"Well, I can't predict the outcome for sure, but I believe the Spirit Hall will definitely secure a good placement."
Gu Han gently shook his head. Neither he nor Bibi Dong participated in this year's tournament. Although they were age-eligible, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament felt no more than child's play to them now—utterly meaningless.
The rewards this time? A noble title, some prestige, and two soul bones each over 5,000 years old.
To be fair, the prizes weren't bad at all. But compared to the rewards Spirit Hall offered in the original story's final match, these were quite underwhelming.
As for nobility—titles and the like held zero appeal for either Gu Han or Bibi Dong.
Truthfully, this tournament held no real significance. They hadn't even gone to spectate.
Bibi Dong shook her head, then as if remembering something, her lips curved into a smile.
"Oh right, junior brother, the Lantern Festival in Coconut Grove City is just a few days away. They say it's the most beautiful and lively place on the entire continent at night. We don't have anything urgent to do, so why don't we go have some fun?"
"Coconut Grove City, huh…"
Gu Han recalled that place was famous as a destination for couples—where young men and women would make wishes together under the lanterns, dreaming of a shared future.
He raised an eyebrow teasingly.
"Senior sister, you do realize that's a place for lovers, right?"
Bibi Dong's face instantly flushed. She folded her arms and turned away.
"Hmph! Who says only couples can go? I want to go, and you have to come with me. If you don't, next time I see Uncle Sword, I'll tell him you bullied me and have him give you a good beating!"
"Uh…"
The corner of Gu Han's mouth twitched. She used to threaten him by invoking Qian Xunji, but ever since the latter got swamped with divine trials, he'd been fine letting the two of them goof off, only offering the occasional half-hearted warning.
But Uncle Sword was a different story.
He doted on Bibi Dong, that lively, bright, and incredibly gifted little girl. Every time she claimed Gu Han bullied her, he'd end up on the receiving end of an intense "training session."
"…Alright, alright."
Honestly, Gu Han wasn't against going with her. He just wanted to tease her a little.
Bibi Dong's lips curved proudly.
"Then it's settled. We leave tomorrow. Bye-bye!"
And just like that, she blinked out of sight with a few quick steps.
Only after she was fully gone did Gu Han allow a smile to surface.
Truth be told, Bibi Dong was stunning. At first, he'd definitely been attracted by her looks. But after years of interaction, he had come to learn so much more—her strengths and flaws alike. Four years together felt like a lifetime.
She was like a little sprite, clinging to him nearly every day—nagging him for stories, begging him to spar, even occasionally causing him a little mischief.
Over time, she'd carved a place in his heart. It was no longer just her beauty that drew him in.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong had dashed back to her room, her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding wildly.
She still remembered the first time she met her junior brother. She'd been full of curiosity—why would their teacher take on a disciple with only innate level 5 soul power?
And also… excited. Finally, she wouldn't be alone anymore—she had a companion.
That mix of curiosity and joy quickly grew into attachment.
The more she interacted with him, the more she discovered just how gentle he was. His head was filled with fascinating stories. He taught her that combat wasn't all about brute soul power.
He also studied soul theory with astounding dedication and explained even the most convoluted theories with simple words and infinite patience.
And—he was handsome. After he offered up that Snow Lotus in sacrifice, his hair turned white, and his unique aura made him even more aligned with her taste.
For years, she stuck close to him, often bothering him on purpose. But he always responded with warmth and patience.
He's never tired of telling her stories, teaching her techniques, explaining swordsmanship insights.
After all this time, Bibi Dong realized she couldn't live without him. He had become a part of her.
But she still didn't understand his heart.
Despite being his senior sister, she always felt like he only saw her as a younger sibling to protect.
That's why she had just tried to test him a little… and as expected, he still didn't get it. Completely oblivious, like some steel-hearted idiot.
Still… he agreed in the end.
The thought of going on a date with him made her cheeks burn.
Then she shook her head quickly, patting her flushed cheeks.
Suddenly—two tiny Bibi Dongs appeared, one pink, one black.
Pink Bibi Dong: "But what if he only sees me as a senior sister?"
Black Bibi Dong: "Hmph! If he rejects us, I'll just knock him out and drag him into the closed-door training room!"
Pink Bibi Dong: "T-that's not okay…"
Black Bibi Dong: "What's not okay? You have to be bold! He's such an amazing junior brother—are you just going to let some other girl take him away?"
Pink Bibi Dong: "B-but…"
Black Bibi Dong launched a rocket headbutt, sending Pink Bibi Dong flying, then turned to glare at the real Bibi Dong, who looked deeply conflicted.
"Smack!"
Real Bibi Dong swatted Black Bibi Dong away too, but a faint shadow of unease lingered in her heart.
"Keh-heh… Ahem. Never mind. One step at a time. If worst comes to worst… I'll deal with that later."
Though still young, the more possessive side of her personality was starting to show—even if she hadn't realized it herself.
"Achoo!!"
Back at the dorms, Gu Han, just about to enjoy a relaxing bath, sneezed hard. But he didn't think much of it, rubbing his nose as he stepped into the bath.
Forty minutes later, he emerged in a bathrobe, collapsing lazily onto the sofa.
"Haahhh~~~"
"So comfy."
He stretched out, basking in the comfort instead of entering meditation right away.
After all, he'd promised senior sister—they'd set out for Coconut Grove City tomorrow.
He should probably pack. Although now that he thought about it, there wasn't much he needed to bring. Just enough money. He vividly remembered how much Bibi Dong loved to splurge on soul hunts.
By the end of those trips, she'd even be eyeing his personal stash of gold soul coins.
"Coconut Grove City, huh…"
With everything he had changed… surely Bibi Dong wouldn't fall for that self-righteous windbag Yu Xiaogang anymore, right?
~~~
If You Wish To Support Me And Read 30 Chapters Ahead, Consider Joining Me On This Journey!
> [email protected]/HudaLin