The voice wasn't loud, yet it instantly drowned out every shout in the arena, like a basin of ice water poured onto an erupting volcano.
Qian Renxue, who had been ready to risk everything, brightened at the sound; excitement and relief flashed in her eyes.
Thank heavens—it's Grandfather!
He hadn't shown himself, but that unquestionable voice already spoke for him and for the entire Hall of Worship.
In front of Grandfather, that woman Bibi Dong wouldn't dare act rashly!
Yang Yuan is saved!
Bibi Dong's body trembled; unwillingness and fury flickered across her Face, her expression turning glacial.
But she knew she couldn't afford to fall out with Qian Daoliu right now!
She reined in her aura, yet the murderous intent in her eyes still coiled like a viper, coldly fixed on Yang Yuan.
Yang Yuan arched a brow, meeting Bibi Dong's gaze without the slightest courtesy.
"What the hell are you looking at?"
"This time I'm giving that Senior some Face."
"Think I… can't kill you?"
His words echoed through the arena, making the atmosphere turn downright bizarre.
Countless eyes turned toward Yang Yuan, filled with disbelief.
"Did I hear that right? He still dares to say he'll kill the Supreme Pontiff? Does he have a death wish?"
"He's a complete madman—but damn, he's got guts!"
"Just grandstanding. A mere Spirit Saint dares threaten the Supreme Pontiff?"
"He has no idea how high the sky is—utterly ridiculous!"
"…"
Among the thousands watching, some admired his courage; especially the young Spirit Masters felt their blood ignite.
But far more dismissed him as an arrogant clown fishing for attention.
In a corner of the VIP stands.
When Qian Renxue heard Yang Yuan's declaration she was stunned, then couldn't help a soft laugh, her tone half-indulgent, half-proud:
"Little Yuan really dares to say anything."
Heaven Dou Academy rest area.
After a brief daze everyone erupted.
"Holy crap, our class leader is awesome!"
Yu Feng shouted until he was hoarse, then clapped a hand over his mouth, afraid someone might notice.
"As expected of Big Brother Yuan—so cool!"
Ning Rongrong's fair Face flushed as she gazed at Yang Yuan in open worship.
Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling and the others smiled softly.
Deep within the Hall of Worship.
The elders exchanged glances and let out low, amused chuckles.
"Heh, the boy's interesting—suits this old man's taste."
"Still, calling his courage 'sky-defying' isn't an exaggeration."
"He really isn't afraid of never leaving Spirit City!"
Everyone assumed Yang Yuan was only spouting bravado.
Yet those who truly knew his strength—Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo and Dugu Bo—understood:
Yang Yuan wasn't joking!
Had Qian Daoliu not spoken, Spirit Hall might indeed have needed a new Supreme Pontiff today.
By now no one on the stage was paying attention to Shrek Academy's group.
The match's outcome and Tang San's safety paled beside the earth-shaking verbal clash between Yang Yuan and Bibi Dong.
On the surface the storm subsided with a single sentence from Qian Daoliu.
But everything that had happened spread through Spirit City like wings.
Within a single day the name "Yang Yuan"—together with his feats of crushing Shrek, possessing a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, and publicly challenging the Supreme Pontiff—became the talk of countless households.
In an instant.
Who under Heaven does not know his name!
Meanwhile, deep inside the Supreme Pontiff Palace.
Qian Renxue, having shed every disguise, resumed her true appearance: resplendent golden court dress, cascading golden hair, a beauty that could topple kingdoms.
She faced Bibi Dong, who sat upon the throne, her own expression icy.
"Bibi Dong, you've attacked my people again and again—what exactly do you mean by it?"
Qian Renxue demanded in a low voice.
Bibi Dong looked at the daughter bound to her by Bloodline, complicated feelings surfacing in her heart: a trace of concern, but mostly loathing.
This child should never have been born into this World!
Yet when she heard Qian Renxue's accusation, that loathing swallowed the last scrap of care.
She replied indifferently: "Everything I do is for Spirit Hall's great cause."
"Yang Yuan is a Genius of unmatched talent, but if he can't be used by me he must be eliminated early to avert future disaster."
"Is there anything wrong with that?"
"For Spirit Hall?" Qian Renxue sneered, golden eyes full of ridicule.
"Yang Yuan is my man and therefore part of Spirit Hall's future. You simply want to purge those who oppose you!"
"Your man?"
Bibi Dong acted as if she'd heard the grandest joke, her voice suddenly sharp.
"Don't forget, his public identity is friend of Heaven DouCrown PrinceXue Qinghe and chief of Heaven Dou Academy—not Holy MaidenQian Renxue's follower."
"Moreover…"
Bibi Dong's tone turned razor-sharp.
"Do you imagine a Genius of such World-shaking talent would ever submit to another and be content to serve you?"
Qian Renxue's expression didn't flicker.
"So what if he refuses to submit?"
"I can guarantee that even if Yang Yuan learns my true identity he will never stand against me—that is enough."
As she spoke, a faint curve appeared on her flawless Face.
"Oh? Never stand against you?"
"You seem very confident in him!"
Seeing this, Bibi Dong's eyes flashed with a strange light; she suddenly softened her tone: "Could it be… you've fallen in love with him?"
The words crashed like thunder across the lake of Qian Renxue's heart!
Her body quivered; panic and shy anger flashed in her golden eyes, her heartbeat racing out of control.
She had never carefully examined the question, yet over the years she had indeed grown more and more concerned for Yang Yuan.
Now, having it abruptly exposed by Bibi Dong, her thoughts tangled and she didn't know how to respond.
Bibi Dong took in every detail of her reaction and at once understood, bursting into laughter tinged with madness and mockery.
"Hahaha! No wonder you protect him so fiercely, even daring to question your own mother."
"Turns out you're shielding your sweetheart!"
"But from what I know Yang Yuan is entangled with several women—both the little princess of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and Dugu Bo's granddaughter favor him."
"Such a fickle man is still worth your protection?"
"My dear daughter, your taste seems rather poor?"
Bibi Dong stared hard at Qian Renxue, expecting to see anger, jealousy or pain—just like when she'd learned Yu Xiaogang had abandoned her for his cousin.
To her disappointment.
After the initial panic Qian Renxue quickly calmed; the flush faded, replaced by cold composure.
She uttered softly: "My affairs are none of your concern."
That calm response inexplicably enraged Bibi Dong; a nameless fire surged within her.
How could she remain so unruffled?
When she herself had learned of Yu Xiaogang's affection for his cousin, rage had overwhelmed her.
Bibi Dong's Face darkened and she snapped: "None of my concern? I am your mother!"
"Mother?" A mocking smile curved Qian Renxue's lips.
She lifted her head, meeting Bibi Dong's eyes, and enunciated each word:
"And now you want me to call you Mother?"
"Sister!"
At the final word Bibi Dong's body shook; her fury froze on her Face.
She opened her mouth but could only force out a dry sound:
"You…"
Qian Renxue no longer looked at her ever-changing expression; she turned and walked away.
At the doorway she paused without looking back, leaving an unquestionable warning:
"If you ever lay a hand on Yang Yuan again, don't blame me for being merciless."
"Remember—this Spirit Hall…"
"belongs to the Qian family."
"Not to you, Bibi Dong!"
(End of Chapter)
[Get +50 Extra Chapters on - P@tr3on "RinBlaze"]
[Every 15 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]