Six Months Later, I'm Not Going!!!

Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, half a year had passed.

An ancient-looking message crossed the halls of Spirit Hall and quietly arrived at Cloud-Treading Villa.

In the villa's courtyard stood a tall young man. His luxurious silver-white robe, trimmed with gold, set off his handsome features and otherworldly bearing.

A clear, radiant ornament on his chest glowed with soft white light, driving away the chill of dusk and lending him an almost divine air.

It was Qian Xunzong.

Over the past six months, his Soul Power had risen steadily and his foundation had grown firmer. His presence was calm and restrained, seemingly gentle, yet it concealed depths far beyond his years.

The moment he received the message, understanding flashed through Qian Xunzong's eyes. It came from his grandfather, the Grand Offering—Spirit Hall's foremost fighter and chief enforcer—Qian Xichen.

There was no need to guess. The Pontiff Elders had finally finished absorbing the entire batch of Immortal-Grade Herbs he had given them six months ago, and the results were in.

Qian Xunzong smoothed a crease in his robe. The light from his chest ornament dimmed as he boarded the Cloudstep Light-Carriage and left Cloud-Treading Villa, flying toward the majestic Worship Hall.

He passed through grand pavilions and over white jade steps. Every Spirit Hall disciple and guard he encountered bowed, their eyes full of awe and respect.

The moment he entered the main hall, a vast pressure of Soul Power washed over him. Yet it gently dispersed before touching him, without the slightest hint of hostility.

The atmosphere inside was solemn but warm. The Pontiff Elders, usually stern and cold, now looked at Qian Xunzong with undisguised affection, as though he were the most promising child in their own families.

"Zong'er, you're here. Come over." Qian Xichen's aged voice was gentle, and he could not hide the smile in it.

Qian Xunzong stepped forward and bowed with modest grace. "Greetings, Grandfather. Greetings, elders."

"Good, good! There's no need for ceremony, child." Second Worship Xinghe laughed heartily, his eyes full of approval. "You've grown even more composed in these six months. Truly, Spirit Hall hasn't seen a genius like you in a century."

Third Offering Moyun nodded after him. "Those Immortal Divine Herbs you brought us six months ago did us an immeasurable service. We spent half a year in seclusion absorbing them, and the gains surpassed anything we imagined!"

They began recounting what they had gained in seclusion, delight ringing through every word.

Of the seven Pontiff Elders, only Sixth Offering Feng Fuyao had broken through. His Soul Power had risen from the peak of rank ninety-six to rank ninety-seven Titled Douluo, bringing a sharp increase in strength.

Only one of them had advanced a rank, but the others' gains were no less extraordinary. The pure medicinal power of the Immortal-Grade Herbs had cleansed their Soul Power and meridians, washed away hidden injuries and obstacles accumulated over years of cultivation, and given them profound new insights into their martial spirits, soul skills, and the workings of Soul Power.

Those insights were invaluable. They had spared the elders years, perhaps even a decade or more, of arduous cultivation. Their foundations were deeper and firmer, and their combat strength had quietly improved. Their ranks might be unchanged, but they were no longer the fighters they had been.

With one gift, Qian Xunzong had brought about a qualitative leap in the strength of the entire Worship Hall.

The more the Pontiff Elders spoke, the more pleased they became, and the more affectionately they looked at Qian Xunzong. To them, his talent was unmatched, but he also remembered what he owed his elders and cared for them. Compared with the arrogant, reckless Qian Xunji, he was outstanding indeed.

Qian Xunji: Me? Reckless?

"Little Zong, we won't forget what you've done, and we certainly won't let you give so much for nothing." Fourth Offering Chu Mingshan stroked his beard and smiled. With a wave of his hand, a Soul Bone appeared, warm in luster and gleaming with a rich light.

"This is a sixty-thousand-year skull bone. Take it, child. I hope you won't find it lacking."

Before he had finished speaking, the other Pontiff Elders brought out their gifts. The hall suddenly blazed with treasure-light.

Three superb Soul Bones, each over fifty thousand years old, appeared in succession: a torso bone, a left arm bone, and a leg bone. Each had excellent attributes and was in perfect condition, a prized treasure its owner had kept in reserve.

Several lavishly patterned gold cards hovered beside them. Each held ten million Gold Soul Coins—a fortune beyond the reach of ordinary soul masters.

