Qian Renxue unleashed both her martial soul true form and her most powerful eighth spirit ability. Tianlin knew he'd gone too far. They'd agreed to a spar to test their strength, but now she was truly serious.
With the Seraphim True Form, her strongest domain—Angel Domain—opened. It covered thousands of square meters, making her the absolute ruler within. The Angel Domain increased her strength by 30%, weakened the enemy by 10%, and was filled with holy power that constantly eroded the opponent's spirit power. It also greatly dulled the opponent's senses and could keep them locked at the center—teleporting would just move them in place. Even if they moved by force, they'd snap back after the attack.
No wonder Tang San's domains were suppressed in the original work—this was a god-level martial soul domain.
The 100,000-year eighth spirit ability, Angel Incarnation, created a clone with identical strength. Unlike Ning Rongrong's crystal clone, this one wouldn't disappear after a hit. With this, Qian Renxue's power doubled.
Additionally, the 100,000-year ring's second skill, Angel Apparition, created a giant angel image that unleashed countless golden feathers in all directions.
When these two 100,000-year skills were used together, their power was immense.
No matter how strong Tianlin was, without going all out, it would be hard to withstand two Qian Renxues in true form and domain.
"Jun Tianlin, prepare to die!" The two Qian Renxues charged at him, though Tianlin didn't sense any real killing intent.
This let Tianlin joke, "Never thought I'd get to see two Sister Xues—double the fun!"
Inside Gengxin City, both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Spirit Hall watched the battle anxiously. The sight of holy light and sword qi was unforgettable, reminiscent of the titanic battle between Qian Daoliu and Chen Xin.
Now, it was the second generation—Qian Renxue and Tianlin—fighting outside.
Everyone was worried—She Long, Ghost Leopard, Ma Hongjun, Bai Chenxiang—afraid their leaders would get hurt.
Ning Rongrong kept praying.
But in reality, the two combatants, while fighting fiercely, hadn't injured each other at all.
Both were holding back.
Because Qian Renxue showed no killing intent, Tianlin could easily defend against her most powerful attacks with his sword techniques.
"Sister Xue, after all this, have you calmed down? Now it's my turn—Seventh spirit ability, Demon Sword True Form! Third spirit ability, Flow of Wind and Water! Deathgod Domain!"
Tianlin gave Qian Renxue time to vent before counterattacking. Using his true form and Flow of Wind and Water, he dispelled her true form. Then, his Deathgod Domain overwhelmed the Angel Domain.
Both were god-level martial souls, but the Demon Sword was even stronger than the Seraphim.
Qian Renxue's greatest advantages were gone—her power was reduced by two-thirds.
"Man and sword as one—Seven Kill Sword!"
Tianlin used the secret skill Chen Xin had taught him, merging man and sword, then unleashed the most powerful Seven Kill Sword strike, piercing through Angel Incarnation.
The outcome was decided.
Having exhausted her strength, Qian Renxue admitted defeat. "I lost, Xiao Tian. Without a god-level power, I can't resist your Flow of Wind and Water. Seriously, your third spirit ability is stronger than most ninth-level abilities—your martial soul is just too strong!"
Tianlin separated from his sword, withdrew his martial soul, and smiled. "So, have you finally calmed down, Sister Xue?"
"Of course not! Don't think sparing me gets you off the hook. You'd better explain why you insulted my father! He died before you were born; you couldn't possibly know him. No matter what, you called me 'big brother' for years, and still call me 'Sister Xue' now. He's your elder."
"I'll explain everything soon. But first, let's talk business." Tianlin's expression turned serious.
"Fine. I can already guess why you lured me here," Qian Renxue said solemnly. "During the soul-hunting operation, you dealt Spirit Hall a heavy blow. Even against my own people, the Porcupinefish Douluo, you showed no mercy. But when you had a chance to wipe us out, you spared my grandfather and Golden Crocodile Grandfather, so we weren't completely destroyed.
"First, you're warning me—or threatening me—that as long as we're enemies, I can't unify the continent. Second, you're giving me a chance to seek cooperation, right?"
"As expected of Sister Xue, you understand me," Tianlin smiled. "You're right. Like you, I want to unify the continent. But family comes first, so I must cooperate with you this way to maintain control.
"As long as you promise that after you unify the continent, my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect can remain as we are—free and well-resourced—I'll help you. We can fulfill our old promise, and we'll no longer be enemies."
Qian Renxue shook her head. "Xiao Tian, you wish for the impossible. If we cooperated, the continent would be in our grasp. But for me to unify the land, spread faith, and curb the nobles' power, I can't leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as an exception. Otherwise, my ideals would be a joke.
"If you don't want to be my enemy, the only way is for your sect to surrender to Spirit Hall. I promise not to harm a single person or interfere in your internal affairs.
"Other than some limits on power and resources, nothing will change. It's surrender in name only; in reality, total autonomy. When the continent is unified, as a reward, your wedding with Ning Rongrong will be blessed by all. What do you say?"
She looked at Tianlin, full of hope. Of course, she felt bad saying it, but she didn't want to be his enemy. If she could end this grudge, she'd even sever her feelings for him.
But Tianlin raised his head and firmly said five words:
"Surrender? That is absolutely impossible!"