A thread of killing intent flickered deep in Qian Daoliu's heart.
Someone like this—a man who could rival the Angelic Domain while injured—was far too dangerous to let roam unchecked.
But the killing intent vanished in the next instant.
Because staring at the Death God Domain… Qian Daoliu reached an inevitable conclusion:
'Tang Hao might be a God's inheritor.'
His heart sank.
He knew very well what it meant to cross a God's chosen successor.As High Priest, he was one of the few on the continent who truly understood the gulf between mortals and gods.
A mere thought from a God could flatten Spirit Hall.This was the very reason the Qian family, for generations, had longed for an inheritor of the Angel God.
And when Qian Renxue—his beloved granddaughter—was finally chosen.
He recalled the day he persuaded her to undertake the Angel God's trials, even though she hated leaving Spirit City.
Now, thinking of her…
Qian Daoliu's expression hardened.
Behind him—barely a few kilometers away—stood Nuoding Academy.And within it… was Qian Renxue.
( Author notes: From Qian Daoliu's perspective, the true persona of Teacher Eve is Qian Renxue, his granddaughter who is in disguise)
He still did not understand why Tang Hao had come this close.But he knew one thing:
'I could not let Tang Hao take a single step toward the academy.'
Even the faintest possibility of danger to Renxue was unacceptable.
Qian Daoliu's voice lowered, carrying weight like a decree:
"Tang Hao… don't delude yourself. Going mad in a fight against me will not grant you the same luck as last time."
The two domains continued their violent struggle, both sides refusing to yield an inch.
Qian Daoliu's golden eyes sharpened.The Angelic Sword made of soul power materialized in his hand in a burst of light.
Tang Hao frowned, initially unable to understand why Qian Daoliu, the High Priest of Spirit Hall, would appear in such a remote forest. This region was nowhere near the main territories of Spirit Hall.
But then— Like lightning cutting through fog—Something clicked.
"The hair color…"That young teacher he wanted to "teach a lesson"—the one who had put Tang San in a difficult situation in the morning—Her hair color was a soft, unique gold.
And Qian Daoliu… also had golden hair.
A dangerous thought crept into his mind.
"A long-lost relative perhaps?"
Tang Hao, despite his usual brutish appearance and straightforward nature, was no fool. His instincts and intuition were frighteningly sharp. And tonight, those instincts screamed that the two were connected.
What he didn't know was that his guess was nothing more than a coincidence—strengthened by the subtle effects of Qian Renxue's Sixth Soul Skill.
( Author notes: Qian Renxue's 6th soul skill working in conjunction with other abilities can bring in an effect similar to 'Quill of Alzuhod.')
Tang Hao growled lowly, hammer resonating in his grip:
"Spirit Hall… you think you're so high and mighty.That teacher may be your relative, but I will show you—"
But before he could finish, Qian Daoliu's cold, ancient eyes opened.
He understood instantly.
Tang Hao had reached the truth.But trying to deny it now would only make it look more suspicious.And Qian Daoliu, for all his calmness, for all his wisdom…At this moment, he did not care about the truth.
He cared only for one thing.
Protecting his granddaughter.
He stepped forward.
The air froze.
And Qian Daoliu—known across the continent as the most composed, serene, and detached of men—spoke words that could only be described as madness:
"Tang Hao.Return from the road you came."
Every word was slow, every syllable heavy."And don't even think of attacking her in secret."
A terrifying pressure swept outward, crushing the very breath of the forest.
"I promise you this…If even a single drop of her blood is spilled—Even if only a single drop of blood remains in this old body—No… even if only a shed of blood remains in any soul master of Spirit Hall…"
His blazing with fury.
"I will make sure to erase the Clear Sky Clan from existence."
The forest fell silent.
Tang Hao, who had charged through multiple Titled Douluo, and even injured Qian Xunji heavily…Paused.
Because before him was not the serene High Priest of Spirit Hall.
It was a grandfather willing to burn the world for family. A man willing to embrace demons to shield one person.
And Tang Hao—who himself had once burned mountains and rivers for Ah Yin—Understood that look, too well.
"So it wasn't because they found Tang San…""He came here… to protect that teacher."
Tang Hao clenched his teeth, frustration swirling in his chest.
He could fight Qian Daoliu. He might be more heavily injured and could even die here.
Grinding his teeth, Tang Hao made a decision.
He stepped back.
Then vanished into the forest.
-----
Qian Daoliu exhaled quietly, the Angelic Domain slowly withdrawing into his body.
Not out of fear of Tang Hao.
But because the God behind Tang Hao…The God who had bestowed this Death God Domain…
If Qian Daoliu killed Tang Hao—He could not guarantee the degree of retribution, from the god behind Tang Hao
That thought alone chilled him.
With his Level 99 senses sharpened to the extremes of human capability, Qian Daoliu felt it instantly—Two presences rushing toward the forest.