Chapter 237: Qian Daoliu Visits
Yang Potian quickly gathered his grandfather Yang Wudi, his father Yang Zhentian, his maternal grandfather Niu Gao, and Dugu Bo to prepare for the visitor's arrival.
Dugu Bo, puzzled, asked, "Little monster, what's got you so worked up that you'd call all of us together?"
Ever since the last battle with the Haotian Twin Stars, Dugu Bo had been engrossed in his own closed-door training and only left seclusion reluctantly, barely even attending the reception for the Elemental Academies. Now, he'd been called out again, leaving him feeling exasperated. Can't an old man retreat in peace? Why is there so much trouble?
Yang Potian shook his head. "We're about to host a true master. If things do escalate, observing this battle will benefit your understanding of martial spirits."
The four of them looked at each other, surprised. There were few individuals Yang Potian regarded as "true masters," and if he saw this visitor as someone capable of using both spirit and power to their absolute limits, they realized this was no ordinary encounter.
Just then, a flash appeared in the distance, and four figures swiftly approached. Among them were two familiar faces: the golden-armored Chrysanthemum Douluo and the shadowy Ghost Douluo. Beside them stood a young woman with alluring features and captivating, fox-like eyes—Hu Liena, the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall.
However, to their surprise, Hu Liena and the two Douluo trailed behind a golden-haired man who walked in front.
The man looked to be around thirty or forty, with a handsome face and a gentle smile. A peaceful and refined aura emanated from him, making one feel at ease just by his presence. Though he was dressed modestly in a plain gray robe, his golden hair was neatly combed, and an unmistakable air of sanctity and solemnity surrounded him, inspiring awe.
As the four figures approached Tianxing Academy, Yang Potian greeted the man with a respectful bow. "Junior greets Angel Douluo. We are honored by your presence at Tianxing Academy."
Hearing this, Yang Wudi and the others were visibly shaken, realizing that the seemingly ordinary man before them was none other than the legendary Angel Douluo Qian Daoliu, one of the most powerful figures in the world and one of the Twin Peaks of the Soul Master Realm.
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly. "At ease, young friend. It seems the world of soul masters continues to flourish, producing talents like yourself—a rare blessing indeed."
Yang Potian replied politely, "I'm but a junior and cannot compare to your legacy as a soul master who commands awe throughout our realm."
Yang Potian invited them to sit, carefully placing Qian Daoliu directly opposite him. Qian Daoliu casually took his seat, his calm demeanor exerting an invisible pressure on the three Spirit Hall followers, who sat with evident caution.
With a wave of Yang Potian's hand, four cups of tea appeared on the table. "This is tea brewed with rare water from the icy caverns of Armos Mountain, a rare find. Please enjoy."
Qian Daoliu took a sip and nodded approvingly. "Excellent tea, fine water. This tea is infused with beneficial herbs, a rare treat for soul masters."
Yang Potian shook his head with a slight smile. "Just a simple cup of tea. I'm glad you enjoy it, Senior."
"May I ask what brings Angel Douluo to Tianxing Academy today?"
Qian Daoliu set his cup down and began, "There are a few matters I'd like to discuss with you, young friend."
"Please, go ahead, Senior."
Qian Daoliu spoke calmly. "Spirit Hall proposes an alliance through marriage. This is our Holy Maiden, Hu Liena, the first in line for the position of the next Supreme Pontiff. If you and she were to unite, it would be mutually beneficial for both our factions."
Yang Potian's expression changed briefly, but he quickly shook his head. "Thank you for your consideration, Senior, but I'm already engaged and have no plans to take any concubines. I'm afraid I must decline."
At this, Hu Liena's face paled. She was, after all, Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden. The notion of her serving as a concubine was unthinkable.
Qian Daoliu's expression didn't change, but he pressed, "Young friend, are you certain you won't reconsider? Spirit Hall has other exceptional candidates, should you be open to taking another wife."
Yang Potian shook his head firmly. "Out of the vast river, I choose just one drink; my heart is set. I appreciate your kindness, Senior, but I must respectfully decline."
For the first time, Qian Daoliu's expression hardened. "This decision affects our collaboration. Are you certain you won't reconsider?"
Yang Potian's gaze grew sharp. "I've heard that after your wife's passing, you remained devoted to a certain woman, refraining from remarriage for her sake. I am simply following your example."
Qian Daoliu's placid face registered a subtle change. "It seems you know much about me. Could it be that you have been to Sea God Island as well?"
Yang Potian nodded. "I had the opportunity to visit. Senior Bo Saixi is indeed a peerless figure, a rare beauty in the world. Alas, it seems fate was not on your side."
Qian Daoliu shook his head slightly. "I didn't expect you to have visited Sea God Island. How is Bo Saixi?"
Yang Potian gave a slight smile. "If she's in your thoughts, why not go visit her yourself, Senior?"
At this, Qian Daoliu's expression turned contemplative. A flicker of light appeared in his eyes, though it faded, replaced by a wistful sigh. "Time flies. Fifty years have already passed… You've been to Sea God Island, so I assume that your power is the result of their training? Did you receive the Sea God's Nine Trials?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint, Senior. I was only granted a red-tier trial and have not received the Sea God's inheritance."
