Chapter 81: How Could I Dare Call Myself the Best?

[Douluo Calendar, January 23, 2025: Qin Ming, Grand General of the Heaven Dou Empire, led his army to crush Zhao Kuo of the Moore Principality, annexing his forces and advancing straight to the principality's capital in one swift campaign.]

[Douluo Calendar, January 28, 2025: The Spirit Hall secretly assisted the Moore Principality, assassinating Heaven Dou's military officers, throwing Qin Ming's army into chaos.]

[Douluo Calendar, February 13, 2025: Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire passed away. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe ascended the throne.]

[Douluo Calendar, February 25, 2025: Qin Ming employed diversionary tactics to seize the Moore Principality's capital. He killed the ruling monarch, declared Heaven Dou's legitimate authority over the land, and ordered all territories to submit.]

[The Spirit Hall attempted to interfere but failed.]

[...]

[Douluo Calendar, March 18, 2025: The Heaven Dou Empire reclaimed its lost territories, uniting as one.]

...

The scene shifted to Beian City, the current capital of the Heaven Dou Empire. In the imperial palace square, a grand conferment ceremony was taking place.

Qin Ming, the Grand General, was bestowed the title of Grand Marshal of all military forces and granted the rank of Duke!

This position once belonged to Ge Long, but now it was Qin Ming who stood in his place.

Under the watchful eyes of the masses, Qin Ming, clad in a resplendent military uniform, took steady steps toward the high platform, where Qian Renxue awaited him. He knelt on one knee, accepting her decree.

"Grand General Qin Ming, the number one divine general of my Heaven Dou Empire! You have reclaimed the Haagen-Dazs Kingdom and the Moore Principality, achieving unparalleled military exploits!"

Qian Renxue's voice resounded across the square.

Then, she placed the ceremonial sword on Qin Ming's shoulder and officially conferred his title.

Since its founding, the Heaven Dou Empire had never granted the title of Grand Duke to someone outside the royal family!

Even Grand Marshal Ge Long had spent over forty years earning his way to a Grand Duke's status, yet Qin Ming had achieved it in a single step!

Yet, among the countless people present, no one objected.

Before Qin Ming led the army, they had all believed the Heaven Dou Empire was on the verge of collapse.

One could say that it was Qin Ming who revived the empire. Without him, their nation might have ceased to exist long ago!

Forget a Duke's title—even if he were granted the rank of a Prince, no one would have protested!

Following the ceremony, Qin Ming was expected to deliver a speech—words of gratitude toward the empire and a pledge of loyalty to the emperor.

However, Qin Ming broke convention. He declared loudly, "I led the army to quell the chaos not for titles, nor for wealth, but to end this era of war!"

"I only wish for peace upon the seas. Your Majesty, I ask for your permission to wage war against Star Luo, to bring true peace to the continent!"

"And also, I am not worthy of being called the number one divine general. My ability to command troops is not even half of my teacher's! Everything I am today is because of my teacher's guidance!"

With that, Qin Ming saluted Qian Renxue, then left the stage on his own.

A heavy silence fell upon the crowd.

Qin Ming's boldness was unconventional and went against protocol.

Yet Qian Renxue did not mind. She smiled and declared, "I grant your request!"

[Douluo Calendar, March 27, 2025: Grand Marshal Qin Ming led an army of 300,000 troops to attack the Star Luo Empire.]

[At the conferment ceremony, Qin Ming highly praised his teacher, Zhou Sheng'an, piquing the curiosity of the world. Many young talents began seeking out Zhou Sheng'an, hoping to become his disciples.]

[Douluo Calendar, April 13, 2025: Grand Marshal Qin Ming captured the Grand Scattered Pass of Zhu Kingdom, advancing rapidly while Zhu Kingdom suffered consecutive defeats.]

...

Reading through these records, Qian Renxue's lips curled slightly. She nodded and murmured, "As expected of Sheng'an's disciple, he too has the ability to sweep through an era of chaos. If Sheng'an were to step into the world, I wonder what the outcome would be?"

"You're still thinking about that? If I were you, I'd do the same as Bibi Dong—keep a close watch on Sheng'an. There are plenty of shameless people who would try to take advantage of him. If anyone dares, kill them on sight!"

The dark version of Qian Renxue spoke with murderous intent.

"Sheng'an wouldn't like that…" Qian Renxue started to shake her head in refusal.

The dark Qian Renxue suddenly smirked and sneered, "Are you an idiot? This is a simulation, not reality. How could Sheng'an possibly blame you? In fact, using this opportunity to find other goddess players is the real move!"

"…" Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes and stared at her darker self.

For a moment, she had an absurd thought—was the dark version of herself actually smarter?

After a brief silence, Qian Renxue slowly shook her head and said, "Bibi Dong has already taken action. There's no need for me to overdo it. But… I can always cling to Sheng'an's side!"

Qian Renxue smiled, a breathtaking expression. In the simulation, she had become an emperor—no one could control her now!

[Douluo Calendar, April 27, 2025: Zhu Kingdom surrendered.]

...

The fall of Zhu Kingdom was a major event, known to all.

Upon seeing the news, Xiao Wu immediately turned to Zhu Zhuqing and whispered, "Zhuqing, did you exit the simulation?"

Zhu Zhuqing responded in a low voice, "No. Zhu Kingdom surrendered, but Qin Ming didn't harm any of the Zhu family. He treated us with great courtesy."

Xiao Wu nodded absentmindedly, her eyes flickering as though she were deep in thought.

After a long pause without a response, Zhu Zhuqing asked, "Did something happen to you?"

Xiao Wu sighed and said, "Yeah. The communication channel between me and Er Ming was discovered by Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo. I don't dare show myself in the simulation anymore!"

Pouting, her face was filled with frustration.

Spirit Hall was infuriating!

And the worst part? She couldn't afford to fight them head-on. Even if she succeeded in the simulation, if she were exposed in reality, it would be a disaster!

So, she had no choice but to endure it. Since Spirit Hall had blocked Zhou Sheng'an's external communication in the simulation, she could only stand by helplessly!

Zhu Zhuqing hummed in acknowledgment and said, "I investigated specifically—many goddess players have been assassinated. The idol girl group from Tianshui Academy was wiped out entirely."

"!!!" Xiao Wu's eyes widened in shock.

"That bastard from Spirit Hall is too domineering! Isn't there anyone who can put her in her place?"

Xiao Wu was particularly indignant.

Zhu Zhuqing fell silent before murmuring, "Perhaps only Teacher Zhou can do it."

"That's true. Look at how powerful his disciples are. If Teacher himself takes action, dealing with Spirit Hall should be a piece of cake, right?" Xiao Wu couldn't help but fantasize.

...

At Moon Pavilion.

Tang Yuehua had also been sleepless. Though Spirit Hall's tyranny forced her to observe Zhou Sheng'an from the shadows, she had still gathered plenty of useful information.

"If my guess is correct, that person in Spirit Hall should be Pope Bibi Dong."

"She's currently in seclusion, likely to validate her cultivation."

"I have to think of a plan. Otherwise, she'll continue plunging the world into chaos, disrupting my schemes and even affecting my real-life situation."

"I need to find a way to make her let go of Zhou Sheng'an… or destroy her entirely!"

Tang Yuehua massaged her forehead, deep in thought.

A direct confrontation wasn't feasible—with the current strength of the Clear Sky Clan, assassination was the only viable method. But Bibi Dong never left Spirit City, making it nearly impossible.

So, she could only find a way to resolve it by leveraging external forces...