"This is actually feasible." Ning Fengzhi contemplated Ning Rongrong's proposal.
The cat-eared girls and others they had purchased would typically gain several levels of spirit power after undergoing medicinal baths.
In certain aspects, they might even be more perceptive than ordinary soul masters with soul rings though this only applied when comparing them to low-level soul masters.
"Then let's select some outstanding individuals for specialized training." Ning Rongrong continued, "With telescopes existing, this team would be essential for Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
As long as their loyalty was reliable, other skills could be cultivated gradually.
Rather than waiting ten or twenty years for them to marry and produce children with good talent who might awaken spirit power and become the clan's soul masters...
Having them contribute now while receiving proper support would actually strengthen their sense of belonging to Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"Good, we'll proceed as you suggest, Rongrong." Ning Fengzhi nodded. "I'll review potential candidates later and make arrangements."
Ning Rongrong's plan was workable unlike her previous outrageous suggestions.
Ning Fengzhi immediately approved it.
After concluding discussions about the cat-eared girls, Ning Rongrong collected her thoughts and turned to Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo beside her.
"Sister Yan, have you decided? After resting a few days, we should head to Sunset Forest."
With one or two months remaining before Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Spirit Hall came to collect their pills...
This was the perfect opportunity to help Dugu Yan condense her Misfortune Poison Body.
Dugu Yan had remained at level 50 Soul Ancestor for quite some time there was no reason to delay further.
"Yes, I'm mentally prepared." Dugu Yan nodded solemnly.
Dugu Bo beside her opened his mouth as if to say something, but it transformed into a long sigh.
Ultimately, after group discussions...
They decided to depart for Sunset Forest in three days to help Dugu Yan condense her Misfortune Poison Body.
The expedition team would consist of: Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, Ning Fengzhi, Ning Rongrong, and Bone Douluo.
Sword Douluo would remain behind to guard the clan.
No one knew exactly how long this Sunset Forest trip might take.
Ning Rongrong also handed Sword Douluo the two Breakthrough Pills reserved for Bibi Dong and Yu Yuanzhen, instructing him to deliver them when they arrived.
As for Qian Renxue? She could be ignored just claim insufficient stock.
If they missed any major events at Shrek Academy, so be it!
Watching or not wouldn't affect them, though Ning Rongrong believed they should return in time. Still, it was wise to prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Three days later, Ning Rongrong's group set out for Sunset Forest.
Meanwhile, at Spirit Hall in Douluo Continent...
Pope Bibi Dong had returned. She acted as though her near-death experience never happened, continuing to exercise papal authority from the Pope's Hall.
The Pope's Hall didn't disturb the Worship Hall, and Worship Hall's Qian Daoliu similarly avoided interfering with Bibi Dong's affairs the two maintained an unspoken understanding.
At this moment in the Worship Hall...
Qian Daoliu summoned She Long and Ci Xue to inquire about their encounter with Bibi Dong days earlier.
Knowing Qian Renxue would withhold certain details, Qian Daoliu directly questioned her two guardian Title Douluo instead.
However, before questioning them, Qian Daoliu glanced at the main hall's Angel God statue and sighed:
"She Long, Ci Xue let's not disturb His Highness the Angel God. We'll talk in the side hall."
"Yes."
The two Title Douluo exchanged confused looks, unsure what the High Priest was scheming. But as subordinates, they naturally complied with orders.
If he said they'd disturb the Angel God, they'd simply relocate elsewhere.
Qian Daoliu was avoiding discussions near the angel statue because he'd begun suspecting the Angel God itself.
In the side hall, She Long recounted events truthfully...
Explaining they'd only sent word after learning Bibi Dong went to Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Afterward, they'd tried stopping Qian Renxue from meeting her mother Bibi Dong, but ultimately accompanied her when she insisted.
As She Long and Ci Xue narrated with one supplementing wherever the other missed details Qian Daoliu gradually reconstructed the scene in his mind.
"Let me confirm one thing." After thoughtful silence, Qian Daoliu asked, "When Bibi Dong released killing intent toward Qian Renxue, she hesitated before withdrawing it is that accurate?"
"Correct. We paid utmost attention since it involved the young lady."
She Long nodded. Ci Xue standing beside him added:
"Regardless of her reasons, Bibi Dong ultimately just warned against investigating her affairs before leaving."
"I see..." Qian Daoliu closed his eyes in contemplation.
She Long and Ci Xue exchanged glances, not daring to breathe loudly while he meditated.
After a long while, Qian Daoliu slowly reopened his eyes:
"Do you believe Bibi Dong's claims about the god trial were genuine?"
"Specifically, the part about killing a Six-Winged Angel soul master with innate full spirit power?"
"This..." The two Title Douluo hesitated.
"Speak freely just voice your true thoughts."
"You're both trusted by Xue'er, having saved her life before. I can tell she regards you as family now."
"Ah!" Seeing Qian Daoliu's insistence, She Long answered frankly:
"Judging by her tone then, it seemed genuine. Had she killed the young lady, she might truly have reached Your Eminence's level."
"I share that view," Ci Xue concurred. "High Priest, forgive my bluntness given Bibi Dong's talent, you may not suppress her much longer..."
"Understood. Xue'er and I will determine our course." Qian Daoliu waved dismissively before Ci Xue could finish, signaling their dismissal.
She Long and Ci Xue sighed silently.
Recognizing the High Priest's unspoken order, they withdrew having said their part, they trusted Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue's wisdom to decide appropriately.
Truthfully, sowing discord between mother-daughter and grandfather-granddaughter relationships...
Carried risks of future repercussions they'd considered before speaking.
After She Long and Ci Xue left the Worship Hall...
"Bibi Dong... How should I deal with you?"
Leaving the side hall far from the main chamber, Qian Daoliu returned to the Worship Hall's central temple.
He gazed up at the towering golden statue over ten meters tall, sinking into prolonged silence.
As the sun dipped westward, gradually darkening the sky...
Qian Daoliu finally departed, arriving at Qian Renxue's private chambers.
"Xue'er."
Knock knock knock he rapped lightly on her door.
"Grandfather? Please enter."
Pushing the door open slowly, Qian Daoliu stepped inside. As the granddaughter of Spirit Hall's High Priest, her quarters were naturally spacious.
Qian Renxue sat upright at her desk, which was piled high with thick stacks of memorials layered taller than her seated figure as she reviewed them intently.
Qian Daoliu stood quietly behind her, observing silently...
Until twilight fell outside before Qian Renxue finally set down her brush.
"Finished at last exhausting." She stretched her stiff back, flexing numb wrists.
Only upon standing did she notice Qian Daoliu behind her.
"Grandfather! Right I nearly forgot you were coming!" Her voice carried apology.
"Xue'er... Perhaps you should return home. Cease this Heaven Dou Empire operation." Qian Daoliu sighed.
"If you want Heaven Dou's throne, I can immediately lead the Worship Hall to capture their leadership and force surrender to Spirit Hall."
"No." Qian Renxue shook her head. "There remain several stubborn elements in Heaven Dou to handle. I also wish to avoid major upheavals that would tarnish Spirit Hall's reputation."
Taking an orange from her fruit tray, she peeled it and handed it to Qian Daoliu while asking:
"Grandfather, did you come about... that woman's matter? Did Uncle She Long and Uncle Ci Xue tell you something?"