The Golden Ranking's Fourth Place Revealed: Qian Daoliu, Invincible in the Sky!

Zhao Wuji's body sank.

His knees slammed into the ground.

The gray bricks caved in beneath him.

He braced his hands against the ground, trying to stand again.

But the Soul Power inside him would not circulate.

His bones bore ever-increasing pressure.

Zhao Wuji raised his head to look at Ning Xian.

"What did you do?"

"Didn't you want to see my strength?"

Ning Xian stood before him.

"Now you've seen it."

Zhao Wuji gritted his teeth.

He forcibly lit up his Seventh Soul Ring.

"Martial Soul Avatar!"

The Great Strength Vajra Bear condensed once more.

The bear's body had barely appeared when Mystic Yellow Radiance descended from above.

Bang!

The Martial Soul Avatar shattered on the spot.

Several cracks appeared across the surface of the Seventh Soul Ring.

Zhao Wuji spat out a mouthful of blood.

His body fell completely flat against the ground.

The gray bricks in the alley shattered layer by layer.

The courtyard walls on either side also tilted outward.

Ning Xian raised his hand.

When Zhao Wuji saw the movement, his expression finally changed.

"Wait!"

"I don't want the Deep Sea Mother Gold anymore."

"I'll leave right now."

Ning Xian did not lower his hand.

"That wasn't what you said earlier."

Zhao Wuji braced himself against the shattered ground.

"I'm a teacher at Shrek Academy."

"If you kill me, Shrek Academy won't let you get away with it."

"Flender is a Level 78 Soul Saint."

"The Heaven Dou Royal Academy also stands behind our academy."

Ning Xian looked at him.

"Finished?"

Zhao Wuji's breath caught.

Mystic Yellow Radiance descended from Ning Xian's palm.

Zhao Wuji's body instantly went rigid.

All seven Soul Rings shattered at once.

The Great Strength Vajra Bear let out one final mournful cry and dissipated completely.

The next instant.

Zhao Wuji's body began splitting from the crown of his head.

A line of blood ran through the point between his brows, extending all the way to his chest.

Mystic Yellow Radiance pressed down again.

Bang!

Zhao Wuji exploded into a mist of blood on the spot.

Shattered bones and flesh fell along both sides of the alley.

Ning Xian stood where he was.

Not a single speck of blood stained his white clothes.

Within the alley.

The bloody mist slowly dispersed.

Where Zhao Wuji had stood, only torn clothing and a few dim Soul Rings remained.

Ning Xian bent down and picked up the two wine jars he had left beside the wall.

The wine jars had not suffered the slightest damage.

He turned to look toward the courtyard wall.

"Still not coming out?"

Tang San stepped out of the shadows.

He had already deactivated his Purple Demon Eye.

His expression was grim, his gaze resting on the bloodstains on the ground.

Zhao Wuji had been a Level 76 Soul Saint.

Yet before Ning Xian, he could not even maintain his Martial Soul Avatar.

From beginning to end, Ning Xian had raised his hand only once.

"You killed Teacher Zhao."

"You saw it."

"He only wanted to take back the Deep Sea Mother Gold."

"He came to steal what was mine."

Tang San looked at the wine jars in Ning Xian's hands.

"Have you really already used the Deep Sea Mother Gold?"

"Yes."

Ning Xian offered no explanation.

Tang San fell silent for a moment.

His hand was hidden inside his sleeve, his fingers slowly curling closed.

"Then why aren't you killing me?"

"You didn't attack."

Tang San raised his eyes.

"What if I did?"

"You would die too."

Carrying the wine jars, Ning Xian walked past him.

Tang San did not stop him.

He watched the white-clad figure gradually recede, and for the first time, he clearly recognized that an unbridgeable gulf lay between them.

Zhao Wuji had died here.

Shrek Academy would not let the matter rest.

But none of this had anything to do with Ning Xian anymore.

At the end of the alley.

