Even after Chen Yi and Qian Renxue's figures completely disappeared into the deep dimensional passage, the people outside remained worried. However, they could only turn their attention to the reality of post-war reconstruction for now.
The interior of the passage was an extremely unstable space. Violent spatial turbulence pressed in from all directions like invisible blades. Additionally, dense demonic power mixed in, constantly eroding their protective soul power.
Chen Yi and Qian Renxue walked side by side. Their bodies were respectively enveloped in purple lightning shields and angel-like holy light, completely isolating them from the approaching turbulence and demonic power.
They sped through the chaotic passage like meteors at unbelievable velocity.
However, when they had advanced nearly halfway through the journey, a sudden inexplicable fluctuation emerged from deep within the passage.
This fluctuation was not a simple energy shock but contained a tremendous force capable of overturning heaven and earth. Wherever this immense power passed, the passage walls twisted violently. Countless tiny spatial cracks began to form and surged toward Chen Yi and Qian Renxue like an invisible giant wave.
"Be careful!"
Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes narrowed as she sensed the terrifying power hidden in the fluctuation. She unconsciously raised her voice to warn him.
But Chen Yi reacted even faster. The moment the fluctuation occurred, he stepped forward, shielding Qian Renxue behind him. At the same time, he clenched his fists and shouted in a low voice:
"Awaken!"
Buzz—!
Two streaks of purple-gold light shot out from his body and instantly gathered in his hands. The terrifying power of the super weapons instantly overwhelmed even the chaotic passage space.
Facing the overwhelming dimensional power, Chen Yi's eyes were as cold as ice. He crossed the maces in both hands and poured his vast soul power into them without reservation.
"Thunder God's Fortress!"
BOOM—!
The majestic and overwhelming power of the Thunder God surged from the twin maces. They rapidly intertwined and condensed before the two, transforming into a massive shield covered in ancient thunder runes.
The shield was incredibly sturdy. Lightning danced along its edges, emitting an indestructible aura and the power to purify all evil.
Almost the instant the shield formed, the terrifying power carrying the will of the plane slammed into it.
DOOON—!!!!
A very muffled roar echoed through the passage, shaking the entire thing. Violent energy ripples spread fiercely, temporarily pushing back the surrounding spatial turbulence.
Thunder God's Fortress trembled violently. The runes on its surface flashed intensely, but it was not destroyed by this immense force.
Chen Yi staggered slightly. The muscles and veins on his arms holding the maces bulged, but he did not retreat a single step, firmly protecting Qian Renxue behind him.
"Don't worry, we're still inside the passage," Chen Yi said without turning around, his voice calm and full of confidence.
"Many of the Demon Spirit's methods are restricted by rules and cannot be directly applied to this bridge connecting the two worlds."
"Moreover, by the time its power penetrated the passage and reached the Douluo dimension, most of it had already been worn away by the dimensional barrier."
"Here, it can't do anything to us."
He slightly turned his head and glanced at Qian Renxue, who wore a solemn expression behind him. A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Hold on tight and keep your balance. Let's charge through in one go!"
Hearing this, Qian Renxue calmed down a little. Without hesitation, she stretched out both arms and firmly hugged Chen Yi's waist from behind, pressing her body against his broad back.
Feeling the soft sensation behind him, Chen Yi's eyes sharpened. With a low shout, he thrust Thunder God's twin maces forward. Lightning swirled around them once more.
"Swish!"
In an instant, the two transformed into lightning and charged toward the dark red light at the end of the passage, ignoring the turbulence and energy surges.
…
Douluo Continent, outside the passage entrance.
Time passed slowly. Everyone waited anxiously.
Since Chen Yi and Qian Renxue did not get blasted out in the miserable state Bibi Dong had suffered earlier, and the only abnormality from the passage entrance was continued instability, everyone's tension finally eased a little.
Even so, the solemn expressions of Chu Shanhe, Qian Daoliu, and the others relaxed somewhat.
The fact that they had not been immediately repelled at least showed that the two had temporarily gained a foothold in the passage and might have withstood the demon spirit's initial attempt to block them.
"For now, it seems safe." Chu Shanhe slowly exhaled and said in a low voice.
"But we can't just sit here and wait. There is a mountain of work for post-war reconstruction, and everyone has important tasks."
His gaze swept over the entire crowd and finally stopped on the Grand Elder. He said solemnly:
"Brother, we will need your help even more in the days ahead."
The Grand Elder nodded. He understood what Chu Shanhe meant.
The large-scale purge that followed targeted not only the old nobles who had appeared on the surface but also deeply hidden infiltrators.
The Grand Elder's spiritual power was the most powerful means for gathering intelligence, targeting, and even direct spiritual interrogation.
With him in command, the cleanup operation could be carried out accurately and efficiently, preventing oversights and reducing accidental damage.
"It's a small matter."
The Grand Elder smiled faintly, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. Eliminating these termites that were eroding the continent's foundation was also his duty.
"In that case," Chu Shanhe looked at Qian Daoliu, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:
"Brother Qian, I will temporarily entrust you with commanding and coordinating the upcoming operations. The entire Body Sect will fully cooperate!"
Qian Daoliu nodded lightly and was about to issue instructions when Bibi Dong—who had finally calmed her breathing somewhat—suddenly spoke.
