Xunji with an exasperated expression and coldly rebuked him.

"You little brat! Your nerve is getting bigger and bigger! You actually dared forge your grandfather's Worship Token to fool me? And you dare openly defy orders? Get your ass to the Papal Palace and work! Stop causing trouble here!"

"???"

Qian Xunji was completely dumbfounded. His mind instantly crashed, and his face was filled with disbelief.

He stared wide-eyed at the Worship Token on the ground, then abruptly looked up at the furious Qian Daoliu. Even his voice trembled as he frantically argued.

"No!! It's real! Grandfather personally had my little brother give it to me! It's a real Worship Token!!"

"You still dare argue!" Qian Daoliu did not listen to his explanation at all and completely refused to believe him. With a wave of his hand, Soul Power directly wrapped around Qian Xunji, whose face was full of grievance as he struggled wildly.

"I really didn't forge it! It's real! Please believe me!!"

(T⌓T)!!!

"Let me go! I have a Worship Token! I don't have to work!!"

Qian Xunji's miserable wails echoed through the air, full of grievance and unwillingness. His arms and legs flailed desperately, but he simply could not break free of Qian Daoliu's Soul Power restraints.

Yet Qian Daoliu was determined not to hear any explanations. Dragging Qian Xunji away as he cried injustice and wore the expression of someone utterly wronged, he turned and flew toward the Papal Palace, forcibly escorting him off to do hard labor.

The dignified eldest young master of Spirit Hall held an authentic Worship Token and had wanted to flaunt his authority for once. Instead, he was directly mistaken for a troublemaker who had forged a token and forcibly dragged away to work—truly the most unjust, absurd, and hilarious outcome in history.