Chapter 649: Beginning the Ninth Angel Trial, and the Absurd Ninth Trial of the Rakshasa!

Over the next few days, Xiao Wu and her mother, Ah Rou, spent time talking and then returned to their rigorous training. With time running short, they needed to boost their strength, even if it only served to protect themselves and lessen Su Ming's burden.

During this time, Qian Renxue finally completed the eighth Angel Trial and prepared to embark on the ninth.

Inside the Angel Shrine, Su Ming, Bibi Dong, Qian Daoliu, and Qian Renxue gathered, with everyone else kept outside. They were well aware that, should the Seagod attempt to interfere, their presence might be more of a hindrance than help.

"Are you ready, Xiaoxue?" Qian Daoliu asked, his expression serious.

Qian Renxue nodded firmly.

Meanwhile, Bibi Dong threw a sidelong glance at Su Ming, her expression complex. With his and the Rakshasa God's help, she had finally mastered her Rakshasa powers. However, seeing the second part of her own ninth trial left her inwardly fuming.

Su Ming sensed Bibi Dong's frequent glances and turned to look, but she quickly looked away, leaving him puzzled. Why had she seemed distant ever since finishing the first part of her trial? Could it be a bad mood?

He sensed Bibi Dong's conflicting emotions, but he couldn't understand why.

Internally, Bibi Dong was torn. The Rakshasa God had left her with a downright outrageous trial. Although her blood ties with Qian Renxue had been severed, she was still Su Ming's mentor!

A few days earlier, after completing the first part of her ninth trial, the second part appeared in her mind:

[Rakshasa Ninth Trial: Achieve full mastery over Rakshasa powers (Completed). Return to the secret chamber and confront your deepest fears.]

Confront her deepest fears? Bibi Dong felt this was a cruel joke. She couldn't do such a thing with her student, nor could she bear facing Xiaoxue afterward.

Disturbingly, her first reaction hadn't been immediate refusal but, rather, how she would face her daughter if she did it. She realized, to her horror, that she had been gradually developing feelings for Su Ming, which left her bewildered and unsettled.

Needing time to sort through her turbulent thoughts, she locked herself in a room, claiming she needed solitude to complete the ninth trial.

Today, however, was Qian Renxue's day to begin her final trial, and Bibi Dong knew she couldn't stall any longer. With preparations in place, Qian Daoliu held out the substitute doll Su Ming had given him and summoned his Angelic power to open the gateway to the final Angel Trial.

Qian Daoliu walked steadily toward the statue of the Angel God, each step seeming to carry the weight of the Spirit Hall's predecessors' expectations. A glow appeared on his forehead, intensifying as it connected with the Angel God's symbol, illuminating the hall with holy light.

The immense sacred energy enveloped both Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue, flooding the space with waves of golden light. Qian Daoliu chanted ancient verses, his voice resonating with raw power, while the image of a six-winged angel took form behind him, its pure wings gently stirring the air.

Watching closely, Qian Renxue held her breath, hoping that Su Ming's substitute doll would work as planned.

When the holy light reached its peak, a pillar of golden light shot from the Angel God statue, piercing the sky. A smile of relief spread across Qian Daoliu's face—the path to the ninth Angel Trial was open.

The substitute doll rose into the air, igniting and dissolving into radiant particles. Qian Renxue exhaled in relief, knowing her grandfather's life was saved.

The group turned their eyes to the open pathway, remaining wary. Su Ming had warned them that the Seagod might tamper with the trial.

Su Ming closed his eyes and examined the pathway with his divine senses, finding no trace of the Seagod's energy. "It's safe. We don't need to worry," he announced.

Qian Daoliu smiled and turned to Qian Renxue. "Xiaoxue, this ninth trial will test your deepest emotions and character more than any other. But I believe you'll succeed."

Qian Renxue gave a determined nod. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I'll pass this trial!"

Turning to Bibi Dong, she added, "Bibi Dong, I hope that by the time I emerge, you'll have completed your own ninth trial, and we can reach godhood together."

Su Ming's alterations to the past had severed the mother-daughter bond between Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. Though Qian Renxue now felt more comfortable addressing Bibi Dong directly, Bibi Dong struggled with a mixture of pride and unease.

Putting on a forced smile, Bibi Dong replied, "Go, Xiaoxue. With Su Ming's help, I may even complete my trial before you!"

"Hmph, we'll see about that! And Su Ming, you'd better help her out!" Qian Renxue teased before entering the pathway, brandishing her Angelic Sword.

Turning to Qian Daoliu, Bibi Dong said, "I'll take Su Ming to complete my ninth trial now. If anything unexpected occurs, use the charm Su Ming gave you to contact us."

Su Ming sensed a change in her tone as she led him toward a long-sealed chamber, her demeanor oddly intense.

As they walked, Bibi Dong muttered under her breath, mentally conversing with the Rakshasa's lingering presence.

[Rakshasa God—You're sure your power can subdue Su Ming? He's stronger than I am! What if he refuses? After all, I am his mentor!]

The Rakshasa God's voice, teasing and seductive, echoed in her mind. "Hehe, Bibi Dong, are you doubting your own charm? Just trust me; it won't fail."