Tang San never imagined that his mother's exposure was such a coincidence. The fact that his family suffered such a tragedy simply because of the personal feud between Bibi Dong and Chi Xunji was almost too much to bear.
"According to Qian Renxue, after Uncle Hao and Auntie were first discovered, they successfully escaped Spirit Hall. The tragedy only occurred later, when you were being born, Little San," Xiao Lin continued.
"Perhaps Spirit Hall didn't even know Auntie's true identity at first. Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan might have simply sensed a powerful plant with immense life force. When Uncle Hao and Auntie were returning to the Sect, if Spirit Hall was specifically hunting for a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, they shouldn't have just 'happened' to run into them on the road."
"However, I don't know if Auntie had reached Level 70 back then—the stage where a Title Douluo theoretically cannot see through a human-form soul beast. Or perhaps the rumor that 'you can't be seen through after Level 70' is a lie in itself."
"Even at Level 90, a soul beast might still be seen through. If that rumor didn't exist, how else would they trick naive hundred-thousand-year soul beasts into transforming and entering the human world?" Xiao Lin waved his hand with a look of helplessness.
Regarding Ah Yin, Xiao Lin could only provide these clues. This was, after all, a plot hole from the original story—an unsolved mystery. Even with his "God's perspective," the exact truth remained elusive.
"One thing is certain: whoever was targeting Auntie remembered her. They waited and struck when she and Uncle Hao were at their weakest. Furthermore, Spirit Hall has always feared the strength of the Clear Sky Sect. Otherwise, Chi Xunji wouldn't have issued the decree to denounce the Sect immediately after the incident."
"Whether it was a long game set up nine years in advance or a move to weaken the Clear Sky Sect from the start, Spirit Hall achieved its goal."
At this point, Xiao Lin didn't fully believe that everything Qian Renxue said was true. However, looking at the results, Spirit Hall—or rather, Bibi Dong—had won big. The previous Sect Leader of the Clear Sky Sect (Tang San's grandfather) was literally fumed to death, and the most talented Haotian Douluo was alienated from the Sect. This led to the Sect's seclusion and the dissolution of the four great clans.
"Hmph. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Bibi Dong have already found their 'way to death,'" Tang San grunted, his eyes flashing with murderous intent.
Ah Yin gently tapped the back of Tang San's hand with a leaf, seemingly worried about him. Sensing his mother's concern, Tang San's heart warmed slightly. Yet, his desire to kill Yue Guan and Bibi Dong did not fade; even his hatred for the other high-ranking officials of Spirit Hall burned brightly.
He could spare Qian Renxue from his killing intent—after all, she was just a child back then and knew nothing. Moreover, Qian Renxue had promised to grant them the Seraphim God trials to increase their potential and help resurrect his mother.
"Spirit Hall's plan to unify the continent may have started even before Qian Renxue was born, but no matter what happens, I stand by your side," Xiao Lin said, patting Tang San's shoulder.
"Me too, Third Brother!" Xiao Wu, the "silly rabbit," was equally furious. Her mother had also been killed by Bibi Dong's faction.
Outside the carriage, Tang Hao listened to the conversation. His rugged face was a mask of cold fury. As the person who lived through it, he quickly recalled the events. If it weren't for the current hope of Ah Yin's recovery, he would have charged into Spirit City alone to slaughter those responsible.
Soon, silence fell over the group as they sank into their low moods. Xiao Lin began connecting other dots.
Some people claimed Tang Hao was "stupid and evil," suggesting he intentionally orchestrated the events for Ah Yin's soul ring and bone. But in reality, Tang Hao could already repel a Title Douluo as a Spirit Douluo—he even broke a Title Douluo's leg back then. Why would he be desperate for a soul ring? Besides, Ah Yin was a plant type, which didn't match his power-focused attributes. It simply didn't make sense.
In Xiao Lin's eyes, Spirit Hall's actions were likely identical to Bibi Dong's later hunt for Da Ming and Er Ming. It was also possible that Chi Xunji wanted to prepare the Seraphim soul bone set for the future Qian Renxue. After all, Xiao Lin knew that the Seraphim set wasn't originally at the hundred-thousand-year level; they only reached that level of power once the full set was assembled.
This was why Xiao Lin didn't fully trust Qian Renxue. She possessed the Seraphim martial soul and was a future God—a person who claimed to fight for the happiness of all mankind. But she was also a formidable leader who would use any means to achieve her ends. For the sake of the Spirit Empire's unification, she could abandon anyone—including her cooperation with Xiao Lin.
At this moment, Xiao Lin was extremely wary of her.
On the other side: Spirit City, the Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong sat on the papal throne, staring at Elder Wu Ning in disbelief. "Elder Wu Ning, are you saying that Yu Xiaogang has been publishing papers recently that specifically slander Master Xiao Yan?"
Bibi Dong couldn't believe Yu Xiaogang would do such a thing. This was not the man she remembered through her "first love" filters.
"Yes, Your Holiness. That fellow Yu Xiaogang is maliciously speculating about Master Xiao Yan and even tried to publish it in the Spirit Report. I suggest we immediately strip Yu Xiaogang of his publishing rights."
Elder Wu Ning's face was full of disdain. If Yu Xiaogang had just written a poor paper, he wouldn't have bothered the Pope. But now, he wished Bibi Dong would just throw Yu Xiaogang into the City of Slaughter. A Master like Xiao Yan was not to be insulted.
Hearing this, Bibi Dong let out a soft sigh and waved her hand. "Then let it be so."
"Your Holiness is wise." Wu Ning looked delighted and bowed to take his leave.
"Wait, Elder Wu Ning," Bibi Dong called him back. "Do you know anything about the hundred-thousand-year soul beast in Thunder Gorge?"
This was the question she was most interested in. Although she had sent Yue Guan and Gui Mei to investigate, they had provided no news for an entire month.
"Thunder Gorge? Your Holiness, the quality of soul beasts there is very high. Any kind of hundred-thousand-year beast is possible. But the most likely candidate would be the Thunder Emperor Dragon clan."
"And their weakness?"
"There are no weaknesses. Their bloodline is even stronger than the Azure Sky Bull Python's." Wu Ning shook his head. As a "well-rounded" dragon species, they didn't have obvious flaws unless one used attribute suppression—like using Ultimate Fire or Water against a Fire Dragon. As for a Thunder Dragon, even Wu Ning was stumped.
"Fine. You may leave."
Once Wu Ning left, Bibi Dong's expression changed instantly. "Lark Douluo!" she called out.
"Subordinate is here," a female Douluo in black leather with a lithe figure appeared instantly.
"Go to Thunder Gorge immediately. Tell Yue Guan and the others to abort the mission."
"Understood!" Lark Douluo took the order, possessed her martial soul, and flew out of the palace at top speed.
Thinking about what Elder Wu Ning said, Bibi Dong was filled with worry. She was terrified of losing Yue Guan and Gui Mei; they were the core of the faction she planned to use against Qian Daoliu in the future. Moreover, for her future plans against the Titan Giant Ape and Azure Sky Bull Python in the Star Duo Forest, she intended to use five or six Title Douluos at once.
(End of Chapter)