All six Grand Elders' gazes turned toward the source of the golden light. It wasn't that the light was growing brighter—it was that it was approaching Jialing Pass with breathtaking speed. In the brief moments it had taken the Third Grand Elder to speak, the light had already enlarged tenfold, and as the Elders watched, they could begin to make out its shape.
"That's…" The Second Grand Elder squinted into the distance, his emotions surging with sudden intensity. For a man of his hundred years, the excitement was enough to make him shout aloud. "It's the Young Mistress. That's the Young Mistress—she succeeded. Look quickly, the Angel Divine Armor! Isn't that the Angel Divine Armor of our Spirit Hall? The Angel Divine Armor that symbolizes the Angel God—she truly did it. Hahaha, wonderful! This is truly wonderful. Now let's see how the Tian Dou Empire dares to compete with us."
The intense golden light gradually illuminated the entire sky. It wasn't just those on the fortress walls who saw it—every soldier of the Spirit Empire garrisoned within Jialing Pass had begun to notice the extraordinary phenomenon overhead.
Six wings spread wide, Qian Renxue's expression was cold as ice, the Angel Divine Armor blazing with dazzling radiance. At this moment, looking up from Jialing Pass toward the sky, the sun's glow was no longer visible—only the resplendent gold of the Angel God remained.
The six Grand Elders exchanged a glance, their minds perfectly in sync. In unison, they drew a deep breath and poured all their Soul Power into their voices, roaring toward the heavens: "The—Angel—Has—Descended—."
The sheer volume produced by six Titled Douluo, each at level ninety-five or above, shouting with their full power was something one could only truly grasp if one had heard it in person. The Spirit Empire soldiers standing on the fortress walls collapsed in droves like wheat being scythed, many knocked unconscious by the sheer force. Their voices blanketed all of Jialing Pass, carrying far into the distance—perhaps not a hundred li, not enough to reach the Tian Dou Empire's main camp on the opposite side, but more than enough to shake all of Jialing Pass to its core.
Most of the Spirit Empire garrison had already been captivated by the sky's sudden transformation to gold. Now, hearing the Grand Elders' thunderous cry, they held their breath and stared in disbelief at thepeerless angel descending from the heavens. Those ordinary soldiers who were not Soul Masters found themselves unable to resist under the Angel God's overwhelming divine pressure, dropping to their knees one after another in prostration. The phenomenon spread through Jialing Pass like a plague—even the Soul Master corps of the Spirit Empire fell to their knees at the sight. In the capital of the Spirit Empire, within Spirit Hall itself, every one of them had seen the sacred angel statue during their examinations. Now, as the six-winged Angel descended from the sky, accompanied by that incomparable divine pressure, these Soul Masters were beside themselves with elation. They all understood—powerful reinforcements had arrived.
The Second Grand Elder led the other five Grand Elders back several steps, then knelt respectfully on one knee. Gazing up at Qian Renxue, who hovered in midair with her phoenix eyes radiating imperial authority, he spoke with reverence: "The six Grand Elders of the Spirit Empire's Hall of Elders pay our respects to the Angel God."
With even the six Grand Elders kneeling, those few stragglers on the fortress walls who had not yet done so had no reason to hesitate. Not a single person remained standing atop the walls of Jialing Pass. A vast, dark sea of kneeling figures stretched across the battlements.
Qian Renxue spoke with composed indifference: "Rise, Grand Elders." She had impersonated the Crown Prince in the Tian Dou Empire for many years, and now, with her god-level aura, an invisible majesty radiated outward from her. She descended from the sky at last, landing gently upon the fortress walls, her six angelic wings folding behind her. With a sweep of her hands, a ring of golden light rippled outward from her body, and the soldiers who had been knocked unconscious by the Grand Elders' shout immediately awoke. Each one hurriedly dropped to their knees in prostration. Those who hadn't fainted felt a wave of warmth spread through their bodies, an indescribable comfort flooding every limb.
This was divine sense—powerful, incomparable divine sense. The aura of a god had, in a single instant, conquered the hearts of every defender on those walls. Qian Renxue was not merely powerful; she was breathtakingly beautiful. Yet not a single inappropriate thought arose in those who beheld her. There was only heartfelt, genuine adoration.
