Spirit City, the Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong sat high atop the Pope's throne, holding the ornate scepter inlaid with precious stones. Her cold gaze bore down at Qian Daoliu, standing below in the wide hall.
"How is it, Grand Worship? At present, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect boasts two top-level experts: one at rank 97, and another at rank 96," she stated icily.
"This is the result of your excessive leniency and indecision back then. If you had only listened to me sooner and acted swiftly and decisively during the sect's rift with the Clear Sky Sect and conflict with Heaven Dou, they wouldn't have even had time to catch their breath, let alone have amassed such power."
Bibi Dong's voice resounded through the hall, carrying a frigid aura.
Qian Daoliu, clad in plain white robes, stood with his hands clasped behind him. Facing such aggressive pressure from Bibi Dong, his expression remained calm, but deep in his eyes, an uneasy gleam flickered.
Seeing Qian Daoliu lost in silent thought only fanned Bibi Dong's anger further. She struck the scepter hard upon a black crystal embedded into the floor, and a dull thud echoed in the empty hall.
"Qian Daoliu, how much longer are you going to play the gentleman?" Bibi Dong suddenly raised her voice, the edge of her ire unmistakable.
"When you received news that the Fire Leopard Douluo's soul bone had been stolen, with your years of experience, I refuse to believe you couldn't guess the culprit."
Bibi Dong rose, descending the steps as she locked her gaze upon Qian Daoliu.
"And what did you do? You stood by as Tang Xiao killed and stole soul bones, letting Ning Fengzhi use those blood-drenched bones to feed those two old relics."
"With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's influence soaring and Ning Fengzhi's backing so strong, just how many new variables and casualties will be added to our Soul Hunting Plan?"
"Tell me, Qian Daoliu—do you intend to wait until the very foundation of the Spirit Hall is shaken, or completely destroyed before you're satisfied?"
Bibi Dong's fury was genuine. For years she'd schemed the destruction of the great three sects through the "Soul Hunting Plan." Now that the Seven Treasures had grown powerful, her plans faced obstacles and countless new dangers lay ahead. But her ferocious attack at this time was also meant to force Qian Daoliu to intervene earlier—ideally to set the Elder Hall and the beefed-up Glazed Tile Sect on a collision course, so she could weaken both and eventually seize the Spirit Hall outright. She could also use the Worship Hall to further sap powerful enemies, achieving two goals in one.
Qian Daoliu slowly looked up, his gaze as if peering through the world's truths, resting quietly on the agitated Bibi Dong. He'd seen through her intention: she would devour one enemy by using another. But there was no anger in his heart; only a silent sigh.
Perhaps he had underestimated Tang Xiao's ruthlessness and Ning Fengzhi's patience.
He finally spoke, his voice echoing through the hall.
"I have my own arrangements for this matter," Qian Daoliu said at last.
"As the Pope, all you need do is concentrate on your own business and consolidate your forces. As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect…"
His eyes flashed sharply.
"I will handle it."
Hearing Qian Daoliu's finally yield, promising to personally take charge, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes, though her face remained cold and hard.
"Remember what you said today. This time, I hope your personal feelings or foolish codes do not bring any more loss to my Spirit Hall."
"Otherwise, even with your title, I'll petition the Elder Hall to investigate!"
With that, she turned and left, her high heels tapping crisply and fading away.
Qian Daoliu stood there, gazing in the direction Bibi Dong disappeared. His expression held neither joy nor sadness—total indifference.
After a while, his low voice floated out, clearly audible to soul masters outside the hall:
"Inform Guang Ling, Elder Yue, and Elder Gui to meet me immediately."
…
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, secret chamber.
The atmosphere was heavy enough to touch. Around a table sat several key elders led by Sect Elder Ning Fengyu, each wearing solemn, troubled expressions.
Sitting at the head, Ning Fengyu's brows were furrowed and worry mixed with disappointment shone in his eyes. He unconsciously tapped his finger against the tabletop. After a long silence, he spoke in a deep, low voice.
"Ning Fengzhi… he's lost his mind."
He didn't refer to their sect master by title, but by name.
"For years, he's repeatedly antagonized the Body Sect, a power beyond imagining, just for the hollow reputation of 'great three sects united in heart,' while balancing a delicate relationship with the Spirit Hall."
"For the sake of this so-called alliance, is he really going to break with the Heaven Dou royal family and leave us utterly isolated? This is the road to ruin!"
