Chapter 74: Severed Ties, Shifting Powers
"Grand Elder, according to the plan of the Holy Temple, the leading power of the two empires should be handed over to the Holy Temple."
Odebiao spoke with trembling courage.
The atmosphere inside the majestic Xingluo meeting hall froze instantly.
Even Qin Chuan was momentarily stunned. After a pause, his gaze sharpened, and he asked coldly,
"What do you mean?"
"Please return the Xingluo Empire's authority to the Holy Temple," Odebiao said quickly, lowering his head slightly.
"Get lost."
Qin Chuan's response was cold and sharp.
Just as Odebiao opened his mouth again, Qin Chuan sneered darkly,
"Don't force me to kill you."
Odebiao's body trembled violently.
He recalled what he had just witnessed—four Titled Douluo had exploded one after another without even touching Qin Chuan. It was a terrifying display of otherworldly power.
What kind of monstrous existence had the Spirit Hall created?
"…Odebiao understands," he finally muttered, backing away.
Just as he turned to leave, Qin Chuan's voice echoed behind him again, icy and calm,
"Tell the Pope to evacuate all Martial Soul branch halls in the Xingluo Empire within one month."
"Otherwise, don't blame me for erasing them one by one."
Odebiao's body trembled again. He nodded with a low voice,
"Odebiao understands."
…
Tiandou Empire.
After more than half a month of intense effort, Tiandou City had finally emerged from the rubble. The ruins had been cleared, and the freed-up space now hosted rows of temporary housing for displaced civilians.
Though cramped, it offered shelter. During the day, citizens assisted imperial soldiers in clearing debris, rebuilding walls, and reconstructing homes. The entire city was now under firm recovery and reconstruction.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had sent a large number of low- and mid-level spirit masters to aid the city, greatly accelerating the process. Even Qian Renxue's own imperial residence, meeting hall, and study had been rebuilt.
She no longer needed to meet officials in makeshift tents.
However, on this day, her newly finished imperial study welcomed a most unwelcome guest.
"Young Master, the Holy Temple will begin an investigation into Saras' death."
The visitor had a hooked nose and an insidious air—it was Diara, the new branch hall master sent by the Spirit Hall to replace the slain Saras.
An 89th-level Platinum Bishop.
"Investigate whatever you want. Why report it to me?"
Qian Renxue sat lazily behind her desk, her golden dragon robe glowing in the lamplight.
"The Holy Temple sent me for another reason," Diara said, his tone suddenly deep and serious.
"Speak."
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes, instinctively wary.
"The Pope is aware of Emperor Xue Ye's death and your rise as the new emperor. She hopes you will continue the infiltration plan—allow branch halls to spread across the Tiandou Empire and gradually embed temple agents into the military until full control is achieved."
Qian Renxue's lips curved into a cold smile.
"Oh? Is this truly the Pope's will?"
"Yes, Diara is merely the messenger," Diara responded solemnly.
Suddenly, Qian Renxue stood up from behind the desk. In the imperial study, her golden robe shimmered with imperial authority.
"Then pass on this message to her," she said coldly.
"I'm done playing her game."
"From now on, the Tiandou Empire belongs to me—and me alone. She can give up her delusions."
She turned her piercing gaze toward Diara and added,
"And tell her this: she has one month to withdraw every Martial Soul branch hall from the Tiandou Empire."
"If not—don't blame me for being merciless."
Diara was stunned, his face pale with disbelief.
"Young Master, you…"
"Convey my words."
Qian Renxue's tone became ice itself.
"If she wants to tear everything apart, I'll accompany her to the end!"
Diara's face twisted into a grim expression. After a long silence, he bowed and muttered,
"Diara understands."
Then he turned and hurried away.
Once alone, Qian Renxue sat heavily back in her chair. Her expression was vacant, lost in the gravity of her decision.
With those words, she had officially severed ties with the Spirit Hall.
Even though she had long anticipated this day, now that it had arrived, her heart trembled.
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed outside.
A young eunuch tumbled in and cried,
"Your Majesty! A terrible incident!"
"What is it?" Qian Renxue's heart sank.
"His Majesty Qin Chuan led his forces to the foot of Xingluo City. But the Xingluo Emperor led his army personally, backed by four Titled Douluo… they planned to kill him."
"Perhaps… perhaps it's already over…"
The young eunuch choked, voice full of dread.
Even with the swiftest messengers, it took seven or eight days for such news to travel from Xingluo to Tiandou.
In other words—the decisive battle might already have ended.
Qian Renxue staggered slightly.
Four Titled Douluo. An ambush. Xingluo's home-field advantage.
This battle was far too dangerous.
Her breathing became rapid as a nameless panic welled up in her chest.
"Where is the latest war report? Any update?"
"No, not yet," the eunuch answered with a bitter face.
"But word has already spread in the capital. The court officials are gathered in the meeting hall… they're waiting for Your Majesty to make a decision."
"All of them are there?"
Qian Renxue's expression darkened. She could already guess what they intended to say.
They wanted to prepare a way out—perhaps to surrender Xingluo City, disassociate from Qin Chuan, and claim the invasion was his doing alone, unrelated to Tiandou.
"They are all waiting for Your Majesty."
"Good. Very good."
Qian Renxue sneered, her anger boiling.
No wonder the Tiandou Empire had long been overshadowed by Xingluo.
With a group of cowardly, opportunistic ministers like these—how could they ever hope to lead a great empire?
In that moment, Qian Renxue found herself unexpectedly agreeing with Xingluo's harsh system of survival through brutal competition.