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Since that person's presence was already so irrelevant, how much more so Liu Erlong?
Thus, Bibi Dong's tone quickly became casual. "Why is she here? And…"
She paused, her gaze probing as she looked at Dai Chengfeng. "You two actually know each other?"
"We met by chance deep in the Sunset Forest—it was a case of 'not fighting, not knowing.'"
Dai Chengfeng brushed off the details with a vague explanation.
Then, he walked over to the small table nearby, poured himself a glass of water, and continued, "She chased all the way from Tian Dou City. Her purpose? To obtain the Soul-Shaping Pill, supposedly to break through to the Soul Sage level."
Throughout, Dai Chengfeng deliberately avoided mentioning Yu Xiaogang's name.
After all, he still wasn't sure of Bibi Dong's stance on the matter, so he didn't want to take any risks.
Dai Chengfeng wasn't foolish. He wouldn't blatantly expose his intentions toward Yu Xiaogang, risking backlash from her possessive nature.
Who could predict the actions of someone driven by obsession?
But love-struck minds could be controlled!
"Wait… until everything settles down. By then…"
Dai Chengfeng shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Wasn't everything moving in the right direction now?
On the other side, though Bibi Dong was the Pope of the Spirit Hall, in this world where power reigned supreme, intelligence gathering clearly wasn't prioritized.
Even within the Spirit Hall, it was no different.
Otherwise, Tang Hao wouldn't have been able to evade capture for over a decade. Thus, she currently had no idea of Liu Erlong's specific goals.
Therefore, Bibi Dong merely pondered briefly. "The Soul-Shaping Pill?"
She lightly stroked her smooth nails, analyzing, "Liu Erlong, Flender, and Yu… Yu Xiaogang. Their triple soul fusion technique grants them the ability to rival a Title Douluo. Their reputation is indeed significant."
"Their core experience, especially regarding how their vastly differing soul power and spiritual power achieve resonance and fusion, holds immense value for our research into the essence of soul fusion techniques."
She raised her eyes to look at Dai Chengfeng, admiration flickering in her gaze. "If we do have extra Soul-Shaping Pills, exchanging them for the painstakingly acquired secrets they've developed…"
"This deal is quite profitable."
Dai Chengfeng quietly listened to Bibi Dong's analysis, observing the subtle undercurrents of unease that lingered beneath her calm demeanor when discussing Yu Xiaogang.
A quiet sigh escaped Dai Chengfeng's heart.
It seemed there was still a long road ahead before Bibi Dong could completely let go of the past.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Dai Chengfeng set down his glass of water and, without warning, moved closer.
"Mmm…"
Bibi Dong felt a sudden rush of warm breath nearing her. She barely had time to gasp in surprise before Dai Chengfeng's strong arms swept her waist and knees up without resistance!
The world spun!
Her entire body was effortlessly lifted from the soft chair.
"Dai Chengfeng!"
A faint blush spread across Bibi Dong's face, unsure whether it was from embarrassment or irritation. "What are you doing! We haven't even had dinner yet!"
Dai Chengfeng gazed down at the soft female figure in his arms, the purple silk nightgown pressed against him. He could clearly feel the warmth of her skin and the graceful curves beneath the fabric.
Smiling, he strode confidently toward the bed, his voice low:
"Not necessary."
Before his words faded, he had already reached the bedside. With a flick of his arm, he gently deposited Bibi Dong onto the plush bedding.
The quilt sank deeply, and Bibi Dong's loosely draped nightgown, damp from her bath, slipped open slightly further.
"Disciple 'eating' Teacher you…"
Dai Chengfeng leaned close to Bibi Dong's ear and neck, his hot breath brushing against her sensitive skin. "This… is enough!"
Soon after.
Bibi Dong lay on the bed, her eyes hazy, lightly biting her nails as she watched Dai Chengfeng, who claimed to be having "dinner."
"You… you… this disobedient disciple!"
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The next day.
The sky had yet to fully brighten, and morning mist lingered.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, they precisely illuminated the golden angel statue atop the towering Pope's Palace, adding an aura of sanctity to this symbol of continental power.
The golden glazed tiles shimmered brilliantly in the dawn light, and the city's massive outline gradually came into focus against the platinum hues of its architecture—solemn and majestic.
The sound of patrolling knights' armor clinking echoed along the wide main roads, while shops on either side of the streets began opening their doors, preparing for the new day.
A unique atmosphere permeated the air above the city—a blend of fresh morning dew, lingering incense from temple altars, and the tranquil peace that came with being under divine protection.
At this moment.
Before the grand northern gate of Spirit City, the atmosphere carried an air of solemn anticipation.
Hu Liena stood quietly at the forefront, dressed in an exquisite white outfit.
Golden morning light outlined her slender figure and delicate profile. Her amber eyes gazed toward the distant end of the straight official road, carrying a hint of subtle concern.
Slightly behind her, Yan stood with his arms crossed, appearing somewhat restless.
Xie Yue remained as silent and composed as ever, his gaze equally focused on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the two Title Douluo-level elders, Yue Guan and Gui Mei, stood side by side.
Yue Guan wore his usual enigmatic smile, as if he knew something about everything. Gui Mei, true to his title, blended seamlessly into the shadows of the city walls, almost indistinguishable.
They were waiting for someone—their returning Pope, Bibi Dong, who was due back today.
"Teacher clearly said she would return last night…"
Hu Liena softly broke the morning silence.
Yan couldn't help but interject, "Exactly! Teacher rarely delays her schedule. Could something have happened on the way?"
Xie Yue shot him a glance, his voice steady. "Be careful with your words, Yan."
"Teacher's strength is unparalleled. Even encountering a hundred-thousand-year soul beast wouldn't pose a threat to her."
Upon hearing this, Yue Guan elegantly adjusted the cuffs of his ornate robe, his narrow eyes curving slightly. "Little Xie Yue is right."
"Her Holiness is undoubtedly safe. As for her late return… perhaps she encountered something interesting that delayed her?"
Hu Liena didn't respond but bit her lip, about to say something. However, the next second, her pupils suddenly brightened.
"She's here!"
Everyone perked up, following her gaze.
In the distance, at the end of the golden sunlit road, a Spirit Hall carriage—neither overly extravagant nor lacking in dignity—was steadily and swiftly approaching, pulled by four strong horses.
Soon, the carriage slowed to a stop before them. The surrounding air grew eerily silent, save for the occasional snort of the horses.
All eyes focused on the tightly shut carriage door.
The door opened.
First to catch the eye was a flash of noble purple.
Bibi Dong appeared at the carriage entrance, clad in a perfectly tailored Pope's attire, adorned with purple-gold trim. The outfit was both luxurious and authoritative, flawlessly accentuating her stunning figure.
She seemed unchanged from usual—her regal presence and breathtaking charm, which commanded all beneath her, shone even brighter in the morning light.
Sunlight caressed her cheeks, her flawless skin resembling the finest jade. Her eyes, however, carried a subtle, indescribable laziness, like violets dampened by morning dew, exuding a breathtaking allure.
Yet, Hu Liena, who had been closely watching her teacher, noticed a minute detail beneath that familiar majesty.
Around Bibi Dong's neck, a loose purple scarf was tied—not as an accessory, but seemingly to deliberately conceal something…
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