People are writing diaries in Douluo, Bibi Dong is crazy about it

**Chapter 196: Let's Say Goodbye**

As General Zhang's sixth soul ring lit up, he split into four phantom figures, each wielding a long sword, and charged at Zhao Ling at lightning speed.

Most ministers had only ever seen Zhao Ling's portrait after Emperor Xue Ye conferred his title as royal priest. While his face seemed familiar, many couldn't immediately recall who he was.

General Zhang, humiliated after being exposed as a vassal of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family and unnerved by Emperor Xue Ye's imperial aura, seized this moment to prove his loyalty. Believing he could restore his standing, he boldly used his soul skill, Phantom Sword Slash, to attack Zhao Ling.

Zhao Ling sneered in disdain. "A Soul Saint in his seventies dares to challenge me? Foolish."

As the first two phantom figures lunged forward, Zhao Ling didn't even bother to move. The swords passed through his body like illusions.

When the third figure approached, Zhao Ling grabbed its neck effortlessly, lifting it off the ground. He smirked.

"Playing illusions in front of me? Are you stupid? You're just a Soul Saint. Crushing you is no harder than crushing an ant."

Without hesitation, Zhao Ling tightened his grip, snapping the phantom's neck. General Zhang didn't even have time to scream. The other three phantoms instantly dissipated as the real General Zhang slumped lifelessly in Zhao Ling's grasp.

The room fell silent. The civil and military officials stood frozen, their faces pale. Even the elderly minister who had knelt earlier shrank back, trying to make himself invisible.

A Soul Saint, killed in a single move—it was terrifying. Zhao Ling, who appeared to be in his twenties, was a force none of them dared to provoke.

Even Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Xing frowned. Though Zhao Ling's actions upheld his dignity as a Titled Douluo, killing the commander of the Royal Guards in public was excessive. Still, they understood that the arrogant general had brought this upon himself.

Zhao Ling tossed the corpse to the ground like garbage, then pulled a black card from his storage space. Holding it out to Emperor Xue Ye, he said calmly:

"Your Majesty, I heard that Prince Xue Qinghe was almost assassinated, and the blame was placed on me. Clearly, someone doesn't want me as the royal priest and set this trap."

"Well, that's fine. Since the Tiandou Empire's people don't want me here, I see no reason to stay. I never cared for this position anyway."

"Here's the five million gold soul coins you gave me as an annual salary. I'll return it in full. As for the palace, I'll vacate it within three days."

Though Zhao Ling had already spent 300,000 gold soul coins to give A Yin, Poseidon, and Liu Erlong pocket money, he had secured 10 million gold soul coins from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect the previous night. In exchange, he had shared several hidden weapon designs, including the Zhuge Divine Crossbow and Flying Divine Claw, showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship.

The sect leaders, Ning Fengzhi and his father, were overjoyed, believing these weapons could elevate the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect above the Haotian Sect. They eagerly funded Zhao Ling's research and development.

Back in the Qinzheng Hall, Emperor Xue Ye caught the black card, his expression darkening.

"Demon Suppression Priest, why must you do this? I have never doubted your loyalty. You are perfectly suited for this role," Emperor Xue Ye said earnestly.

Prince Xue Xing added, "My brother and I have always trusted you. We never believed you'd harm Qinghe. You're his adoptive father, after all..."

Before he could finish, Zhao Ling raised a hand to interrupt.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, there's no need for explanations. I never wanted to be a foster father in the first place. That was your decision, not mine."

"The people of the Tiandou Empire clearly don't want me as the royal priest. This is what I've wanted all along."

"And one more thing—the Vast Sea Universe Cover is useful to me. I can't repay you for it, but I'll promise this: if Prince Xue Qinghe faces danger in the future, I'll help him once. After that, I owe you nothing."

With that, Zhao Ling turned and walked out of the Qinzheng Hall without a backward glance. His casual stride left a chilling silence in his wake.

The faces of Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Xing turned grim. They had invested significant resources to secure Zhao Ling's loyalty, only to lose him due to the meddling of incompetent officials.

Zhao Ling's promise to save Xue Qinghe had dwindled from three instances to just one, and the crown prince's connection to the Demon Suppression Douluo as an adopted son was now severed entirely.

The loss was monumental.

PS: Read +20 advance chapters on my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331]

**(End of Chapter)**