Ning Xian stopped.

He glanced back.

"Clean this up."

Tang San's expression shifted slightly.

"Why me?"

"He was one of yours."

With that, Ning Xian turned and left.

Tang San remained where he was.

Only shattered gray bricks and scattered bloodstains remained in the alley.

He stared at the ground for a long time before finally taking out a signal flare.

Red light rose into the night sky.

The night over Heaven Dou City remained undisturbed.

When Ning Xian returned to Dugu Manor, the lanterns outside the gates were still lit.

Dugu Yan stood inside the gates.

She wore an emerald-green dress, its hem hanging down to her feet.

Her dark-green hair spilled behind her shoulders, its ends swaying gently in the night breeze.

Seeing Ning Xian return, she immediately descended the steps.

"Senior."

"Mm."

Dugu Yan's gaze fell on the two wine jars.

"Did you buy the wine?"

"Yes."

She walked up beside Ning Xian and reached out to take one of the jars.

The moment the wine jar settled into her hands, Dugu Yan caught its faint fragrance.

She raised her head to look at Ning Xian.

"Senior, can I have a little tonight?"

"No."

"I'm already Level 38."

"That has nothing to do with drinking."

Dugu Yan cradled the wine jar and followed beside him.

"Then what level would have something to do with it?"

"Level 60."

"If I cultivate for twelve hours every day, when can I reach Level 60?"

"That depends on you."

"Can't you help me, Senior?"

"I can."

Dugu Yan's eyes brightened.

"Then help me increase my Soul Power."

"It would damage your foundation."

She immediately shut her mouth.

Carrying the other wine jar, Ning Xian entered the East Courtyard.

Dugu Yan followed behind him.

Beneath the begonia tree, pink-and-white petals covered the bluestone path.

She took a few steps over the petals, then turned back to look at Ning Xian.

"Senior, did you run into any trouble while you were out?"

"I did."

Dugu Yan stopped.

"Who?"

"Zhao Wuji."

Her expression immediately changed.

"Zhao Wuji from Shrek Academy?"

"Yes."

"What did he come to you for?"

"To steal the Deep Sea Mother Gold."

Dugu Yan tightened her hold on the wine jar.

"How many people did he bring?"

"He was alone."

"Then where is he now?"

"Dead."

Dugu Yan stood beneath the begonia tree for two full breaths.

She looked at Ning Xian's calm face and confirmed that he was not joking.

"You killed him?"

"Yes."

"Inside Heaven Dou City?"

"Mm."

Dugu Yan lowered her head and looked over Ning Xian's white robes.

His sleeves were clean, and the hem was free of dust.

She raised her hand and lightly touched his cuff.

"Senior, you weren't hurt, were you?"

"No."

"That's good."

Dugu Yan released the wine jar and reached out to take hold of Ning Xian's sleeve.

"Zhao Wuji was a Soul Saint."

"I know."

"How long did it take you to kill him?"

"Very little time."

Her fingers slid down his sleeve and gently pinched one corner.

"Senior, next time you go out to get wine, you can take me along."

"No need."

"I can help you carry the wine."

"You still need to cultivate."

"I can cultivate along the way."

Ning Xian glanced at her.

Dugu Yan did not let go.

"I won't hold you back."

"You certainly would right now."

She pressed her lips together but did not argue.

A moment later, she picked up the wine jar again.

"Then I'll raise my Soul Power first."

"Mm."

The two entered the room.

Dugu Yan set the wine jar on the table, then took a jade bowl from nearby.

She unsealed the wine jar.

A rich wine fragrance spread, adding a mellow richness to the air throughout the room.

Dugu Yan ladled out a bowl of wine and offered it to Ning Xian with both hands.

"Senior, have some."

Ning Xian took the jade bowl.

Dugu Yan sat beside him, propping her chin in both hands as she watched him slowly drink.

"Senior."

"Mm."

"Now that Zhao Wuji is dead, will Shrek Academy come looking for trouble?"

