At the city gate.
Bi Bi Dong, riding a warhorse, had just led her troops to the city gate when a Red Cardinal hurried over, bowing with a panicked expression.
This was Mei Bensi, who oversaw intelligence operations.
He hadn't accompanied Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others to the Clear Sky School to avenge the Pope, but had been assigned to other urgent matters.
"Halt!"
Spotting Mei Bensi, Bi Bi Dong immediately raised her hand to signal the troops to stop.
Mei Bensi approached and bowed deeply.
"Mei Bensi greets the Holy Maiden and the two Elders. I was ordered to await the triumphant return of our Spirit Hall warriors here!"
"Hmph!"
Bi Bi Dong snorted coldly.
Just from Mei Bensi's terrified demeanor, she could easily guess that something had gone wrong with his assigned task.
Her thin lips parted as she spoke in icy tones, the lingering killing intent still evident in her voice.
"Cut the nonsense. I recall you were responsible for matters related to the Soul Master Competition finals at the Heaven Dou border, correct?"
"Y-yes, Holy Maiden."
Mei Bensi stammered, sweat breaking out on his back as he hunched over further.
Having heard about their Holy Maiden's remarkable military achievements in this war, he had initially suspected some exaggeration. But he never expected Bi Bi Dong's killing intent to be so intense—truly worthy of someone who had slain two Titled Douluo!
As the continent's youngest Titled Douluo powerhouse, and a rare possessor of a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, even a fraction of her aura made him feel immense pressure.
What was even more terrifying was that their Holy Maiden also possessed twin martial souls!
She was absolutely destined to surpass the previous Pope!
"Hmph! Useless!"
Bi Bi Dong frowned and scolded sharply.
The Soul Master Competition was undoubtedly the most direct stage for various forces to showcase their young talents.
She had just killed the Clear Sky School's leader and Great Elder, reclaiming the dignity lost by Qian Xunji, only to have it tarnished again.
How could she not be furious?
Bi Bi Dong was already beginning to think from the perspective of a Pope, and the entire Spirit Hall would soon respond to her accordingly.
"Y-you are right, Your Highness! This subordinate is incompetent!"
Mei Bensi nodded repeatedly. Even though the defeat in the Soul Master Competition finals wasn't primarily his fault as the team leader, he still tried his best to appear as humble as possible.
As the Saintess, in the eyes of everyone except those in the Hall of Worship, Bi Bi Dong would be the new Pope!
A new official applies strict measures.
Mei Bensi had no intention of becoming the unlucky example used to establish authority.
Bi Bi Dong looked down at Mei Bensi with authoritative eyes and asked, "What are the specific details? Were any of our geniuses injured?"
Mei Bensi hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, the championship of this Soul Master Competition went to the Star Luo Empire Royal Academy. Our Spirit Hall placed second. But please rest assured, Your Highness, the children are all fine and will recover after some rest."
"Is that so."
Bi Bi Dong tightened her delicate brows and looked up at the Six-Winged Angel relief carved on the Spirit Hall's city wall, lost in thought.
Without further regard for the meekly bowing Mei Bensi, Bi Bi Dong struck her horse with a whip and rode leisurely inside.
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo slowly followed behind, both looking down at the sweating, bowing Mei Bensi with expressions that said "you'd better behave yourself."
"What are you standing there for? What about your task?" Chrysanthemum Douluo reminded Mei Bensi while gesturing with his orchid-shaped fingers.
"Ah! Understood!" Mei Bensi belatedly realized, breaking out in a cold sweat down his back. The murderous aura and scent of blood emanating from Bi Bi Dong at this moment were simply too intense, making him hesitant to act rashly.
Coming to his senses, Mei Bensi immediately raised his head and shouted loudly, "Welcome back in triumph, Holy Maiden! Congratulations to Spirit Hall on its great victory—"
Instantly, all the Soul Masters on the city walls joined in roaring cheers.
Bi Bi Dong silently passed through the city gate, her cold yet weary purple eyes already fixed on the halfway point of the Central Divine Mountain in Spirit Hall City. Perhaps this time, it would fall to her most beloved disciple to restore Spirit Hall's honor. He was completely qualified and more than capable!
Thinking of this, Bi Bi Dong grew impatient to see Ye Tian. Every night, she needed medication to sleep. Who would have thought that Ye Tian would become her 'Abebe'?
Swish—! Bi Bi Dong suddenly raised the riding crop she had been fiddling with. Her warhorse halted. Understanding her intention, Ghost Douluo immediately spoke up, suppressing all the surrounding noise. "Silence!"
