DD Spiritual Sword [545-547] (Patreon)

Chapter 545: Qian Daoliu Sets Out

The news that Tianlin had occupied the Lima Plains and the Kingdom of Sylvis had not yet spread, but two other events quickly exploded across the continent. The first: in the Battle of Gengxin City, Tuoba Xi inflicted a crushing defeat on the Star Luo Empire, causing rivers of blood. Dai Tianjue was furious and immediately prepared to personally lead his troops to retake Gengxin City. He sent scouts ahead, discovering that Gengxin City was now an empty city, so he expected the assault would be easy.

But upon arrival, Dai Tianjue saw Oslo standing atop the city walls, holding Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun as hostages. Dai Tianjue had no choice but to camp his army outside the city — he couldn't attack, but he also couldn't retreat.

After all, Dai Weisi was now essentially the last hope of the Star Luo Empire. He absolutely could not be allowed to die. Even if another heir could be produced, it would take at least thirty years to raise him to Dai Weisi's current level, and even then, there was no guarantee he would be as outstanding. For just the sake of Gengxin City, it really wasn't worth the risk. Fortunately, Oslo promised that so long as Dai Tianjue didn't attack for thirty days, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun would be returned unharmed.

Dai Tianjue understood the principle that speed is the essence of war, and originally didn't want to agree. But he couldn't just abandon Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun. In the end, he bargained down to twenty days, not realizing this was exactly as Tianlin had predicted — twenty days was Tianlin's bottom line. The thirty days Oslo initially offered were just to leave room for Dai Tianjue to negotiate.

The second event: news quickly spread throughout the Heaven Dou Empire that the Spirit Empire's army had been soundly defeated by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect outside Heaven Dou City. The Heavenly Dou imperial family was overjoyed — as expected of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, their combat power was truly extraordinary.

If only they weren't so arrogant and unwilling to obey the imperial family's orders, Xue Ye wouldn't have minded making them the national guardian sect, second only to the emperor.

Only Xue Beng frowned deeply. While he was happy that the Spirit Empire was defeated, the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect made him wary. Once this matter was settled, the sect could not be left unchecked — it had to be eliminated, or else, sooner or later, they'd become another Spirit Empire.

Meanwhile, in Spirit City, Ghost Leopard Douluo, anxious and exhausted, raced back to Spirit City and immediately reported to the grand worshipper, Qian Daoliu.

"What did you say? All the territory south of Heaven Dou City and north of Gengxin City has been occupied by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" Qian Daoliu was shocked. Previously, Bibi Dong's side had been reporting victories. How did everything change in just a few days?

The news of the defeat at the gates of Heaven Dou City had only just arrived, and now even the rear had been occupied. This meant that Bibi Dong's army was now isolated, unable to advance or retreat to Jialing Pass. If attacked from both front and rear, the entire army could be wiped out.

Ghost Leopard Douluo shook his head.

"I don't know exactly how it happened. Jialing Pass was lost because the Luo family father and son turned out to be Tianlin's agents, catching us completely off guard. But Gengxin City had Tuoba Xi guarding it — unless the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect teamed up with the Star Luo Empire to take it down."

"No, that's not it," Qian Daoliu said gravely. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would never cooperate with Star Luo. There's another possibility: just like the Luo family, Tuoba Xi is also Tianlin's man. They didn't attack Gengxin City with Star Luo — they helped Tuoba Xi drive off the Star Luo army, then quickly, while the front lines were in chaos, joined with the Luo family to launch a surprise attack on Lima Plains."

Hearing this, the Third Worshipper was shocked.

"Grand Worshipper, you mean the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect never really allied with any empire, they are…"

"They are fighting for their own hegemony," Qian Daoliu said, voicing his uncertain thought. "Ning Fengzhi, Jun Tianlin — what a grand game of chess! I thought they only wanted to protect themselves, but it turns out that our Spirit Empire, plus the two great empires, are all just their pieces. By taking advantage of the three-way war, they've captured nearly a third of the continent without a single stroke of bloodshed."

"Grand Worshipper, we must mobilize at once! If Her Majesty is surrounded by Ning Fengzhi, Sword Dao Chen Xin, and Jun Tianlin, she's doomed!" Ghost Leopard Douluo urged.

Qian Daoliu was silent for a while, weighing the pros and cons. Actually, he did not want to get involved at this time. His top priority was to guide his granddaughter to become a god — he did not want any unnecessary complications.

