Qin Xiao sensed it when a powerful aura approached.
He looked over. The newcomer wore black robes, his bloodless face as pale as paper. Though alive, he gave the impression of a dead man.
Across all of Spirit Hall-or even the entire Douluo Continent-only Spirit Hall's elder, Ghost Douluo, had this appearance, neither human nor ghost.
As Ghost Douluo drew closer, Qin Xiao teased, "What wind blew you here, Ghost Elder?"
"I happened to be patrolling nearby and spotted you, so I came over to say hello."
Ghost Douluo grinned, producing a smile uglier than a sob.
Qin Xiao knew he had done his best.
"Did anything happen while I was away these past few days?"
"Nothing for now, but the two great empires and the various factions have been busy taking precautions in advance."
"It's only right to mend the roof before the rain comes. After all, no one knows what will happen next."
"Indeed." Ghost Douluo sighed softly. "I've lived for decades, but I've never faced a crisis this great..."
In truth, it was not merely unprecedented in his decades of life. Even the history books of the past several thousand years on the Douluo Continent contained no instance of over ten thousand Soul Masters being killed or wounded.
"Still, don't let your guard down," Qin Xiao reminded him.
He had a feeling that Tang San's next assault would be even fiercer.
"Rest assured. Even our Titled Douluos have joined the patrols. Spirit City now admits only Soul Masters. Our defenses are so tight that not even a fly could get through."
"Good." Qin Xiao nodded at that, then added, "This is a powerful expert I recruited. He'll be entering the city with me."
Ghost Douluo cupped his fists. "Please, go ahead."
He had actually noticed how extraordinary