"Spirit Hall has been eerily quiet these past few days. Faced with a genius like you, no one has even tried to make contact, and tomorrow is the final match."
"I suspect they are planning something big and might make a move on you after the competition."
"I have already discussed it with the Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. As soon as the competition ends the day after tomorrow, we will leave immediately."
"Everyone, prepare for battle."
Ning Fengzhi's tone was serious, and his expression was grave. Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became slightly solemn. The three women, in particular, showed signs of nervousness and worry, after all, that was the Spirit Hall that had dominated the continent and made arrangements for countless years.
Even Li Qing was no exception.
Because at this stage, Qian Daoliu could almost be said to be an invincible existence. They had few people on their side, and it would take at least two to hold him back.
And there were also numerous Priests at ninety-eighth, ninety-seventh, and ninety-sixth ranks.
As for Bibi Dong, although he didn't know her exact rank now, she was at least a peak Douluo, and with her twin spirits, she was also difficult to deal with.
If a real fight broke out, they would have no advantage whatsoever.
If the Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were to falter, then they would truly be in trouble. Not to mention a complete annihilation, losses would certainly be unavoidable.
However, it wasn't without hope. If worst came to worst, they could simply seize Qian Renxue and retreat.
Qian Renxue could be said to be the lifeblood of Qian Daoliu and the others. As long as they held Qian Renxue, they would absolutely not dare to make another move. As for what happened after retreating, that could be dealt with later.
The next day, early morning.
All the teams got up early. After breakfast, the top three teams ascended Pontiff Mountain and arrived at the plaza in front of the Supreme Pontiff Palace, quietly awaiting the final moment.
Aside from the top three teams, everyone else could only watch from the periphery.
The Heaven Dou Team, led by Li Qing, stood quietly at the very front. The invisible aura they exuded even made the Wu Hun Dian Academy Team, as the host, pale in comparison.
The Supreme Pontiff had not yet appeared, and everyone's gaze was focused on them.
More precisely, on Li Qing.
Those who could come here to participate in the competition were all geniuses among geniuses, but compared to Li Qing, they were not just a little bit worse, and they couldn't help but admit it.
After a moment, twelve Cardinals slowly walked out from the side door of the Supreme Pontiff Palace.
"The Supreme Pontiff has arrived!"
"Long live—!"
The leading Cardinal shouted loudly, followed by the knights in front of the palace and the Spirit Masters in Spirit City simultaneously shouting "Long live!", like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami, grand and imposing.
The massive doors of the Supreme Pontiff Palace slowly opened, and surprisingly, more than one person emerged from within.
It was two people.
Leading the way was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his thirties or forties. He was very handsome, and the faint smile on his face made people feel very comfortable.
He was tall but not robust, dressed simply, with long hair flowing freely. If there were no surprises, he should be Qian Daoliu.
And to his right, slightly behind him by one step, was a woman dressed in a brilliant golden long gown, wearing a purple-gold crown, holding a scepter, and with a solemn expression.
Bibi Dong's first impression on Li Qing was that of an almost perfect mature woman.
Such a woman should be very 'moist', but unfortunately, her mind was problematic. Otherwise, Li Qing wouldn't mind joining Spirit Hall to help her make up for her 'shortcomings'.
Speaking of which, wasn't Bibi Dong already removed? How was the scepter still in her hand, and how was she appearing in this manner?
It seemed that Qian Daoliu was truly determined to get rid of him.
Aside from this possibility, Li Qing really couldn't think of any other reason that would make the two of them stand together. Unless they temporarily had a common goal, Bibi Dong would absolutely not stand with him.
Besides Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong, there was also a group of people behind them.
They were none other than the members of the Upper Three Sects who had come to Spirit City with the participating teams. Only Yang Wudi and the other person, whose Title Douluo strength had not been exposed, were not among them.
"Greetings, Supreme Pontiff Your Excellency!"
All those belonging to Spirit Hall knelt down. The so-called Supreme Pontiff was either Qian Daoliu or Bibi Dong.
"How dare you!"
The Cardinal who had just announced suddenly roared in anger. The reason was that almost everyone in the plaza in front of the palace had knelt down, except for Li Qing and his group, and Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun from Star Luo.
Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun came from the Star Luo Royal Family, so naturally, it was impossible for them to kneel to Spirit Hall.
As for Li Qing and his group, there was even less to say. How could they kneel to their enemies? The enemies here did not refer to the potential hunt that might come, but rather the assassination attempt in Heaven Dou City in the past.
"Forget it!"
Qian Daoliu waved his hand, dismissing the Cardinal, and then looked at Li Qing: "Are you Li Qing? Are you interested in joining our Spirit Hall after the competition?"
Li Qing smiled faintly: "Actually, I've always had a good impression of Spirit Hall, but unfortunately, some people aren't very smart."
"With her around, how would I dare to join? Otherwise, I'm afraid I wouldn't even know how I died. If Your Excellency can resolve that, I wouldn't mind joining Spirit Hall."
"Hiss!"
Dai Weisi and the others behind him couldn't help but gasp upon hearing this. This guy was too audacious, daring to insult Bibi Dong in front of so many people from Spirit Hall.
No matter what, she was the former Supreme Pontiff.
Even setting aside that identity, she was still a Title Douluo! No matter how much of a genius you are, you are still only a Spirit Saint. Isn't this a bit too brave?
Bibi Dong's expression, however, remained unchanged upon hearing this, as if she didn't know that Li Qing was referring to her.
Qian Daoliu said indifferently: "It's not a big deal. If you are truly worried about your safety, I can make an exception and allow you to join the Hall of Offerings, to be groomed as the next High Priest."
"Or, it's not out of the question to directly let you replace her and become the new Supreme Pontiff."
"This can also be considered a form of compensation from our Spirit Hall for our previous actions. Of course, with your talent, you are worthy of such importance from our Spirit Hall."
"Hiss!"
Upon hearing this, gasps of surprise rose one after another in the plaza, clearly all shocked by Qian Daoliu's words. After all, that was the position of the next High Priest and Supreme Pontiff.
Everyone's gaze fell on Li Qing, wanting to see how he would choose.
If it were them, they certainly wouldn't be able to resist such a temptation.
Li Qing was also taken aback by Qian Daoliu's words. Was this old man playing such a big game? For a moment, he was indeed a little tempted.
But that was all.
Because he wasn't sure if this was just a grand promise from Qian Daoliu, and if he agreed to join at this moment, how would that be different from betraying Ning Fengzhi and the others?
Without their protection, relying solely on Dugu Bo and the other two, they wouldn't be able to make any waves.
At that time, whether Spirit Hall would protect him to sit on the Supreme Pontiff's throne or lock him up and perform a grand memory restoration technique would entirely depend on their mood.
Destiny, after all, must be held in one's own hands.