Qian Daoliu walks along the hallways as he steps into the worship hall's main chamber: Golden Crocodile, only a few steps behind him. Qian Daoliu considered the meeting's contents. An unknown organization right under their noses for how long? It was a troubling thought that would be in his thoughts for a while.
"The others will be here soon." Qian Daoliu spoke aloud. Qian Daoliu had alerted the others of their presence upon arrival. It takes at most a few minutes for them to arrive.
"First Brother is it wise for you to leave the city. Considering what we have heard about this organization." Golden Crocodile felt a slight feeling of wariness. The fact that their unknown enemies had kept themselves so unknown. They had more than one Titled Douluo more than likely.
"If a Titled Douluo can be used as an escape option. Than their is more than likely more than one. Especially given the organization's ability, Fallen are rarely able to get along. There must be a leader likely a Super Douluo-level individual." Qian Daoliu felt that both were reasonable conclusions.
Golden Crocodile could agree with that assessment. "Titled Douluo's don't grow on trees. Besides us even the Clear Sky Clan only has three, the Amber Tribe has two now. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect has its sect master, and Star Luo has their Emperor." He wondered how many Titled Douluos the enemy actually had.
Qian Daoliu could only sigh at his words. It was true after all the major factions usually had a single Titled Douluo. Their own Spirit Hall is the main exception to that rule. Unfortunately their was another exception "the original Fallen had multiple Titled Douluo. Once more it's said they have a dark god of some nature."
Golden Crocodile was brought to science at that. Also aware of that myth from his life. "The god of Fallen soul masters, and now perhaps these Evil Soul Masters as well."
Qian Daoliu sighed at the thought of it. They had no proof of this possible connection. However, such a powerful force of similar individuals appears so suddenly. "It's possible someone discovered the legacy of the old Fallen. Perhaps even a connection to that Dark God of theirs."
Golden Crocodile could not dismiss the possibility out of hand. Even merely knowing that an organization had a god. Well, it could be a powerful motivator in terms of recruitment and loyalty. Once more "Do they have a holy sight perhaps, or even a legacy?"
Qian Daoliu understood what he meant by that. The Spirit Hall of the past never discovered the holy sight of their enemies. "When my ancestors finished the Fallen it was not at a place a god called home. One consideration was their never such a home."
Left unsaid was how valuable such a location could be for defense. Their own Spirit City had been established by the Angel God. Large portions of the city had changed since then. Yet the walls of the city have remained unbroken since their creation. Despite the many battles the city had faced in the past ten thousand years.
Qian Daoliu let that statement stand for a few moments. Then he continues his talk on the matter. "The second was, that the location in question is to dangrous. The home of a dark god must be quite a dangerous place. After all this city is quite powerful as one of such age." He could draw upon the city to augment his own power to a point. Though he would pay a price if he did so too much.
"That assumes that this god of theirs was as prepared as the Angel God." Golden Crocodile reminded his friend. Though he felt it would be very unlikely considering it was a god.
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother a voice said as they stepped into the room." The individual said as he stepped into the room. His Pysique was similar to Golden Crocodile a walking mountain if slightly less imposing. His flame-like orange hair reminded one of a lion's mane. His face was set in a severe expression of seriousness.
"Fourth Brother you have arrived have you seen Third Brother?" Golden Crocodile asked his fellow worshipper about another. If only their Third and Fifth brother could be as serious as their Fourth Brother.
Mighty Lion Douluo nods his head at both of his brothers as he takes a position. At their words, his forehead creases further in severity. "I saw Third Brother several hours ago he left the complex. I believe he went into the city during the day. What of Fifth Brother I notice you didn't ask for his location." He asked his face severe at his Third brother getting into trouble.
"Fifth Brother is in the Pope's Hall he accompanied us there. After complaining of boredom for quite a while of course." Qian Daoliu told Mighty Lion with calmness.
"That sounds like Fifth Brother." Another voice decides to speak up as another walks into the room. He was fairly different than Mighty Lion not so much a mountain. His body was more compact and wry though still strong. A feeling of holiness could be felt from the man though inferior to Qian Daoliu or the Pope.
"Third Brother you have finally decided to join us then." Mighty Lion could not help but say slightly reproachfully. Though he knew he was ranked below his Third Brother in seniority. He could sense that the man had rushed here from somewhere.
