Chapter 187: Mid-Autumn Showdown – The Battle Between Qian Renxue and the Martial Ancestor at Azure Lake

Surrounded by radiant golden light, Qian Renxue found herself transported into a surreal world.

An endless warmth enveloped her body, and everything around her felt dreamlike, as though she were traversing a tunnel crafted from shimmering, illusory light.

Ahead of her, Qian Daoliu led the way, flying forward through the golden haze. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, like a century had passed. Then, all at once, the scenery around them sharpened, the illusion dissipated, and reality returned with startling clarity.

Qian Renxue gasped in surprise—she had arrived inside a grand temple.

Above her was an endless expanse of night sky, dotted with countless stars, as if the temple floated amidst the cosmos itself.

The structure was hexagonal, supported by six towering golden pillars. There were no walls, only the boundless void encircling them.

At the temple's center stood a three-meter-tall statue of an angel, identical to the one in the Elders' Hall, though significantly smaller.

However, unlike the golden brilliance of the original, this statue was a dull, lifeless gray. Before it, a similarly gray longsword was embedded into the ground. The angel's six wings were spread wide, crafted with exquisite detail.

"Grandfather, where is this place?"

"This is the true Angel Temple," Qian Daoliu replied, his voice calm yet tinged with reverence. "The sacred ground where the Angel God's inheritance resides."

Guiding her to the statue, he lifted her hand, his gaze falling upon the golden diamond-shaped gem now glowing faintly on her forehead.

"You will restore light to this place and bring the Angel God back to the mortal world. This is where you will undertake the final trial of the Angelic Nine Tests."

"Here, you will claim the Angel God's divine seat and ascend to godhood."

He paused briefly, his tone growing somber. "It has been countless years since a god last appeared on the Douluo Continent. Even I do not know if the Martial Ancestor ever achieved divinity. But once you ascend, I believe you will become the strongest being on this continent, leading the Spirit Hall to its zenith."

Qian Renxue's golden eyes began to shine brightly, determination flickering like flames. At that moment, an image surfaced in her mind—a figure she could never forget.

The man who had towered over the world since her earliest memories, whose presence overshadowed everyone, including her grandfather.

The one who single-handedly established the martial arts system, eclipsing the soul master legacy of countless generations.

Her greatest opponent, and the most formidable foe she had ever known.

Even though she had never fought him, nor even exchanged words with him, she had seen him from afar only once.

"Xiao Xue."

Her grandfather's voice snapped her out of her reverie.

"Grandfather, what must I do?"

"Your blood," Qian Daoliu said, pointing to the transparent gem embedded in the hilt of the gray longsword before the statue.

Extending her right hand, Qian Renxue pressed her palm against the gem, cutting her finger. Her blood, a mixture of pale pink and gold, carrying a faint fragrance, began to drip onto the gem.

Suddenly, the smooth gem began absorbing her blood with fervor.

One by one, her soul rings emerged, their glow resonating with the blood. As the gem consumed more of it, its color shifted, turning into a dazzling gold.

The golden radiance flowed from the gem, gradually spreading down to the strange sword. The brilliance continued to grow, suffusing the temple with divine light as if awakening it from a deep slumber.

Qian Daoliu smiled, his eyes brimming with fervent anticipation. "I have waited far too long for this moment. Zhou Yi, even if I cannot reach Rank 100 to ascend, my descendant has done it."

"Xiaoxue will defeat you in my stead!"

"I wonder what expression you'll wear when my granddaughter crushes you."

With a hearty laugh, Qian Daoliu approached the angel statue, leaving Qian Renxue with his final instructions before stepping forward to sacrifice himself.

"Grandfather, no!"

Qian Renxue screamed and struggled, but she could not stop him.

"My child, you have always been my pride. Always. Endure this final trial and achieve your divine ascension..."

Before he could finish his last words, golden flames engulfed him entirely, leaving Qian Renxue alone before the altar.

"Grandfather..."

Her anguished cry echoed through the temple as the true trial began. To ascend as the Angel God, she had to endure the ultimate tempering of blood and fire.

In that crucible of pain, her soul's deepest convictions surfaced. Though her entire being screamed for release, her grandfather's sacrifice kept her going, pushing her past her limits.

When she thought she could no longer hold on, her fractured soul reached its breaking point.

"Grandfather... I'm sorry... I've failed you..."

Tears streamed from her eyes, and at the final moment of despair, another figure emerged within her soul—a figure whose mere presence seemed to reorder the heavens and earth.

It was the silhouette of a man, transcendent and commanding, as though he were the axis around which the world revolved.

With his hands clasped behind his back, only his back was visible, yet his presence radiated boundless warmth. Invisible energy flowed from him like a gentle breeze, breathing life into the land and mending the cracks in her soul.

