When Qian Renxue reached the temporary camp, the golden rays of dusk had already begun to fade, washing the tents of the Angel Corps in the dim glow of twilight.
Hua Zhang stood near the command tent, issuing orders to the adjutants to maintain patrol formation. The moment he caught sight of Qian Renxue's return, he immediately straightened his posture and walked forward with a solemn expression.
"Young Master," Hua Zhang said respectfully, bending one knee as was customary when addressing, "an attendant from the Elder's Hall has arrived. He bears a message from the Great Worshiper—he asks for your immediate return."
The camp quieted at those words. Even the bustling soldiers fell silent.
From behind Hua Zhang, a tall, stern-faced soul master in silver robes stepped forward. His aura carried the steady weight of a Soul Douluo. He bowed deeply."Young Master, I am the messenger sent by the Great Worshiper. This is my identity token as proof."
He lifted his hand, revealing a radiant Elder Hall's Token. The token's presence alone silenced everyone. Such tokens were not for decoration; they were imbued with the authority of the Spirit Hall's highest echelon, and only a Soul Douluo could carry one.
Qian Renxue's gaze flickered as she accepted the token. Her slender fingers brushed against the smooth, warm surface.
'So it's genuine,' she thought, narrowing her eyes slightly.
Her mind turned, sharp and quick as lightning.'Grandfather rarely sends for me personally. He knows I'm on field rotation with the Angel Corps. Something urgent must have happened'
The faintest ripple of curiosity crossed her calm expression. "Understood," she said aloud, her tone composed yet edged with quiet authority.
Then she looked toward Hua Zhang. "Commander, I am sorry as I have to leave as Grandfather had asked my immediate return."
"No Problem, Young Master," Hua Zhang responded instantly, his tone firm. "We are going to maintain watch for the next three days before returning to headquarters."
Qian Renxue gave a short nod. "Thanks for your undestanding."
Turning to the messenger, she continued, "We depart immediately."
The messenger hesitated for a moment, surprised at her decisiveness, but quickly saluted. "At once, Young Master."
----
Elder's Hall
The massive golden doors of the Elder's Hall swung open with a sharp bang, echoing through the sacred chamber.Sunlight filtered through the stained glass above, scattering radiant hues across the floor — colors that danced over the statues of seraphs guarding the sanctum.
Qian Renxue strode inside, her golden hair trailing behind her like a comet's tail, eyes sharp."Grandfather," she called aloud, her voice ringing clearly, "what was so urgent that you had to send a Soul Douluo after me? I came all the way from the encampment without a single moment's rest!"
At the far end of the hall, Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes.He had been kneeling before the towering Angel statue, his hands clasped in solemn prayer. The air around him shimmered faintly with divine light — soft, serene, sacred.When he turned toward her, there was a rare warmth in his gaze, but his tone was measured, dignified.
"Looks like you have forgotten your etiquette lessons," he said mildly, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Qian Renxue placed her hands on her hips, unamused. "Is that what you have to say to me after giving an order that led me across such a long distance? You must admit, Grandfather, this doesn't seem like the way to welcome your granddaughter."
Qian Daoliu's chuckle echoed softly, the laughter of a man too old for anger. "You still speak as if you're a child, Renxue. But today, I called you here for something that will change your life — something far beyond your missions in the Angel Corps."
He rose to his full height, his white robes gleaming with faint golden light. "I received an oracle from the Angel Goddess herself. You have been chosen by the ancestor — the Angel Goddess as her inheritor."
For a heartbeat, Qian Renxue's expression stilled. She blinked, feigning surprise as her lips curved into a small, composed smile."Really? That's… a great honor, Grandfather."
Qian Daoliu nodded gravely, as if confirming something long foreseen. "Indeed. But with this honor comes a divine mission — your first trial as the successor of the Angel God."His tone grew solemn. "You are to go undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire… take the place of their prince… and, in time, become the Emperor."
The silence that followed was thick, like the pause before thunder.
Qian Renxue blinked once, twice, then slowly tilted her head, her lips twitching into an incredulous smile."Grandfather," she said lightly, almost teasingly, "I don't think I heard that properly. Could you repeat it?"
Qian Daoliu, undeterred, repeated the words with conviction. "You will go to the Heaven Dou Empire, replace their Crown Prince, and ascend to the throne. It is the will of the Angel Goddess."
For a moment, there was stillness.Then came laughter — soft at first, then bright and melodic, echoing through the vast hall.
"Haha… ha! So that's it," Qian Renxue said between breaths, her voice trembling with both amusement and something darker.
The laughter that escaped her lips was neither joy nor disbelief — it was the laughter of someone who had seen through the farce of fate itself.
Her purple eyes flickered, and her mind replayed a memory she had buried deep.
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