Right now, Qian Renxue was not involved in the war, traveling the continent to punish evil and promote good, working on her eighth Angel God trial, progressing well.

But Qian Daoliu had to admit, Tianlin was incredibly strong and advancing too fast. He was also Qian Renxue's greatest emotional weakness. Even if she became a god, she might not be able to defeat him. If Tianlin became a god, as the inheritor of the God of Asura — a God King level deity — he'd far surpass the Angel God.

If Spirit Empire wanted to win, they'd need at least two first-level gods to gang up on him. So Bibi Dong could not die — she inherited the Rakshasa God position, also a first-level god. The rift between her and Qian Renxue had eased a lot over the years; they should be able to cooperate.

Also, Chen Xin had a god position inheritance (though only second-level), but if he became a god too, things would be even trickier. Qian Daoliu couldn't let Qian Renxue struggle alone.

Moreover, if Bibi Dong's army was destroyed now, Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi would surely press their advantage and attack Spirit City. Qian Daoliu alone couldn't defeat them together.

"Very well. I will go to Heaven Dou City at once. But Spirit City cannot be left unguarded. Third, Fourth, Fifth Worshipper — I leave Spirit City in your hands," Qian Daoliu decided.

"Grand Worshipper, are you going alone?" Fourth Worshipper asked hesitantly.

Qian Daoliu nodded.

"This great battle is really just between Bibi Dong and me against Sword Dao Chen Xin and Jun Tianlin. Others can't get involved. If Qian Renxue finishes her eighth trial and returns, have her wait for me here. If I survive, I'll immediately help her become a god. If Bibi Dong and I both die, surrender Spirit Empire — Tianlin won't kill you or her. Let her find a secluded place to train, and don't seek revenge. By then, the continent will be unified under the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and as the Angel God's inheritor, she must not stir up war again. When she reaches level 99 and completes her inheritance, she can ascend to the God Realm."

"That goes for you as well. If things become hopeless, do not resist to the death. You are all top experts; you can help Ning Fengzhi quickly unify the continent. After all, this war was started by Spirit Empire, so we have a duty to end it quickly and restore order."

Qian Daoliu's thinking was much like Tianlin's: in times of chaos, heroes compete by strength; in times of peace, people live in stability. Anyone who dares stir up trouble again, the whole continent's strength will be united to eliminate them.

The three worshippers, moved by Qian Daoliu's righteousness, bowed:

"We obey Grand Worshipper's orders."

Qian Daoliu glanced at the Angel God statue, a look of resolve in his eyes. After dominating the continent for a century, he believed he would not be defeated easily.

Chapter 546: The Wager Between Tianlin and Qian Daoliu

The night sky was clear and the moon was bright. The weather was good.

A beam of holy light, like a comet, sped through the darkness — Qian Daoliu was anxious and traveling at full speed.

Suddenly, a figure blocked his path.

"Senior Qian Daoliu, long time no see," Tianlin had been waiting for him. He knew Qian Daoliu would come.

"Jun Tianlin! What, you can't wait — you want to kill me here and now?" Qian Daoliu said coldly.

"You misunderstand, Senior. Our battle with you and Bibi Dong should be left for the battlefield. I've come here just to say a few words and, if you'll allow, share a drink." Tianlin took out two bottles from his soul tool and landed on a hillside.

"Heh, then I'll risk my life to accompany you," Qian Daoliu also landed. Tianlin tossed him a bottle. Qian Daoliu drank it without suspicion, then frowned, "Kid, you call this a drink? It's just water! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is so rich, yet you can't even buy a bottle of good wine?"

Tianlin smiled awkwardly.

"Sorry, Senior. My master never allowed me to drink — except on my wedding day with Rongrong, I've never touched alcohol. It's a habit."

"Sword Dao Chen Xin is such a boring person," Qian Daoliu complained, sitting on the hillside. "Kid, it can't have been easy learning swordsmanship from such a serious man. Honestly, you could have come to Spirit Hall — with your talent, I'd have taken you as a disciple at first sight. Our Angel lineage has great sword techniques too, and in terms of resources and background, we're better than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect ever was."

"You could have focused on training, instead of running around strengthening your sect, carrying everyone else just to barely match Spirit Hall. If you'd joined us, the continent would already be unified and people living in peace. You could have married my granddaughter and been a perfect couple. In terms of beauty and talent, how could Ning Rongrong compare to my granddaughter?"

Tianlin laughed and sat beside him.

