[DD]: 212

By the time the qualifying matches in the Heaven Dou region had ended, Han Li and his group had already arrived in Wuhun City.

Looking at the city, which appeared even more prosperous than before, Han Li stepped down from the carriage.

"Finally back."

It had been a long time since he was last here, and Han Li felt a sense of returning home.

"So this is Wuhun City?"

Zhu Zhuqing asked, looking around curiously. It was her first time here.

"Yeah, it is. Let's head home first. Your room is already prepared, and I'll give you a proper tour later."

Han Li took her hand and led her toward the residence. He had already sensed that his master, his martial uncle, and Grandoa Dugu Bo were inside, drinking.

"Master, Martial Uncle, Granpa!"

Han Li called out loudly as soon as he stepped over the threshold.

"Stop shouting and come over here," came the reply.

After exchanging greetings, the girls went off to help Zhu Zhuqing get familiar with the place and unpack.

Han Li stayed behind to chat with the elders.

Seeing that the daughters-in-law had left, Guang Ling was the first to speak.

"Well, look who it is—the future god himself! Do you still remember you have a master?"

Guang Ling's tone was teasing, his words laced with sarcasm.

He had already reached level 99 and had long known about the divine inheritance from Qian Daoliu. Even Dugu Bo, thanks to his connections, had made it into the Worship Hall and had reached level 96. Because of Han Li, when Qian Daoliu explained things to Guang Ling and Azure Luan, Dugu Bo hadn't been left out of the conversation. Now, Dugu Bo was also in the know.

"Master, don't blame me. It was all Martial Granduncle's fault. He wouldn't let me say anything," Han Li replied without hesitation, shifting the blame to Qian Daoliu, the only one who could take it.

Guang Ling gave him an annoyed look but didn't pursue the matter. After all, this involved the Qian Clan's legacy. Han Li's words were only half-truths, but what could Guang Ling do? Han Li was still his disciple.

"Fine, I won't argue with you."

"But you came back quickly. The matches in the Heaven Dou region just ended, didn't they?"

"Well, here's what happened…"

Seeing his master's interest shift, Han Li began recounting the events. There were plenty of amusing stories to tell, and soon the girls, having finished unpacking, joined in. The group chatted late into the night before parting ways.

The night passed uneventfully.

...

In the morning, Han Li woke up as usual. Looking around the somewhat unfamiliar room, he realized he was back in Wuhun City.

After a simple workout and breakfast, he greeted everyone and headed to the Worship Hall.

He hadn't yet met with Qian Daoliu since returning, and there were many things he needed to discuss, including the Mysterious Heaven Skill stored in his wristband.

After greeting several of his martial uncles and senior brothers, Han Li was a bit surprised when Qian Daoliu took him aside and led him to his residence.

It was quite spartan. This was Han Li's first time seeing Qian Daoliu's living quarters.

Aside from a bed, there were only two mats on the floor and a small statue of an angel for worship.

"It's a bit simple. Sit wherever," Qian Daoliu said, gesturing to the mats.

Han Li blinked. It was indeed simple—Qian Daoliu lived the life of an ascetic. Still, Han Li obediently sat down.

"Let's get to it. I want to know what stage you're at," Qian Daoliu said, getting straight to the point.

Most of his previous communication with Han Li had been through letters or second-hand accounts from Guang Ling and the others. He hadn't yet directly assessed Han Li's current state.

This was his way of asking for the full picture. Han Li was prepared for this conversation.

"I recently found the final answer. My inheritance isn't about taking over an existing god's position—it's more like creating my godhood."

Han Li glanced at Qian Daoliu, who nodded, motioning for him to continue.

"But compared to truly creating a godhood, it's simpler. I'm only missing some faith energy. Or rather, even without it, I can still become a god—it'll just take longer."

Han Li opened his hand, revealing a seed that fused various divine energies, placing it between himself and Qian Daoliu.

Qian Daoliu didn't dare touch it directly, but quietly sensed the aura emanating from it. He felt himself being suppressed.

That wasn't the end. Han Li then dispelled his disguise, revealing six blood-red soul rings and one platinum-colored spirit ring above his head.

Sitting across from him, Qian Daoliu had the impulse to retreat. It felt as though, on a fundamental level, Han Li's life force surpassed his own.

Han Li quickly withdrew his aura and soul rings, turning his gaze back to Qian Daoliu.

"That's about it. My body and spiritual power have already begun transforming into a divine body and divine consciousness. Faith energy is just an accelerator."

"Yes, even without relying on faith energy, it would take at most 200 years to complete the full transformation."

"You should have noticed it too—the energy concentration on the continent is slowly increasing," Han Li added. His cultivation was already accelerating the Douluo planet's absorption of energy from the universe. However, due to the vast size of the planet and the fact that he hadn't yet undergone a complete qualitative change, the effect wasn't particularly noticeable.

