The setting sun cast long shadows across the imposing structure of Spirit Hall, its golden rays glinting off the polished stone and intricate carvings that adorned the ancient building. As twilight descended, a solitary figure approached the grand entrance, his gait unsteady and his once-proud posture now hunched with the weight of failure.
Ju Doulou, a Title Doulou of level 95, had left Spirit Hall mere hours ago with confidence bordering on arrogance. Now, he returned a changed man, his robes still bearing the dust and grime from his humiliating encounter with the Red Thunder Family. The guards at the entrance, accustomed to Ju Doulou's usual swagger, exchanged worried glances as he passed, noting the haunted look in his eyes and the trembling of his hands.
As he made his way through the winding corridors of Spirit Hall, whispers followed in his wake. Word of his mission to deliver the Supreme Pontiff's decree had spread quickly, and now, his early return and disheveled appearance sparked a flurry of speculation among the disciples and lower-ranked Douluo.
Finally, Ju Doulou arrived at the ornate doors leading to Qian Doulou's chambers. He hesitated for a moment, gathering what remained of his courage, before raising a hand to knock. Before his knuckles could touch the intricately carved wood, a voice from within called out.
"Enter, Ju Doulou."
Taking a deep breath, Ju Doulou pushed open the doors and stepped into the dimly lit chamber. Candles flickered in the corners, casting dancing shadows on the walls adorned with ancient scrolls and mystical artifacts. In the center of the room, seated in a meditative pose atop a cushion of pure energy, was Qian Doulou.
The level 99 Doulou, a figure of legend and unparalleled power, slowly opened his eyes as Ju Doulou approached. His gaze, piercing and all-knowing, seemed to bore into Ju Doulou's very soul.
"Speak," Qian Doulou commanded, his voice resonating with an authority that seemed to make the very air vibrate.
Ju Doulou swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "Honored Qian Doulou," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "I... I have returned from the Red Thunder Family compound. The mission... did not go as expected."
Qian Doulou's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. "Explain," he said, his tone brooking no argument.
Taking a shaky breath, Ju Doulou recounted the events at the Red Thunder Family compound. He described his arrival, the unexpected display of power that had caught him off guard, and his humiliating dismissal. As he spoke, he could see Qian Doulou's expression shifting, from surprise to disbelief, and finally settling into a mask of cold anger.
"Hmpf," Qian Doulou scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Just a newly promoted family wants to defy my order? They overestimate themselves."
Despite the dismissive words, Ju Doulou could sense a underlying current of tension in Qian Doulou's voice. Gathering his courage, he dared to interject.
"Elder," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "there's more. I... I could feel that they have at least nine Title Doulou. And each... each Title Doulou is above level 95."
The words hung in the air, their weight almost palpable. For a moment, the chamber was silent save for the soft flickering of the candles. Then, Qian Doulou's eyes widened, a rare display of shock crossing his features.
"How can this be?" he muttered, more to himself than to Ju Doulou. The level 99 Doulou's brow furrowed in concentration, his mind working furiously to process this unexpected information.
Ju Doulou stood silently, hardly daring to breathe as he watched the emotions play across Qian Doulou's face. After what seemed like an eternity, Qian Doulou spoke again, his voice thoughtful.
"They must have gathered this many Title Doulou over a long period of time," he reasoned aloud. "But to keep such power hidden... it's unprecedented."
Turning his piercing gaze back to Ju Doulou, he demanded, "What did their patriarch say? Tell me word for word."
Ju Doulou swallowed hard, recalling the defiant words of the Red Thunder Family's leader. "The patriarch said..." he began, his voice quavering slightly, "he said that only the level 99 Qian Doulou – you, Elder – would be enough to make them submit."
Qian Doulou's eyes flashed dangerously at these words, a pulse of energy rippling through the chamber. Ju Doulou stumbled back a step, feeling the oppressive weight of Qian Doulou's power.
"That means," Qian Doulou said slowly, his voice low and ominous, "they know about me. About Spirit Hall. They even know that I cannot move unless they attack Angel Hall directly."
The implications hung heavy in the air. There was a leak, a source of information that was feeding the Red Thunder Family sensitive details about Spirit Hall's inner workings. Qian Doulou's mind raced, considering the possibilities and their ramifications.
Minutes passed in tense silence as Qian Doulou sat in deep thought. Ju Doulou remained rooted to the spot, hardly daring to move. The candles flickered, casting ever-changing shadows across the room, mirroring the shifting thoughts in Qian Doulou's mind.
Finally, Qian Doulou spoke, his decision made. "Little Ju," he addressed the still-nervous Ju Doulou, "go and ask Crocodile Doulou to pay them a visit."
Ju Doulou bowed deeply, relief washing over him at having a clear directive. As he turned to leave, Qian Doulou added, "With this, we will be able to measure their power and find out who is supplying them information."
As Ju Doulou hurried out to carry out his new orders, Qian Doulou's eyes narrowed, a mixture of curiosity and determination gleaming in their depths. The Red Thunder Family had thrown down the gauntlet, and Spirit Hall was about to respond. The coming confrontation would shape the balance of power in the world of cultivation, and Qian Doulou was determined to ensure that Spirit Hall remained at its apex.
After Ju Doulou's departure, Qian Doulou rose from his meditation cushion, his form shimmering with barely contained power. He walked to a large window overlooking the sprawling grounds of Spirit Hall, his mind churning with possibilities and strategies.
The Red Thunder Family's defiance was unexpected, but not entirely unwelcome. For too long, Spirit Hall had ruled unchallenged, its power unquestioned. Perhaps this upstart family would provide the catalyst needed to reassert Spirit Hall's dominance and flush out any hidden dissent among the other sects.
Qian Doulou's lips curved into a small, cold smile. Yes, this could be an opportunity. An opportunity to remind the world why Spirit Hall stood at the pinnacle of power. An opportunity to test the limits of his own abilities, constrained as they were by his duties to the Angel God Test.
As night fell over Spirit Hall, Qian Doulou began to formulate his plans. The Red Thunder Family had made their move, and now it was Spirit Hall's turn. The game was afoot, and Qian Doulou intended to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.
Meanwhile, Ju Doulou hurried through the halls of Spirit Hall, his earlier shame now replaced by a sense of purpose. He made his way to the quarters of Crocodile Doulou, one of Spirit Hall's most formidable and ruthless enforcers.
As he approached Crocodile Doulou's chambers, Ju Doulou steeled himself. The task ahead would be dangerous, but it was necessary. The balance of power was shifting, and the coming days would determine the future of not just Spirit Hall, but the entire world of cultivation.
With a deep breath, Ju Doulou raised his hand and knocked on Crocodile Doulou's door. The pieces were set, and the next move in this high-stakes game was about to be made. The future hung in the balance, and the world held its breath, unaware of the momentous events that were about to unfold.