"Peace Fourth Brother, I was in the city apologies. Apologies to you as well First Brother, and you as wel Second Brother." He said slightly apologetic for his slight tardiness though not much. After all, he was only slightly tardy.
"It's fine Third Brother I trust that you were attending to matters." Qian Daoliu was serious in tone aware of his fellow's slightly slacking nature.
"Just see that you are on alert. Things will become serious for some time from here on out." Goldan Crocodile's tone offered no other option. Even as he accepts the small apology for such a small thing.
The Third Worship's face grew serious even as curiosity arose in his eyes. "Then what has happened that brings such a change?"
Golden Crocodile takes the lead in explaining matters. "An event occurred in a small town involving my great-grandson. He and the sons of Tang Zhang dealt with bandits who had taken over the town. The village elder suddenly treated them to a small banquet as a reward. However it seems a Fallen had been behind the bandits, and the banquet became a trap."
The two worshippers did not find it overly surprising. After all most soul masters found themselves in similar occurrences at least once in life. Though a Fallen one of all things showing up.
"So what else happened that it has caused this much attention?" Scared Dragon Worshipper asked knowingly. Unless Golden Crocodile wanted to brag on his grandson like a proud grandfather. Unfortunately, that was unlikely given the man's temperament.
Here Qian Daoliu spoke with utmost seriousness. "What happened was that the young Tang Yuan engaged in a spiritual battle with this Cheng Tao. The latter seems to have the ability to view one's memories, or merely access one's mind. This Cheng Tao then used an item to summon a Titled Douluo one with spatial power."
Mighty Lion Worshipper's face grew even more severe in nature. "A Titled Douluo and one with some spatial ability. I see the source of concern in this matter"
Qian Daoliu nodded his head then he continued with another statement. "There is another matter. Tang Chen and I will be leaving soon for our expedition to the Boundless Ocean."
The Third Worship spoke up at this point "Big Brother is it safe for both of you to go. Especially you the strongest member of Spirit Hall." Left unsaid was how Spirit Hall might become vulnerable.
Qian Daoliu shook his head at that. "I trust the four of you with the city's defense. Once more we intend to be gone for seven days at most. Our primary targets will be Whale Glue, and information of the Seas." His voice was confident in their ability. As well as regarding the importance of the expedition.
He turned his back to them crossing his hands at his back. "The Boundless Sea is the largest of all unknown locations on the continent. Most of what we know comes from the Angel God, and my predecessors. Than a few years ago a change came about with knowledge of Whale Glue." He need not inform them of the importance of that substance for low-level spirit masters.
"We shall obtain knowledge of the Seas for future expeditions. By handling it ourselves we will quickly prepare things. It will still take years for us to have a proper presence on the seas. Eventually, the Empires will notice our actions as will the other factions." Qian Daoliu was under no delusions that the truth would eventually be out. Whether it be a decade, or decades, a century, or only a few years.
However, before that, he was determined that Spirit Hall would have a head start. With the support of the Clear Sky Clan, they could corner the market for a long time. Tang Chen was the only one who could match him in exploring the seas. Now the two of them had come to an agreement that would benefit both of their people.
They would corner the market on the Whale Glue. Use it enhance their disciples at least the most talented. In five to ten years both factions would enter another level of strength. Perhaps the question would be how long they could keep the secret, or how long they chose.
At a certain point, they could sell the material to the sects. In doing so they could kill two birds with a single stone, earning large amounts of money quickly. More importantly, strengthen the entire continent gradually with hundreds and thousand year peices. Perhaps letting a ten-thousand-year piece slip here and there.
Then perhaps one day, one day the time when humanity's future could be assured. Perhaps those able to absorb red rings would become less rare. His own family would certainly progress greatly from their already considerable strength. Then the day of his ancestors' wish would be at hand.
Qian Daoliu looked up from his thinking position. He beheld a sight that he had seen a great many times before. Ever since he was a child, his grandfather brought him before it. It was a great mural the most important in the entire building and entire city.
His ancester a bright shining beacon held her sword at the ready. Her disheveled hair was almost like golden silk. Six white wings from her back as scared holy light shrouded her form. She was not pristine instead her white skin was marred with dirt and cuts. As if she had been put through an intense battle perhaps even life-threatening. Yet the Angel God was not the sole core of this mural.