The six Grand Elders rose one after another. The Golden Crocodile Douluo strode up to Qian Renxue in just a few steps and asked in a low voice: "Young Mistress, you succeeded?"
Qian Renxue gave a slight nod, a glimmer of crystalline tears flashing through her eyes. "Grandfather, he…"
The Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes blazed with excitement, his voice trembling: "The Head Grand Elder sacrificed himself to enable your ascension to godhood. After so many years, our Spirit Hall finally possesses a god-level powerhouse. Young Mistress, please don't grieve. The Head Grand Elder, watching from beyond, would surely be immensely proud of what you've achieved."
Qian Renxue shook her head slightly. Had it not been for Tang San, she might have wholeheartedly agreed with the Golden Crocodile Douluo's words. But she had not come to Jialing Pass alone as the sole god on this battlefield. Toward Tang San, a nameless resistance had already taken root in her heart—the seed of defeat he had planted within her had long since sprouted and grown.
"Second Grand Elder, tell me the current situation at Jialing Pass. What of Bibi Dong?" Qian Renxue's voice turned cold, and even a cultivator of the Golden Crocodile Douluo's stature couldn't help but feel a shiver under her vast and boundless divine sense.
"After we six arrived here, Bibi Dong had already been severely wounded in the war against the Tian Dou Empire by a man called Tang San. We seized the opportunity to reclaim control of the army. Bibi Dong has been sent back to Spirit City to recuperate. The six of us have been commanding things here in the interim. Now that you have returned, Young Mistress, command naturally passes to you. Once we've driven back the Tian Dou Empire's grand army, we will all support you in deposing Bibi Dong from her throne. You are the rightful Empress. Now that you've ascended to godhood, even if Bibi Dong still has some die-hard loyalists within Spirit Hall, they pose no threat to you."
At the mention of Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue's brows furrowed involuntarily. Especially upon hearing that Bibi Dong had been gravely wounded by Tang San—she couldn't explain why, but a wave of irritation surged through her heart. She murmured: "Tang San. It's Tang San again. You truly are the bane of my fate."
"Young Mistress, you…" The Golden Crocodile Douluo looked at her with some confusion.
Qian Renxue collected herself and spoke with composure: "Grand Elders, reorganize the army. We march tomorrow."
The Golden Crocodile Douluo had been waiting for exactly those words. He boomed his assent: "This time, we will utterly crush the Tian Dou Empire's army."
The corner of Qian Renxue's lips tugged ever so slightly. Utterly crush? Could it truly be that simple? Not unless that particular person stayed away from the battlefield. Things had gone too far—there was no room left for hesitation. This battle would come sooner or later. She didn't know whether Tang San had already returned to the Tian Dou Empire's army. Regardless, tomorrow's battle would be the final reckoning. Tang San—that's right, you planted a seed of defeat in my heart. But if I cannot defeat you, can I not at least drag you down to die with me? If I cannot conquer you in life, then in death, in whatever world awaits, I will conquer you still. Even if you are the bane of my fate, I will bring us both down together.
A fierce battle intent blazed from Qian Renxue's eyes. It was precisely this mentality—this willingness to perish together—that had given her the courage to come to Jialing Pass. In her heart, Qian Renxue thought: Tang San, oh Tang San, I will show you just how powerful a god can be when pushed to the brink of desperation. You love that Xiao Wu so dearly, don't you? Then I will make certain you can never be together. I'll drag you to death with me—but I will never harm her. You'll be with me, and me alone, even if it means the grave.
She turned around, her gaze sweeping toward the direction where the Tian Dou Empire's army was camped. The six Grand Elders did not see that in Qian Renxue's eyes, a manic, almost unhinged madness was burning like wildfire.
At this moment, the Tian Dou Empire's great camp was far from peaceful. News from the agile disciples of the Tang Sect's Agility Hall had already been relayed back to the main camp. In truth, even without their reports, many on the Tian Dou Empire's side had already witnessed the scene that had unfolded toward Jialing Pass.
Tian Dou Empire's Emperor Xue Bing immediately issued orders, summoning all commanding generals to the central military tent for a council of war. All of the Tian Dou Empire's powerhouses, along with the heads of each legion and Marshal Ge Long among others, were present.
