DD Spiritual Sword [563-565] (Patreon)

Chapter 563: Tianlin and Qian Renxue

"Sorry, Senior, I can't save you," Tianlin said apologetically.

"It's alright. Judging by your sword, you must be Jun Tianlin. You coming here with the Grand Worship means the final victors are your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. It's such a pity. Our Spirit Hall has developed for centuries, reached its peak in this generation, but in the end, we still lost to you, who came out of nowhere." The Third Worship was very dejected; these Worships were quite different from the Elders.

Spirit Hall Elders didn't really care about the Hall's fate; they were just working for fame and fortune. But these Worships, like the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, saw Spirit Hall as their home.

"No, Senior, you misunderstood. It was your Spirit Hall who won. I came here on behalf of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to surrender. The Spirit Empire will definitely unify the continent in the future. You can rest assured." Tianlin said softly.

"Really?" Hearing this, the Third Worship looked to Qian Daoliu for confirmation.

Qian Daoliu gratefully glanced at Tianlin and nodded, "Of course it's true, Old Three. I acted personally; how could we lose?"

"Haha, that's great! Now I can die without regrets." The Third Worship was elated, his spirits lifted as if he was experiencing a final burst of energy.

"Old Three, don't get too excited yet. Tell me, what happened? Who hurt you all like this? Was it Bibi Dong?" Qian Daoliu urgently wanted to know the truth.

"It was," the Third Worship admitted. "Bibi Dong went mad. She suddenly returned to Spirit City yesterday, saying she wanted to destroy Spirit Hall herself and avenge her grudge from years ago. The Fourth, Fifth, and I fought her with all we had. Although her power was far beyond ours, she seemed severely injured and was only using a fraction of her strength. That's the only reason we held on until Xue'er arrived."

"Xue'er's timely return slightly improved our situation, but just as we were about to drive her back, another Bibi Dong appeared—also seriously injured, but just as powerful, if not more so. The two of them together gravely injured all four of us in one strike. Then the Fourth and Fifth were drained to death. When the other Bibi Dong was about to attack Xue'er, the real Bibi Dong seemed to regain a bit of humanity and forcibly stopped her before leaving."

The Third Worship recounted what happened, confirming Tianlin's suspicions: it was indeed Bibi Dong, with her hatred against Spirit Hall triggered again by the Evil Spirit Pearl, who attacked. The other Bibi Dong was surely the Evil Sword Immortal in disguise, who had taken control of Bibi Dong's mind. However, Bibi Dong was still a peerless powerhouse and could retain some of her own will. No matter what, she would never harm Qian Renxue and even withdrew the power of the Evil Spirit Pearl herself—otherwise Tianlin wouldn't have been able to heal Qian Renxue.

"Jun Tianlin, as the loser, you must take good care of Xue'er from now on. She's the little princess loved most by all of us in the Worship Hall. Don't let her suffer in the slightest." With his last breath, the Third Worship finished his final words and passed away with a smile.

Qian Daoliu gently set him down, "Rest in peace, Old Three. I'll come to find you soon. By then, we'll be brothers again. Xue'er, who will become a god, will avenge you and kill that other Bibi Dong."

"And Jun Tianlin, thank you for admitting defeat on your own initiative so Old Three could die without regret."

"A small kind lie, a bit of face lost, is worth it if it lets a senior pass away without regrets." Tianlin smiled, picked up Qian Renxue, and said, "Senior Qian Daoliu, I'm taking Sister Xue to rest. Her injuries just healed and she needs peace. Please gather everyone in the city—severely or lightly injured—who's still alive, in this square. I'll heal them all with Extreme Curse Reversal. Too many have already died; let me save as many as I can."

"Alright, thank you." Qian Daoliu didn't hesitate and immediately directed the surviving Spirit Hall guards to rescue and gather people. After working all night, most survivors were assembled.

Spirit City was destroyed, with over 100,000 civilians dead and 200,000 wounded. Such a huge debt could never be repaid by Bibi Dong in her lifetime.

Fortunately, with Tianlin's divine healing, all the injured were saved, preventing further casualties. However, healing so many at once exhausted Tianlin.

Originally, he should have been the one taking care of Qian Renxue; instead, it was the recovered Qian Renxue and Ning Rongrong who took care of him.

Though these two girls hadn't met many times, each meeting was wordless—this was the first time they got along so harmoniously.

…

As night fell, Tianlin woke from his rest and walked to the balcony. Qian Renxue was standing there alone, looking troubled.

"Sister Xue, what's wrong?" Tianlin asked as he approached.

"Xiao Tian, you're awake!" Qian Renxue turned around. "It's nothing. I already know what happened. I just can't believe you and Ning Fengzhi set up such a grand scheme, turning my mother's frontline army into an isolated force, forcing her and Grandpa to fight you and Chen Xin, determining the outcome in one move. I didn't even have a chance to join the battlefield."

