Just as Yin Zhang was about to return to sleep, he suddenly felt a pair of slender, jade-like arms wrap around his waist.
Turning his head, he saw it was Qiangu Yunying.
She rubbed her eyes, her expression soft and affectionate, very different from her energetic and dignified demeanor during the day. Leaning close, she rested her cheek against his back, breathing in the familiar scent that made her feel at ease.
Her fingers traced lightly over his chest as she whispered,
"Xiao Zhang… I can't sleep."
She paused for a moment before adding in a low, determined voice,
"I want a child."
Qiangu Yunying had been thinking about this for some time. During the months she had been away, she knew very well that Hu Liena had likely already crossed a line she herself had yet to cross. While she felt conflicted about it, she also understood one thing clearly—having a child would bind Yin Zhang to her more firmly than anything else.
This was advice she had once received from Wei Min, the wife of her elder brother Qian Gu Lifan. Qiangu Yunying had found the words disturbingly convincing.
Ever since the birth of her little niece, Qiangu Yunying had also found herself growing genuinely fond of children.
Yin Zhang sighed inwardly. It was already late, and he had planned to rest properly—but seeing Qiangu Yunying like this, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
"Alright, Sister Yunying," he said helplessly. "But one hour at most. After that, we sleep."
Qiangu Yunying nodded obediently, lowering her gaze—but a sly glint flashed briefly through her eyes.
---
Early the next morning, Yin Zhang woke up feeling utterly drained.
Looking at Qiangu Yunying sleeping soundly in his arms, he could only let out a resigned sigh.
One hour had somehow turned into far more than that.
After getting up, the two washed, dressed, and had breakfast before heading to the residence of Qiangu Yunying's elder brother.
Their three-year-old niece, Qiangu Bai, was lively and adorable, clinging to Yin Zhang with curiosity.
"Uncle-in-law," she asked seriously, tilting her head, "I heard you're very strong. How strong are you?"
Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying exchanged a glance and laughed softly, then squatted down together, answering her questions patiently.
For a brief moment, Yin Zhang experienced what it felt like to be part of an ordinary family.
---
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, two months had gone by.
During this period, Yin Zhang did not slack off in his cultivation. His spirit power rose steadily from Rank 75 to Rank 77. After returning to Spirit City, he broke through to Rank 76 within days, and not long after, reached Rank 77.
Only four more levels remained before he could absorb the spirit ring of Xiao Wu, sealed within the Spirit Ring Collection Bottle.
And today, Spirit City was anything but peaceful.
Early in the morning, Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying rose, dressed, and headed toward the Hall of Worship.
Inside, Golden Crocodile Douluo looked at Yin Zhang—his most outstanding disciple—with deep satisfaction.
"Xiao Zhang," he said solemnly, "if you're going to do this, then do it decisively. If anything goes wrong, I'll step in."
The other priests echoed his stance.
"Do it boldly—we're behind you."
"I've long been displeased with her. If you're pulling her down, I'll support you."
Standing beside Yin Zhang was Yun Shan, the newly appointed Third Priest of the Hall of Worship.
After thanking them, Yin Zhang, Yun Shan, and Qiangu Yunying left together and headed toward the Supreme Pontiff Palace.
A few hundred meters away, Yue Guan and Gui Mei were already waiting.
Over the past two months, Yin Zhang had successfully brought both of them onto his side.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo," Yin Zhang said calmly, "it's time."
The two exchanged glances, then nodded firmly and followed him.
---
Inside the Supreme Pontiff Palace, Bibi Dong was buried in paperwork.
She had no idea that this would be the last day she would ever sit in that position.
Footsteps echoed through the hall.
Without lifting her head, she said impatiently,
"Elder Chrysanthemum, Elder Ghost, what is it this time?"
There was no reply.
Frowning, Bibi Dong looked up—and her pupils shrank violently.
Standing before her were not only Yue Guan and Gui Mei, but also Yin Zhang, Qiangu Yunying, and Yun Shan.
At that moment, Bibi Dong instantly understood.
A Rank 97 Peak Douluo…
The new Third Priest of the Hall of Worship.
At the same time, a familiar system prompt appeared before Yin Zhang.
[Bibi Dong is about to lose her position as Supreme Pontiff. Under the guidance of the Rakshasa God, she will leave Spirit Hall and seek growth elsewhere. Within eight years, she will inherit the Rakshasa God position. During this period, she will not pose a threat to the host.]
[Choices:
One: Kill Bibi Dong. Reward: Chinese Anime Lottery ×1
Two: Spare Bibi Dong. Reward: Chinese Anime Lottery ×1]
Yin Zhang barely glanced at the options before making his decision.
Bibi Dong was Hu Liena's teacher. Killing her now would gain him nothing—and might even draw the attention of the Rakshasa God prematurely.
Eight years was more than enough time.
By then, he would already be standing at the peak.
[Congratulations, host. Choice confirmed. You have obtained a Chinese Anime Lottery ×1.]
Ignoring the prompt, Yin Zhang took a step forward.
His voice was calm, steady, and echoed clearly through the palace hall.
"Please, Supreme Pontiff—abdicate."
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