"Leave the rest to me." Her voice was still a little weak but clearer than before.
"Leave it to you?" Qian Daoliu frowned and directed a sharp gaze at Bibi Dong, unable to understand what this woman was trying to do now.
Bibi Dong calmly met Qian Daoliu's sharp gaze and said quietly:
"I am Bibi Dong, the former Pope of the Spirit Hall. I managed the Spirit Hall for fifteen years."
"Even today, among the majority of low-level soul masters and ordinary people on the Douluo Continent, my prestige and influence far surpass Xue'er's, let alone an old man like you who has been missing for nearly a century."
"If I intervene, the effect will be better and there will be less resistance."
Her words were direct and sharp, but they were undeniable facts. During her reign, Bibi Dong had implemented a series of policies benefiting lower- and middle-level soul masters and commoners, earning her the reputation of the wisest Pope in history.
When she led the cleanup operation, backlash from the lower classes and opposition from ordinary citizens would be far smaller, and the world would more readily accept it.
"Secondly," Bibi Dong continued after a brief pause, "the purge of the old nobles will inevitably affect countless nobles and trigger fierce resistance or localized unrest."
"With my intervention, their will to resist will be crushed to the maximum. Many nobles and local powers might rebel against the new emperor, but they will not have the courage to openly rebel against me—the former Pope whom they once worshipped for fifteen years."
In fact, there was another reason. Since she had failed to regain Qian Renxue's angel status this time, she wanted to make amends here.
Bibi Dong's voice was not loud, but Qian Daoliu and the others still shuddered. They understood her intention. It was to use her remaining prestige and influence to clear the path for Qian Renxue, remove obstacles, and make her future rule more stable—even if it meant taking on bad reputation—so that Qian Renxue herself would not be dragged into bloodshed and her image as the new merciful Pope would not be damaged.
Qian Daoliu remained silent for a while, looking at Bibi Dong with a complicated expression. He still disliked this woman, but he had to admit that Bibi Dong's analysis was reasonable and her concern for her daughter was genuine.
"I'll do it," Qian Daoliu finally shook his head and said in a low, deep voice.
"Your injuries have not yet healed, and many people are involved in this matter. I, Qian Daoliu, am already known to the world as the Butcher and Executioner. As the saying goes, if there are many lice, you stop fearing the itch. It doesn't matter if I gain more bad reputation."
He believed it was better for him to bear all the bad reputation and risks than to let Bibi Dong take more danger. He did not want Qian Renxue's mother to be criticized again over this matter.
However, Bibi Dong stubbornly shook her head, keeping her gaze fixed firmly on Qian Daoliu, and repeated:
"I will do it."
Her tone left no room for doubt and was almost obsessively resolute. This was one of the few things she could still do for Qian Renxue.
Qian Daoliu met her gaze for several seconds and sensed the unwavering determination and faint sincerity in her eyes. Finally, he took a deep breath. He nodded slowly.
"Fine… I agree."
He stopped insisting, turned to Dawn Douluo standing behind him, and issued orders in a low voice:
"You will lead all remaining combat-ready units of the Angel Legion to escort the former Pope throughout the purge operation."
"At the same time, order all law enforcement officers from the enforcement agencies to fully cooperate with the former Pope's actions under the command of their respective agency heads and obey orders absolutely!"
The Angel Legion was the most loyal, elite, and popular force within the Spirit Hall, symbolizing light and justice. Their presence would not only protect Bibi Dong's safety but also provide some support and reduce obstacles to their actions.
The enforcement department took swift and decisive action to eliminate corruption and enforce discipline within the Spirit Hall, earning great praise from citizens. With their cooperation, the operation would proceed even more efficiently.
"Yes, understood!" Dawn Douluo immediately lowered his head to accept the orders, his expression solemn.
Bibi Dong said nothing more. She nodded lightly to Qian Daoliu, Chu Shanhe, and the others, then stared fixedly at the deep entrance of the passage.
Afterward, she turned around decisively and walked with unsteady steps toward the edge of the battlefield. Her purple robe swayed slightly in the wind.
Dawn Douluo did not hesitate and hurriedly led the elite knights of the Angel Legion to catch up.
Grand Elder Chu Shanhe and the others watched Bibi Dong's departing figure with complicated expressions.
The choice made at this moment by this woman—who had once held absolute power and later fallen into darkness—was truly moving.
"Alright," Chu Shanhe said, turning his gaze back to the crowd.
"We cannot leave this passage unguarded. Hongyue, Gui Mei, and Yue Guan have sufficient cultivation and are good at teamwork. For now, the three of you will stay here and strictly monitor the passage. Sound the alarm immediately if there is any change."
Hongyue, Chrysanthemum Douluo, and Ghost Douluo simultaneously clasped their hands and replied, "Yes, Sect Master!"
"To the rest of you," Chu Shanhe looked at Chen Zhen, Xie Xiaoqing, Dugu Bo, and the other powerhouses.
"Come back to Martial City with me to assist the Grand Worship with post-war handling and stabilizing the situation!"
"Yes!" Everyone answered in unison.
With Bibi Dong's departure, the bloody purge and order restoration across the entire Douluo Continent officially began.
…