"It does sound nice. But, unfortunately, I'm destined not to belong to Spirit Hall."

"Why, do you have a grudge against us?" Qian Daoliu was unhappy.

"Not really. To me, both sects have their bright and dark sides. In fact, Spirit Hall has done more for the continent — soul awakening services, fighting evil soul masters, resisting beast tides, even working with the empires to set up soul beast forests to protect them. All these are great contributions. My sect, frankly, only helps a few villages. My father-in-law opposes slavery, but even with his status, he can't change the continental system. At best, he buys slaves and settles them in villages as commoners — a drop in the bucket."

"As for the darkness, I don't know much about our own. Even my master probably doesn't know — my father-in-law and Bone Grandpa handle it. Spirit Hall is just a bit domineering, and after Qian Xunji took over, many bad elements crept in. Most temple masters became ruthless, and after Bibi Dong replaced him, she didn't rein them in — she cared only for her own training."

Qian Daoliu smiled calmly.

"You see things clearly, but why say you're destined not to join Spirit Hall? You think you wouldn't get as high a status as in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? If you married my granddaughter, Spirit Hall would be yours! You could reform it as you wish, and I'd fully support you."

Tianlin shrugged.

"Honestly, it's simple — I was born in Seven treasure Village, so the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was nearby. If I'd been born in Spirit City, I'd have joined you!"

"Such a simple reason. Kid, did you stop me today just to say you have no real issue with Spirit Hall, or is there something more important?" Qian Daoliu probed, already guessing Tianlin's intent.

"You're right, Senior. I'm here to persuade you to surrender. My master and I will face you and Bibi Dong — this battle is inevitable, and likely to the death. If we win, I hope you'll order Spirit Empire to surrender. If you and Bibi Dong win, I'll have my father-in-law surrender." Tianlin said bluntly.

"You can see it too — your Spirit Empire was indeed the strongest, but I've taken the Holy Dragon Legion and Balak Kingdom's army, and my father-in-law dealt a heavy blow to your soul masters at Heaven Dou City. Now, our strength is balanced, perhaps even slightly in our favor. If we fight, the war will drag on for ages, and if the two empires join, millions could die before unification."

"You can't escape — Bibi Dong's army is surrounded by me and my father-in-law. If you fight to the death, Spirit Empire will be utterly destroyed."

"But if we combine our forces, the continent can be pacified in months. Don't worry — I never intended to exterminate Spirit Empire. The kingly way is to conquer by surrender whenever possible."

Qian Daoliu replied,

"A fight to decide everything, I can accept. But what about Bibi Dong? I can't command her, nor persuade her to surrender."

Tianlin's eyes steeled.

"The dead don't need persuading. Senior, I said this is a fight to the death — I won't show mercy, and I know Bibi Dong never will either. I will do everything to kill her, or die trying."

He'd wanted Bibi Dong dead for a long time. Of Spirit Empire's two pillars, Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong, once Bibi Dong was dead, her successor would be Hu Liena. If Qian Daoliu and Hu Liena were willing to surrender, all would be settled.

Qian Daoliu sighed and stood.

"If you and Bibi Dong must fight to the death, the one who suffers most is Xue'er."

"But I agree to your proposal. If I lose and Bibi Dong dies, Spirit Empire will surrender. But I believe the victors will be us. If you lose, I hope you keep your word and have Ning Fengzhi lead the others to surrender."

"You can trust me, Senior. I always keep my word," Tianlin promised. "As for Sister Xue, she and I are just star-crossed — it's fate."

Qian Daoliu nodded helplessly and left. He agreed, first because he'd already planned to leave such instructions with Golden Crocodile Douluo if he died. Second, this was a good opportunity — with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect blocking them, Spirit Empire's chance to unify the continent was nearly zero. At Tianlin's rate of growth, he'd overthrow Spirit Empire before Qian Renxue became a god. Better to settle it now, before he reached his peak.

If they lost now, they'd have no chance in the future — and surrendering then would be no shame.

Chapter 547: Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong vs. Chen Xin and Tianlin

Thanks to Tianlin's deliberate allowing, Qian Daoliu encountered no obstacles and easily flew past Jialing Pass to the battlefield at Heaven Dou City.

After their previous defeat, Bibi Dong was cautious — the Spirit Empire couldn't afford another loss. Yet having come so far, she couldn't give up easily. She sent orders to the Luo family at Jialing Pass to bring reinforcements.

