"Surrender? Absolutely impossible!"
Tian Lin's response was firm and decisive, expressing his unwavering resolve.
"Why not? It's only in name. This is just to reassure the people of the continent and all the soul masters of Spirit Hall. Otherwise, even if I destroy Heaven Dou and Star Luo, but let your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect continue to enjoy supreme glory, how could those other powers I subjugated ever truly be convinced?" Qian Renxue asked, puzzled. She only wanted unification, and wasn't bloodthirsty. For the continent's smaller powers, she definitely intended to focus on subjugation rather than extermination.
But if things continued like this, the resources and honors that the unyielding Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would receive would far exceed those of the truly loyal subjects, inevitably causing unrest.
"Even nominally, I can't accept that," Tian Lin shook his head. "Sister Xue, let me be clear: I'm no saint. Yes, I want the continent unified and people to live better lives, but at its core, it's just so my family can live in greater peace and happiness."
"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is a support sect. We dislike conflict. Peace on the continent is good for us, and that's why I work for it!"
"As you say, maybe for my generation and Uncle Ning's, things would be no different. But what about ten generations from now? As long as the title remains, over time, the idea that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is subordinate to Spirit Hall will take root. By then, what use will your current promises be? If the ruler of Spirit Hall in the future issues an order to my clan, will my descendants accept or refuse?"
"If they accept, you can interfere in our affairs. If they refuse, you can label them traitors. The future leaders of Spirit Hall aren't guaranteed to honor your words today."
"Even if I become a god by then, at best, I can guarantee the sect's survival. But in a unified continent, who would join a sect branded as traitors? It's not a quick death, but slow poison. The old generation will fade, and no new blood will join. The sect will disappear into history."
"And at that time, I can't use my godly power to plunge the hard-won peace of the continent back into chaos. Besides, I have already decided that even if I become a god, aside from protecting my sect, I will not interfere with the continent's developments."
"So, you really won't surrender?" Qian Renxue clenched her fists and asked, trembling.
"Correct!" Tian Lin replied resolutely. On his principles, no one could sway him.
"I see," Qian Renxue slowly released her grip, muttering, "Actually, I always knew. You look easygoing, but when it comes to your family, you're stubborn to the core."
"Sister Xue, I'm sorry. Laugh at me if you want, but my ideals are petty and selfish," Tian Lin sighed, realizing their negotiations had failed at the very first step.
"I won't laugh. To devote yourself to protecting your family—so long as you don't harm others—what's there to mock? That's a different kind of nobility," Qian Renxue smiled bitterly. "But it means we remain enemies. We'll meet on the battlefield, Xiao Tian."
Sensing her sadness, Tian Lin couldn't help but comfort her. "Sister Xue, there's no need to rush. Even if we're destined to be enemies, enemies have priorities. At least, until our common enemy is dealt with, we're still allies."
"You're right. Until we solve the fallen angel incident and uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths at the border, we share a common enemy," Qian Renxue's eyes brightened. Even if she and Tian Lin would eventually fight to the death, the day could be postponed.
Thinking this way, she almost felt grateful to those fallen angels and the mastermind behind them.
"Alright, Xiao Tian, now can you tell me why you insulted my father? What did he do to offend you?" Regaining her composure, Qian Renxue refused to let this go. This was not just a woman's pettiness—no daughter could tolerate her father being called a fool and scum, not even by someone she loved.
If it were anyone else, Qian Renxue would have long since drawn her sword.
"Sister Xue, this is my second reason for calling you here. I want to trade a secret for a promise," Tian Lin said seriously.
It was rare to see Tian Lin this solemn. Qian Renxue realized this must be no small matter.
"Alright. So long as your secret is weighty enough, and the promise doesn't cross my bottom line, I'll agree," Qian Renxue replied.
Tian Lin nodded. "Before I tell you, let me share a story."
"About twenty to thirty years ago, your father Qian Xunji was still the Pope of Spirit Hall. He had a female disciple, a rare genius. Qian Xunji worked hard to nurture her, and they had a close master-disciple relationship."
"Meanwhile, in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—then the third-ranked sect—a soul master with a mutated martial soul appeared. Born with half a rank of soul power, doomed never to become a Soul King, he was expelled by the clan elders. Wandering in his youth, he ended up in Yelin City, just as your father's disciple was traveling there. By chance, they met."
"Maybe she was foolish, or just a hopeless romantic, but this peerless genius fell in love with that useless soul master. She suggested that since he had no talent for cultivation, he should focus on theory, becoming a master of soul theory."
"The young man agreed. So, using her status as Spirit Hall's Saintess, the girl brought him many theoretical books to study. Through the eyes of love, she saw him as diligent and fell for him even more, finally even telling her master she wanted to be with him."
"Of course, Qian Xunji would never approve. A waste like him was unworthy of a prodigy, and he was from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—even if expelled, his bloodline couldn't change. As Pope, Qian Xunji refused to let his disciple be involved with a top clan."
"But the girl was stubborn. She said she'd leave Spirit Hall if she had to, just to be with the useless soul master. Qian Xunji snapped. To separate them, he knocked out his disciple and did something beastly to her, then threatened her with the young man's life to force them apart."
"Helpless, she agreed. She became pregnant from that violation, and under her master's pressure, gave birth to a daughter. Bearing her humiliation, she waited for revenge. Later, Qian Xunji was badly injured by Tang Hao and fled back to Spirit Hall."
"Taking advantage of his injury, the woman struck, crushing his heart and devouring his soul power and martial soul, greatly increasing her strength and becoming the new Pope. That's the whole story."