Xue Bing sat in the seat of honor within the commander's tent, then waved his hand. "Please, everyone, take your seats." Of course, this was not an invitation for all the generals who had entered the tent to sit down—only a select few were granted that privilege. On the military side, only Marshal Ge Long received such an honor. On the other side, seated in the position of highest precedence, was the Imperial Preceptor of the Tian Dou Empire and commander of the empire's Soul Master corps—the Great Master, Yu Xiaogang.
Below the Great Master sat Tang Xiao, the Sect Master of the Clear Sky School. Below him naturally came the Clear Sky Douluo—the Blue Hao King Tang San's father, Tang Hao. Following them in order were the heads and Titled Douluo-level powerhouses of the various great clans: Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan; Sword Douluo Chen Xin; Bone Douluo Gu Rong; and Poison Douluo Dugu Bo. Only those of this caliber were qualified to have seats here.
Xue Bing turned toward the Great Master, Tang Hao, and their side, speaking: "The reason I've summoned all of you on such short notice is that an unprecedented change has suddenly occurred toward Jialing Pass. An extraordinarily brilliant golden light descended upon the city walls of Jialing Pass. According to the reports from the Tang Sect's Agility Hall disciples, it appeared to be a woman. The aura emanating from that figure was immensely powerful—so much so that even the Agility Hall disciples dared not approach. They could faintly hear voices from the direction of Jialing Pass crying out the words 'Angel Descends.' All of you are outstanding figures in the world of Soul Masters. What exactly is going on?"
The first to furrow his brow was the Great Master. He was far from being the strongest in the Soul Master world, but he was unquestionably the one with the greatest breadth of knowledge. The moment someone had reported the golden light appearing in the sky, the Great Master had stepped out of his tent and looked toward Jialing Pass. Most of the others had done the same. Ordinary soldiers may not have felt anything, and even some lower-level Soul Masters may not have noticed anything unusual. But for brothers Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, as well as each of the Titled Douluo, an intense sense of unease had settled in their hearts.
When that golden light had appeared, each of them had felt as though a massive boulder had dropped into their chests, suffocating them. For such a sensation to arise in the hearts of these top-tier powerhouses of the Soul Master world was profoundly abnormal.
Seeing that no one spoke—and that the Great Master's expression had turned particularly grim—worry crept into Xue Bing's eyes. "Could it be… the Grand Protector of the Martial Soul Empire whom my teacher spoke of—Qian Daoliu—has arrived?"
"It's not Qian Daoliu. Qian Daoliu is a man. According to the records my grandfather left behind, Qian Daoliu appeared as a middle-aged man. But the Agility Hall disciples reported that this was a woman." The one who spoke was Tang Xiao, Sect Master of the Clear Sky School. In truth, among these powerhouses, everyone already had an answer in their minds—but none of them wished to acknowledge it, let alone speak it aloud and shake the army's morale.
Xue Bing's voice was heavy: "To produce such dazzling radiance visible from a hundred li away—and for it to leave me gasping for breath just to look at it—what level of powerhouse could achieve this? Imperial Preceptor, esteemed elders, please, enlighten me."
Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, let out a sigh. "There's no point in concealing it any longer. Your Majesty, based on our observations, the energy released by that golden light is far beyond what any Titled Douluo could match. That overwhelming spiritual pressure in particular—even His Highness the Blue Hao King, who is renowned for his spiritual power, could not reach such a level. And His Highness's spiritual power should be no less than that of a level ninety-nine Titled Douluo. Therefore, we can only surmise one possibility: a hundred-level powerhouse has come to Jialing Pass."
"A hundred-level powerhouse?!" Whether it was Xue Bing, Marshal Ge Long, or any of the other generals, they all drew a sharp breath at Ning Fengzhi's words. The concept of a hundred-level powerhouse was, to be honest, something they didn't fully understand. But the role a powerful Soul Master could play on the battlefield was something they knew all too well. Tang San, with his own strength alone, had nearly turned the entire tide of war—and he was only at ninety-something levels. Besides, a hundred-level powerhouse carried another implication entirely!
Xue Bing swallowed with some difficulty. "Sect Master Ning, are you saying… the Martial Soul Empire has a… god?"
The moment the word "god" left his lips, the great tent erupted in uproar. Even though this was the emperor's central military tent, the panic that surged through the generals in that instant made it impossible for them to contain their cries.
"Silence!" Marshal Ge Long's thunderous shout subdued the generals' voices, but their eyes betrayed them—each one was filled with alarm.