"Yes."

"Then what should we do?"

"We'll deal with it when they come."

Dugu Yan nodded earnestly.

"Grandpa and I will help you."

"Your grandpa will help me."

"So will I."

"You're too weak."

She gave a soft huff.

"I'm already level thirty-eight."

"Still weak."

"I'll keep cultivating."

"Mm."

Ning Xian set down the jade bowl.

Dugu Yan immediately picked up the wine pot and filled it for him again.

Then she picked up a piece of pastry from the plate with her chopsticks and placed it before Ning Xian.

"Senior, you should eat something when you drink."

"I'm not hungry."

"You just killed Zhao Wuji. You must have used up some strength."

"I didn't use any."

"You should eat anyway."

She pushed the pastry toward Ning Xian's hand.

Ning Xian looked at it for a moment, then picked it up and ate it.

The expression on Dugu Yan's face immediately relaxed.

"Does it taste good?"

"It's all right."

"The kitchen just made these."

"Got it."

She picked up another piece of pastry with her chopsticks.

"Then have another."

"That's enough."

"One last piece."

Ning Xian did not refuse again.

Dugu Yan watched him finish the pastry, then reached out and sealed the wine jar on the table.

"Senior, I'll go to the third floor to cultivate tonight."

"All right."

"You need to keep the Star Power apart."

"I know."

"The lake water can't be too deep."

"I know."

"I also want to plant a begonia by the lake."

Ning Xian looked at her.

"There are no begonia trees on the third floor."

"Then plant one."

"You can't tamper with the Immortal Herb field."

"I won't touch the Immortal Herbs."

Dugu Yan held up one finger.

"I only need a tiny patch of land."

"Find one yourself."

A smile immediately appeared on her face.

"You agreed, Senior."

Ning Xian did not answer.

Dugu Yan stood and walked over to his side.

She reached out, took hold of Ning Xian's sleeve, and led him toward the Heaven-Earth Xuanhuang Pagoda.

"Senior."

"What is it now?"

"Will you still be here when I finish cultivating tonight?"

"Yes."

"Then can I have another piece of pastry when I come out?"

"Yes."

"Can I have a sip of your wine?"

"No."

Dugu Yan stopped.

She lifted her face and looked at Ning Xian.

"Not even one sip?"

"Your body can't withstand it."

"Once I reach Level 60, I'll be able to drink it."

"Mm."

"You mustn't forget, Senior."

"I'll remember."

Only then did Dugu Yan continue forward.

The Xuanhuang Light Gate slowly opened in the center of the room.

Deep blue starlight spilled from within, shining on her emerald-green dress.

She glanced back at Ning Xian.

"Senior, are you going out to get wine again tomorrow?"

"Depends on whether the wine is finished."

"Then I'll go with you."

"Cultivate first."

"I'll go with you once I'm done cultivating."

Ning Xian walked to the table and sat down.

Dugu Yan entered the third-floor space.

The light gate slowly closed.

The room grew quiet again.

Ning Xian lifted the wine bowl and looked toward the begonia tree outside the window.

The night breeze blew past.

A few petals fell onto the windowsill.

He drained the wine in his bowl, then opened the Heaven-Earth Xuanhuang Pagoda.

Within the third floor, ripples slowly spread across Starry Lake.

Dugu Yan sat cross-legged by the lake.

The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor hovered behind her.

The short jade horns on either side of its head gradually lit up in the starlight.

In the darkness of night.

Golden light gathered once more between heaven and earth.

On the third floor, by Starry Lake.

Dugu Yan opened her eyes from cultivation.

The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor hovered behind her, dark gold patterns slowly flowing in the starlight.

She raised her head and looked above the lake.

The Sky Screen outside was reflected there.

"Fourth place is about to appear."

Dugu Yan rose and straightened her skirt.

She did not leave Starry Lake, but merely walked to the water's edge and gathered her damp hair behind her shoulders.

