Chapter 237: Qian Daoliu’s Visit

Yang Podi hurriedly gathered his grandfather Yang Wudi, his father Yang Zhentian, his maternal grandfather Niu Gao, and Dugu Bo to prepare for the visitor's arrival.

Dugu Bo, slightly puzzled, asked, "Little monster, what's so urgent that you need to gather all of us together?"

Since the battle with the Clear Sky Twin Stars, Dugu Bo had been busy in secluded cultivation and rarely appeared unless absolutely necessary. Even during the recent visit of the Elemental Academy, he had been reluctant to attend and remained silent the entire time. Now, having just exited seclusion, being summoned again left him feeling quite speechless: Can't an old man enjoy some peace? Why is there always so much trouble?

Yang Podi shook his head slightly. "A formidable expert is coming. If there is a confrontation this time, it will definitely aid your understanding of martial souls."

The four of them were a little confused. After all, there weren't many people in the world who could warrant Yang Podi's respect. From his words, this expert had likely reached a peak in the mastery of martial souls and soul power.

At that moment, four figures appeared in the distance, their speed so great that they seemed to flicker into existence. Two of them were familiar faces: one clad in golden armor—Chrysanthemum Douluo—and the other in black attire—Ghost Douluo.

The third was a young woman, stunningly beautiful, especially with her alluring peach blossom eyes that exuded a seductive charm. This must be Hu Liena, the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, whom they had met during the previous Spirit Master Tournament.

However, to everyone's surprise, Hu Liena and the two Douluo walked behind the fourth individual—a middle-aged man with golden hair.

The man appeared to be in his thirties or forties, with an exceptionally handsome face and a faint smile that gave off a peaceful and calm aura. His tall frame wasn't particularly muscular, and he wore a simple gray robe, with golden hair neatly combed behind him. Despite his modest attire, merely standing there, he exuded a sacred and solemn presence that made ordinary people feel compelled to bow in reverence.

As the four individuals approached the Heavenly Academy, Yang Podi stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Junior greets Angel Douluo. Welcome to our Heavenly Academy."

At these words, Yang Wudi and the others were shocked. They had not expected this seemingly ordinary middle-aged man to be the legendary Angel Douluo Qian Daoliu—one of the two great peaks of the spirit master world and one of the strongest individuals alive.

Qian Daoliu nodded lightly. "There's no need for such formality. I never imagined the spirit master world would produce such a prodigy like you. It's truly admirable."

Yang Podi smiled faintly. "I am but a junior. How could I compare to Angel Douluo, who has dominated the spirit master world and commands unparalleled respect?"

Yang Podi then invited the four guests to sit, arranging Qian Daoliu directly opposite himself.

Qian Daoliu seemed indifferent and took his seat casually, while the three individuals behind him also followed suit, though visibly on edge. Clearly, the overwhelming presence of Qian Daoliu put great pressure on them.

With a wave of his hand, Yang Podi summoned four cups of tea, which floated gently toward the guests. "This tea is brewed using the unique Snow Cave Water from the Almo Mountains. It's a rare delicacy. Please have a taste, Senior."

Qian Daoliu picked up a cup, took a sip, and nodded approvingly. "Excellent water and tea. It seems to contain several medicinal herbs, making it a supreme tonic for spirit masters."

Yang Podi shook his head slightly. "It's just a cup of tea, Senior. I'm glad you enjoy it."

"May I ask the purpose of Angel Douluo's visit to our Heavenly Academy?"

Setting down his cup, Qian Daoliu replied, "I came here today primarily to discuss a few matters with you."

"Please enlighten me, Senior."

Qian Daoliu spoke calmly, "Spirit Hall wishes to form a marital alliance with your Heavenly Academy. This is our Holy Maiden, Hu Liena, the first heir to the position of the next Supreme Pontiff. A union between you two would be greatly beneficial to both parties."

Yang Podi's expression changed slightly, but he shook his head faintly. "Thank you for your kindness, Senior, but I am about to be married and have no intention of taking a concubine at this time. I fear I must decline your offer."

Hu Liena's face turned pale upon hearing this. As Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, how could she be expected to accept the role of a mere concubine?

Qian Daoliu, however, seemed unconcerned. "Have you truly considered this, young friend? Should you be willing to reconsider, Spirit Hall has many other talented and beautiful women who could be suitable candidates."

Yang Podi shook his head again. "Of the countless waters in the world, I drink only one. My heart already belongs to someone, and I ask Senior not to trouble yourself over this matter."

Qian Daoliu's expression grew more serious. "This concerns the potential cooperation between our two factions. Are you certain you won't reconsider?"

Yang Podi's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've heard that after losing your wife, Senior once fell deeply for a woman and chose to remain unmarried for life. I am merely following your example."

For the first time, a subtle change appeared in Qian Daoliu's otherwise serene expression. "You seem to know quite a bit. Have you been to Sea God Island as well?"

"Thank you for the compliment, Senior. Indeed, I have had the honor of visiting Sea God Island. Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi is truly a peerless figure, a rare gem of the world. It's unfortunate she and Senior were not fated to be together."

Qian Daoliu shook his head gently. "So, you have been to Sea God Island. How is Bo Saixi doing?"

"If she still occupies a place in your heart, why not visit her personally?"

At these words, Qian Daoliu fell silent, his eyes flickering with rare emotions. However, he eventually sighed. "Time flies. It's been fifty years in the blink of an eye. Since you've been to Sea God Island, I presume your strength is the result of their trials. Did you receive the Sea God Nine Trials?"

Yang Podi shook his head. "I must disappoint you, Senior. I only received a red-level trial and did not inherit the Sea God's legacy."

