"Xiao Tian, I don't think my mother is that kind of person. You needn't worry." Having learned the truth, Qian Renxue, fair in her judgment, forgave Bibi Dong for her years of coldness.
She even felt sorry for Bibi Dong's suffering and instinctively defended her.
Tian Lin shook his head. "The old Bibi Dong wasn't, but now, maybe. Sister Xue, as an angel's descendant, you should see—I've begun my godhood trials."
"The god I'm inheriting comes from Slaughter City. There are two gods there: the God of Asura, who represents judgment, and the God of Rakshasa, who governs evil thoughts. I'm inheriting the God of Asura. Your mother, Bibi Dong, has inherited the God of Rakshasa."
"Goddess of Evil!" Qian Renxue was shocked. She had already started her own god trials after returning to the Worship Hall and knew how much the trials could influence a person.
With such a god position, the deeper she went, the more she'd be affected. No wonder Bibi Dong had grown so extreme.
"How could my mother inherit such a godhood?"
"Thank your good father for that. If not for him, Bibi Dong would never have harbored such hatred. Hate and rage are top among evil thoughts—the God of Rakshasa would naturally choose her. Fortunately, Bibi Dong was kind before turning dark, so she hasn't been easily corrupted. Plus, she still cares for some people: Yu Xiaogang, her disciple Hu Liena, and you, her daughter. Otherwise, she'd have finished her god trials long ago," Tian Lin smiled.
"She...cares about me?" Qian Renxue couldn't believe it. Bibi Dong's coldness had been obvious for years.
"She does. Maybe even she doesn't know how much. But if you're ever in real danger, I guarantee she'll instinctively protect you!" Tian Lin took her hand, encouraging her. "So, to stop your mother from falling into evil, only you can prevent Spirit Hall from massacring cities."
Tian Lin had his own motives. The more Bibi Dong cared for others, the harder it would be to inherit the God of Rakshasa—buying Tian Lin more time, since he'd started his god trials later.
Qian Renxue understood. If she remained estranged from Bibi Dong, she couldn't influence her. The first step was to resolve their rift.
"Xiao Tian, don't worry. I promise: no matter what battles lie ahead, whether Spirit Hall wins or loses, we will never vent our anger on innocent civilians. If we win, we rule justly; if we lose, we accept defeat!"
"Good. I trust you!" Tian Lin nodded. On this, at least, they agreed.
Having finished their talk, the two strolled back into the city, neither flying, both wishing the road were a bit longer. Suddenly, Qian Renxue remembered something. "Oh, Xiao Tian, I want you to promise me something too."
Tian Lin waved his hand. "I know what you want to say. Sister Xue, I'm not that despicable. I promise: I will never use your mother's past to attack Spirit Hall's reputation. Besides you, me, your mother, and your grandfather, I'll never tell anyone—including my teacher, Uncle Ning, or Rongrong!"
Qian Renxue smiled. "Then I trust you!"
"Oh, Golden Crocodile Douluo doesn't count—who knows if he already knows, or if your grandfather told him. If he knows, it's not my fault. Go take it up with those two old geezers," Tian Lin clarified.
"Who are you calling old geezers? That's my grandpa and Golden Crocodile Grandpa. Show some respect!" Qian Renxue scolded.
The scene was just like back at Heaven Dou Empire, when Tian Lin ignored all etiquette—even when meeting Prince Xue Xing. Xue Qinghe had to apologize for him and then lecture him.
At least for now, they weren't enemies.
Tian Lin didn't know that trading a secret for a promise today would quietly change many fates.
Two old schemers in the shadows were about to be caught in Tian Lin's trap.
As for Tang Hao, he'd be exonerated of killing Qian Xunji. He should thank Tian Lin, but instead, he was about to do something that would make them mortal enemies.
…
In the Star Dou Great Forest
Two men searched for soul beasts—Oslo, who had just broken through to level 60, seeking his sixth soul ring, and a family-appointed protector, a soul sage over level 70. For Oslo's family, hiring a soul sage was already impressive.
"Sigh, still no suitable spirit beast after so long!" Oslo lamented.
The protector comforted him, "No need to worry, young master. The sixth ring can be up to twenty thousand years old. We should seek one as close to that as possible to match your talents."
Oslo nodded, smiling. "Right. As a member of the Emperor Battle Team, I can't just settle for a trash ring. If only Xiao Tian were here—everything's easier with him. After this, I'll visit him at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
Just then, Oslo was unaware that a man in black robes was following him, holding the Clear Sky Hammer, eyes full of murderous intent.
It was Tang Hao, here for revenge for the Heaven Dou Empire attacking the Clear Sky Sect. Most wondered how the empire found the sect's hideout. Only Tang Hao and Tang Yuehua had left the sect, and neither would have betrayed it. So, Tang Hao investigated, and learned from a guard that a young man with Soul King strength and clone abilities had entered the mountain village just before the attack, and had been killed by the guards.
It was too much of a coincidence. A stranger arrives, and then the sect is attacked. Tang Hao concluded this must be the informant.
Based on the guard's description, it didn't take long for Tang Hao to identify Oslo.
"Oslo, I don't know why you colluded with Spirit Hall, but I'll start my revenge with you!" Tang Hao muttered coldly.
Though exiled, he would never forgive anyone who harmed his sect. He was the type to love his sect unconditionally, no matter how it treated him.
…
At this moment, Tian Lin was still unaware of his brother's coming disaster. He and Qian Renxue were strolling through the city, taking a leisurely half-hour to return to the Blacksmiths' Association.
Everyone hurried over, anxious to check if their young lady or vice-sect master was hurt.
Qian Renxue, in front of her subordinates, returned to her usual cold, dignified self. She looked at Tian Lin and said, "Jun Tian Lin, your swordplay is impressive. Today's duel was indecisive. Next time, we'll settle it on the battlefield."
"Good. If I don't win, I'll keep fighting until I do! I'll be waiting!" Tian Lin replied, full of fighting spirit.
Unaware Ghost Leopard Douluo thought they'd truly fought to the death, regretting that he couldn't help, but glad his leader was safe. Even powerful Title Douluo had died to Tian Lin's sword; his leader probably couldn't win.
But Snake Lance Douluo, knowing the truth, was speechless. Did they really fight? How come neither has a scratch?
The power of Tian Lin's demonic sword and Qian Renxue's six-winged angel was terrifying—he knew firsthand.
And the two of them came back smiling, almost hand-in-hand.
Who ever heard of a duel to the death like this?
Qian Renxue, knowing she couldn't fool She Long, didn't care. As long as she wasn't embarrassed, it was others who would be.
After exchanging a few perfunctory threats, she left with her people.
Now, she only wanted to get home quickly and confirm the truth with Qian Daoliu. Not that she distrusted Tian Lin, but because this was too important—a word from Qian Daoliu would be decisive.
If it was true, she would no longer avoid her duty. As the heir of the Seraphim and the Qian family, she would sincerely apologize to her mother, Bibi Dong, on her father's behalf.
As she left, Tian Lin sent her a secret voice message: "Be patient. Take your time!"
Qian Renxue didn't quite understand but nodded back at him.
At this moment, the most frustrated person was Meyers of Spirit Hall's main hall. He'd come so confidently to get revenge, only for things to end so anticlimactically. He was not happy at all.