At the end of the table, Second Elder Ning Fengyue sighed heavily.
"In truth, when Douluo Heavenly Rankings appeared and the true strength of the Clear Sky Sect was revealed, it was the perfect chance to cut ties with them, curry favor with Spirit Hall or the Body Sect, or even side entirely with Heaven Dou for stable backing. But… He couldn't let go of his illusions. One mistake upon another, and here we are: hemmed in by powerful enemies, in dire straits."
A young elder, face twisted in hesitation, ventured,
"Elders, Second Elder… No need to be too pessimistic just yet. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo have broken through. Perhaps we can negotiate from a better position with Spirit Hall and the Body Sect. After all, Wisdom Brain Douluo from the Body Sect is only at rank 97—we might still have a real shot…"
"Foolishness!" Ning Fengyu cut him off sharply.
"Both you and Fengzhi are blinded by the appearance of strength. Do you really think, just because we have a rank 97 and 96, that we can negotiate on equal terms with the likes of Spirit Hall and the Body Sect?"
Suppressing his anger, he swept everyone present with a piercing glare.
"What makes Spirit Hall and the Body Sect dreadnoughts, suffocating all other forces on the continent, is not some nebulous foundation."
"It's not luck—it's simply absolute, despair-inducing strength!"
His words hammered relentlessly into the hearts of the elders.
"The gap between us is like that between a child and a strong man. It's so obvious, and thus so utterly hopeless."
Ning Fengyu looked bitterly away.
"And just recently, we learned from our hidden sources that the Body Sect's Master Body Douluo has gone into secluded cultivation again. Everyone suspects he aims to break through to an unrivaled Douluo, rank 99 or above!"
"If he succeeds…"
He trailed off. The chill gripping the room was palpable.
Sometimes, the unknown inspires false hope, but once the true gap is revealed, only straight-up despair remains.
The hall fell deathly quiet. Some who'd still nursed hope now appeared ashen-faced.
After a long time, Ning Fengyu sat back, looked at Ning Fengyue, and in a hoarse voice asked,
"Fengyue, that matter I asked—how are the children?"
These core elders had privately agreed that the sect master's radical approach could lead their sect to destruction—so Ning Fengyu had quietly moved both direct and collateral disciples to preserve the sect's last embers.
Ning Fengyue's expression grew even more absent-minded; she replied softly.
"As you instructed, everything was carried out in secret. Not long ago, the last of the selected children, with a handful of loyal guardians, reached Vast Sea City safely. If things go sour and the homeland collapses, they'll flee to a relatively safe island abroad. At very least, the inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda should not die out."
This was their backup of last resort.
Should the sect fall, perhaps these exiled sparks could one day rekindle a corner of the world with the radiance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
After hearing these words, Ning Fengyu turned away, quietly gazing out the window toward the majestic glazed tower—the symbol and legacy of countless generations.
His gaze turned distant, drifting into memories of the school as it was a decade ago: bustling with life, the very heart of the Heaven Dou Empire, a clan with twin Douluo that could shake the continent.
Back then, Ning Fengzhi was full of vigor, seeming to control everything.
But now…
Their path forward was murky; powerful adversaries encircled them. Their sect was divided within, and the sect master was hellbent on pursuing his own path. Honor and pride now only faded illusions.
"My life feels like walking on thin ice… will I ever reach the other side?"
…
Deep within the imperial palace of Heaven Dou City, there lay a grand hall decorated with elegant splendor and suffused with the majesty of royalty. The table was loaded with gourmet dishes and exquisite wine.
Seated was the Heavenly Emperor Xue Ye, smile on his face—though there were traces of illness in his eyes, the air of the sovereign was unmistakable.
"Your Excellency Wisdom Brain Douluo, Golden Body Douluo, Young Master Chen—it is truly my honor and privilege to welcome your prestigious selves personally to Heaven Dou City," Xue Ye said, raising his jade goblet warmly toward the first elder at the head of the table and Chen Zhen and Chen Yi beside him.
The Grand Elder, dressed in a simple blue robe, looked rather out of place at this royal banquet. He raised his own cup in return, smiling gently.
"Your Majesty is too kind. Xiao Yi and the Crown Prince are long-time friends. Since we received such a gracious invitation, we old folks had nothing better to do and thought to accompany the journey and also take in the sights of Heaven Dou," he replied, hinting lightly that the invitation had actually come from the Crown Prince, giving Xue Ye face but tying the visit carefully to Xue Qinghe.
