Soul Land: Legend of Saint Seiya

Chapter 184: Another Wager

"Xiaoxue!"

Qian Daoliu offered Qian Renxue some words of comfort before turning his gaze to Xiao Yu, who stood behind her. "Xiaoxue, I'd like to have a private conversation with him," he said.

"Grandfather…"

Qian Renxue hesitated, a trace of unease in her expression as she looked at Qian Daoliu and shook her head.

"Relax, do you think I'd actually eat him?"

Qian Daoliu smiled faintly, then added with a teasing tone, "But you, Xiaoxue, need to exercise some restraint. You're busy managing so many affairs—executing the infiltration plan for the Heaven Dou Empire while also needing to focus on your cultivation. If you were to have a child, could you still handle everything?"

"Grandfather! What nonsense are you talking about? I'm not speaking to you anymore!"

Qian Renxue's face turned crimson at his words. She stomped her foot in embarrassment before darting back into the carriage like a startled rabbit.

The moment Qian Renxue left, the kind and gentle elder transformed into the dignified and imposing Grand Worshipper of Spirit Hall. Qian Daoliu's expression grew stern as he fixed Xiao Yu with an icy glare, his sudden change in demeanor leaving Xiao Yu momentarily stunned.

Still, Xiao Yu could understand why Qian Daoliu might harbor ill feelings toward him. After all, this was a man who had cared for his "precious cabbage" for over twenty years, only to see it taken by a pig. Worse, this pig had its sights set on two other cabbages as well! Given Xiao Yu's evident flirtatious nature, it would be more surprising if Qian Daoliu greeted him with open arms.

"Junior greets Angel Douluo!"

Xiao Yu chuckled as he stepped forward, clasping his hands and bowing respectfully.

Qian Daoliu was different from Bibi Dong. For one, he was someone Xiao Yu could potentially recruit as an ally. For another, he was a true elder whom Qian Renxue deeply respected, making him, by extension, Xiao Yu's elder. Treating him with respect was only proper.

Seeing Xiao Yu's polite attitude, Qian Daoliu's expression softened slightly. After all, Xiao Yu wasn't without his own formidable backers—a Limit Douluo stood behind him as well.

Among Limit Douluo, there were three levels: quasi-demi-god, demi-god, and quasi-god. Saga clearly belonged to the highest tier, quasi-god, while Qian Daoliu had only reached quasi-demi-god with the aid of angelic divine power, making him inferior in strength. If a battle broke out, even in the sky where Qian Daoliu had the upper hand, he would ultimately lose.

Thus, Xiao Yu already possessed the qualifications to be treated as an equal. That he still adhered to the etiquette of a junior demonstrated his genuine respect and feelings for Qian Renxue.

Furthermore, Xiao Yu's talent was undeniable, making him a good match for Qian Renxue. His only flaw was his flirtatious nature.

But even that wasn't necessarily a flaw in Qian Daoliu's eyes. After all, he had spent decades pursuing Bo Saixi himself. Given his history, he had no grounds to criticize Xiao Yu on this matter.

Qian Daoliu said coolly, "I've been here for some time now, but do you know why I didn't intervene from start to finish?"

Xiao Yu smiled faintly and replied, "I believe senior wanted to test the strength of those under my command."

"Precisely."

Qian Daoliu nodded, his expression indifferent. "Even if you had died today at the hands of Bibi Dong, Qingluan, and Lion Douluo, I still wouldn't have intervened. That would only prove your incompetence."

"I understand."

Xiao Yu's smile faded, and he spoke solemnly. "But even if it wasn't Bibi Dong, I'm sure senior would have found a way to test me regardless."

A glint of cold light flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes. "I must admit, despite your youth, your mind is as shrewd as that of a century-old fox."

Xiao Yu responded seriously, "Then may I ask if what you've seen so far has been enough to earn your support?"

"I'll need more time to deliberate," Qian Daoliu replied noncommittally.

Qian Daoliu spoke gravely, "You must understand, the moment this matter was raised in the Worship Hall, it caused an uproar. Old Third and Old Fourth's decisive support for Bibi Dong wasn't without reason—this situation had a significant influence on them. Even the Second Worshipper, who has always supported me, remained silent. The key to resolving this lies with you."

Xiao Yu looked confused. "Me?"

"I told Xiaoxue earlier that Spirit Hall is a place where the strong prey on the weak. I'm telling you the same. If you want to achieve your goals, you must wield a power that surpasses the Worshippers. Remember, I'm talking about your own strength, not relying on others."

Qian Daoliu's tone grew solemn. "I recall the wager you made with Xiaoxue during the Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. Now, I want to make a wager with you. I'll give you twenty years. Within that time, you must come to the Worship Hall and challenge me. If you can defeat me, I will fully support you."

Twenty years might seem like a long time, but the opponent was none other than the unparalleled Qian Daoliu, and the challenge would take place in the Worship Hall, where he could draw upon divine power. Even for a current Title Douluo, such a challenge would likely be daunting.

However, Xiao Yu showed no hesitation. For him, twenty years was excessive. Given the manipulations of despicable figures like the God of Asura and the Sea God, they would likely elevate Tang San to godhood within ten years. To counter such schemes, Xiao Yu had no choice but to break through the level 100 bottleneck within the same timeframe.

Xiao Yu nodded firmly. "Rest assured, Senior. I won't need twenty years. Within ten years, I will come to Spirit Mountain and face you in battle!"

"Good! Good! Good! Such spirit—Xiaoxue was right about you!"

For the first time, Qian Daoliu smiled at Xiao Yu. "Very well. I'll be waiting for you in the Worship Hall."

After speaking, Qian Daoliu turned and left. A golden halo enveloped his body as pure white, radiant wings unfolded. As golden feathers drifted gently through the air, his figure vanished in the blink of an eye.

After Qian Daoliu's departure, the group from Nine Star Academy resumed their journey. The road ahead was smooth and uneventful—so much so that it could only be described as calm and tranquil.

After several days of steady travel, the Nine Star Academy team finally reached Heaven Dou City.

Emperor Xue Ye had received word in advance and personally came to the city gates to greet them. Nine Star Academy was registered within the borders of the Heaven Dou Empire, and their victory in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament was a tremendous honor for the empire.

This time, Emperor Xue Ye spared no effort in honoring Nine Star Academy. Alongside him were Prince Xue Xing, the recently returned Crown Prince Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue's guise), and Fourth Prince Xue Beng. Nearly all the prominent nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire gathered at the gates to welcome the champions' return.

Upon Nine Star Academy's arrival, Emperor Xue Ye fulfilled his earlier promise from the qualifiers. Xiao Yu, the captain, and Eden, the vice-captain, were both conferred the title of Earl, while the rest of the team members received the title of Viscount.

Xiao Yu accepted the titles without hesitation. After all, his plans already included seizing power within the Heaven Dou Empire. This was merely an entry ticket. Furthermore, these titles were only nominal—much like how Ning Fengzhi held a noble title in the Heaven Dou Empire but was in no way subordinate to Emperor Xue Ye.

For Xiao Yu, this was just another step toward his greater goals.

(End of Chapter)

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