In her soul's deepest recesses, tears rolled down Qian Renxue's cheeks as she murmured hoarsely:

"Martial Ancestor... Why is it you..."

The figure turned slowly, his smile gentle, his arms open in invitation.

Without hesitation, Qian Renxue fell into his embrace. Warmth washed over her, melting away all the agony and fatigue.

For what felt like an eternity, she clung to him, her emotions raw and unrestrained.

In Martial God City, Zhou Yi sat in quiet meditation. Suddenly, his eyes opened, piercing the void as he gazed toward Spirit City's Elders' Hall.

"Qian Renxue is about to ascend," he murmured.

It was no surprise to him; he had long anticipated this day. What caught him off guard, however, was the realization that he had inadvertently replaced Tang San as the focus of her obsession.

He smiled faintly. "Well, I suppose that makes sense..."

As dawn broke over Spirit City, the Angel God Temple erupted in radiant light. Emerging from the shattered remains of the angel statue, Qian Renxue stood clad in golden armor, her six wings shimmering with divine majesty.

Holding the Angelic Sword aloft, she declared in a voice that echoed through the heavens:

"I, Qian Renxue, the Angel God, challenge the Martial Ancestor to a duel on Mid-Autumn's Eve at Azure Lake!"

Her voice, infused with divine power, resounded across the void and echoed in all directions, shaking countless hearts to their core and leaving them in utter shock.

"What?! Qian Renxue, the Angel God?"

"Who is Qian Renxue?"

"Isn't she the daughter of the former and current Pontiffs of Spirit Hall? She ascended to godhood?"

"Qian Renxue rarely shows herself to the public. Her fame isn't even comparable to that of the Saintess, Hu Liena. Yet, without a word, she has become a god!"

"Heavens! As soon as Qian Renxue becomes a god, she challenges the Martial Ancestor. Will the Martial Ancestor accept the challenge?"

"Though the Martial Ancestor is formidable, there's no definite proof that he has become a god. Is he truly a match for the Angel God Qian Renxue?"

"Regardless of whether the Martial Ancestor has ascended, this will undoubtedly be a battle for the ages!"

"The fifteenth of the eighth month, Azure Lake, the battle between the Martial Ancestor and the Angel God—this is a spectacle no one can afford to miss! Today is the twelfth of the seventh month; there's one month to go!"

"Let's go! We need to head to Azure Lake and secure a good spot!"

As Qian Renxue's challenge spread, the entire Douluo Continent erupted in fervor.

For decades, the Martial Ancestor Zhou Yi had been the unchallenged king of the continent, a synonym for invincibility. None dared to provoke his authority.

Now, Qian Renxue had ascended to become the Angel God and issued a direct challenge to the Martial Ancestor. This would undoubtedly be the greatest battle in centuries—possibly millennia.

A battle of gods.

To miss it would be a regret for a lifetime.

Moreover, this battle would determine the future balance of the Douluo Continent.

If the Martial Ancestor were to lose, Spirit Hall would rise to an unparalleled supremacy, eclipsing all other factions.

Naturally, all rogue cultivators and major powerhouses alike were filled with curiosity and anticipation for this confrontation.

Shrek Academy.

"Wow! The Angel God Qian Renxue—what does a deity look like?"

Ma Hongjun's eyes sparkled with excitement, though he quickly wilted as he remembered being beaten soundly by Zhou Yuan. He muttered spitefully, "I hope this Angel God is strong enough to defeat the Martial Ancestor. Let's see how arrogant they are then!"

"A god, huh?"

Tang San's gaze flickered with intrigue. He was clearly curious about Qian Renxue.

This battle was not to be missed.

The group quickly packed their belongings and prepared to depart for Azure Lake.

Clear Sky Clan.

Tang Chen suddenly stood up, his face full of complex emotions and astonishment.

"Qian Renxue has ascended?"

He could hardly believe it. Qian Daoliu's granddaughter had become a god.

Meanwhile, he remained stuck at Rank 99, unable to break through.

At this moment, Tang Chen's heart was a swirl of emotions. Though he prided himself as a prodigy who reached Rank 99 through his own efforts, unlike Qian Daoliu who relied on divine inheritance, the reality was clear—he had yet to ascend, while Qian Daoliu's granddaughter had surpassed him.

"I wonder how Qian Renxue achieved godhood," Tang Chen mused, curiosity filling his mind.

"This is a battle I cannot miss. Perhaps I can gain insights and finally break through to Rank 100!"

After issuing some instructions, Tang Chen hastily departed for Azure Lake.

Although it was still early, he wasn't willing to risk any unforeseen delays. Better to be early than late.

Martial God City.

