Qian Renxue cried in Yang Podi's arms for a while before she gradually stopped.
Finally, with a bit of calmness, Qian Renxue spoke, "Podi, what should I do now?"
Yang Podi looked at Qian Renxue with heartache and, after a long time, finally made up his mind. "Go ask your grandfather. He knows everything and can tell you everything you want to know."
Qian Renxue was a bit puzzled. "I know my grandfather is hiding something, but I've asked him many times, and he always refuses to tell me. It's like he's afraid of something."
"Of course, he's afraid. This is the greatest stain on your Angel Clan, and also the biggest stain in Bibi Dong's life. If it were to be revealed, it could destroy both you and Bibi Dong."
"Then what should I do?"
Yang Podi thought carefully. "In your grandfather's eyes, the inheritance of the Angel Clan is the most important thing. Now that you've obtained the Nine Trials of the Angel, you're the sole heir of the Angel Clan. If you truly want to pass the God Trials, you must overcome the test of emotions and desires. But Bibi Dong has already become your heart demon. With the existence of a heart demon, you won't be able to complete the God Trials. Even if you manage to pass them, your state of mind won't be complete, which will instead sever the inheritance of the Angel Clan."
Qian Renxue was a bit doubtful. "Will my grandfather really tell me because of this?"
Yang Podi couldn't help but ruffle Qian Renxue's hair. "Silly girl, in Qian Daoliu's heart, what he cares about most is you—your Nine Trials of the Angel God. For this, he would even sacrifice his own life. He understands what's at stake."
After the two stayed close together for a while, Qian Renxue suddenly snapped back to her senses and stood up abruptly. "Wait a minute, weren't we talking about you taking responsibility for what happened in the illusion? Why is it all about my problems now?"
Qian Renxue's sudden movement startled Yang Podi, and he couldn't help but complain inwardly: This woman's personality really doesn't change, does it?
At that moment, Qian Renxue picked up the Angelic Sacred Sword again. "Good for you, Yang Podi! You've been dodging the issue all this time while trying to take advantage of me. I think you're tired of living."
Yang Podi gulped. "Xue'er, when it comes to relationships, shouldn't we be more cheerful about it? Isn't this supposed to be a happy thing?"
Qian Renxue snorted coldly. "No, it must be taken seriously! I've suffered such a huge loss, and I've even accepted Ye Lingling. From now on, I am the primary wife, and she is the concubine! Also, you have to bring the proper betrothal gifts and formally propose in Spirit City; otherwise, I'll go straight to Heavenly Academy and kill Ye Lingling."
After saying that, Qian Renxue flicked her elegant eyebrows and left the forest.
Yang Podi felt like a million grass mud horses were galloping through his heart. Is this a girlfriend or an ancestor?
Other people could have three wives and four concubines, expanding their harems. But when it came to him, he had finally made up his mind to have one more girlfriend, and this is what he got?
When the two returned to where Bibi Dong was absorbing the spirit ring, everyone looked over, especially staring at Yang Podi, making him feel a little embarrassed.
Golden Crocodile Douluo noticed the tear stains on Qian Renxue's face and his expression darkened. "Xiaoxue, don't be afraid. If this brat bullied you, we old guys will go to Heavenly Academy and get justice for you."
Upon hearing this, everyone had strange expressions as they looked at Golden Crocodile Douluo. Isn't he being a bit too confident? He probably can't even defeat Yang Podi.
Yang Podi: "?"
Time passed quickly, and for the next few days, Yang Podi and Qian Renxue were in an awkward situation, both maintaining silence and saying nothing more.
When Bibi Dong finally finished absorbing the Titan Giant Ape's spirit ring, her aura and strength increased once again. From the joy on her face, it was clear she had obtained a powerful new spirit ability.
Bibi Dong ignored everyone else's expressions. After taking a few hours to rest and adjust, she immediately launched an attack on the Sky Azure Bull Python. It was evident that she was filled with desire—an obsession with power.