Rare medicinal ingredients, exquisite treasures, and elegant boxes piled up on a jade table along one side of the hall. The dazzling collection was worth a fortune.

At once, Qian Xunzong put on a modest expression and waved both hands in refusal, a gentle smile on his face. "You're too generous, Grandfathers. It was a small thing. I couldn't possibly accept such lavish gifts."

His words sounded earnest and polite, and his face showed every sign of reluctance. His body, however, was far more honest.

He edged forward, his hands opening as his eyes stayed fixed on the treasures, as if afraid an elder might change his mind. The sight of him saying one thing and doing another drew amused smiles from the Pontiff Elders. They liked their clever young kinsman all the more.

"Hahaha! Silly child, you've earned these. Take them all!"

"No treasure could match your talent or what you've done for us. Stop refusing!"

Laughing, the Pontiff Elders pressed every gift into Qian Xunzong's hands and gave him no chance to decline.

Qian Xunzong dropped the act and happily stored away the superb Soul Bones, the gold cards worth tens of millions of Gold Soul Coins, and the rare materials. His movements were smooth, swift, and utterly without hesitation.

Looking at the mountain of treasure in his arms, a faint smile flickered in his eyes. He had made quite a haul. The trip had been well worth it.

At last, Qian Xichen raised a hand from his seat at the head of the hall. Two gilded tokens appeared in midair, carved with intricate sacred patterns and radiating supreme authority.

They were Worship Tokens, Spirit Hall's highest emblems of authority.

A bearer could go anywhere in Spirit Hall, was exempt from most punishments under its rules, and could even refuse an order from the Papal Palace. The authority they conferred was nearly equal to the presence of a Pontiff Elder.

Qian Xichen solemnly placed one Worship Token in Qian Xunzong's hand. His voice was gentle but left no room for doubt.

"This Worship Token is yours. With it, you may act as you please within Spirit Hall. No one may restrain you."

He then held out the second token. "Give this one to your brother. He's been helping that father of yours with official business lately. He's worked hard as well."

"Yes, Grandfather." Qian Xunzong nodded and carefully put away both Worship Tokens with his other treasures.

"Goodbye, Grandfather! Goodbye, Grandfathers!"

"Hahaha!"

Qian Xunzong took his leave of the delighted Pontiff Elders and walked out of the Worship Hall with an armful of rare treasures. His steps were light, his face was bright with a smile, and he looked more relaxed than ever.

He did not return directly to Cloud-Treading Villa. Instead, he headed for Falling Dust Pavilion, where Qian Xunji lived.

Falling Dust Pavilion was quiet and elegant. Qian Xunji normally cultivated and rested there undisturbed. Now he sat cross-legged on a stone platform in the courtyard, eyes closed as he regulated his breathing. Soul Power flowed steadily around him, and all was peaceful.

At the sound of footsteps, Qian Xunji opened his eyes. Seeing Qian Xunzong, he smiled warmly. "Little Zong, what brings you here?"

Qian Xunzong stepped up and handed him the Worship Token meant for him. "Here, Brother. Grandfather asked me to give you this. It's a Worship Token from the Worship Hall, so keep it safe."

The instant Qian Xunji saw the token, his pupils contracted. Then his smile burst across his face in sheer delight.

"Holy shit!!!"

He had spent years in the Papal Palace. He knew exactly what a Worship Token was worth. It was Spirit Hall's highest emblem of privilege. With it, he could practically do whatever he wanted, free of the Papal Palace rules that had always held him back!

"Yes! Thank you, Grandfather!!!"

Qian Xunji gripped the Worship Token in both hands like a priceless treasure, rubbing his fingers over its patterns again and again. His eyes gleamed, his grin would not fade, and he felt as though he could float. Inwardly, he rejoiced:

From now on, I, Qian Xunji, have privileges too! Who's going to push me around now?

"I'm off, Brother!"

Qian Xunzong watched his brother's delight, a barely perceptible smile in his eyes. He said no more than a few parting words before leaving Falling Dust Pavilion to return to Cloud-Treading Villa.

But just as Qian Xunzong stepped out of the courtyard, a Papal Palace guard hurried in behind him. "Young Master, His Holiness orders you to report to the Papal Palace immediately to review official documents. There must be no delay!"