All the shouts ceased under Ghost Douluo's command.
Bi Bi Dong glanced back and said calmly, "Elders, please take these prisoners of war to the dungeons for now. We will decide their fate after my teacher's matter of entering the Douluo Hall is settled."
"Yes, we understand!" Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo immediately responded. The Pope's funeral indeed needed to be scheduled; leaving it unresolved was not an option.
Crack—! As soon as she finished speaking, Bi Bi Dong heavily whipped her horse's back with the crop. "Hyah—!" With her sharp cry, the warhorse neighed and shot forward like an arrow from a bow, heading straight for the Central Divine Mountain, leaving the prisoner transport carts far behind.
——————
Inside Wisteria Residence, by the time Mei Bensi intercepted Bi Bi Dong, Ye Tian had already arrived home. He hurriedly pushed open the rosewood door, slipped inside, and leaned against the back of the door, his face flushed as he panted heavily. Thrilling—it was just too thrilling! Actions he had only seen during Dao Heart training had actually happened to him. Indeed! Watching others do it and doing it yourself were worlds apart!
Slap! Slap! Slap! Ye Tian rubbed his face and gave it a couple of quick pats, trying his best to sober up and forget the recent accident. After regulating his breathing, he finally lifted his feet and walked toward the pavilion ahead.
Along the way, Ye Tian overheard quite a few rumors. Bi Bi Dong probably hadn't returned to Spirit Hall City that quickly, so he could still take this time to properly wash away the dust of travel. Only by resting well could he continue sailing smoothly.
In the empty pavilion, light, floating footsteps echoed. Upstairs, Hu Liena sat alone at the dining table, enjoying the noodles she had made herself. Without chopsticks and without needing to use her hands, a little fox girl with short orange hair and a fluffy tail sat bored by the table, propping her chin with her hands, absent-minded. Without any visible movement, the noodles in the bowl climbed out one by one and delivered themselves to her mouth. Even during breakfast, Hu Liena habitually used psychokinesis.
After prolonged practice, she had not only significantly increased her mental power but also gained a deeper understanding of her Soul Skill.
Although she could only control one object at a time, what if she used Psychokinesis to connect two items and treat them as a single entity? This was theoretically entirely feasible, and now, Hu Liena could already put it into practice!
Occasionally, three strands of noodles would converge and be delivered to her mouth.
She could even use her Mind Power to fix the noodles at equal intervals, arranging them in a row before slowly guiding them into her mouth.
Her Mind Power had, to some extent, already broken free from the constraints of her Soul Skill.
Thud!
The sound of footsteps on the stairs caused the noodles at Hu Liena's lips to slip back into the bowl, splashing a bit of broth.
"Teacher?"
Hu Liena quickly looked up toward the staircase, listening intently.
"No!"
Hu Liena quickly discerned.
These footsteps did not belong to Bi Bi Dong!
Gradually, surprise and anticipation filled Hu Liena's eyes, and she couldn't help but stand up.
If it wasn't Bi Bi Dong,
then there was only one possibility left!
Finally, Ye Tian's figure slowly appeared at the top of the stairs, and a familiar Pill Fragrance wafted into the air on the second floor.
"Senior Brother—!"
Hu Liena's eyes lit up as she called out, already stepping onto a stool and then the table, leaping toward Ye Tian.
"Haha... Nana, did you miss your senior brother?"
Watching Hu Liena leap toward him, Ye Tian laughed joyfully and opened his arms to her.
After all, this lass was practically raised by him.
He was quite fond of this little fox girl. Of course, that was under the condition that she remained this well-behaved and sensible forever, without rebellion. Most importantly, she must never betray him!
It seemed now that there was no chance of that happening...
Thump!
Ye Tian spread his arms and caught Hu Liena in a full embrace as she flew into him.
Hu Liena excitedly wrapped her arms around Ye Tian's neck.
Her short legs quickly locked around him, her small face pressing against Ye Tian's smooth cheek as she urgently exclaimed, "Yes! Nana misses you every day, wondering when you would come back! Staying alone in Wisteria Residence is just too boring and unbearable."
"Haha... It's normal to find it unbearable. To become strong, long and tedious cultivation is necessary~ Otherwise, why would the books say that the strong endure loneliness?"
Ye Tian chuckled, supporting Hu Liena's petite bottom as he stepped away from the dangerous area near the stairs.
"Senior Brother always has so many grand principles when you're with us."
Hu Liena tightened her embrace around Ye Tian and pouted slightly.