Qian Daoliu grew serious. "Young friend, my visit to Tianxing Academy is simply to determine where you stand in regard to Spirit Hall. I would appreciate a straightforward answer."
Yang Potian's demeanor became equally solemn. "Senior, we relocated from Heaven Dou City precisely to avoid involvement in the conflicts between Spirit Hall and the upper three sects. My academy's neutrality is well known to the Supreme Pontiff."
Qian Daoliu's tone cooled. "Even so, young friend, with your level of strength, staying neutral might only lead to being besieged by all sides, benefiting no one."
"No faction will tolerate a power of your level sitting idly by. They will fear you'll take advantage of a power struggle to swoop in as the victor."
Yang Potian replied coldly, "There is no such thing. My academy is my family; we have no interest in either Spirit Hall or the upper three sects, nor in the two empires. And even if I did want to act as an observer, does not Spirit Hall have you to deter me?"
"Be that as it may," Qian Daoliu said with a chilling edge, "with a prodigy of your potential, it's hard not to consider eliminating the threat before it grows too large."
"This is interesting. For now, I'm only seen as a threat. Better that than becoming a mortal enemy."
After their exchange, both Yang Potian and Qian Daoliu fell silent.
Qian Daoliu was deeply impressed. Although he had prepared himself to meet an extraordinary young talent, seeing Yang Potian in person surpassed even his highest expectations.
To Qian Daoliu, Yang Potian's soul power was both shockingly pure and incomparably deep—not at all typical of someone who had merely reached level ninety-eight. In fact, it seemed comparable to Tang Chen's level when he was at his prime. Qian Daoliu couldn't help but wonder if Yang Potian might actually have reached the peak of level ninety-nine.
Likewise, Yang Potian found himself surprised by Qian Daoliu. Known as the "weakest" among the three peak Douluos, Qian Daoliu had famously lost battles against both Bo Saixi and Tang Chen. Yet now, seeing Qian Daoliu in person, it was clear his power had reached a state of absolute unity and simplicity—a level that rivaled Bo Saixi's on Sea God Island, if not surpassed it. His aura carried traces of divinity, suggesting he wasn't just a regular rank ninety-nine Ultimate Douluo; he seemed on the verge of semi-divinity, already wielding a touch of divine angelic power.
Known as "Sky Invincible," Qian Daoliu's speed and mastery of the six-winged Angel Martial Soul made him unmatched in the air. He should have been able to avoid defeat by Bo Saixi and Tang Chen through his unmatched swiftness. But losing to them suggested he might have chosen unusual battlefields—perhaps he fought Bo Saixi at sea and Tang Chen on land? Yang Potian mused at the irony.
The others kept respectfully silent; at this level, the conversation was beyond anything they could contribute to, as either Yang Potian or Qian Daoliu could overpower them with ease.
Yang Potian took a deep breath. "Senior, in this world, strength is the ultimate standard. With my current level, even if I wish to simply observe the conflicts of the realm, who would dare challenge my choice?"
Qian Daoliu's voice grew cold. "Is that so? Do you think you're invincible?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "I'm far from that, Senior. But I'd like to exchange a few moves with you. Perhaps you could determine whether my Tianxing Academy has the strength to remain neutral."
Rather than becoming angry, Qian Daoliu smiled. "Very well. It has been fifty years since I last sparred with anyone, and I'm quite interested in seeing the power of the next generation."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense. As Yang Potian and Qian Daoliu's gazes met, an unspoken battle seemed to play out between them. For the onlookers, the sheer pressure was overwhelming; it felt as if they were standing before primeval beasts, finding it hard to even breathe.
Breaking the tense silence, Yang Potian suggested, "Senior, since this is within the grounds of Tianxing Academy, perhaps it's best not to duel here. Why don't we take to the skies?"
Hearing this, the onlookers were astonished. Qian Daoliu's dominion over the skies was legendary, yet Yang Potian was willingly inviting him into his element.
Qian Daoliu's face shifted slightly. "Young friend, you're aware my title is 'Sky Invincible,' yet you still have the confidence to challenge me in the air?"
Yang Potian didn't respond but simply walked outside, with Qian Daoliu following shortly. The others hurried after them. A duel between such titans was rare, and any insights they could gain would be invaluable.
Outside, Yang Potian unfurled his wings, revealing his external spirit bone, the Eagle Tiger Wings. Through years of cultivation, these wings had reached a level equivalent to ninety-five thousand years of age, although progressing further toward the hundred-thousand-year mark would require considerable effort.
He flapped his wings and soared ten thousand meters above ground, choosing an area distant enough from Tianxing Academy to ensure it wouldn't be affected by the battle.
Qian Daoliu's six golden wings unfolded behind him, their radiant feathers glimmering like living beings. With a single beat, he launched himself into the air at a speed that far surpassed even the fastest known soul masters.
Reaching a distance of about a hundred meters from Yang Potian, Qian Daoliu glanced at his wings and nodded approvingly. "I see you possess a formidable external spirit bone, young friend. No wonder you're confident enough to battle me in the sky."
Yang Potian replied calmly, "You flatter me, Senior. The Six-Winged Angel is an exceedingly rare, divine-level martial soul—the finest in existence. Your strength is truly unfathomable."
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