It could be called a creature or beast, and yet that was too small a term to describe him. The body was pitch black like that of a starless night in the form of scales. Wings spread out as if to cloak the battle in darkness. The tail like a great serpent or whip ended in a tip like that of a spear.
The beast's eye was in contrast to the body as if molten gold in the form of an eye. Even through the mural one could view the spark of a deep intelligence. The head vaguely resembled a reptile's yet it alone was larger than the depiction of the Angel God. The mouth opened showing teeth like daggers or perhaps swords.
One of the massive creature's claws is pressed to the ground. Another is raised in the air and brought back as if to swipe. A golden aura gathered around its raised claw marking it all the more terrible. As if that claw would crush or slash all within its path.
Dragon that would be the word that comes to mind upon seeing the beast. Never could it be said to be anything else. Even through the mural the beast exudes an aura of formidable power. Viewing it would cause most to falter at the fear it inspired.
Qian Daoliu knew the meaning of this mural the warning it gave. In all other depictions of the Angel God, she was unijured, and most pristine. This was a warning to all who saw it, to them the descendants. The threat residing in Star Luo Forest even a Limit Douluo could fall to it. This black dragon was the greatest enemy the Angel God faced and never defeated, she could only escape.
Qian Daoliu turned back to find that only Golden Crocodile remained. He realized he had been too far into his thoughts. "How much time has passed?"
"You were deep in thought for an hour. The others would likely have waited, but I gave them marching orders." Golden Crocodile said his voice serious and yet also with a measure of gentleness. Well aware of where his friend's thoughts might have gone. Every time he looked at the mural a slight shiver ran down his spine.
Qian Daoliu nodded his head at that. He could trust his friend to keep watch while he was gone. "You asked me why the expedition will still happen. Part of the reason is to strengthen our Spirit Hall. Another is more personal to me as a father, Qian Xunji has reached an impasse in his cultivation as you know."
Golden Crocodile was already vaguely aware of that fact. To a man like Qian Xunji who held great pride in his ancestry. It's undoubtedly an agonizing situation for him to face. "You hope that the Whale Glue would help him pass his hurdle."
"Hopefully it will help him in his progression." Qian Daoliu said his face was that of a concerned father. Unsaid that even the hope might help in continuing.
His friend could not help asking a question neither wanted to answer "Then what if he cannot progress further than he has? It might be wise to prepare for the continuation of your bloodline?" He asked the second question to remind his friend of that. He did not want to suggest it yet he knew someone had to.
Qian Daoliu did not answer the question though it would be something for the future. He did want grandchildren at some point, yet he had no desire to force his son. At least if he could help it. Besides "whom would my son continue our blood with?"
Golden Crocodile decided to provide the candidate he had in mind. "I would suggest Lanling, she is a member of our Spirit Hall. As a spirit master, she is already a Soul Douluo. Her martial soul while not light is of the flame attribute." His voice was steady in describing the logical points of the match.
Golden Crocodile's voice changes slightly as he continues. "Once more I have arranged their interaction. The results have been promising for both of their interactions." He said the last part with a hint of awkwardness. Feeling a bit like a meddling old man though he supposed in this case he was.
Qian Daoliu looks at his old friend with contemplation with no reproach in his gaze. "It seems to me you had thoughts on this matter for a while."
Golden Crocodile merely responded "Once upon a time didn't your father do the same for me. It was because of that my bloodline continues today. That I could have the love of my family and continue my family's bloodline. Despite those beasts' best efforts to see my family's extinction." His voice turned tense at the end from long held hatred's and sorrows.
Qian Daoliu merely nodded at that answer. Daring not poke at those century-old demons in his friend's heart. Merely redirecting the conversation to his meddlings with some curiosity.
Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile walked the halls of the building. They had sensed out Tang Chen's current location. Only to find that everyone was in a single location by some coincidence. They stepped through the doors into the garden area.
They seemed to be the latest arrivals he noticed. It seemed Tang Chen was explaining the trip to his family. Qian Daoliu stepped towards the table he would let his friend finish. He saw his son sitting down watching his student with amusement. The said student was happily asking questions of Tang Nuan.