Qian Daoliu's demeanor turned more solemn. "Young friend, I came to Heavenly Academy today to clarify your stance toward Spirit Hall. I hope you can give me a truthful answer."

Yang Podi also became serious. "Senior, the reason our Heavenly Academy moved away from Heaven Dou City was to avoid interfering in the conflict between Spirit Hall and the Upper Three Sects. We have no interest in meddling in Spirit Hall's affairs. I believe the Supreme Pontiff is already aware of this."

Qian Daoliu's tone grew colder. "Even so, with your strength, maintaining neutrality might make you a target for all factions. You risk offending everyone and ending up isolated."

"Moreover, no faction would tolerate someone as powerful as you standing on the sidelines, potentially reaping the benefits of their conflicts as a bystander."

Yang Podi responded icily, "There's no such thing as a bystander. Heavenly Academy is my family. Neither Spirit Hall, the Clear Sky Sect, nor the two empires have anything to do with us. Besides, even if I did plan to act as a bystander, wouldn't Spirit Hall still have you to prevent that?"

"True, but with your talent, I can't help but feel the urge to eliminate this potential threat preemptively."

"That's quite interesting. A mere potential threat is surely better than making me a mortal enemy."

After this exchange, the room fell silent.

Qian Daoliu was deeply shocked. Although he had already anticipated Yang Podi's strength, meeting him in person revealed that he had still underestimated the young man.

In Qian Daoliu's eyes, Yang Podi's soul power was incomparably pure and profoundly deep, far exceeding what one would expect from someone who had just broken through to Rank 98. He was even comparable to Tang Chen in his prime, making Qian Daoliu wonder whether Yang Podi was truly Rank 98 or already Rank 99.

Yang Podi, in turn, was equally astonished. While Qian Daoliu was often considered the weakest of the three peerless Douluo, having been defeated by both Bo Saixi and Tang Chen in the past, his current strength was entirely different. His aura was seamless, flawless, and had returned to simplicity—a state that even rivaled the Sea God Douluo.

In some respects, Qian Daoliu might even have surpassed Bo Saixi. More astonishingly, there was already a trace of divinity in Qian Daoliu's presence, suggesting he had transcended the limits of a Rank 99 Douluo. He was no longer merely an Ultimate Douluo but had reached the threshold of a demigod, capable of wielding a hint of the Angel God's power.

Qian Daoliu was renowned for being invincible in the skies. With the extreme speed of the Six-Winged Angel, even against Bo Saixi and Tang Chen, he should have been able to rely on the air and his speed to remain undefeated. Yet, he still lost to both. Did he fight Bo Saixi in the sea or engage in a test of strength with Tang Chen on land? That would indeed be intriguing.

Meanwhile, the others remained silent throughout. Conversations at this level were not something they could interject in. Whether it was Qian Daoliu or Yang Podi, both could easily crush them in terms of strength.

Yang Podi took a deep breath and said calmly, "Senior, in this world, strength reigns supreme. With my current power, even if I wanted to sit and watch tigers fight, who could possibly do anything to me?"

Qian Daoliu replied coldly, "What do you mean by that? Do you think you're invincible in the world?"

Yang Podi shook his head. "I am still far from being invincible. However, I'd like to spar with Senior and humbly request your guidance. This will also demonstrate whether my Heavenly Academy has the strength to maintain neutrality."

Instead of being angered, Qian Daoliu smiled. "Very well. It's been fifty years since I last exchanged blows with anyone. I'd like to see the strength of this young generation."

As soon as Qian Daoliu's words fell, the atmosphere in the room grew chillingly solemn. Yang Podi and Qian Daoliu locked eyes, and it seemed like an invisible clash had taken place between the two.

The onlookers felt an oppressive weight, as if they were being crushed, leaving them struggling to breathe. In their eyes, while Yang Podi and Qian Daoliu didn't seem to be releasing any soul power, it felt like they were facing absolute beasts.

Yang Podi suddenly interrupted the tense atmosphere with a suggestion. "Senior, this is the inner grounds of my Heavenly Academy. Sparring here doesn't seem appropriate. How about we take this to the skies?"

Hearing this, the bystanders were stunned. The skies were Qian Daoliu's domain, yet Yang Podi dared to challenge him there.

Qian Daoliu's expression changed slightly. "Young friend, are you aware of my title as 'Invincible in the Skies,' and yet you have the confidence to challenge me in the air?"

Without replying, Yang Podi calmly walked out of the room. Qian Daoliu glanced at the others before also leaving.

The others quickly followed. Witnessing a duel between peerless Douluos was a rare opportunity. Whether it was battle techniques or soul power mastery, learning even a little would greatly benefit them.

Once outside, Yang Podi extended a pair of wings from his back. These were his external spirit bone, the Tiger Eagle Wings. After years of refinement, their age had reached 95,000 years. However, further progress had slowed, and reaching the ultimate 100,000 years would require significant effort.

Yang Podi flapped his wings and soared into the sky, climbing to an altitude of 10,000 meters. This distance was far enough from Skywalker Academy to avoid any collateral damage.

Qian Daoliu unfolded six golden wings behind him. The wings shimmered with radiance and seemed almost alive. He flapped them and shot into the air, reaching Yang Podi with incredible speed, far surpassing even Bai He.

Hovering 100 meters away from Yang Podi, Qian Daoliu glanced at his opponent's wings and nodded approvingly. "Young friend, to possess such a powerful external spirit bone—no wonder you dare to challenge me in the sky."

Yang Podi responded calmly, "Senior flatters me. The Six-Winged Angel is a rare god-level martial soul, unparalleled in quality. Senior's strength is truly unfathomable."