Chapter 235 Xiaoxue, have you fallen in love with that boy?
Chapter 235 Xiaoxue, have you fallen in love with that boy?
Chapter 235 Xiaoxue, have you fallen in love with that boy?
Looking at the dignified yet kind figure before her, Qian Renxue's pent-up grievances instantly burst forth, and tears welled up in her golden eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
She took a few steps forward and, like a fledgling bird seeking shelter, threw herself into Qian Daoliu's broad and warm embrace.
Qian Daoliu gently embraced her, as if cherishing the most precious treasure in the world.
When he looked down and saw the trace of blood on Qian Renxue's lips that hadn't been completely wiped away, a barely perceptible hint of heartache and understanding flashed in his deep eyes. He said:
"You went to see her?"
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue in his arms stiffened slightly, then nodded gently and hummed in response with a choked, nasal tone.
"Actually, she's also in pain. After all, she wasn't the one who was wrong back then, and her feelings for you weren't what you think," Qian Daoliu said with a barely audible sigh.
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue suddenly lifted her head from her grandfather's arms, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at the man she had always regarded as her only support. Her voice was filled with disbelief as she said, "Grandpa, is it... that even you won't help me? You know perfectly well how she treated me!"
Seeing the deep disappointment in his granddaughter's eyes, a complex and helpless expression flashed across Qian Daoliu's face. He gently shook his head, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable determination:
"It's not that we don't want to help, it's that we can't help."
"In many instances, Bibi Dong's actions were somewhat radical, but from the perspective of the Pope of the Spirit Hall, everything she did wasn't entirely wrong. She needed to weigh the interests and future of the entire Spirit Hall. Moreover..."
At this point, his gaze became somewhat distant, even carrying a hint of indescribable relief, "In the Spirit Hall today, her influence has actually surpassed mine."
"What?!" Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's delicate body trembled, utterly shocked. Even the tears that had been streaming down her face instantly stopped. She almost doubted that she had misheard, and said:
"This...this is impossible! You are the High Priest, the guardian of the angels!"
Qian Daoliu smiled slightly, a smile that carried both doting affection for his granddaughter and a clear understanding of reality. He then gently wiped away the tears from Qian Renxue's face and earnestly instructed her:
"Xiaoxue, you must remember, this is a world where the strong prey on the weak."
"Whoever is stronger will have more say. This is especially evident within our Spirit Hall."
"Bibi Dong's talent and perseverance far surpass those of ordinary people. Her strength is now no less than mine. Moreover, she is still so young, her future is limitless. Perhaps in the future... she really might become the first person in the Douluo Continent in the last ten thousand years to reach that level!"
"Not to mention that the elders in the Hall of Elders have already chosen to support her, even I will support her now. Because the abilities and courage she has shown are destined to lead the Spirit Hall to a brighter future. What you need to do is not to oppose her, but to assist her well."
Finally, looking into Qian Renxue's still incredulous eyes, he sighed.
"No matter what happened, she is still your mother."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue stared blankly at Qian Daoliu, her mind in turmoil.
"If she truly cares about the Spirit Hall, she should plan more carefully! Yes, everything Bibi Dong has done may be for the expansion of the Spirit Hall, but she doesn't realize that her sometimes reckless actions only disrupt my plans and push potential threats to the opposite side!" After a moment of silence, Qian Renxue suddenly raised her head and looked at Qian Daoliu, retorting.
Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu gazed intently at his granddaughter, already understanding her meaning, and slowly said, "You mean... the matter of her sending someone to assassinate Tang Chuan?"
Qian Renxue nodded firmly, her golden eyes filled with unwavering determination, and said:
"Exactly! Tang Chuan possesses exceptional talent and a temperament far surpassing his peers. If he could be used by our Spirit Hall, he would be far more valuable than killing him!"