However, after Bibi Dong took down the Sky Azure Bull Python, before Yang Podi could make a move, Qian Renxue rushed forward and snatched the spirit bone first. She even said aloud, "I'll keep this spirit bone for you, so you don't use it to charm some little girl."
Yang Podi looked at the Sky Azure Bull Python's right arm spirit bone that had been taken away by Qian Renxue, sighed slightly, and said nothing.
Meanwhile, the others cast sympathetic glances at him. Especially Chrysanthemum Douluo, who let out a strange laugh, "Haha, Yang Podi, you've always taken advantage of others, but now someone else has taken advantage of you. Let's see how arrogant you'll be in the future."
Yang Podi's mouth twitched, and he almost vomited out what he had eaten yesterday. In the end, he could only shake his head and leave alone.
This spirit hunt was more or less over. The remaining matters had nothing to do with him. With Qian Renxue and Golden Crocodile Douluo there, no one would dare disturb Bibi Dong while she was absorbing the spirit ring.
Yang Podi quickly flapped his wings, and within half a day, he returned to Heavennly Academy.
Inside Heavenly Academy, everything was as usual—peaceful and orderly. Now that all internal and external troubles had been mostly resolved, there shouldn't be any immediate danger. It was about time for him to search for his eighth spirit ring. He had been delaying his God Trials for too long; quite a bit of time had already passed.
Originally, Yang Podi had planned to see if there were any suitable spirit beasts in the Star Dou Forest. If he could find a multi-headed beast, he could just slay one to complete his trial.
But unexpectedly, the Star Dou Forest's spirit beasts were unusually low-profile this time. The only ones that showed up were Di Tian and Xiong Jun, and with their strength, he couldn't possibly defeat them in an instant.
Yang Podi then gathered the core members of Heavenly Academy for a secret meeting, mainly including his father, grandfather, maternal grandfather, and Poison Douluo. Others were not required to attend. His second grandfather, Yang Wushuang, had already left Heavenly Academy and returned to Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to guard it.
Poison Douluo looked at Yang Podi with a teasing expression. "Little monster, didn't that girl abduct you? How come you're back so soon?"
Yang Podi thought for a moment before speaking. "This time, I went to the Star Dou Forest with Bibi Dong and her group. The Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python have both been hunted down. Bibi Dong absorbed their spirit rings, and her strength has likely increased significantly."
Dugu Bo was puzzled. "Little monster, normally you wouldn't do something that benefits your enemies. Why did you help Bibi Dong's group this time?"
Yang Podi sighed. "From the beginning, I never really considered the Spirit Empire our true enemy. The ones I'm truly wary of are Tang San and the Star Dou Forest's spirit beasts."
"Especially Tang San. Back in the battle at Heavenly Academy, I severed one of Tang Hao's arms. Given Tang San's vengeful nature, if he becomes a god, our Heavenly Academy will have no future."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became solemn.
Yang Podi then detailed everything that had happened in the Star Dou Forest, particularly the relationship between the Titan Giant Ape, the Sky Azure Bull Python, and Tang San. Hunting them in advance was merely a preventive measure.
After finishing his explanation, Yang Podi's expression turned cold. "I need to leave for a while. It may take some time. The Spirit Empire isn't a concern for now, as long as we don't cross the line too much. Bibi Dong will likely turn a blind eye."
"What I'm most worried about is the beast clan. If they launch a beast tide, follow the evacuation plan to minimize casualties. Wait for my return before making any major decisions."
"In case of emergency, you can seek Snow Empress' help, or even retreat to the Extreme North for safety and concealment."
"If things become truly desperate, go to Slaughter City for assistance. I have secretly granted Tian Yue and Ping An permission to enter and exit."
During his last visit to Slaughter City, when he resolved the Rakshasa God's evil will, Yang Podi had secretly observed Yang Tianyue and Yang Ping'an's combat abilities and had granted them access as a precautionary measure.
(End of Chapter)