Gu Rong naturally noticed Qian Renxue as well. Observing the two pairs of golden wings and the Seraphim Martial Soul behind her, he raised an eyebrow. "So the Angel lineage still has a successor."
His observation was correct; it was only at this moment that he learned the Angel bloodline had an heir. Since the previous successor, Qian Xunji, was believed to have died without offspring, seeing Qian Renxue was a surprise.
It appeared Qian Xunji had quietly fathered a daughter. Judging by her age, she was barely twenty yet already possessed six rings; with the absorption of this current ring, she would reach the seventh. Such talent was expected of a god-level Martial Soul—the advantage of Rank 20 innate soul power was truly extraordinary. The secrets of the Angel Martial Soul were no mystery to high-level figures like Gu Rong, so his knowledge was hardly surprising.
"Since it was a misunderstanding, I shall not intrude further," Gu Rong stated. He then led Gu Xuan and Dugu Yan into a Spatial Portal and departed. Gu Xuan said nothing, offering Qian Renxue one last meaningful glance before following his grandfather. Since there was no reason to interact with her now, it was better to feign ignorance.
As the trio left, Qian Renxue breathed a quiet sigh of relief. However, recalling Gu Xuan's final look, a surge of unidentifiable emotions churned within her.
Snake Lance and Porcupine Fish expanded their mental perception to its limit. Once they confirmed Gu Rong had truly left, they approached her. "Young Lord, this was our failure. Your identity has surely been discovered by Gu Rong."
Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes flickered before she spoke softly. "It matters not, as long as my identity within the Heaven Dou Empire remains unexposed. Uncles, please protect me while I recover." She then sat cross-legged to meditate, preparing to absorb her seventh soul ring.
Having departed, Gu Xuan reflected on the fact that Qian Renxue had already broken through to the Soul Saint level. In the original story, there were nearly six years left before she revealed herself to the world. If things followed that trajectory, she would likely be a Soul Douluo by then.
However, it wasn't a major concern. He was about to become a Soul King. Within the next six years, while he might not surpass her level, reaching the Soul Saint realm should be no issue. As for combat strength, his current power was enough to contend with an average Soul Saint; in the future, even if she reached the Soul Douluo level, she likely wouldn't be his match if he maintained his current momentum.
Unless an unexpected variable occurred, though that was unlikely. His plans thus far hadn't shifted the overarching "grand trend" of the original story, aside from taking Tang San's opportunities. The only major difference was Tang San's slower progress. After all, his first hundred-thousand-year ring was already in the Clan's hands; Xiao Wu was no longer destined for him.
Gu Rong led the two toward other regions to continue the search. Ten thousand meters in the air, he recalled the girl and asked Gu Xuan. "Xuan'er, that girl is the successor of the Angel lineage. At roughly twenty, she has reached the seven-ring level. Her talent is not inferior to yours or Yan'er's. If you wish to unify the continent, she will likely be your greatest enemy."
Gu Xuan nodded slightly. "I noticed. Then why not take this chance to nip her in the bud?"
Gu Rong was very satisfied with this mindset. In a world of the strong devouring the weak, a "holy mother" heart was ill-suited for hegemony. However, he had his own considerations and shared them with his grandson. "Xuan'er, do you know which force on the continent is currently the strongest?"
Gu Xuan pondered for a moment. "Roughly a decade ago, it was the Clear Sky Clan. With two Titled Douluos, Tang Hao was not only the youngest but defeated three of Spirit Hall's veterans upon reaching the rank. His strength and talent were at their peak. Then there is our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan; with you and Grandpa Sword, our strength is not lacking. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan follows; though they claim the number one beast soul, they only have Old Man Yu Yuanzhen."
"But now, our Clan is at its peak. The Clear Sky Clan is in seclusion but still has a deep foundation, making it second. The empires rely on manpower and heritage, but in terms of pure power, they cannot compare to the great sects." Gu Xuan paused, then added. "However, I am speaking of sects. In truth, Spirit Hall is likely the strongest hidden power. Records show nearly ten Titled Douluo elders. Though they rarely appear, their foundation is the strongest."
Gu Rong nodded. "You are correct. Beyond that, I most fear the Elder Hall of Spirit Hall. The 'Invincible of the Sky' Qian Daoliu has been in seclusion there for decades. He reached the Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo realm long ago. Even though I have hit Rank 97, I would have zero chance against him. That girl comes from his Angel lineage; if I had attacked just now, the Clan would have faced total destruction. Against an existence like that, numbers are irrelevant. Moreover, the Elder Hall has at least four Super Douluos above Rank 96. We cannot touch her."
Gu Xuan understood the stakes and nodded thoughtfully. Gu Rong looked at them both solemnly. "Since we of the older generation cannot interfere, the future rests on you. Your talents are the highest I have ever seen. Once you grow up, Xuan'er, the dream of unification can be realized. Everything we do is to pave the way for you."
"Grandpa, I understand," Gu Xuan replied.
Three days later, Gu Xuan's eyes sparkled as he looked down at a massive black silhouette in the depths of the forest. His fifth ring had finally appeared. A world-shaking roar erupted from the thicket. Gu Rong followed the sound and saw a giant black tiger.
The beast was pure black without a single stray hair. Its crimson eyes were filled with a sinister aura. Over eight meters long with bulging muscles, it likely weighed over three thousand jin. The "King" character on its forehead was also black, but of a murky, fog-like shade. Most peculiar was its tail—much longer than a standard tiger's, it curved upward, composed of numerous bone segments ending in a massive, gleaming stinger.
Gu Rong recognized it from ancient records. This was the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. Legend had it that the God of Evil descended upon a White Tiger, mutating it. Its light attribute turned to darkness, and it grew the wings of the fallen and a scorpion-like tail hook.
Its strength was immense. While most soul beasts could be human Martial Souls, this tiger was an exception—no human had ever possessed it. Its attribute was not pure darkness, but the ultimate evil left by a dark god, something no human body could normally endure. If rated as a Martial Soul, it would be on the same tier as the Six-Winged Angel.
Gu Rong marveled inwardly. First, they met the Angel successor, and now they found the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. Was this fifth ring fated by the heavens? This tiger's cultivation was exactly at the 60,000-year level—the absolute limit of what Gu Xuan could currently bear.
"Grandpa, I want that one," Gu Xuan said excitedly.
(TL/N: A little bit of Spoiler: The Origin of Dark Demon Evil God Tiger is a little different then cannon. The God of Evil who descended on the Tiger here is not the Evil God King. It's a little spoiler for you guys, so it can make sense in the future when the whole origin is unveiled.)
(End of Chapter)
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