Spirit Hall – One Week Later
A surge of soul power pulsed through the training chamber like a silent wave. Su Chen sat cross-legged in the center, his breath steady, the air around him faintly shimmering.
Then—
A subtle glow.
He opened his eyes.
Rank 20.
Finally.
A small smile tugged at his lips. It had taken years of persistence, precision, and patience—but the second ring was finally within reach.
He stood, straightened his robe, and without hesitation, made his way to the Pope Hall.
---
Inside the Pope Hall
The golden doors creaked open as Su Chen stepped inside. The hall was quiet and bathed in the soft light of dusk filtering through stained glass.
At the far end, on the throne of Spirit Hall, sat Bibi Dong—alone.
She glanced up.
"Su Chen?"
He bowed respectfully. "I've broken through to Rank 20."
A subtle shift in her expression. A faint smile ghosted her lips. "You're fast."
"I said I'd reach it before I turned nine."
"You did," she said, standing from her throne. "And without a single shortcut."
There was a pause between them. Familiar, but now touched with something deeper. Not silence, but shared space.
Su Chen spoke again. "Thank you… for watching."
Bibi Dong's eyes flickered. So he knew.
"I wasn't watching," she said calmly.
Su Chen tilted his head slightly, amused. "Then it must be someone else in white robes with golden embroidery standing behind a silk curtain on the balcony every other day."
She gave him a rare, quiet stare.
He didn't press further.
Instead, he said, "I'm ready for the second ring. I'd like to request a personal hunt—accompanied by Hu Liena and you, if possible."
That surprised her. Not because of the request—but because of how he asked. Direct. Clear. With complete trust.
"You want me to accompany you?" she asked.
He met her eyes without hesitation. "Yes. Last time, I felt safe."
For a moment, she forgot how young he truly was.
Bibi Dong sighed softly. "Very well. We'll depart in two days. I'll inform Hu Liena myself."
---
Later, Alone
As she returned to her chambers, she found herself whispering under her breath:
"He felt safe with me…"
She paused, then smiled to herself—genuinely, faintly, softly.
Strange boy.
.....
Night – Pope's Personal Chambers
Moonlight spilled through the high windows of Bibi Dong's chambers. The golden silk curtains swayed gently in the night breeze. She stood alone before her mirror, yet her eyes weren't looking at her reflection—they were gazing at the past.
Her thoughts drifted.
---
The first person to enter her life…
He was like a butterfly—soft, beautiful, fleeting.
He brought with him dreams.
Sweet words. Empty warmth. Promises of forever.
And for a moment, she believed. She let him into the flower garden of her heart.
But butterflies never stay.
And when he left… he didn't just fly away.
He shattered the flower.
He crushed it underfoot and left it bleeding.
And from that day, love became a memory she buried beneath layers of steel and silence.
---
But tonight… something else stirred.
That boy. That strange, impossible boy.
A child far too young to carry such calmness.
A voice too soft to be dangerous.
A presence too warm to ignore.
And yet… when he stood before her that day, before dozens of disciples, nobles, priests…
He looked her in the eye and said:
> "I feel comfortable with her."
No shame. No fear. No hesitation.
---
She turned from the mirror, walking slowly to her balcony, robes trailing like whispers behind her.
Why does that moment keep replaying in my mind?
Why does the memory of those words… hurt less than it should?
Why does it feel like… the flower I buried is trying to bloom again?
She placed a hand over her heart.
It was steady. But it wasn't cold.
Not anymore.
---
He says he wants to win my heart in seven years.
That's foolish.
Naive.
But as the wind touched her face, and moonlight kissed her hand—
She found herself whispering with the faintest smile:
> "Then show me, Su Chen… show me that you're not just another butterfly."
.....
Day of Departure – Spirit Hall
The sun had only just risen when the Spirit Hall gates opened.
Su Chen, dressed in simple silver and blue robes, stood beside Bibi Dong and Hu Liena, who had matured gracefully into a proud disciple of the Pope.
The guards bowed low.
Three figures, one destiny, stepped into the waiting spirit carriage, drawn by two snow-white Wind-Hoof Beasts. This was no ordinary escort—this was a personal mission led by the Pope herself.
---
Along the Journey – Carriage Interior
Su Chen sat opposite Bibi Dong and Hu Liena, legs folded, hands calmly resting on his lap.
Hu Liena spoke first. "You really broke through quietly. You didn't even tell me right away."
He smiled faintly. "I wanted to tell teacher first."
Hu Liena gave him a mock-pout. "You're always siding with teacher."
Bibi Dong opened her eyes slowly from meditation. "He simply knows priorities."
Hu Liena clicked her tongue but smiled, resting her chin on her palm as she looked out the window.
Silence filled the carriage again, but not uncomfortable.
Peaceful.
---
Midway Through the Forest
They stepped down from the carriage as towering trees closed in around them, and the air became thick with wild spirit energy. Birds called from high branches, and the scent of moss and earth clung to the air.
"This part of the forest holds soul beasts ranging from 100 to 3,000 years old," Bibi Dong said. "Stay alert."
"Yes, Teacher," both replied in unison.
As they walked, Su Chen moved with light steps. His 'Can' martial soul shimmered faintly behind him. Inside, he could feel it reacting to the living energy of the forest.
His gaze sharpened.
Sweet. Sour. Fruity. Spicy. The energy here is rich.
Hu Liena teased, "Thinking about flavor again?"
He nodded honestly. "A sour-type plant beast would be ideal."
Bibi Dong watched quietly from the side. Always so calm. Even in danger, he looks like he's taking a stroll through a garden.
---
Deeper Into the Forest – Danger Rises
Suddenly, a rustle—then a low growl.
A massive Vine-Scaled Pangroot Beast, nearly 1500 years old, lunged from the underbrush.
Before Hu Liena could react, Su Chen stepped forward.
He extended his palm.
FDP System Activated.
> Target locked: "Fated Beast of Minor Influence – Pangroot"
Destruction earns: 100FDP
He smirked.
"Let's rewrite your destiny."
With a swift motion, he summoned his first ring—Spirit Fruti, taking a sip mid-combat.
His second ring glowed dimly, awaiting imprint.
Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes. He's fighting before even receiving his second ring. Confident... or reckless?
But then she saw it—
His timing. His movements. The precision.
He was not fighting for thrill.
He was hunting.
And soon, the beast collapsed under a well-placed strike and subtle use of soul power. Controlled. Efficient. Elegant.
Hu Liena clapped. "Wow! You didn't even need me."
Su Chen turned to Bibi Dong. "The energy is compatible. I'd like to absorb this one."
Bibi Dong nodded wordlessly, heart stirred not by his power—but his focus. His instinct. His restraint.
As Su Chen sat and began absorbing the ring, Bibi Dong stood beside him, quietly guarding.
Even the forest seems quieter when he moves.
She looked at him—eyes closed, surrounded by soft light.
This boy…
No. This young man… is changing everything.