Indeed, Ye Tian had always regarded Hu Liena and the other two as children.
Unconsciously, he had developed a bit of a paternal air.
"Alright, if Nana doesn't like hearing it, I won't say it anymore in the future."
Ye Tian said with a smile.
He was just afraid of being betrayed; loyalty had to be cultivated from a young age.
"No!"
Hu Liena protested sweetly, burying her lovely face in the crook of Ye Tian's neck, inhaling deeply the rich Pill Fragrance on him, and said in a coquettish tone,
"As long as I can talk with Senior Brother, Nana is willing to listen to anything you say~"
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore."
Ye Tian smiled and patted Hu Liena's back, glancing at the noodles on the table.
"You should come down and finish your noodles first."
"Has Senior Brother had breakfast yet?"
Hu Liena lifted her head, continuing to hold onto Ye Tian as she sat in his palm.
Gazing at his more resolute features, she couldn't help feeling slightly dazzled. His jet-black hair was smooth yet casually tousled, appearing both natural and unrestrained. His originally dark, bright eyes seemed to have gained more spirit and clarity, making her feel as if she might fall into them.
Most importantly, though her senior brother's complexion had become fairer and his skin smoother, there wasn't the slightest hint of femininity—instead, he radiated even more sunny cheerfulness.
Hu Liena watched silently, the fox tail extending from her tailbone unconsciously swaying gently, appearing utterly docile and adorable. Her cheeks flushed like red apples, gleaming with an enticing glow. While Ye Tian had no desire to bite her, she found herself wanting to take a couple of playful nips at his face.
"Heh, I'm not hungry—I just want to take a bath in the kitchen first."
Ye Tian chuckled,
placing Hu Liena's bottom on the sofa backrest.
"Alright, go to the kitchen pot... Huh?"
Hu Liena stared at Ye Tian with infatuated eyes, instantly snapping back to reality when she realized what she had been murmuring unconsciously.
"Senior brother wants to bathe in the kitchen?"
"Yes, I'll set up a large tub there and soak in hot water to relax properly."
Ye Tian gently freed Hu Liena's hands and feet, ruffled her orange locks, and couldn't resist giving her slightly heated fox ears a pinch.
"Ah~ Mmph~"
Hu Liena shyly closed one eye, her shoulders trembling faintly.
A fox girl's ears weren't to be pinched recklessly...
"Haha..."
Ye Tian couldn't help but laugh.
"Anyway, take your time eating. I just came up to say hello."
With that,
Ye Tian withdrew his hand, tucked two bottles of Pills into Hu Liena's embrace,
and turned to head downstairs.
"Mhm~"
Hu Liena nodded bashfully.
Hugging the Pills to her chest, she watched Ye Tian's retreating figure and asked:
"Senior brother, does Nana need to help scrub your back?"
"No need. Fill your stomach first—I'll be checking your cultivation progress later. If I'm not satisfied, you'll have to face the consequences."
Ye Tian waved behind him without looking back, descending step by step down the stairs.
During the carriage ride,
he had already prepared corresponding Pills for Hu Liena and the other two.
Once he had settled in, he could arrange to meet with them.
"Don't worry, senior brother—Nana has made great progress!"
Hu Liena declared confidently.
Having awakened her Martial Soul several months ahead of schedule, less than a month had passed since her awakening. Though her cultivation hadn't broken through, her mastery over Soul Skills had improved significantly.
Hu Liena was confident—
this would be sufficient to pass inspection by either Ye Tian or Bi Bi Dong.
"That's good then~"
Ye Tian's voice grew faint.
"How did senior brother manage it? He seems to have become so much more fragrant..."
Hu Liena sat on the backrest, sniffing her own hand that still carried his scent, then inhaled the aroma of Ye Tian lingering on her—it had even overpowered her own milky fragrance.
——
Summit of the Central Divine Mountain!
Hall of Worship.
Qian Xunji's coffin now had its lid placed across it,
lying in the center of the great hall.
Qian Daoliu had long since returned to Spirit Hall City, even before the ceasefire order was issued.
That command
had been delivered by him from the Hall of Worship.
At this moment,
Qian Daoliu stood beside the coffin, gently wiping dust from its surface.
Tap! Tap!
Footsteps echoed from outside.
This was immediately followed by Golden Crocodile Douluo's inquiry.
"Brother, how did it go?"
"..."
Qian Daoliu's face was grim, his eyes weary as he remained silent.
Golden Crocodile Douluo's heart instantly sank with shock.
"How could this be? Could it be that even you failed, brother?"
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