Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

"Is it necessary to tell him this?"

In the pavilion of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, Han Li glanced at the dragged-away Yu Xiaogang, then turned his gaze toward Qian Renxue beside him.

"Of course it is. Without this, how can we ensure he won't turn back on his word?"

"He wants revenge. Well, so do I—whether it's because of duty or... because of Father."

Qian Renxue spoke without any emotional burden and showed no further feelings on her face.

After enduring the torment of her divine trial and emerging successfully, she had come to understand many things. For example, to her now, the concept of having a mother had never truly existed.

In this aspect, she shared a surprising similarity with Liu Erlong from before, except she was far more composed. Unlike Liu Erlong, Qian Renxue had never experienced even the faintest hint of love—false or otherwise.

She used to be naive, clinging to a title or connection and trying to forcefully obtain a love or kindness that never existed. After waking up to reality, she preferred to reciprocate the love of those who had stood by her side all along.

The Angel God does not possess authority over the law of judgment, but now, her will alone has become the judgment of an angel.

Qian Xunji might not have been a good Supreme Pontiff, nor a good teacher, but to Qian Renxue, he was undoubtedly a good father. As for Bibi Dong, all Qian Renxue had felt from her since childhood was hatred and hostility.

Now, after witnessing Bibi Dong's madness firsthand, Qian Renxue knew that Bibi Dong had once again set her sights on the person who loved her most—her grandfather—and the thousands of years of the Qian Clan's legacy. Qian Renxue would not let her have her way.

For Qian Renxue, this was not a difficult choice.

Growth always comes with pain, and she had endured pain for over twenty years. Ending this with the Angelic Holy Sword wouldn't be the worst option.

Han Li refrained from commenting on the matter of Qian Xunji, as his own position was a bit awkward. It wasn't his place to make judgments.

Regarding the changes in Qian Renxue's expression after her speech, Han Li simply felt his lips go dry. Why did this Angelic Divine Trial give him such an impression of sealing one's heart and locking away love? He couldn't help but wonder if she'd someday consider striking him down as well.

Unconsciously, he shrank his neck, only to notice Qian Renxue observing his reaction. It was then that he realized she had been acting intentionally.

"Childish."

Han Li quickly adjusted his expression.

Qian Renxue chuckled lightly but didn't take the bait. Instead, she asked, "How's the situation on the front lines?"

With Han Li by her side, it was far quicker than waiting for reports to come in.

"When she made her move against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the front lines also broke out in battle."

"The casualties among the regular troops aren't too high. The people we planted within their ranks have proven effective. Aside from the main battlefield, there have been rapid breakthroughs in other areas. As of now, three cities have fallen—oh, no, make that four."

"As for Spirit Hall's forces, the primary losses are among the lower- and mid-level spirit masters. The noble soul masters of the Star Luo Empire still put up some resistance."

"That's beyond our control. There will always be those who want to earn merits and climb the ranks. This is their opportunity, and if they're willing to trade their lives for glory, there's no stopping them."

Han Li didn't directly manifest the situation on the battlefield but used divine power to present a rough map, drawing and annotating as he spoke.

"Let them be, then. If they're willing, there's no need to intervene."

Qian Renxue, being an emperor herself, naturally understood the situation. She didn't care much—it was, after all, one of the few paths for others to rise, and cutting it off entirely was impossible.

"Once Bibi Dong arrives, if she's willing to take action, the northern half of the continent will fall within three days. Even that would be considered slow."

Han Li made a rough estimate and answered. The timing of their intervention had to be precise; otherwise, they'd end up as a real joke.

"Then tomorrow morning. Sending word over will take some time anyway."

Qian Renxue made her decision.

"Alright, then. Noon tomorrow. I'll make sure to attend your godhood ceremony afterward."

Han Li joked, adding, "Of course, the faith power is mine."

"Got it."

Qian Renxue was pleased at first, hearing the first half, but immediately rolled her eyes when she heard the second half.

...

By the time Han Li left the palace, Yu Xiaogang was already kneeling on the streets outside.

He paid no attention to the pointing fingers and whispering of the people on the distant streets. He deliberately made himself look even more miserable. Having endured similar treatment in the past, he was used to people's judgment.

He kept his head low, but his lips were curved in a grin. Revenge was within reach, and he feared he might laugh out loud.

Even he hadn't expected that "Xue Qinghe" would turn out to be Bibi Dong's daughter. The name Qian Renxue, combined with Xue Qinghe's age, finally made him understand what Bibi Dong meant when she once said she was tainted.

Had this revelation come half a year earlier, he might have been angry, frustrated, or even heartbroken for Bibi Dong. He might even have told her that he didn't care.

But now, from the moment his father died at her hands, there was no longer any room for forgiveness.

He felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. He decided that when he saw Bibi Dong again, he would mercilessly mock her and tell her that she was nothing but a fool. He had deceived her from the very beginning, even when he approached her all those years ago.

He wanted her to experience what it truly meant to live a life worse than death.

The betrayal by her and her daughter would be the most exquisite gift he could offer her. Surely, she'd be delighted, wouldn't she?