Luo Hengji pretended to reply that they'd arrive in three days, buying a rare moment of calm for the battlefield.

Qian Daoliu's arrival shocked Bibi Dong and brought even more shocking news: their rear had been completely taken by Tianlin, yet they had received no word.

Tuoba Xi and the Luo family's betrayal had left them completely exposed, suddenly turning their hundreds of thousands of troops into an isolated force — a major military taboo.

Maybe Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong, as Ultimate Douluo, could break out, but what about everyone else? Most would be annihilated.

Bibi Dong was furious.

"Jun Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi — those bastards! They lured me in with tricks on the battlefield, and used spies behind my back. Despicable!"

"Bibi Dong, anger is useless now. Yesterday, when I arrived, Tianlin intercepted me," Qian Daoliu said.

"Intercepted you? Didn't you fight?" Bibi Dong asked, confused.

Qian Daoliu shook his head.

"No. He stopped me not to prevent me from coming, but to propose, on behalf of himself and Chen Xin, a duel between the four of us tomorrow before the armies."

Golden Crocodile Douluo and the others were puzzled.

"Challenging you directly when they have the advantage doesn't fit Tianlin's character. Could there be a plot?"

"No," Qian Daoliu reasoned. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, now a major player, isn't using brute force — they're focused on surrendering enemies and minimizing casualties, aiming for unification by the kingly way."

"Hmph, kingly way or not, since they want a fight, we'll give them one," Bibi Dong said. She preferred direct confrontation over battlefield trickery.

Now, with both martial souls at rank ninety-nine peak, Bibi Dong's actual combat power was slightly above Qian Daoliu's. She was confident in her strength.

In her last fight with Chen Xin, had it continued, he would surely have died.

She even had a secret technique prepared to counter Tianlin's invincible Holy Spirit Pearl.

"In that case, tomorrow, you take on Tianlin. I'll handle Sword Dao Chen Xin," Qian Daoliu said. He knew that outside the Hall of Worship, Bibi Dong was Spirit Empire's strongest — only she could possibly defeat Tianlin.

"Also, if possible, try to kill Tianlin tomorrow. Don't hold back for Xue'er's sake."

Qian Daoliu didn't mention the wager — Bibi Dong would never agree to surrender anyway. If they won, they'd discuss it then. If they lost, Bibi Dong would be dead, so it wouldn't matter.

Qian Daoliu admired Tianlin, but compared to Spirit Hall's unification, he still hoped Bibi Dong would win. The wager was only a last resort.

"You don't need to say it. Do you think I'd go easy on him for that reason?" Bibi Dong said coldly.

Qian Daoliu said no more — Bibi Dong was far more ruthless than him, and he had nothing to worry about.

…

The next morning, the Spirit Empire army pressed Heaven Dou City again. On the city wall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's top members assembled. Tianlin had arrived the previous night, and Ning Fengzhi was both excited and anxious.

He was happy that their sect was now the strongest on the continent, but worried that, if Tianlin and Chen Xin lost, all their efforts would be for nothing.

This was another weakness in their plan — with their current advantage, Bibi Dong's isolated force should be doomed. There was no need for a duel. But the casualties would be massive. As the Holy Spirit Pearl, Tianlin couldn't stomach unnecessary killing — he refused to slaughter surrendered enemies.

"Sword brother, be careful!" Ning Rongrong clutched Tianlin's hand, unwilling to let go. She knew today's fight would be deadly, but couldn't help — the power levels would reach godhood.

Even the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda couldn't help opponents of god-level strength.

"Don't worry, Rongrong. I wouldn't have proposed the duel without confidence. My master and I will surely return victorious. Once the continent is at peace, I'll finish off that Evil Sword Immortal, then take you around the world — and you'll give me a little Tian." Tianlin stroked her hair.

"Mmm!" Ning Rongrong blushed and nodded. Until the world was settled, they hadn't dared have children, though she was ready to be a mother.

"Let's go, Xiao Tian. Show the fruits of your years of effort today," said Chen Xin, already flying out.

Tianlin let go of Ning Rongrong and followed.

From the Spirit Empire army, two figures also flew out: Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong, both with six resplendent wings on their backs.

Qian Daoliu's came from his Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, Bibi Dong's from her external soul bone, the Six-Winged Purple Light Wings.

With her current power, Bibi Dong's wings were no weaker than Tianlin's million-year soul bone.

Starting the fight with her trump card showed her determination.