Chapter 149: Bibi Dong’s Coup, Part 2

Chapter 149: Bibi Dong's Coup, Part 2

Qian Daoliu's voice carried a deadly chill, and both Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo felt a shiver run down their spines, instinctively lowering their heads. In the next moment, his gaze shifted to them, sending both into a silent panic.

"As for you two…"

Their hearts pounded with dread. They had no doubt that their lives might end at any moment.

At that precise moment, Bibi Dong's voice rang out, calm yet commanding. "Grand Worshipper, Elders Ghost and Chrysanthemum belong to the Elder Hall. You do not hold the authority to determine their lives or deaths. Now that my teacher has returned to the embrace of the Angel God, a new leader must be chosen to restore order. Please, restrain yourself from shedding blood needlessly. If any punishment is due, I suggest you focus your wrath on the Clear Sky Clan. Killing our own would be a dishonor to the Angel God's legacy."

At the mention of the Angel God, Qian Daoliu's fury abated somewhat. Her words gave him pause. Qian Xunji's death weighed on him, but his attachment was limited; Qian Xunji had been little more than a means to continue the bloodline. Only Qian Renxue's safety truly concerned him.

Bibi Dong's reasoning was sound. With his attention drawn, Qian Daoliu studied the beautiful young woman before him.

"Is this… Qian Xunji's disciple? The former Saintess, yes. But with Xue'er's outstanding talents, she'll inherit the Pope's position someday, so it should never fall to this one. But… how did she return? And without the Slaughter City's Killing Field aura? She's a Title Douluo already? She must have encountered some kind of fortunate encounter, reaching this level at her age and with twin spirits. She could potentially reach level 99."

"Since Xue'er is destined for the Angel God's inheritance, she shouldn't have to bother with mundane duties like handling the Spirit Hall. And I have no desire to oversee the Hall's day to day affairs. Preparing Xue'er for her divine role is my priority. Perhaps this woman can serve as a temporary leader. Once Xue'er becomes a deity, we'll reclaim her position. Spirit Hall will always belong to the Qian family."

With a final consideration for the larger picture, Qian Daoliu put aside his doubts, though he still harbored resentment toward Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Clan for the damage done to the Spirit Hall's reputation.

Very well, I'll deal with the Clear Sky Clan myself soon enough, he thought, and this will also serve as a test of her capability. The Pope's position is not for the weak.

"You've made a fair point," Qian Daoliu acknowledged. "As the Grand Worshipper, I have no authority to manage the Spirit Hall's daily affairs, nor do I intend to interfere. As Qian Xunji's former disciple and the Saintess, you have the qualifications to assume the Pope's role. However, I expect you to lead our forces in the upcoming campaign against the Clear Sky Clan as a trial."

Pausing, he added, "The Clan still has powerful members among their ranks. We in the Worship Hall will handle those above level 95. The remaining forces will be your responsibility. I hope you won't disappoint. From this day on, you shall serve as the acting Pope of the Spirit Hall."

Qian Daoliu cast Bibi Dong an unreadable look before turning to leave. Though something about the entire affair felt strange, he suppressed his suspicions, keeping his focus on preparing Qian Renxue for her ascension.

Bibi Dong accepted his decree without hesitation, then bowed slightly, asking, "Should our approach to the Clear Sky Clan be one of annihilation, or is our goal merely to weaken them?"

Qian Daoliu hesitated. His gaze grew cold as memories of his history with Tang Chen surfaced, softening his initial resolve. "Weakening will suffice. How many Title Douluo remain among them?"

"Excluding Tang Hao, there are six," Bibi Dong replied without missing a beat, having already familiarized herself with every aspect of the Clan.

Qian Daoliu's expression darkened. Years ago, he had crossed the continent to eliminate every soul master who posed a threat to the Spirit Hall.

"A clan without divine protection, and yet they have managed to keep seven Title Douluo. Dangerous. Leave them only two out of respect for Tang Chen."

With that, Qian Daoliu took Qian Xunji's body and left. Despite Qian Xunji's unimpressive accomplishments, he had earned the right to rest within Spirit City's Douluo Hall, the final resting place for generations of Title Douluo.

Bibi Dong watched him go, her expression indifferent. Though he had spent his life in service to the Spirit Hall, her eyes held a trace of disdain.

The Spirit Hall did not yet have the army it would later command, but it could still summon an elite force of over 5,000 advanced spirit masters. Tension spread like wildfire across the continent, all eyes fixed on the Spirit Hall as it prepared to strike.

At the center of the storm, the Clear Sky Clan received news of the coming assault, and anxiety filled the Clan Council as their elders gathered.

Every one of the senior members had lived through the earlier era and remembered Qian Daoliu well. The peace the Clan had enjoyed was due to Tang Chen's strength; without him, they felt vulnerable.

"Clan Chief, I told you before, that Tang Hao would only bring us disaster if we let him roam freely!" The Fourth Elder spoke up, his voice shaky with fear, as he joined in condemning Tang Hao's recklessness.

Tang Wei, his face lined with worry, said nothing, though his silence revealed his unease. What had Tang Hao been thinking, provoking the continent's most powerful soul master organization?

Tang Xiao sat by quietly, his presence solemn. His talents weren't quite as high as his brother's, but he had reached the Title Douluo rank.

Amidst the uproar, Tang Wei finally slammed his fist down on the council table.

"Silence!" he barked. "Your panic disgraces the Clear Sky Clan! Yes, Tang Hao killed Qian Xunji. And yes, the Spirit Hall is coming for us. But if we close off our mountain and cut ties with the outside world, Qian Daoliu might spare us."

Tang Wei's gaze sharpened as he spoke, his voice resolute. "The Clear Sky Clan must withdraw from the world. We have relied on our name and strength too long, allowing our members to grow arrogant. Perhaps this calamity is well deserved. Now, gather our people. We don't have much time."

As he concluded, Tang Wei's words settled over the assembly like a weight, leaving everyone silent.

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