"This was the fastest way I could think of to end the war. I just didn't expect the battle to drive Bibi Dong to such extremes and make her fall under someone's scheme, becoming a puppet of the Evil Spirit Pearl," Tianlin said helplessly.

Qian Renxue looked at Tianlin. "Do you regret it?"

Tianlin answered without hesitation, "No. If I had another chance, I'd still use this tactic, and I'd do it even better, never giving the Evil Sword Immortal a chance. If he comes, I'll see that he and Bibi Dong die together."

"Then why did you come to Spirit City—just to show off your victory?" Qian Renxue was a little upset. She had thought Tianlin would apologize, maybe say he spared her mother for her sake.

But instead, Tianlin remained resolute—if anything, even more determined.

"Sister Xue, are you angry? Honestly, I don't feel guilty toward you. I'm Rongrong's husband, my parents' son, my master's disciple—they're my family. On my scale, nothing can be more important than them, not even you. Through seas of blood or treacherous paths, as long as I can lead my family to peace, I'll go through anything—no hesitation, no regrets, no guilt."

"Sister Xue, the reason I came here isn't out of guilt or regret for what I did to you or Spirit Hall. It's because, in my heart, you may never be more important than my family, but you'll always be more important than myself."

Qian Renxue blushed. "Wha—who talks like you do! Annoying!"

Tianlin smiled slightly, thinking, "There are people who talk like this—Long Ming, for example, flirted with his sister-in-law in the same way and made her fall for him completely."

At this moment, Tianlin's feelings were similar, sincere, though not as smooth as Long Ming's. Though Long Ming's sister-in-law suffered a tragic fate, at least Long Ming only loved her all his life.

Judging by Qian Renxue's reaction, this "confession" style worthy of a demon king's disciple was quite effective.

Chapter 564: Qian Renxue and Ning Rongrong

With Tianlin there, Qian Renxue's mood improved. Ning Rongrong was right—at a time like this, only Tianlin could comfort her.

"Xiao Tian, what do you plan to do with my mother? According to you, she only became like this because of that evil pearl, right? So, killing wasn't her true intent." Qian Renxue looked at Tianlin with hope. She knew Tianlin was the only one capable of saving Bibi Dong.

But Tianlin poured cold water on her hopes. "No, killing was her own intent. The Evil Spirit Pearl only drew out the hatred in her heart. If you ask what I plan to do with her, my answer is the same—kill her!"

"But she's my mother! Isn't there any other way to help her?" Qian Renxue knew how grave Bibi Dong's crimes were, but her feelings as a daughter clouded her sense of justice.

Tianlin placed a hand on her shoulder and said seriously, "Sister Xue, if Bibi Dong killed the Heaven Dou Empire, Star Luo Empire armies, or even our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, even if she killed a million, it would be understandable. We're on opposing sides in a continental war—on the battlefield, morality and justice don't apply."

"But now she's killing innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the war. Such crime must be atoned for with her life."

Qian Renxue bowed her head in pain. Luckily, Bibi Dong committed her atrocities only after Qian Renxue completed her eighth trial—otherwise, her trial might have been to kill Bibi Dong herself as retribution.

Seeing her pain, Tianlin said, "However, I do have a way for you to reunite with your mother in the future—but it's up to you both to accept it."

"What way?" Qian Renxue's eyes lit up. She was willing to do anything to save Bibi Dong.

"Let me show you something." A light flashed on Tianlin's forehead as he switched from the Asura Mark to the Holy Emperor Mark, pulling Qian Renxue over. Their foreheads touched, and they activated the power of Heavenly Snow Power.

In this state, they could sense each other's thoughts without speaking. After a long while, they separated. Qian Renxue looked at Tianlin with complex emotions. "I can't believe you're inheriting another god position as strong as the Asura God's."

She was now certain Spirit Empire was no match for Tianlin. Surrendering in this situation to minimize bloodshed was indeed the right choice.

"Xiao Tian, I already know your method. But with this, my mother will suffer greatly."

"Sister Xue, do you agree? Bibi Dong can't be easily forgiven—this is the only way I can think of." Tianlin consoled her.

Qian Renxue leaned on Tianlin's chest and nodded. "I agree. If we can save my mother in the future, I'll persuade her too. She deserves to suffer for her crimes, and as her daughter, I'll bear it with her."

She was at peace now. She didn't fear her mother suffering—only that she'd never have the chance to atone.

Tianlin gently stroked her golden hair. As her mood improved, he felt more at ease.

"Xiao Tian, thank you. Lying here, listening to your heartbeat, I feel much calmer. Rongrong must love this too, right?" Qian Renxue asked.

