Chapter 354: The Underlying Currents
In the Main Hall of the Worship Hall, an aura of reverence filled the space, bathed in the sacred presence of the Angel God statue. A lone figure stood silently beneath it, as if carved from marble. His golden hair shimmered, his golden eyes closed in concentration, and his hands rested behind him. The entire Angel Temple pulsed with his overwhelming aura of light—none other than Qian Daoliu, the grand worshipper of Spirit Hall and a Level 99 peerless powerhouse.
As the doors to the hall slowly opened, the tranquil silence was disturbed by a tall, robust figure who entered the sanctuary.
Qian Daoliu opened his eyes, their golden irises glinting with an intensity that could make one feel breathless. Turning toward the visitor, he said calmly, "Fourth brother, what brings you here?"
The visitor was the Fourth Worshipper of Spirit Hall, Lion Douluo. Clad in golden armor, with golden hair and a thick, golden beard, he resembled a lion. His domineering aura felt barely contained, only subdued out of reverence for the sacred space he was in.
Lion Douluo let out a chuckle, stepping forward to look up at Qian Daoliu from the foot of the Angel God's statue. "Big Brother, you've dedicated yourself to the Angel God statue for so long. We five have been managing the matters of the Worship Hall in your stead. Second Brother, before heading to Clear Sky Clan, specifically asked me to watch over Bibi Dong's actions closely. Lately, every time I'm near her, I can feel a chill down my spine."
"It's like being watched by a wild beast," he continued, shuddering involuntarily. "If we let her keep growing unchecked, who knows what might happen."
Qian Daoliu paused for a moment, a faint sigh escaping as he turned to gaze at the statue of the Angel God. There was a rare trace of helplessness in his normally mechanical tone.
"Ah, Fourth Brother... First, the Angel Clan owes Bibi Dong a debt that cannot be denied, and second, she is still Xue'er's mother. Though the two of them have become like fire and water, the bond of blood is unbreakable. Bibi Dong has begun inheriting the position of Rakshasa God. Even I may not be able to stop her anymore."
"And besides, the winds of change are rising across the continent. It's not something we can stop by mere willpower. Spirit Hall needs a leader with ambition and strength like Bibi Dong to guide it through this challenging time."
Lion Douluo asked anxiously, "Big Brother, why can't you be the one to lead us?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head, smiling ruefully. "No. The Papal Hall now answers solely to Bibi Dong. If I were to forcibly intervene, it would only incite resistance. To ensure Spirit Hall's future, sacrifices from us in the Worship Hall are inevitable."
Lion Douluo's eyes filled with unconcealed worry. "But Big Brother, you know full well that Bibi Dong despises us. When she becomes a god, our lives will be forfeited. And while Miss Xue'er lingers in Heaven Dou Empire, how can she possibly match Bibi Dong's pace in inheriting her godhood?"
Though they were worshippers in Spirit Hall, their fates were tied to Qian Daoliu. They knew that if Bibi Dong sought revenge, she would surely target them as well. Helping Qian Renxue inherit the Angel God position was their only safeguard.
After a long silence, Qian Daoliu raised his gaze to the Angel God statue, his golden eyes glinting with a mix of emotions. He felt the joy of fulfilling his duty to the Angel God and a lingering attachment to his only living relative, Qian Renxue. For her mission, Qian Renxue had gone undercover in Heaven Dou Empire for many years, meaning that he had not seen her for just as long.
Yet, he knew that the time for her godhood would be short-lived. He had to drive her forward with the strictest discipline if she was to match Bibi Dong's progress.
The moment she inherited the god position would be his moment of sacrifice. Though he yearned to witness Qian Renxue's ascension, he knew he might not have that luxury.
After a long pause, he finally spoke. "You're right. It's time to bring Xue'er back. Under the pretense of monitoring her mission, have her complete the transition of the Heaven Dou throne and return to Spirit Hall."
"Yes, sir." Lion Douluo responded with joy before casting a hesitant glance at Qian Daoliu. Hesitating for a moment, he said, "There's one more matter, Big Brother. I'm not sure if I should mention it."
Qian Daoliu's interest piqued. "Go ahead."
Lion Douluo began slowly, "Recently, someone reported that young Dai Yao has been mingling with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. He's also established his own sect, pulling three of the four former Clear Sky Clan subordinate clans into his fold. And he declared a stance of neutrality, pledging not to take sides in any future conflicts."
Qian Daoliu frowned. For a member of Spirit Hall to establish a sect and openly avoid affiliation with Spirit Hall while associating with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, a known enemy of Spirit Hall, it was clear that Dai Yao's loyalty was in question.