But since becoming a Soul Sage and beginning his transformation into a divine body, if one paid close attention, the shift could already be felt.

Qian Daoliu nodded. As the earthly representative of the Angel God, he had indeed sensed a slight change. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed Han Li to act so freely.

"You mentioned the Star Dou Forest..."

Qian Daoliu trailed off, looking at Han Li. He hadn't noticed anything unusual before, but after Guang Ling and the others returned with information about the Skydream Iceworm, he realized that the situation on the Douluo Continent was far more complicated than he had initially thought.

Han Li rubbed his forehead, feeling a slight headache.

"That situation is related to the God Realm. I can't go into too much detail now but know that they are hostile forces. For now, there's no need to intervene—nor can we. Just be aware that the God Realm has its eyes on me, so they won't act recklessly. Once I succeed, and with Xiao Xue'er's help, they won't pose much of a threat."

Han Li spoke vaguely, gesturing upward to indicate the God Realm. He feared that explaining too much would shock Qian Daoliu. Moreover, the relationships involved were too complex to untangle just yet.

"I'm just giving you a heads-up in case something happens. You already know that the promotion of Mysterious Heaven Skill isn't exactly soul-beast friendly."

Qian Daoliu gave him a deep look but remained silent.

Not exactly friendly was an understatement—it was downright hostile. It conflicted with some of the Spirit Hall's long-standing policies, which had been established to protect soul beasts.

If not for the fact that Han Li's divine trial involved the Mysterious Heaven Skill and that a follow-up patch existed, Qian Daoliu would never have agreed to its use.

What exactly is the God Realm trying to do? It seems like they want to wipe out the soul beasts, Qian Daoliu thought, concluding Han Li's divine trial.

"Bring it over," Qian Daoliu sighed. He found it harder and harder to understand the world. Even the Angel God had stopped responding to him.

At least for now, Qian Renxue wouldn't be affected. And with the follow-up Mysterious Heaven Skill, even if the soul beasts were truly driven to extinction one day, Spirit Hall wouldn't suffer as a result. That was the primary reason he had finally agreed.

"Alright!"

Han Li smiled, handing over the three manuals to Qian Daoliu without hesitation. He had already made backups.

During the journey back, he had finished refining the final upgraded version. At least in theory, there were no issues with the cultivation method. It had passed the rules' judgment, so it should work without any problems.

"That's all for now. Handle the rest as you see fit. As for Bibi Dong, you and Xiao Xue'er can figure that out together."

Qian Daoliu glanced at the manuals before lifting his head to look at Han Li, fully delegating authority to him.

"Don't worry. I'll handle everything properly."

Han Li solemnly promised.

"When Xiao Xue'er returns, make sure to spend more time discussing things with her," Qian Daoliu added meaningfully.

"No problem. She should be preparing for her divine trial as well."

Seeing nothing wrong with this, Han Li quickly nodded.

"Go."

Qian Daoliu shook his head and began flipping through the manuals, saying no more.

"Understood, Martial Granduncle."

Han Li stood up, feeling a surge of excitement. Now, no more obstacles were holding him back.

As Han Li's figure disappeared, Qian Daoliu put the manuals away, walked over to the Angel God statue, and began praying softly.

...

Leaving Qian Daoliu's residence, Han Li's mood lifted significantly. He could now focus entirely on his plans and carry them out boldly.

As for the Pope's Hall, he had no intention of going there.

Whatever was going on with Bibi Dong didn't concern him. He had already been back for a day, and there was no sign of any discussion about the finals as mentioned in previous letters.

You can fool others, but not yourself.

For years, the Worship Hall and Bibi Dong's side had operated independently. Even when addressing external matters, the best they managed was not getting in each other's way. There was no foundation for cooperation whatsoever.

Moreover, the Worship Hall would soon take action. The finals of the Soul Master Tournament could be left to the Pope's Hall. He wasn't going to interfere.

Hadn't Bibi Dong always wanted to establish the Spirit Empire? This time, he would help her stage a grand performance on the platform she had created. In a way, that could be considered assisting her.

As for the argument that the time wasn't ripe—what did that have to do with him? All he needed was faith. Let others be cautious for Bibi Dong's sake.

In the eyes of outsiders, the Pope and the Holy Son of Spirit Hall seemed to be working in tandem. If he made a public statement and she claimed ignorance, who would believe her?

Unless Bibi Dong was willing to openly tear apart their relationship—but with Qian Daoliu watching over her, she wouldn't dare, nor would she want to. After all, she hadn't yet achieved her goal of destroying the Qian family. How could she be satisfied?

Imagining the forced smile Bibi Dong would wear when the time came, Han Li couldn't help but chuckle.

However, he quickly suppressed his amusement. These were just side matters. He still needed to return and double-check everything.