Qian Daoliu looked at the almost desperate protectiveness in his granddaughter's eyes, remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a deep but powerful voice:
"Xiaoxue, wake up. Tang Chuan is, after all, Tang Hao's son. His family has an irreconcilable blood feud with the Spirit Hall. The talent and opportunities this child has shown so far are terrifying. If he is allowed to grow, he will surely become a major threat to the Spirit Hall in the future. He must be eliminated."
"That's precisely why we must subdue him!" Hearing this, Qian Renxue seemed quite unconvinced, her tone carrying her characteristic stubbornness and confidence, and said:
"Grandpa, I'm confident! Give me time, and I'll make him let go of his hatred and serve the Spirit Hall! Killing is never the best way to solve problems; control and utilization are!"
Seeing her so vehemently refute and defend Tang Chuan, even with an unusual concern, Qian Daoliu's eyes flashed with understanding and deep worry, and he couldn't help but say:
"Xiaoxue, you're so protective of him...you wouldn't have fallen for that boy, would you?"
"You need to think this through. His mother died because of your father! You have such a deep-seated blood feud, how...how can you possibly subdue him? This is simply..."
"I didn't!" Qian Renxue interrupted Qian Daoliu abruptly, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. A blush involuntarily crept onto her cheeks. She retorted hastily, but her tone lacked confidence. "Grandpa, I was purely acting in the best interests of the Spirit Hall! Isn't subduing a genius more valuable than creating a mortal enemy? Why do you always think in that direction!"
Seeing his granddaughter's excited yet slightly embarrassed and angry expression, her stubbornness concealing a barely perceptible panic, Qian Daoliu seemed to understand everything.
He understood Qian Renxue; her reaction at this moment had long since transcended mere considerations of self-interest.
He gazed deeply at his granddaughter, his eyes seemingly able to penetrate any pretense.
Under his gaze, Qian Renxue looked away somewhat awkwardly.
"Ah, Xiaoxue." After a long while, Qian Daoliu let out a long and complicated sigh, a sigh filled with helplessness and heartache for his granddaughter.
He knew that some things couldn't be stopped by force.
Pressuring her too much might push her further away.
"Fine... Since you insist, I promise you, for the time being... I won't send anyone from the Hall of Offerings to deal with that kid anymore." Qian Daoliu finally softened. He waved his hand gently, his tone carrying a hint of compromise and deep weariness as he spoke.
"If you don't have anything else to do, you should go back as soon as possible. The Heavenly Dou Empire can't do without you. If you're gone for too long, things might change."
This is both a sign of concern and a reminder to her not to forget her responsibilities and identity.
Upon hearing her grandfather's promise, Qian Renxue felt a sense of relief, knowing that this was the best possible outcome.
She nodded, composed herself, and reverted to her calm and collected demeanor as an undercover agent.
"Yes, Grandpa, I'll head back now."
After bowing respectfully, Qian Renxue turned and left, but in Qian Daoliu's eyes, her back seemed even heavier than when she arrived.
Watching her figure disappear outside the palace gates, Qian Daoliu slowly turned around, his gaze once again falling on the towering six-winged angel statue, and murmured to himself:
"The word 'love' is the most difficult to understand. Xiaoxue, I hope you don't follow in your mother's footsteps... after all, this path is destined to be full of thorns."
...............
The next day, early morning.
As the first rays of dawn pierced the clouds, gilding Wuhun City with a golden edge, the square outside the Papal Palace was already bustling with activity.
The huge square was paved with white jade, so shiny it could reflect one's image.
At this moment, however, it was almost completely covered by the surging crowd.
Soul Masters, nobles, and loyal followers of the Spirit Hall from various kingdoms and duchies across the continent gathered here early, eagerly awaiting their arrival. A fervent excitement and anticipation filled the air, and the clamor of discussion rose and fell like the tides.
"The day has finally come! The finals are about to begin!"
"I wonder which team will stand out this year and receive a personal award from His Holiness the Pope?"