"Father." Qian Xunji nodded to his father respectfully. Putting his full attention on his father now.
"My son." Qian Daoliu nodded back to him at the greeting. Joining him as he sits down at the table. A cup is moved in front of him as a fragrant smell wafts from it. He looks to see Yue Guan with a small pot pouring the tea.
"Greetings Grand Worship I remember you enjoy my flower tea." Yue Guan speaks with deep respect towards the man. A noticeable lack of his normal demeanor before this man. Though his voice still held some of its normal childish nature.
The Grand Worship nodded his head as the future Chrysanthemum Douluo stepped back. Qian Daoliu turned his attention to his son. "I have informed and readied the Worship Elders for my departure. I'll leave Second Brother in command of them in my absence. I shall trust them and you with the city." His face was serious as he revealed his trust in his son.
Qian Xunji straightened up at that his face turning stern. "Rest assured I will do my duty and keep watch of the city in your absence." He was determined not to let his father down in his absence. Both as the Pope of Spirit Hall, and as a member of the Angel Clan.
Tang Chen walked over to the table having finished his own explanation. Tang Yuan and Tang Hao walked with him both in thought. "Looks like you have finished your own preparations, my friend." Tang Chen upon seeing Qian Daoliu said.
"The Worship Elders are ready, and I already had supplies ready. I trust that we can leave at any moment we want to?" Qian Daoliu asked his friend. Though he would be fine simply relaxing a while here.
"Yes, I'm ready to leave at least in terms of physical supplies." Tang Chen had already prepared properly for the trip. All he needed was stored in his belt for the trip. Though there was something else he wanted to do to prepare.
Qian Daoliu looked at his friend curiously. "Then is there something else we should do for preparations?" He was curious what his friend had in mind as he could not think of anything else.
Tang Chen meanwhile decided to follow his own advice to his wife. "Tang Yuan I don't suppose you have any information about the Boundless Ocean." It was a curious thing to do asking one's own son a boy not even ten for information. Tang Chen's lips twitch at the amusement of it.
Qian Daoliu raised an eyebrow considering his friend. Asking such a young child for knowledge should be pointless. Especially when the child should have the same sources as the father. Then again this child was the one to discover the properties of Whale Glue.
Tang Chen seeing the rapid change in his friend smiled slightly. Starting with surprise and confusion, to Skepticism, and finally realization. The rapid change happened in the span of a moment he doubted anyone else noticed.
Tang Yuan hearing the question was surprised they would ask him. Though he supposed they wanted knowledge from the legacy. Tang Yuan began to seriously consider what he should tell them. Once more how much could or should he tell them?
Then his mind turns to what he remembered from watching the show. He could imagine two very important things for them to know. "There are two locations that you should probably avoid at all costs. If you don't then both of you may die." Yes, he felt telling them of those two places was paramount.
Tang Chen's slight smile dropped changing quickly into a surprised look. Everyone in the pavilion who heard Tang Yuan's words felt the same. They couldn't help looking at him as if only seeing him now.
After all, what was a Limit Douluo, but the strongest of humanity? Beings who could slay any number of Titled Douluos in single combat with little effort. Qian Daoliu alone could defeat all of Spirit Hall's other Titled Douluo. Once more he said that to two of them who are going to work together.
Qian Xunji was perhaps the one who had the most adverse reaction. Even if he controlled it the best as well. In his view of everyone his father was the strongest, the pinnacle of the human world. Yet this boy claimed he would die even with another Limit Douluo the second strongest. He found the idea laughable "a poor joke." His words were slightly cold.
Tang Yuan heard those words, but did not really take them personally. After all, if one didn't have his meta knowledge Qian Daoliu or his father would be the unbeatable strongest. Yet, unfortunately, they might only be in the top five or even ten.
Tang Chen considered his son's words with an undeniable feeling. His son would not lie about this he was certain of that. Even as part of him still rejected the sheer certainty of that. The greater part of him considered the implications.
Qian Daoliu did not have the same fatherly trust as his friend did in Tang Yuan. Yet he could not sense a lie from the child either. Even still he drew close to the child his face sterner than it had been a long time. "Explain properly." His words were demanding in this matter of a serious moment.