Tianlin smiled. "Yes, but she's a bit naughtier. When she leans on me, she likes to draw circles on my chest."

"Is that so?" Qian Renxue traced circles on his chest with her finger jealously. "Sure enough, among those who can listen to your heartbeat, I can only be second."

"Uh, actually, you're third," Tianlin admitted honestly.

Qian Renxue frowned. "Third? I'm only third? Jun Tianlin, I can't believe you've secretly hidden another one! Who is it? I'll go kill her now!"

Tianlin and Ning Rongrong were childhood friends; she could accept losing to her, but being third was unacceptable for the proud Qian Renxue.

"The second is Oslo. Go ahead and kill him," a grumpy female voice said. Ning Rongrong walked over, glaring at the two, "That guy pesters my Sword Brother all day. Killing him would do me a favor."

"And Qian Renxue, shouldn't you let go of my husband already? I only let him comfort you a bit because you were pitiful, but now I'm here. How long are you going to keep hogging him?"

Hearing that the second was Oslo, Qian Renxue stopped being angry. Among the Emperor Battle Team, Tianlin was serious, Oslo mischievous. Since they were kids, Oslo loved teasing Tianlin, almost getting himself chopped a few times. Qian Renxue was used to it.

Qian Renxue smiled angelically at Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, is it because we haven't seen each other in a while? You seem so distant now. Remember, I used to be very good to you. When I visited the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I always brought you gifts and palace snacks. And when I used to share a room with Xiao Tian, you never minded."

"You were a man then! Who knew you were deceiving me all along?" Ning Rongrong was sulking. Back then, she'd been fooled due to lack of information.

"Anyway, let go of my Sword Brother, or I won't be polite!" Angry, Ning Rongrong summoned the Seagod Trident.

"Oh! The Seagod Trident! Rongrong, you've really changed. I can't believe you're the Seagod's successor now. That second martial soul, Ice Heaven Snow Maiden, was given by Xiao Tian, right? He really favors you over me." Qian Renxue drew her Angelic Holy Sword. "Still, I'm not afraid. Bring it on."

"Rongrong, beat her up! How dare she steal your man? Freeze her for me!" The Ice Empress and Snow Empress egged her on in Ning Rongrong's soul.

"Hey, Xiao Tian, aren't you going to intervene?" Skydream Ice Silkworm asked.

Tianlin smiled. "No need. They're just sparring, not trying to hurt each other. Rongrong has always wanted to test herself against Qian Renxue since she got her second martial soul. This is a good chance. And after yesterday, Sister Xue needs to vent too."

"Though Sister Xue's cultivation is stronger, the Angelic Sword is of lower grade than the Seagod Trident. Plus, Rongrong has the Seagod's Heart. Neither can hurt the other. Let them communicate with their weapons."

"You're really laid-back. Want me to teach you some tricks for handling wives?" said a deep male voice behind Tianlin. Di Tian floated in mid-air.

"Senior Di Tian, you're the dignified Black Dragon King—when did you stoop to eavesdropping like my brother Skydream?" Tianlin said helplessly.

Di Tian waved his hand. "Who's eavesdropping? I have no interest in your human squabbles. I just want to know if we can leave tomorrow since you've already comforted this little angel."

Tianlin nodded. "Alright, Senior Di Tian. After the Spirit Empire and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's unification ceremony tomorrow, we'll head to the Star Dou Forest."

Chapter 565: The Unification of Spirit Empire and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect; The Three's Path to Godhood

200 Km east of Spirit City, in a forest, Bibi Dong was recovering. Tianlin's Demon-Suppressing Sword had wounded her badly, its aura restraining her evil power. Now, even using her abilities was very difficult. After yesterday's forced battle, her injuries worsened, and so was the Evil Sword Immortal's. Both were in dire straits.

"Bibi Dong, if you'd absorbed Qian Renxue yesterday, you could've used her divine power to dispel the sword's aura. The Demon-Suppressing Sword restrains evil, but not holy power," Evil Sword Immortal complained.

"Hmph, don't think you can control me just because you're my dark side. I hate Spirit Hall and the Qian family, but this has nothing to do with Xue'er. I won't let you hurt her," Bibi Dong replied coldly.

Evil Sword Immortal, disguised as Bibi Dong's dark side, had fooled her completely. Their spirits, powers, and memories were identical, and Bibi Dong's mind was clouded by the Evil Spirit Pearl.

Actually, within the Evil Spirit Pearl, there was a third Bibi Dong—a pure, kind version from before she met the Grandmaster, now locked away. This was Bibi Dong's good soul, thoroughly sealed. Yet, one thing could not be erased: her last shred of motherly love for Qian Renxue.

