Qian Xunji made his way to the outer steps of the Hall of Worship. Standing there was a white-haired boy with a strikingly beautiful patch of crystalline ice scales adorning the left side of his face, and a left eye that sparkled like the stars.
"Guang Ling Worshiper," Qian Xunji greeted, immediately recognizing him.
Guang Ling Douluo—though just past fifty—was already a formidable Rank 96 Titled Douluo.
A newly appointed Worshiper of the Hall, he had spent most of his early life in seclusion, rarely appearing in the outside world. Few across the continent even knew of his existence.
"Oh? The Pope's here. The Grand Worshiper is waiting for you inside."
Guang Ling gave a casual wave and turned away, heading down the stairs without another word.
Qian Xunji didn't bother to ask where he was going. After all, both the Worshipers and Elders of the Spirit Hall held positions of immense authority. Especially the Worshipers—every one of them was a powerhouse above Rank 96. Even as Pope, he was obliged to show proper respect.
This was a world where strength determined one's worth. In front of those with overwhelming power and transcendent status, Qian Xunji always adopted a modest and humble demeanor.
He pushed open the grand doors and entered the hall. The shrine was vast and empty. At the far end of the room stood a majestic statue of a six-winged angel.
Beneath the statue stood a golden-haired man on the steps, his back facing Qian Xunji.
Qian Xunji's eyes settled on the man below the angelic figure, and he called out respectfully:
"Father."
This man was none other than his father—Qian Daoliu—the Grand Worshiper of this generation's Spirit Hall, Elder of Judgment, and one of the three peerless Douluo of the continent. He was known as the Angel Douluo.
In truth, Qian Daoliu had already sensed his arrival the moment Qian Xunji approached the hall. Only after his son spoke did he slowly turn around.
He scrutinized Qian Xunji for a moment, a trace of disappointment flickering in his eyes, though he did not voice it.
"Not bad—you've reached Rank 93."
"Thank you for the compliment, Father. But compared to you, I've only brought shame to the Qian family."
Qian Xunji sighed inwardly. Of all those bearing the Qian bloodline, his own talent was perhaps the weakest in history.
When his father was his age, he had already reached Rank 97. Meanwhile, Qian Xunji was well into his forties and still hadn't broken through to Rank 95. He truly felt he had disgraced the legacy of the Angel lineage.
"It's not your fault. I've seen how hard you've worked."
Qian Daoliu shook his head before changing the subject. "I heard you've taken on a new student?"
"Yes, Father. That child may not have outstanding talent, but he's clever and diligent. He reminds me of myself when I was young and worked hard to cultivate."
"Also, I'm hoping his influence might motivate Dong'er to take her cultivation more seriously."
"I've read the child's file. A pitiful background, but well-behaved and sensible. Since you've taken him in as a disciple, don't play favorites. Guide him properly."
One had to admit, the Spirit Hall's intelligence network was astonishingly thorough. Although Qian Xunji had only accepted Gu Han as his student a day ago, Qian Daoliu had already uncovered the full details of his background.
Clean origins, poor innate talent—but full of potential and brilliance nonetheless.
"I've tested the effects of whale jelly. It does, indeed, enhance a soul master's constitution and potential. In a few days, I'll head to the sea to get you some ten-thousand-year whale jelly. Hopefully, it'll still be effective for you."
"Thank you, Father."
Qian Xunji was overjoyed. Thousand-year whale jelly could be bought, but ten-thousand-year whale jelly was nearly unheard of in the marketplace. Most people only saw it as a supplement to boost vitality.
Even the thousand-year variant was already enough for most. As for ten-thousand-year jelly, acquiring it was no simple task. Without four or five Soul Sages working together, it was nearly impossible. After all, it came from sea creatures—a major disadvantage for land-based soul masters.
In the end, he was still Qian Daoliu's son. The old man genuinely wanted him to improve further.
It was just a simple trip to the sea. Besides, it had been a while since he'd gone out for a walk.
"Oh, and what about that matter I mentioned before? How much longer are you planning to delay it? If you won't act, I'll find someone for you myself."
Qian Daoliu, having said all he needed to, now turned to the one thing every parent eventually brings up—marriage.
"Father, I'm really not in the mindset for that right now…"
Qian Xunji knew exactly what his father meant—he wanted him to marry a worthy woman and carry on the Qian family's bloodline.
But all Qian Xunji cared about at the moment was cultivating and raising his rank. He had no interest in marriage or starting a family.
"What? You're over forty—almost fifty! If you still don't settle down and have children, do you want the Qian bloodline to end with you?"
Qian Daoliu's eyes widened with frustration. Despite being over a hundred years old, he looked no older than a handsome man in his thirties. His long golden hair flowed over his shoulders, and his aura was imposing and dignified.
"Uh… I'll think about it, Father…"
Seeing that glare again, Qian Xunji faltered, bowing his head and not daring to meet his father's eyes.
"Sigh… Fine. You're dismissed."
Qian Daoliu sighed heavily. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to pressure the boy too hard. After all, he was the one who had pushed him into devoting himself to cultivation in the first place.
In some ways, this current dilemma was partially his own doing.
"Yes, Father. I'll take my leave."
Qian Xunji quietly let out a breath of relief and exited the hall with noticeably quicker steps.
"Sigh… Brother, at this rate, when will our Qian family have an heir? If it comes to it, I'll be the bad guy."
A burly man in golden armor stepped out from behind the statue. This was Golden Crocodile Douluo, a powerhouse with Rank 98 soul power, second only to Qian Daoliu within the Spirit Hall.
In terms of age, Golden Crocodile Douluo was much older than Qian Daoliu, but he still respectfully called him "Big Brother."
Frankly, he had long given up on Qian Xunji, viewing him as a wasted effort. He often pressured Qian Daoliu to get Qian Xunji married off and produce a new heir—maybe the next one would be born with better talent.
Of course, had this been a decade or two earlier, he might've even suggested that Qian Daoliu father another child himself.
And in fact, he had—but was firmly rejected. Since then, no one dared bring it up again, and all the pressure had landed squarely on Qian Xunji's shoulders.
Qian Daoliu paused for a moment, then waved his hand. "Forget it. Let's give him ten more years."
"Sigh… Alright. Ten more years. But if that doesn't work, I'll be the villain."
Golden Crocodile Douluo was genuinely worried about the Qian family's future.
"From the way you're talking, do you already have someone in mind?"
Hearing him mention being the "bad guy" twice, Qian Daoliu raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Of course. The girl has excellent talent, enough to become a Titled Douluo. Her spirit is fire-based—perfect for inheriting the Angel Spirit."
"You mean Lingyuan?"
Qian Daoliu quickly ran through all the candidates in his mind and immediately thought of Lingyuan, a woman only about ten years younger than Qian Xunji. She was already at Rank 81 with innate Rank 9 spirit power—indeed, a potential Titled Douluo.
"That's her."
"Did you ask her opinion?"
"Haha, don't worry, Brother. I already spoke with her. She said she has no problem with it. If Qian Xunji is willing, she's prepared to bear an heir for the Qian family."
"Very well. Then it's settled. Ten years from now, if Xunji still doesn't take action, you won't have to be the villain—I will. After all, he's my son."
Just like that, the two of them had quietly planned out Qian Xunji's future.
They didn't want to resort to this, but the truth was—
The Qian family could not be allowed to end.