The Star Luo Empire was slowly nibbling away at the Heaven Dou Empire's territory, while Xue Qinghe began abandoning other cities and pulling back his defensive lines, preparing to defend Heaven Dou City to the death.
Meanwhile, deep within the Elder Hall in Spirit City, inside Bibi Dong's spacetime secret realm.
Six enormous golden energy spheres, radiating endless light and heat, hovered silently in the void, waves of scorching, terrifying power bursting from them.
Dressed in a golden gown and holding a golden longsword, Qian Renxue floated beneath the six energy spheres, looking down at Qian Daoliu on the ground with a trace of worry on her face.
Qian Daoliu had lost all his usual composure and looked utterly disheveled.
Bloodstains covered his clothes, his hair hung loose, and his body swayed unsteadily. He looked like a bolt at the end of its flight.
Yet his face was filled with a smile of profound satisfaction.
"Xue'er, you've grown stronger. You've defeated not only your father, but your grandfather too."
Only after a long while did Qian Daoliu softly speak those words.
He looked up at Qian Renxue floating in midair, a smile on his face.
"Grandpa, you should focus on healing for now. Once you've recovered, I'll come spar with you again," Qian Renxue said with a slight smile.
"Hahaha, no more fighting. Your grandpa can't beat you anymore, Xue'er."
Qian Daoliu laughed heartily a few times, then looked at Qian Renxue, his eyes shining. "Xue'er, you've passed the Angel Eighth Trial. Only the Ninth Trial remains!"
"Yes, it's time for you to visit the true Angel Temple."
Qian Chongling's figure slowly materialized in midair. His pitch-black eyes swept lightly over Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue before he took the lead, flying out of the spacetime secret realm.
"Indeed. My