"Look! That's the Star Luo Empire's royal team, they look so powerful!"
"The Heaven Dou Empire's seeded team has also arrived, and I heard they have a monster named Tang Chuan..."
Various flags fluttered in the breeze, representing different academies and empires.
Immediately afterwards, everyone's eyes were focused on the towering gate of the Papal Palace, which symbolized the highest power of the Spirit Hall.
Suddenly, a solemn and majestic bugle call pierced the noise and clearly resounded throughout the entire square.
The crowd fell silent instantly, and tens of thousands of eyes turned to the side entrance of the Papal Palace.
A group of figures dressed in scarlet robes walked out slowly and orderly.
There were twelve of them in total, their robes embroidered with intricate gold patterns, their aura deep and powerful. They were the twelve cardinals, whose status was second only to the platinum bishops.
These people walked steadily until they reached the huge main gate of the Papal Palace, then stood on the left and right, six people on each side, like two rows of majestic honor guards.
A moment later, the leading cardinal took a deep breath, channeled his soul power, and his loud and solemn voice, like rolling thunder, resounded throughout the entire Papal Mountain and even most of Martial Soul City:
"His Holiness the Pope has arrived!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"
Three loud shouts, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami, erupted from the gleaming armored Temple Knights arrayed on both sides of the Papal Steps!
The shouts spread rapidly, infecting all the Soul Masters and civilians in Wuhun City who couldn't be there in person but were also eagerly waiting. The roar surged, reaching the heavens, as if the entire city was trembling, expressing their highest faith and reverence for the Pope!
The next second, the huge palace gate slowly opened, and a golden light seemed to surge out from another world, illuminating the high platform in front of the gate like a divine realm.
Immediately afterwards, Bibi Dong's figure appeared clearly in front of everyone.
She wore a nine-curved purple-gold crown, held a papal scepter inlaid with countless jewels, and wore an extremely luxurious, shimmering gold gown that accentuated her stunning beauty, making her appear both majestic and sacred.
She simply stood there.
It is like the center of the world, absorbing all light and attention.
"Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope!"
The thunderous shouts of worship rose again, sweeping across the entire square like a tidal wave.
Whether they were Templar Knights, Cardinals, Soul Masters and nobles from various kingdoms and duchies, or even most of the students and teachers from the participating academies, at this moment, they all knelt down on one knee and bowed to Bibi Dong with piety and awe.
This is submission to the supreme authority of the Spirit Hall, and also the proper etiquette towards the strong.
However, amidst this sea of people kneeling in unison, a small group stood out like unyielding rocks in a raging torrent.
Tianxing Academy!
Led by Tang Chuan, Dugu Bo, Xiao Ruier, Ning Rongrong and others stood quietly, their figures upright, and upon seeing Bibi Dong, they showed no intention of bending their knees.
The small group of students from Tianxing Academy stood out starkly against the backdrop of the square filled with kneeling students, like cranes among chickens!
Almost instantly, everyone from the Spirit Hall glared angrily at the students of Tianxing Academy.
At this moment, Bibi Dong's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Tianxing Academy's refusal to bow, though arrogant, was within her expectations. With Dugu Bo and Tang Chuan around, it wouldn't be surprising if they did something outrageous.
However, when her gaze swept over the golden figure beside Tang Chuan, Bibi Dong's fingers, gripping the scepter, tightened almost imperceptibly.
Xiao Ruier?
With just that one glance, a strange feeling inexplicably arose in Bibi Dong's heart.
The feeling came abruptly, without any reason, yet it was exceptionally clear.
Bibi Dong's current soul power is as high as level 98. If she weren't undergoing the Rakshasa God Trial, which suppressed part of her soul power, she would already be a level 99 Peerless Douluo standing at the pinnacle of the continent. Her spiritual power and perception of all things have long since reached a level of extraordinary and saintly sharpness.
"This is such a strange feeling. Just who is she?"
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(End of this chapter)
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