Tang Chen placed a hand on his friend's shoulder slightly. If only to calm him down even if he could understand.
Tang Yuan understanding that his words attracted a great deal of doubt began speaking. "There are two things you must be absolutely wary of. The first is the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King a spirit beast with cultivation nearly at one million. The second is an island of water element soul masters who worship the Sea God." He allowed those two things be processed by those present.
Either of those two statements could have caused earth-shattering shock. Suddenly everyone present found themselves in a haze. One secret is the existence of an unprecedented nearly god-level beast. The other matter pertains to an actual god with a completely unknown worship faction. Tang Yuan expected a number of questions upon their recovery.
Cheng Tao found himself sighing in relief as he sat down. He had finally been allowed to leave the meeting area. Never in his life had he felt such a harrowing experience as that meeting. Surrounded by the top Soul Sages, all the Soul Douluos, and the eight elders of the organization.
Cheng Tao felt that he would profit from this experience. He would certainly be allocated more resources now. A slight smile came to his face at the thought. His eyes were on the room's door waiting for someone to emerge from the meeting. Only then could he leave this isolated room safely.
Inside the room, Clam Elder wished he could leave the room. Cheng Tao was allowed to leave after all getting to safety. Now Demon Dragon Elder was in an argument with that old monster. Of everyone present Clam Elder found the old man the most terrifying of all.
Bloody Tree Elder also called Vampire Tree Elder the the oldest of all eight of them. How old exactly Clam Elder suspected at least two centuries probably three. Clam Elder had no intention of asking or getting so close. The monster always looked at him like a predator looks at prey. If he ever gave that monster the chance he suspected his body would become fertilizer.
"You rotten old man." Demon Dragon Elder began "If you want to insult me, then come on we will settle it through blood." The air began to crackle from the powerful man's presence. With it came a mixed smell of ash and also that of a thunderstorm. "I will crush you where you stand."
The old man simply laughed like he heard a fun joke. There was something disharmonious in the monster's laugh. It was that laugh that hinted at his true depravity nature even in this group. "Sounds interesting brat than let's have fun. I'll drain you down to the very last drop of blood." A demented smile on the man's face as the scent of blood wafted from him.
Before either of them can truly get serious an invisible force pushes down on them all. Like a hundred small hands on their bodies sending shivers through them. The two currently at odds face a far worse force as they are forced to their knees. Their instincts tell them that if they act out they might be cut to pieces as if hundreds of unseen blades are present.
Demon Dragon Elder calms down reluctantly at the sensation. Stepping back from the conflict even as he bit back his wrath. That blasted old man always drove him to his limit.
Vampire Tree Elder's smile lessened into a smaller grin of satisfaction. He felt the force become slightly more threatening. So he quickly released his killing intent and adopted submission. Best he hold back on testing the Envoy for now.
The Envoy had acted to halt the argument. Yet none present could determine the method sensing no soul power. "Elder Clam will be granted power over the boy." The Envoy commands the two of them.
Clam Elder breathed a sigh of relief at that order. The two of them had been going back and forth ever since he revealed Cheng Tao's ability. Both have their own ideas of how to use such a power. He stepped forward bowing to the Envoy in respect. "Thank you for your trust and mercy honored Envoy."
The Envoy did not respond to that statement. Instead, they waved their hand commanding the rest to continue. The meeting was not over now and much remained.
Clam Elder entered the shadows beside his acquaintances. "Octopus greetings to you, Shark you are as lovely as always." he nods to both of his companions. A burst of disappointment blooms as Shark ignores him as ever.
Octopus Elder nods his head in return to his comrade in vengeance. "Clam seems you barely escaped a great deal of trouble." He said with no particular change in his expression. His dark blue eyes were as calm as the peaceful seas a contrast to his messy dark hair. His imposing height only adds to the presence of his being.
Shark standing close to him says nothing at all. Her white hair and striking eyes made an imposing picture. A contrast to her smaller stature especially compared to Octopus. Her white skin was pale despite often traveling on ships. The woman was exceptionally beautiful and equally fierce in her presence.
Clam before he took his place on the other side of Octopus. His part in the meeting had ended yet the others would still report. He took another glance at Shark yet she seemed not to even notice. He returned his gaze to the meeting, as Abyssal Inferno Elder stepped forward.