Even if Han Li and his allies failed and she ultimately emerged as the victor, she would never find peace. This was his revenge.

He wasn't afraid of death anymore—what else could she possibly do to him? Besides, there was no turning back now. Han Li had injected poison and soul power directly into his heart right in front of him.

Seven days. He had only seven days left.

As night deepened, the crowd around Yu Xiaogang gradually dispersed, but he remained kneeling in the same spot.

When dawn broke, the streets grew livelier, and more people gathered to gossip about him. Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang's kowtowing had become increasingly practiced and methodical.

Just as they had claimed the day before, Han Li, who had long vanished from the public eye, openly appeared on the streets again.

He moved quickly, looking visibly unwell.

As he made his way toward the palace, someone called out loudly, "Your Highness, the Holy Son, do you also support the war?"

Han Li paused for a moment and left behind a brief reply, "Wait a little longer. I will give you all an explanation."

Then, he entered the palace.

His response only fueled the speculations and debates outside.

"Who was the idiot that just asked His Highness that question? Didn't you see he wasn't in a good mood?"

"Exactly! His Highness has always been on good terms with our emperor and even greeted us commoners in the past."

"Not to mention, the Mysterious Heaven Skill was created by His Highness! Without him, would you even be able to cultivate it?"

"Does his reaction mean he's against the war? Since news of the founding of the Spirit Empire broke, we haven't heard anything about his involvement."

"Uh, maybe? Possibly?"

"Then why is he going to the palace? He's not trying to involve our Heaven Dou Empire in the war, is he? Even if he's against the war, if we're forced to join, that's still bad news."

"Hey, watch your mouth! Are you accusing His Highness of something before knowing the facts? What are you, a spy from the Star Luo Empire?"

"Dammit, you dog! Before you insult His Highness, remember who gave you the ability to cultivate. I'll beat you to death!"

"That wasn't my intention! I'm one of His Highness's loyal supporters, okay?"

"Stop fighting—"

The streets outside the palace descended into chaos, though the palace guards quickly intervened, preventing any major incidents.

...

Inside the palace, Han Li transformed into a streak of light as soon as he stepped inside, heading straight for Qian Renxue's location. Those accompanying him and the guards exchanged looks but ultimately decided to act as though nothing had happened.

After all, none of them dared to stop him. The young master had already given orders: seeing Han Li was like seeing her in person. Some of them had even witnessed the Grand Worshiper deferring to His Highness, the Holy Son. Blocking his way would be suicidal.

"Get ready. It seems Bibi Dong isn't in a good mood. She led an attack to capture a city," Han Li reported as soon as he saw Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue frowned slightly. Bibi Dong didn't care about her reputation at all. Was she that confident they were powerless to stop her?

A moment later, her expression calmed. She glanced at Han Li, thinking it might not be such a bad thing. The more reckless her sister acted, the better their entrance would look by comparison. It would also allow Han Li to gain more benefits.

She didn't care much about faith power at the moment, but for Han Li, it was crucial. This worked in their favor.

"What's wrong?"

Han Li asked, noticing her gaze. He thought she might have a question.

"Nothing. Let's begin. How should I cooperate?"

Qian Renxue shook her head and asked seriously.

"You don't need to do much. Just display your beauty, sanctity, and sense of justice. Activate your divine radiance at full strength, and leave the rest to me," Han Li said with a smile.

"Oh, and when we leave together, don't forget to hold my hand."

"Why do I need to hold your hand?"

Qian Renxue wasn't embarrassed, just genuinely puzzled.

"Legends about gods aren't common among soul masters, especially those who've just started cultivating. It's not time for a divine war yet. Trust me, right now, they're more interested in gossip than divine power. This way, the stories will spread further, and the faith power will be greater."

"A goddess, after all, is always something to aspire to."

Han Li's response wasn't entirely serious.

Close comrades, Qian Renxue shouldn't mind, right?

"Fine, I'll let it slide this time."

Qian Renxue gave him a look before stepping forward and taking his hand.

"Huh?"

"Practice."

"...Fair enough!"

...

Outside, the chatter continued unabated.

Inside the palace, Han Li gestured toward the sky, and Qian Renxue nodded. Wings and divine armor appeared on her body.

A golden light flared, so brilliant it outshone even the sun.

In the astonished gazes of the people, a massive angelic figure, over a hundred meters tall, enveloped Qian Renxue and appeared above the palace.

Han Li snapped his fingers, releasing all the divine manifestations he had previously sealed. He even enhanced them further with the power of planar consciousness.

...

While they were making their grand display, far away on the front lines, Bibi Dong suddenly stood up. She turned sharply to face the direction of the Heaven Dou Empire.

The phenomenon was so overwhelming it dyed the distant skies entirely golden. Even from so far away, she could feel that loathsome aura she despised with every fiber of her being.

She wasn't the only one who noticed. Everyone on the battlefield did—especially the devout followers, who felt an uncontrollable urge to kneel and worship.

Confused, they turned to look at their Supreme Pontiff.

"It's nothing significant. Continue the attack," Bibi Dong said through gritted teeth.

Then, without hesitation, she flew forward. She had to act now. She was so close—she couldn't let them overtake her.