"Did Bibi Dong approve this?" he asked.
Lion Douluo nodded. "Yes. But there's something more. When Dai Yao chose his attendants, I assigned one of my people to the group. She recently reported to me that Dai Yao spent a period learning spear techniques from Snake Spear Douluo."
"A beast spirit user learning spear techniques?" Qian Daoliu asked, his frown deepening.
"Indeed. I had my suspicions as well but thought little of it at the time. Then something else happened, and it made me reconsider."
"Recently, our Saintess, Hu Liena, launched an extensive search for someone known as the 'Asura Emperor,' a spear martial spirit user. Combining the timeline of Dai Yao's disappearances from Spirit Hall and his servant's reports, I'm convinced that Dai Yao is none other than the 'Asura Emperor!'"
"Which means Dai Yao is a dual-spirit user!"
Qian Daoliu's pupils contracted in shock. The entire Angel Temple seemed to resonate with the terrifying golden aura emanating from him, a pulsating energy wave spreading out with each heartbeat. Even Lion Douluo, a powerhouse at level 97, felt an oppressive pressure that left him breathless.
After a long silence, Qian Daoliu recovered from his shock, his golden eyes fixing on Lion Douluo. He asked gravely,
"Are you certain of what you've said?" Qian Daoliu's golden eyes bore into Lion Douluo, the piercing gaze as if able to see through all pretenses. Lion Douluo swallowed nervously before responding, "Absolutely."
Qian Daoliu turned back toward the Angel God statue, a complex smile flickering on his face. "Another twin spirit user... First Bibi Dong, then Tang San, and now this Dai Yao. Who would have thought that this Dai Yao has been hiding so deeply. Ever since he joined Spirit Hall, he's concealed his true abilities."
Lion Douluo interjected, "Since he joined Spirit Hall, Dai Yao has remained isolated in a secluded valley, likely Bibi Dong's doing to keep him hidden. It's not just Bibi Dong we face, but Dai Yao as well. If my guess is right and Hu Liena acquired the Killing God Domain, then Dai Yao likely has it too. With his potential, he might even inherit the Asura God position one day. And if that happens, even Miss Qian Renxue won't be able to contend with two deities."
A flicker of worry crossed Qian Daoliu's eyes before he replied, "Summon Dai Yao to meet me."
"Yes," Lion Douluo replied, though a faint, nearly imperceptible smirk flashed in his gaze.
In the valley, Dai Yao had been enjoying some well-earned peace and quiet since returning from the Heaven Dou Empire. Under Bibi Dong's protection in Spirit Hall, with Dugu Yan managing the Qinglian Sect, Dai Yao had little to do other than await the story's natural progression, which would see Spirit Hall unify the continent.
Though the hatred he bore toward the Dai family of the Star Luo Empire still simmered, he knew vengeance would come with time.
For five years now, his life had been a whirlwind—training in spear arts, surviving the Slaughter City, and later guiding Bibi Dong through her godly trials. Now, for the first time, he had a break: eating, reading, training, and sparring with Zhu Zhuqing or Feng Wutong—or occasionally meeting Bibi Dong herself.
Yet amidst this calm, a shadow still lingered from the spirit beast's voice he'd heard in the archive hall. If the creature could remain in Spirit Hall without detection, its power must be formidable—perhaps even a Titled Douluo. The worst-case scenario would be if it hid within the Worship Hall itself.
But besides this, another headache lingered.
Ever since their last encounter, Hu Liena had taken to visiting his valley frequently. Since Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong typically traveled to Spirit City early to train under their teachers, it was usually up to him alone to host her. And this was precisely the issue: Hu Liena, with her sly ways, seemed intent on pushing his boundaries, seeking physical contact whenever possible.
Though he had a lingering suspicion she'd guessed his identity as the 'Asura Emperor,' Bibi Dong's assurance that she hadn't and Hu Liena's poised manner gave him some confidence to suppress his doubts.
Still, the thought that Hu Liena would likely visit again today brought on a sense of dread. While he did feel some admiration for her, he was keenly aware of Bibi Dong's feelings. As a friend, he respected her wish to secure a pure, loyal love for Hu Liena—not to pair her with a man bound to several others. Accepting Hu Liena's affections would, in his mind, amount to betrayal.
The guilt of having posed as the 'Asura Emperor' and rejected Hu Liena so cruelly weighed on him, making the whole situation even more complicated.
Just then, the steady wingbeats of an approaching raptor grew louder. Dai Yao sighed, realizing Hu Liena was coming once again.
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