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"It's impossible. I must be overthinking things…"
But soon, Hu Liena gently shook her head again, inwardly laughing at her own suspicions.
After all, her teacher was the Pope of the Spirit Hall, a figure of unparalleled nobility and authority…
Her scarf was probably just an accessory to complement her elegant attire today, adding a touch of flair.
"Teacher!"
With her doubts dispelled, Hu Liena's heart was filled with pure joy and admiration at seeing her teacher.
She quickly ran up to Bibi Dong, naturally wrapping her arms around Bibi Dong's arm and playfully shaking it. Her voice carried an undeniable intimacy.
Bibi Dong looked at her beloved disciple's familiar face, her eyes softening into a rare, gentle smile.
Just then, Dai Chengfeng also stepped down from the carriage, his youthful vigor still evident despite his travel-worn appearance. However, he seemed somewhat weary, his fatigue lingering from the journey. A few stray strands of hair fell across his forehead, adding to his languid demeanor.
"Dai Chengfeng, why do you look so tired? Did you not sleep well?"
Seeing Dai Chengfeng step out of the carriage, Hu Liena greeted him naturally, her curiosity piqued.
Hearing this, a faint, mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Dai Chengfeng's lips. His gaze casually swept over Bibi Dong.
After all, it wasn't that he hadn't slept well—he hadn't slept at all last night.
There was no helping it.
Knowing they would return to Spirit City today, Dai Chengfeng understood that once back in the city, such unrestrained behavior wouldn't be possible.
Thus…
He naturally didn't let slip this final night!
At this moment, Bibi Dong also turned to look at him.
Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Bibi Dong's heart skipped a beat as memories of the previous night flooded her mind—the teasing nibbles, the passionate kisses…
For a moment, a flicker of panic and irritation surfaced, causing her to instinctively adjust the delicate purple silk scarf around her neck.
But…
Bibi Dong was no stranger to navigating turbulent waters, and she could easily control her emotions.
In the end, she only gave Dai Chengfeng a barely perceptible glance before forcefully suppressing the strange feelings in her heart and steering the conversation elsewhere.
Raising her slender hand, she affectionately ruffled Hu Liena's smooth chestnut hair, her voice soft and filled with concern:
"Nana, have you been diligently cultivating during my absence?"
"Of course, Teacher! I wouldn't dare slack off!"
Hu Liena's attention was successfully diverted.
Straightening her back, she confidently responded to Bibi Dong's inquiry, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Teacher, my soul power has reached level 44!"
As she spoke, she even raised her eyebrows provocatively at Dai Chengfeng behind Bibi Dong, as if to say, "What do you think?"
"Level 44? Not bad." Bibi Dong nodded slightly.
When she and Dai Chengfeng had left Spirit City, Hu Liena's soul power was at level 43. Advancing one level in two months clearly demonstrated Hu Liena's dedication to cultivation.
Dai Chengfeng, on the other hand, simply chuckled at Hu Liena's challenge.
After all, thanks to the potent effects of the Dragon Pill gifted to him by Qian Renxue, his soul power had already soared to level 49.
However, Dai Chengfeng didn't say anything further. Surpassing Hu Liena was hardly worth his attention.
His goal had never been Hu Liena.
At this point, Yan, Xie Yue, Yue Guan, and Gui Mei respectfully approached, bowing slightly before Bibi Dong and saying in unison:
"We pay our respects to Teacher (Your Eminence), the Pope."
"Mm."
Bibi Dong resumed her authoritative demeanor, her gaze sweeping over them, instantly making their postures even more deferential.
She first turned to Ju Douluo Yue Guan, her voice returning to its usual calm and aloof tone:
"Elder Yue Guan, were there any significant matters during my absence from Spirit City?"
Yue Guan stepped forward, elegantly smoothing the creases on his robe, his characteristic sly smile spreading across his face as if everything was under his control:
"Reporting to Your Eminence, the city has been operating smoothly, with no major incidents."
"The elders of the Douluo Hall…"
He paused deliberately, his smile growing smug. "Have all remained obedient, without any overstepping actions."
"Presumably, Your Eminence's imposing presence has deterred them from any rash moves."
"Good."
Bibi Dong uttered the word coolly, her expression remaining unruffled.
But those who knew her well, like Yue Guan and Gui Mei, could sense a hint of satisfaction in her brief response.
During her absence, there had been no signs of trouble brewing in the inner court.
This proved that her years of effort had not been in vain—her control over the Spirit Hall was now on par with that of Qian Daoliu.
"Let us enter the city."
With that, Bibi Dong turned first, her golden-purple skirt swaying gracefully as she reentered the carriage with regal poise.
"Yes!"
The others immediately followed, trailing behind the esteemed Pope.
The carriage set off again, gliding along the broad, smooth roads of Spirit City bathed in the morning light, heading toward the majestic cluster of buildings at the heart of Pope Mountain.
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Inside the carriage.
Bibi Dong had deliberately brought her "disobedient disciple" Dai Chengfeng and her beloved disciple Hu Liena along for the ride.
Well…
To be honest, Bibi Dong originally intended to bring only Hu Liena, leaving Dai Chengfeng to walk behind and minimize their public interaction.
But unfortunately, Dai Chengfeng stubbornly refused to leave, boarding the carriage without waiting for her to say a word.
Bibi Dong couldn't very well kick him out.
Helpless, she treated Dai Chengfeng as if he were invisible, casually asking Hu Liena about her cultivation progress.
But at this moment…
Meow~
A soft call rang out as a fluffy golden creature peeked its head out from Dai Chengfeng's collar. Its three golden eyes mirrored Dai Chengfeng's drowsiness and laziness.
At this sound, Hu Liena's attention was drawn to Qiu'er.
Instantly, her eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Dai Chengfeng, what is it?"
"Qiu'er, my pet."
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng affectionately ruffled the top of Qiu'er's head. "Are you awake?"
Meow meow
Upon hearing Dai Chengfeng's words, Qiu'er seemed to shake its head in mild dissatisfaction, lightly biting his hand as if to say, "I'm not a pet!"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled silently, saying nothing.
Hu Liena, having laid eyes on Qiu'er, couldn't tear her gaze away.
Perhaps all women were powerless against adorable, fluffy creatures like Qiu'er. Bibi Dong was no exception, and neither was Hu Liena.
At this moment, Hu Liena grew increasingly fond of the little creature.
"Qiu'er… it's so cute!"
Hu Liena couldn't help but exclaim, her gaze burning with obvious anticipation as she turned to Dai Chengfeng.
"Dai Chengfeng, can I hold it? Please?"
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