Qian Daoliu had been quietly cultivating before the Angel God Statue, pale golden sacred radiance emanating from his body, as though he had become one with the enormous statue.
When he heard the news about Qian Renxue, a rare flicker of surprise and gratification crossed his eyes, which had been as still as an ancient well.
He immediately sent someone to summon Qian Renxue.
"Grandpa!"
Qian Renxue trotted into the Worship Hall, her bright, wide eyes looking all around, her little face brimming with excitement.
For once, Chen Qianqiu behaved himself impeccably, lying obediently in her arms and playing dead, even keeping his tail tightly tucked in.
After all, it never hurt to keep a low profile before a big shot on Qian Daoliu's level. Qian Xunji had already felt so oppressive last time-how much worse would Qian Daoliu be? This was a truly formidable figure, someone who could hold his own against anyone in the Douluo World, whether a hundred years earlier or later.
Looking at his precious granddaughter, Qian Daoliu finally smiled. The more he looked at her, the fonder he grew, and he reached out to gently ruffle her golden hair.
Then his gaze lingered on Chen Qianqiu, his deep eyes seeming intent on seeing right through him:
"So this is the little beast Ling Yuan mentioned? You do have some ability."
Chen Qianqiu tensed all over, but Qian Daoliu's next words allowed him to relax a little.
"As long as you harbor no ill intentions toward Xiao Xue, I don't mind what secrets you have. Every person, every soul beast, has their own fortuitous encounters."
Qian Daoliu spoke calmly, his tone carrying the detachment of someone who had seen through worldly affairs.
With that, he extended a finger and, before Chen Qianqiu could react, gently touched his forehead.
"Hum!"
An unimaginably vast surge of golden Soul Power instantly flooded into Chen Qianqiu's body like a torrent bursting through a dam!
Chen Qianqiu's slit pupils widened, his entire draconic body going rigid.
That Soul Power was exceptionally pure and gentle, yet boundless, like an endless golden ocean churning and roaring within him.
Chen Qianqiu could clearly feel his body undergoing tremendous changes as that golden Soul Power washed through it.
In just a few breaths, Chen Qianqiu felt his strength forcibly raised by a considerable margin!
"So this is your ability?"
Qian Daoliu withdrew his finger, approval flashing in his eyes.
"Being able to devour energy is impressive indeed, and it seems you can even put the energy you devour to your own use?"
"Never mind, I won't pry. In any case, stay with Xiao Xue and cultivate diligently. Spirit Hall won't let you down."
Chen Qianqiu gave a slight nod in response. He understood that Qian Daoliu's touch had been both a test and a generous gift, a token of thanks for his help to Qian Renxue.
"Thank you, Great Enshrined."
For once, Chen Qianqiu spoke seriously.
"You can even speak? How interesting. Xiao Xue is fortunate."
Qian Daoliu smiled and said nothing more, turning his attention back to Qian Renxue instead.
Over the following stretch of time, Qian Daoliu questioned Qian Renxue in meticulous detail about everything she had felt while absorbing her soul ring, even personally testing the effects of World-Purifying Flame.
When those transparent flames ignited around Qian Renxue, a trace of gratification that was difficult to conceal flashed through the Peerless Douluo's eyes.
"Good, very good. It seems Grandpa was too conservative in the past."
Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction.
"Hehe, Grandpa, isn't Xiao Xue amazing? Isn't she?"
"Hahaha, that's my wonderful granddaughter! This first soul ring was an excellent choice. Heart fire burning away sin-this is the power of judgment an angel should possess."
Lying in Qian Renxue's arms, Chen Qianqiu could clearly feel the little girl's body relaxing, and see her smile growing ever more radiant.
Qian Renxue truly relied on her grandfather.
It made sense, really. After all, within Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu was probably the only elder who could always stay by her side and give her warmth and encouragement.
"Grandpa, where's Father? Where did Father go?"
At her question, Qian Daoliu's tone grew somewhat more subdued.
"Your father is setting out tomorrow to hunt down a hundred-thousand-year soul beast that has taken human form. He should be making preparations right now."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue visibly froze. The smile on her little face stiffened, then a trace of worry appeared:
"Grandpa, a hundred-thousand-year soul beast... won't it be very dangerous? I heard the Fifth Elder say that hundred-thousand-year soul beasts are all really, really powerful."
"Don't worry. Your father is a Titled Douluo, after all. He'll be fine."
Qian Daoliu smiled gently and reached out to pat her little head, signaling for her to put her mind at ease.
"Xiao Qianxue need only concentrate on cultivating. The adults will handle adult matters."
At those words, Chen Qianqiu, lying in Qian Renxue's arms, felt ten thousand grass mud horses stampede through his mind.
Here it comes. It's finally here.
Qian Xunji, Spirit Hall's only model worker, the only boss doing any real work for the organization, is about to fall to the predestined plot.
Chen Qianqiu sighed helplessly inwardly. After all, he was currently just a little dragon whose words carried little weight. At most, he could bully hundred-year soul beasts. In terms of actual combat strength, even a Soul King would make for a life-or-death fight.
Have me take on that cheating Tang Hao from the Clear Sky Sect?
What a joke!
That guy's stats were filled in with someone's feet. He doesn't even have a full set of soul rings, yet he can somehow trade blows evenly with Qian Xunji. Oh, no-to be precise, it's more than just Qian Xunji, and he still manages to escape in the end. That's way too broken.
You're just scared!
Who wouldn't be?
Xunji, I'm sorry. It's not that your bro won't help you. I really can't beat a cheater right now. Good luck!
After bidding Qian Daoliu farewell, Qian Renxue led Chen Qianqiu out of the Worship Hall.
She had still been basking in her grandfather's warmth, a happy smile on her little face. But just as she reached the turn in the corridor, her footsteps suddenly stopped.
At the foot of the steps not far away stood a breathtakingly beautiful figure with graceful curves, enough to make one's blood race with a single glance.
It was a young woman who looked barely into her early thirties, her features bewitching and seductive. It was difficult to imagine that holiness and an uncanny allure could coexist on a single face.
Only the icy air that kept others a thousand miles away detracted somewhat from her beauty.
It was none other than Bibi Dong.
Qian Renxue's breathing stopped instantly.
She instinctively tightened her hold on Chen Qianqiu, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. Was her dream about to come true?
Had Mama come to congratulate her?
Her heart pounding like a drum, Qian Renxue bit her lip, finally gathered her courage, and cautiously walked toward Bibi Dong.
"Ma... Mama..."
Qian Renxue stood before Bibi Dong, tilting her little face upward, so nervous that even her voice trembled. Receiving no response, her little face paled.
But she did not lose heart. Instead, she took a deep breath and released her Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul of her own accord.
Golden light blossomed behind her, the sacred Six-Winged Angel Phantom slowly emerging, while beneath the phantom's feet, a purple thousand-year soul ring slowly rose!