Chapter 35 – A Mother and Daughter's Conflict at the Funeral
"Grandfather! Grandfather!"
Qian Renxue rushed into the Angel Temple, completely disregarding etiquette. Her anxious voice echoed through the golden hall as she called out for Qian Daoliu.
Having just returned with his son's body, Qian Daoliu hadn't yet processed his grief when his granddaughter's voice rang out. On the way back, he'd been pondering how to tell her the news—he hadn't expected her to find out so soon.
"Xue'er, why are you here?"
"Grandfather, has something happened to Father?"
Qian Daoliu sighed inwardly. So, it's as he thought. Lin Beiya must have sensed something through the Gold Cloth and passed the message on to her.
At this point, he could no longer hide the truth of Qian Xunji's death, though he still had no intention of revealing the true cause.
"Xue'er… your father's injuries suddenly worsened. He's… already returned to the embrace of the Angel God."
The moment those words left his lips, Qian Renxue's entire body trembled. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shook her head, whispering in disbelief:
"No… that's impossible. I saw him just yesterday—he was fine!"
"Grandfather, you're lying, aren't you? Father must've gone somewhere to recover in seclusion, right?"
Looking at his tear-streaked granddaughter, Qian Daoliu's heart ached deeply. But reality was cruel, and there was no comfort he could offer that would change it.
"Xue'er, I know it's hard to accept, but—"
"I don't believe you! You're lying!"
Before he could finish, Qian Renxue turned and bolted from the Angel Temple. She didn't even glance at Lin Beiya or Lei Ying as she passed them in the corridor.
Lei Ying blinked in confusion.
"What's going on?"
Lin Beiya sighed softly.
"I lent my Gold Cloth to the Pope to help him recover his strength. Now that it's returned on its own… that can only mean…"
"Ah? That's impossible! The Pope's strength is unmatched—who could harm him within the Spirit Hall itself?"
Lin Beiya merely shook his head, unwilling to explain further. There were truths he knew but could not speak aloud.
What truly worried him was Qian Renxue's impulsiveness. If she, in her grief and anger, went to confront Bibi Dong for answers, she might not lose her life, but a severe beating was almost guaranteed.
He asked Shi Nuo to request leave from the Academy on his behalf and spent the next few days stationed outside Qian Renxue's residence.
Normally, he wouldn't be allowed anywhere near her quarters, but Qian Daoliu—hoping someone could help his granddaughter overcome her sorrow—did not attempt to stop him.
For days, Qian Renxue remained shut inside. No matter how many times Lin Beiya knocked or brought her food, she never came out.
Until one evening, his voice came softly through the door:
"Xue'er, tomorrow is His Holiness's funeral. You should go."
After a long silence, a hoarse voice finally replied from within:
"I understand. I'll be there tomorrow."
Hearing that she was at least willing to speak, Lin Beiya let out a quiet sigh of relief.
The next morning, after a night of silent cultivation, he dressed in solemn black attire and went to her door once more.
This time, when he called out, the door opened.
Qian Renxue stood there, also dressed in black. Her eyes were swollen and red, but otherwise, she looked composed—cold and resolute.
"Let's go," Lin Beiya said softly. "It's time to send the Pope off."
"Mm."
With that quiet reply, the two walked side by side toward the cathedral where the funeral awaited.
The two walked through the garden and arrived at the mountain behind the Douluo Hall, where the Titled Douluo Memorial Grounds stood—a sacred resting place for those who had reached the Titled Douluo realm and rendered great service to the Spirit Hall.
Not every Titled Douluo under Spirit Hall's banner was granted this honor. Only those who had made outstanding contributions during their lifetime could be buried here.
As the Pope of Spirit Hall—and the father of the future heir of Angel God—Qian Xunji certainly qualified for such an eternal rest.
The stone stele garden was arranged in a great circle, with an open space in the center where the burial ceremony was already underway.
Qian Daoliu and the elders of the Douluo Hall stood solemnly by. Each of these elders wore a heavy expression—after all, they had watched Qian Xunji grow up. Now, seeing white-haired elders send off a black-haired junior, their hearts ached deeply.
Lin Beiya scanned the scene. To his surprise, there weren't many attendees—barely a dozen or so in total, including the seven Grand Worships of Douluo Hall. But every single face here was one of status and power.
What surprised him most, however, was the presence of Bibi Dong. Apparently, she had come only for formality's sake, to maintain appearances before her imminent succession.
And yet, Lin Beiya couldn't shake the feeling that her gaze kept drifting toward him—subtle, fleeting, but unmistakable.
When everyone had arrived, the officiant began the ceremony.
He spoke briefly of the late Pope's life, embellishing his virtues and contributions before inviting everyone to pay their final respects.
The deep crimson coffin was slowly pushed forward. At that moment, Qian Renxue broke down completely, crying uncontrollably beside it.
Lin Beiya and Lei Ying exchanged a pained look. They both wanted to comfort her, but no words could soothe that kind of grief.
No one else urged her to stop, either. Everyone knew—this was the final farewell.
Only Bibi Dong stood at the side, watching the scene with thinly veiled mockery in her eyes. Since Qian Daoliu had shown no intention of taking her life for what she'd done, her vengeance continued unabated.
When Qian Renxue finally stopped crying and returned to her grandfather's side, the ceremony neared its end. The burial was about to begin—
But as she turned, her gaze met Bibi Dong's.
That mocking, disdainful look was like a spark thrown onto dry tinder.
In an instant, Qian Renxue's anger erupted. She stepped past her grandfather and shouted furiously:
"You heartless woman! Even if you felt nothing for him, how can you celebrate your own husband's death?!"
Bibi Dong's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Celebrate? Of course. In fact, I can't wait to throw a feast."
"You—!"
The explosion came without warning. Before anyone could react, Qian Renxue's soul power flared as her martial soul manifested—she charged straight at Bibi Dong in a flash of golden light.
Bibi Dong merely snorted. With a wave of her hand, her soul power burst forth, easily repelling the girl and sending her flying backward.
Fortunately, the Douluo Hall elders were there. Second Worship Golden Crocodile Douluo raised a hand, catching Qian Renxue midair with a gentle force before she hit the ground.
"Bibi Dong—you've gone too far!"
Moments ago, he'd restrained himself out of respect for the funeral. But now, seeing Bibi Dong strike at Qian Renxue, his patience vanished. His expression turned cold as killing intent rolled off him like a tidal wave.
The roar of a giant crocodile echoed faintly behind him—low, deep, and filled with menace.
The oppressive aura made Bibi Dong's face pale slightly. Though powerful, she was still only at the Soul Douluo level. Against a Titled Douluo like Golden Crocodile, the gap was immeasurable.
She gritted her teeth and turned away, refusing to engage further.
"Hmph. The same sickening aura as your father—no wonder you disgust me just as much."
The venom in her words struck like a dagger.
Qian Renxue's face turned deathly pale. Already fragile with grief, her body trembled violently—but under Qian Daoliu's restraining hand, she could do nothing but endure.
The confrontation ended there, and the funeral proceeded without further incident.
When the coffin was finally sealed and lowered into its resting place, the guests began to depart one by one.
Then Bibi Dong's cold, composed voice rose once more:
"The first day of next month is auspicious. My coronation as the new Pope will be held then. I expect the Grand Worship to attend."
Qian Daoliu turned his head slightly, his gaze like a blade of ice. Without a word, he turned back, gently guiding Qian Renxue away.
A low, clipped reply came as he walked off:
"We'll be there."
—
End of Chapter