Xue Bing could not help losing his composure either. No matter how clever and astute he might be, he was still a young man barely past thirty. How could he not panic when faced with news of such catastrophic import? Though he struggled to maintain his calm, his gaze had begun to waver, his hands pressed white-knuckled against the table before him, his face shifting between shadow and light.
Tang Hao's voice was grave: "Sect Master Ning speaks the truth. That may very well be a god. Furthermore, judging by the energy released by that golden light, it should be the Angel God's power inherited from Spirit Hall—that is why she bears the title of the Angel God. According to our Clear Sky School's internal records, Spirit Hall possesses a complete set of six soul bones known as the Angel Set. It is said that whoever can absorb all six soul bones will be able to break through to the hundredth level and become a god-class powerhouse. I don't know who that woman is, but it is almost certain that she is the one who has inherited the Angel Set. With such a powerful ally, the Martial Soul Empire will undoubtedly launch an attack tomorrow. I urge Your Majesty to prepare accordingly."
Even a man of Tang Hao's indomitable spirit had lost some of his confidence after sensing the Angel God's divine consciousness earlier. Mighty as the Grand Azimuth Hammer was, he did not believe it could rival a god. What was more, with Tang San having departed the great camp along with the Shrek Seven Devils, their overall strength here was already depleted—which was precisely why the Tian Dou Empire's army had chosen to retreat and fortify their position. Had Qian Renxue not arrived, Tang Hao was confident that he and his brother, along with the other powerhouses, could have at least held off the Jialing Pass garrison's assault. But with the appearance of a god-class powerhouse, the balance between the two sides had become staggeringly lopsided. In truth, a single god-class powerhouse would be enough to deal with every Tian Dou Empire powerhouse in this tent. How could such a war possibly continue?
Xue Bing's mentality was relatively stable. Though this news had shaken him to his core, after a brief moment he had managed to regain some measure of composure. He knew that he absolutely could not lose control now—otherwise, the army itself might mutiny. But deep down, he also understood: how could mortal strength contend with divine power?
Xue Bing forced himself to steady his expression, and a composed smile suddenly appeared on his face. "There is no need for concern. In truth, all of this has long been calculated by myself and my teacher. My teacher once said that a god is merely a human whose strength has reached a certain level—at their core, they remain human. And as long as they are human, there is a way to deal with them. Moreover, I have just received word that my teacher has completed his own god-class inheritance and will be returning to the great camp within the next two days. When that time comes, forget about a mere Martial Soul Empire—even conquering the entirety of Soul Land would be a trifling matter. Therefore, no matter how powerful the enemy may be, we must hold out against the Martial Soul Empire's counterattack for these two days. We must persevere at all costs until my teacher returns. He will lead us to utterly crush Jialing Pass and sweep the Martial Soul Empire from the face of the earth."
After hearing Xue Bing's words, not only did the look of panic vanish from the generals' eyes—even on the Great Master and Tang Hao's side, faces lit up with delight. The Great Master exclaimed with joy: "Little San is coming back? That is wonderful news!"
As for the generals, once they had processed what they'd heard, their faces broke into broad smiles. Tang San's strength displayed on the battlefield had once shaken them to their very core; he had single-handedly turned the tide of battle more than once, even grievously wounding the Martial Soul Empire's Empress Bibi Dong herself. It was no exaggeration to say that Tang San's prestige within the army was unrivaled. Xue Bing's words had undeniably rekindled the generals' confidence.
Xue Bing smiled faintly and said: "My dear generals, you may have noticed that over the past month, my teacher—the Blue Hao King—has not been present. You must have wondered why. Very well, I shall tell you now. The reason we temporarily withdrew was precisely because the Blue Hao King was not with the army. Had we engaged in battle at that time, victory would have been nearly impossible. To keep the army's morale from crumbling, I ordered this information kept secret. Now, the time has come for you to know the truth. Our great Blue Hao King left the camp in order to further enhance his strength, so that he might help our Tian Dou Empire's army utterly destroy the Martial Soul Empire. To that end, he has chosen the path of godhood—to accept a god's inheritance. My teacher has now completed this final breakthrough and is on his way back as we speak. So tell me—these last two days, can you hold? Can you hold on until our Blue Hao King returns to flatten Jialing Pass?"