"Senior must know."

Inside the room.

Ning Xian sat at the table, the Celadon Wine Gourd beside his hand.

He looked up at the Sky Screen.

"I know."

Dugu Yan asked from within the third-floor space:

"Who is it?"

"Qian Daoliu."

She immediately sat down by the lake.

"Spirit Hall's Great Enshrined?"

"Mm."

"Is he even stronger than Bo Saixi?"

"Each had their own strengths."

Dugu Yan thought it over seriously.

"On Sea God Island, Bo Saixi could briefly wield the combat power of a First-Level God."

"What about Qian Daoliu?"

"He was strongest in the sky."

Dugu Yan looked toward the Sky Screen.

Golden light had already covered the entire sky.

"Then if he fought Bo Saixi, who would win?"

"Away from Sea God Island, Qian Daoliu was stronger."

"What about on Sea God Island?"

"Bo Saixi was stronger."

Dugu Yan nodded.

"Still the same as before."

"As long as they were on their own ground, they were the strongest."

Ning Xian did not answer.

Above, on the Sky Screen.

A boundless sea of golden clouds slowly unfurled.

Amid the sea of clouds, a Six-Winged Angel Phantom descended from the depths of the heavens.

Six golden wings spread wide.

Every feather shone with sacred radiance.

Behind the Angel Phantom, nine Soul Rings appeared one after another.

Two yellow, two purple, and five black.

The nine Soul Rings rotated simultaneously.

The entire sea of clouds was dyed gold.

A figure clad in golden robes stepped out of the Six-Winged Angel Phantom.

White hair fell loosely behind his shoulders.

He held the Angel Holy Sword, six wings slowly beating behind him.

Golden light spread from beneath his feet.

The clouds in the sky parted on their own.

Golden text appeared on the Sky Screen.

[Douluo Continent Powerhouse Ranking.]

[Fourth place.]

[Qian Daoliu.]

Spirit City.

Inside the Worship Hall.

Qian Daoliu raised his head and looked at the figure on the Sky Screen.

A Six-Winged Angel hovered behind him.

The seven enshrined rose simultaneously.

Golden Crocodile Douluo looked toward the Sky Screen, his expression gradually growing serious.

"Fourth place."

Light Feather Douluo raised his head.

"The previous one was Sea God Island's Great Enshrined."

"This one is our Worship Hall's Great Enshrined."

Mighty Lion Douluo looked at Qian Daoliu.

"Congratulations on taking fourth place on the Powerhouse Ranking, Great Enshrined."

The other enshrined clasped their hands in salute simultaneously.

Qian Daoliu did not respond.

His gaze lingered on the Six-Winged Angel on the Sky Screen.

That was how he had looked in his youth.

It was also when he had been closest to the sky's origin.

Golden text continued to appear in rows.

[Name: Qian Daoliu.]

[Martial Soul: Six-Winged Angel.]

[Soul Power: Level 99.]

[Identity: Great Enshrined of Spirit Hall.]

[Title: Angel Douluo.]

[Guardian of the Angel God's inheritance.]

[Wields the Angel Domain.]

[Possesses Sky Authority.]

[In the sky, his strength increases across the board.]

[Invincible in the Sky among Level 99 Peerless Douluo.]

The entire continent fell silent.

Then comments rapidly appeared on the Sky Screen.

[Another Level 99 Peerless Douluo!]

[Qian Daoliu made the Powerhouse Ranking after all!]

[The Angel Martial Soul can actually wield Sky Authority!]

[What does Invincible in the Sky mean?]

[Could he be stronger in the sky than Tang Chen is on land?]

[Bo Saixi ranks fifth, and Qian Daoliu ranks fourth. All three great Peerless Douluo have appeared!]

Inside the Worship Hall.

Golden Crocodile Douluo watched the Sky Screen.

"In the sky, his strength increases across the board."

"Could the Great Enshrined harness the power of the sky?"