The Martial Sect.

"Qian Renxue, the Angel God?"

"Challenging the Sect Master? She's courting death!"

"Does she think becoming a god qualifies her to challenge the Sect Master? The Sect Master is invincible!"

The Martial Sect was unwavering in their confidence in Zhou Yi. Even with Qian Renxue's godhood, their faith remained unshaken.

"Qian Renxue? If she wants to challenge the Sect Master, she'll have to get through me first!"

Bear Lord Xiong Jun clenched his fists, his battle intent surging. He was eager to test the Angel God's strength.

Over the years, his cultivation of the Golden Bell Shield had brought monumental improvements to his strength. He felt capable of slaying even gods.

However, just as they were about to petition for the chance to confront Qian Renxue, Zhou Yi's command arrived—he had accepted Qian Renxue's challenge, and no one was to act rashly.

The sect members could only sigh in resignation.

The Zhou Residence.

The Goddess of Life and the Goddess of Kindness sat together, shaking their heads upon hearing of Qian Renxue's challenge.

As for the Angel God?

They knew all too well—she wasn't a match for Zhou Yi.

The gap between them was vast.

This battle was destined to end in defeat for her.

"She's walking straight into disaster," sighed Angel God Lisa. Even after evolving into a Twelve-Winged Angel with Zhou Yi's aid, achieving power comparable to a God King, she remained far inferior to him.

What's more, Qian Renxue had only just inherited her divine position.

It was ignorance bred by inexperience.

Zhou Yi, on the other hand, paid little mind to Qian Renxue's challenge. His days proceeded as usual—eating, drinking, and relaxing.

That was until three days before the battle, when Spirit Hall's Pope, Bai Xue, paid him a discreet visit.

"Why has the Pope sought me out?"

Zhou Yi's gaze lingered on Bai Xue, her skin as fair as snow and features exquisitely drawn. Coupled with her noble demeanor as the Pope of Spirit Hall, she possessed an irresistible charm.

"Little Xue has been misled by the Grand Consecrator, overestimating herself in challenging Martial Ancestor. I've come to plead with Martial Ancestor to show mercy during the duel."

Bai Xue's beautiful eyes brimmed with pleading as she looked at Zhou Yi.

Whoa.

There's something intriguing here.

Meeting Bai Xue's gaze, Zhou Yi felt a fleeting impulse to agree.

One had to admit, women could be extraordinary performers, adept at exploiting their advantages—especially beautiful women.

Zhang Wuji's mother once said that the prettier the woman, the more deceitful she could be. She wasn't wrong.

"Battles are unpredictable," Zhou Yi said flatly. "Even if I show mercy, the enemy won't. What you're asking of me puts me in a difficult position."

A hum filled the air.

Bai Xue bit her lip lightly, her fair hands gripping the jade sash around her waist. With a gentle tug, the white sash unraveled.

Boom!

Her white dress slipped off her tall and voluptuous figure, cascading to the floor. Zhou Yi's eyes widened.

Qian Xunji, oh Qian Xunji.

Don't blame me for not being a gentleman.

It was evident that Bai Xue had struck at his weakness today.

Zhou Yi didn't hesitate any longer, instructing Bai Xue to turn around.

…

Whether Bai Xue intended to use an indirect approach to drain his strength, thus increasing Qian Renxue's chances of victory, or if she was simply pleading for mercy—it didn't matter to Zhou Yi.

Against overwhelming strength, all schemes and tricks were like paper tigers.

Bai Xue gave it her all, confirming Zhou Yi's suspicion that she aimed to exhaust his stamina.

But Zhou Yi was unbothered.

"Bring whatever you've got," he thought.

"If I don't descend into hell, who will?"

Three days later.

On the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, under a bright full moon, crowds gathered by the shores of Azure Lake.

Countless experts from the Douluo Continent had arrived, their gazes fixed on the battlefield. However, irritation began to seep into the crowd's expressions.

They had been waiting since morning, and the entire day had almost passed.

"Damn it!"

"Is the Martial Ancestor even coming?"

Some suspected that Zhou Yi might be avoiding the fight, though none dared to voice such thoughts aloud.

"I've waited an entire day! Is he coming or not?"

Ma Hongjun leaned against a tree, spitting out a blade of grass from his mouth as he muttered under his breath.

"Since the Martial Ancestor agreed, he'll come. Otherwise, it would be a joke," Tang San said coldly.

At this moment, Zhou Yi glanced at the soundly sleeping Bai Xue before quietly leaving the room.

"The moon is particularly bright tonight," Zhou Yi murmured, gazing at the radiant moon as he adjusted his belt and made his way toward Azure Lake.

What can I say?

Qian Xunji's wife… she's something special.

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