Qian Xunji's smile froze. One moment he had been floating on joy; the next, he stood petrified.

He had gained the highest privileges one moment, only to be dragged off to do drudge work the next?

The whiplash left Qian Xunji stunned. His good mood collapsed.

The guard captain stepped forward respectfully. "Young Master, please come with me to the Papal Palace."

Qian Xunji's expression shifted. Then he remembered the Worship Token he had just received, and his eyes lit up again. He straightened his back, confidence surging through him!

He had almost forgotten. He was no longer an ordinary Holy Son who could be ordered around. He had a Worship Token!

Qian Xunji lifted his chin and held his head high. With a haughty glare and all the confidence in the world, he roared at the guards, "I'm not going!"

His voice rang through the entire courtyard of Falling Dust Pavilion. He sounded resolute, without a hint of surrender.

The guards froze and looked at one another. None of them had expected the young master, who normally obeyed the Pope's orders, to defy him openly.

An odd silence fell over the courtyard. Even a falling needle could have been heard.

The guards had no choice but to return and report. Moments later, terrifying pressure swept in and engulfed Falling Dust Pavilion.

Qian Daoliu appeared in an instant, hovering above the courtyard. His golden hair whipped around him, Soul Power surged from his body, and his expression was frighteningly dark. He glared down at Qian Xunji and roared:

"You brat! How dare you! Are you trying to rebel?!"

As Spirit Hall's Pope, Qian Daoliu commanded immense authority. When he was angry, even an ordinary Titled Douluo would tremble and dare not meet his eyes.

On any other day, Qian Xunji would already have bowed, apologized, and stood trembling in silence.

But today was different!

With a Worship Token in hand, Qian Xunji was brimming with confidence. He was not afraid at all.

Qian Daoliu paused. What the hell? Since when did this brat have such a backbone? If he won't come to the Papal Palace, how long will it take me to get through all those memorials?!

It's not as if I'm making my son do drudge work. I'm training him.

Far from shrinking back, Qian Xunji strode forward with his chest out and thrust the Worship Token right in front of Qian Daoliu's face. He was almost close enough to hit him with it as he declared:

"Rebel? I have a Worship Token! A bearer can refuse the Pope's orders! I'm not doing that drudge work today! What are you going to do about it?!"

His tone was brazen, and his face all but said, I have privileges, so I'm not scared of you. He looked certain he had won.

After all, the Grand Offering himself had granted him this Worship Token. With such authority in his hands, why should he lower himself to do menial work at the Papal Palace?

But Qian Daoliu only stared at the token for a split second.

Then his hand flashed out without hesitation. Smack! A crisp crack rang through the courtyard.

A gentle yet irresistible force struck the Worship Token clean out of Qian Xunji's hand.

The golden token flew through the air, tumbled several times, and landed heavily on the ground.

Qian Daoliu glared at the dumbstruck Qian Xunji, exasperated beyond belief, and scolded him coldly:

"You brat! You're getting bolder by the day. You forged your grandfather's Worship Token to fool me, and now you dare disobey an order? Get to the Papal Palace and work! Stop fooling around!"

"???"

Qian Xunji went completely blank. His mind seemed to stop working.

He stared wide-eyed at the Worship Token on the ground, then snapped his gaze up to the furious Qian Daoliu. His voice shook as he protested desperately:

"No!! It's real! Grandfather gave it to my little brother to pass on to me! It's a real Worship Token!!"

"Still making excuses!" Qian Daoliu did not listen. With a sweep of his hand, he wrapped Qian Xunji in Soul Power as his aggrieved son struggled wildly.

"I didn't forge it! It's real! You have to believe me!!"

(T⌓T)!!!

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

Qian Xunji's miserable cries echoed through the air, full of grievance and indignation. He thrashed his arms and legs, but could not break free of Qian Daoliu's Soul Power.

Qian Daoliu refused to hear another word. Dragging the loudly protesting Qian Xunji behind him, he flew toward the Papal Palace to put him to work.

Qian Xunji, the young master of Spirit Hall, had a genuine Worship Token in his possession. He had tried to throw his weight around with it just once, only to be mistaken for a troublemaker with a forged token and hauled off to work. It was an outrageously unfair—and utterly ridiculous—end to his brief moment of triumph.