Xue Ye grinned, glancing at Xue Qinghe, who sat respectfully beside Chen Yi, his demeanor calm and decorous.
"Qinghe has always admired the Body Sect's ideals and has praised Young Master Chen to me repeatedly. As a father, I am pleased he was able to deepen such a friendship with him," Xue Ye said warmly.
When Ning Fengzhi presented his own invitation, emphasizing the Crown Prince's role, Xue Ye had instantly discerned his intent to sow discord. Thus he'd personally delivered the invitation to his son—testing whether he harbored any ambition to seize power through manipulating the Glazed Tile Sect or leveraging external might.
No matter how outstanding his son was, an emperor had to weigh affection and authority with ruthless balance.
Xue Ye's logic was clear: what he chose to bestow was yours to have; what he did not would forever remain beyond reach.
Fortunately, Xue Qinghe's response pleased him. Not only had he hurried back, he'd even brought three important figures from the Body Sect. This displayed both proper etiquette and ensured the final say—and face—remained with the throne.
With great satisfaction, Xue Ye turned to Chen Yi. "Since our young sect master and Qinghe are such close friends, may I call you 'nephew'?"
Chen Yi smiled politely. "Your Majesty does me too great an honor."
"Haha, wonderful!" Xue Ye laughed genuinely, a bit of the emperor's majesty faded. "Think of this as a family dinner, dear nephew. Please, all of you, relax and enjoy yourselves."
For a time, the hall rang with laughter, toasts, and cheerful conversation. Xue Ye, Grand Elder, and Chen Zhen exchanged anecdotes of the mainland in a harmonious atmosphere; Chen Yi and Xue Qinghe, like close friends, occasionally whispered quiet remarks.
It was then that the bead curtain on one side of the hall made a faint sound. An elegant figure slipped in: a young girl of sixteen or seventeen, dressed in a luxurious court dress embroidered with a gold swan—the attire reserved for direct descendants of the royal family.
She was tall and graceful, with fair skin and refined features—a natural born princess. Most striking was her gaze, as clear as autumn water, alive with youthful spirit and a faint shyness.
Upon seeing her, Xue Ye's smile grew gentle and pure, filled with fatherly affection.
He beckoned her forward, introducing her warmly to the guests:
"This is my youngest daughter, Xue Ke. Though she lacks many interests, she plays the harp beautifully."
"Since we have such esteemed guests tonight, I hope she can grace us with a song."
When it came to Xue Ke, Xue Ye's demeanor softened in a way he never displayed before Xue Qinghe—probably because, as a woman, she was never a threat to the throne. She was his rare consolation amidst the heavy duties of an emperor.
"Your Highness is too kind. It is an honor to hear your music," Grand Elder nodded graciously.
Blushing, Xue Ke bowed slightly and sat by the harp. Composing herself, her jade-like fingers plucked the strings and sweet music filled the hall.
Yet beneath this harmony, subtle ripples spread quietly.
Chen Zhen, sitting diagonally across from Chen Yi, seemed to enjoy the music, but an amused twinkle played in his eyes. Leaning closer, he muttered to the Grand Elder,
"This Xue Ye… how can one help but admire his political craft? He hopes to leverage Qinghe to ensnare our Body Sect and consolidate imperial power, but at the same time, he fears Qinghe growing too strong, so he carefully avoids letting us draw too near. And now, he sends out his favorite, harmless youngest daughter, under the guise of pleasing everyone with music—but I wager he's actually trying to catch Chen Yi's eye?"
The Grand Elder's expression never changed. He only inclined his head slightly; of course, he understood completely. For a royal clan that could rely only on the foreign power, survival depended on such acts of balancing power.
Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe maintained a polite smile, quietly commenting to Chen Yi about the music. Yet when he occasionally glanced at Xue Ke, so focused on her music with her gaze often drifting to Chen Yi, a cold indifference glittered deep in his eyes.
Once Xue Ke finished, she received warm applause and was ushered to a seat near the guests by Xue Ye, who personally began praising her "many virtues" to Chen Yi.
Xue Qinghe's smile remained unchanged, but inside, her heart had gone cold.
Raising her wineglass and taking a sip to conceal a faint curl of her lips, she thought,
"A swan locked in a golden cage, knowing only music—how could it ever hope to compete with the angels who roam heaven and shine across the land?"
…