The Evil Sword Immortal underestimated a mother's strength.

"Never mind. With our current injuries, we'll need a year or two to recover. Our progress toward godhood will suffer. Since you refuse to touch Qian Renxue, I have another idea," Evil Sword Immortal said.

"What idea?" asked Bibi Dong.

"Remember that healing soul beast stronger than Nine Heart Begonia, with immense vitality?"

"Emerald Swan," Bibi Dong remembered. "That terrifying healer, Bi Ji. If I could absorb her power, I'd recover quickly."

But she was worried about the Silver Dragon King, the lord of Di Tian, whom she felt she couldn't defeat.

Sensing her concerns, Evil Sword Immortal smiled, "Don't worry. After that last battle, the Silver Dragon King is badly wounded, unable to even fight at Ultimate Douluo level. Using the Evil Spirit Pearl, we can still muster god-level power once. We must succeed in one strike, or we'll be the ones crippled for years."

"Alright, no time to lose. Let's go to Star Dou Forest," Bibi Dong agreed. Other than Qian Renxue, she could kill anyone now.

…

At dawn, in Spirit City, under witness of the entire population, Spirit Empire's heir Hu Liena and Grand Worship Qian Daoliu proposed unification with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Vice Master Jun Tianlin and handed over all military and soul master forces to Tianlin, who accepted.

Anyone could see this "unification" was just a polite way of saying surrender. When the continent was pacified, the new Empress Hu Liena would abdicate, saving face.

The crowds cheered Tianlin, grateful for his healing efforts.

Qian Renxue watched with mixed feelings. Sad that Spirit Empire lost and Bibi Dong was missing, but happy that she was no longer Tianlin's enemy—she could finally stand by his side, even if Ning Rongrong was an obstacle. Qian Renxue was stubborn—she never gave up on what she set her heart on.

When news spread, the two empires would panic. They had hoped both sides would weaken each other, but now, the two united—who could resist such a force?

The ceremony lasted until noon. At the city gate, Tianlin bid farewell to Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu, then left with Ning Rongrong.

Tianlin sighed, "Senior Qian Daoliu, this may be our last meeting. Who knows if we'll ever have a drink together again?"

"Haha, probably not. And you never even treated me to a drink! I won't miss it," Qian Daoliu laughed.

"Xiao Tian, Grandpa, what are you talking about? Why won't you ever meet again?" Qian Renxue asked in confusion.

Apparently, Qian Daoliu hadn't told her about his planned sacrifice in her final god trial.

"It's nothing. Senior Qian Daoliu will stay in the Worship Hall from now on, and I don't like such solemn places," Tianlin replied, leaving Qian Daoliu to tell her himself one day.

"Yes, I'll always guard the Worship Hall. Farewell, Jun Tianlin. Work hard; when you reach God Realm, take care of my granddaughter. With you there, I'm at ease." Qian Daoliu sighed.

"Don't worry, I swear no god will bully Sister Xue in the God Realm. Farewell, Senior." Tianlin bowed, taking Ning Rongrong's hand as they left.

Ning Rongrong, unlike Qian Renxue, knew about the sacrifice. Normally, she would have been jealous, but facing a dying elder's last wish, even this little troublemaker could only stay silent.

After leaving Spirit City, at a crossroads, Ning Rongrong had to go her separate way. To become the Seagod, she needed to head to Seagod Island. Thanks to Tianlin's domain and Oscar's eighth spirit skill, her level had reached eighty-nine. She needed to absorb four more soul rings to reach ninety-four, then challenge the final trial.

"Rongrong, be careful. Your ninth trial will pit you against a being stronger than a Ultimate Douluo. This should have been your eighth trial, but maybe because you're a support type, it was postponed. Remember, wait until your Ice Heaven Snow Maiden martial soul has eight rings and your Glazed Tile Pagoda has nine before challenging it. Four more soul rings should push your level close to ninety-four, and then your summoned Snow Demon will be equivalent to level ninety-seven. With the Seagod Trident, use all your trump cards to win, understand?"

"And take this—my new Fiery Demon Slash talisman. It's ten times stronger than before. Use it to break enemy defenses..."

As Tianlin kept reminding her, Ning Rongrong suddenly kissed him, silencing his nagging.

After a long kiss, Ning Rongrong smiled, "Don't worry, Sword Brother. I'll win, because I know how much I mean to you. I won't let you down."

Tianlin nodded in relief, "You've grown up. You know what to fight for. Now I can rest easy. Go, Rongrong—I'll be waiting for you to return stronger."

"Mm!"

Ning Rongrong flew toward Hanhai City.

Tianlin watched her until she disappeared, then turned to Di Tian. "Let's go, Senior Di Tian."

They both shot off toward the Star Dou Forest.