"I'll choose the name... Let me think about it."
Bibidong rested her small hand on her chin, sinking deep into thought. After a moment of silence, she suddenly flopped onto the table, defeated.
"Forget it! I can't come up with anything. You figure it out yourself."
Gu Han chuckled. "Haha, Senior Sister, if you can't name it, leave it to your junior. After all, I've got a talent for naming things."
With a wave of his hand, he swiftly changed the topic. "Alright, since we're done with today's library session, how about I tell you the story of Sun Wukong?"
"Oh! Okay!"
Bibidong instantly perked up. She forgot all about naming and eagerly brought out an assortment of pastries and fruits from her soul guide. Her large burgundy eyes sparkled as she looked at Gu Han with excitement.
"Today's story is about how Sun Wukong was kicked out of his sect by his master for showing off his skills."
Gu Han chose Journey to the West for a reason — not just because it was a gripping tale, but also because it offered a clever way to explain sect politics and hidden truths.
Telling stories made it easier to pass on deeper lessons. Rather than lecturing Bibidong directly, letting her learn through the story would leave a stronger impression.
"Wait—Sun Wukong just wanted to show off for his fellow disciples! Why would the ancestor drive him away for that?"
Bibidong covered her mouth, visibly puzzled.
Gu Han smiled and continued, "The ancestor said: 'You flaunt your spells now. If a villain notices and demands you teach them, you'll either comply or get hurt. Either way, it brings disaster.'"
"Wukong had already made a mistake. Even when he repented, the ancestor didn't forgive him. He gave one last warning:
'Once you leave here, you'll face disaster. No matter who asks about your master, you must not speak a word. If you do, I will know. I will strip your skin, tear your soul, and condemn you to the deepest hell for eternity.'"
"Ah!"
Bibidong's face turned pale as she imagined the scene. Her little frame even trembled slightly.
Gu Han, holding back his amusement, kept a serious face. "Senior Sister, that was the ancestor's final lesson to Sun Wukong."
"Final lesson?"
"Yes. He was teaching Wukong not to show off recklessly. Power must be guarded, not flaunted."
"This time, the price Wukong paid was being expelled and forbidden to mention his master's name."
"Remember this — we must not intend harm, but we must always guard against it. Great evil may appear good, and great good may appear evil. People's hearts are unpredictable. If our master hasn't told us to speak, we must never share things freely."
"Mm... I understand now."
Bibidong nodded thoughtfully.
Suddenly, a round of applause echoed behind them. The two turned to see Qian Xunji walking into the library, a satisfied smile on his face.
After absorbing the ten-thousand-year whale glue, he had been surprised to hear that Bibidong had visited the library. In his memory, she was the kind of student who fell asleep the moment she opened a book.
Curious, he came to check it out — and just happened to overhear Gu Han's story outside the door. He stood there, listening in silence. And when he heard the line "There must be no intention to harm others, and no lack of intention to protect oneself," he couldn't help but applaud.
"Good, good! What a powerful truth — sinister yet sharp, it pierces straight to the heart."
"Teacher!" ×2
Bibidong and Gu Han immediately stood up and respectfully saluted.
"No need for formality," Qian Xunji said with a gentle wave. "Very good, Xiaohan. You've impressed me again. I didn't expect such insight from someone your age."
Gu Han humbly replied, "Teacher flatters me. I read that line in an old book. It's not mine."
"Ah, so it comes from a senior. No wonder," Qian Xunji nodded. "Still, the fact that you didn't claim it shows your integrity. Very well done."
Before he could continue, Bibidong playfully grabbed his arm and grinned. "Teacher~ How did you know my brother and I were here?"
"I heard my lazy little disciple, who always falls asleep reading, actually visited the library today. Of course I came to investigate!"
"Hmph! Who said I don't like books? It's just your lectures are too boring," Bibidong said with a pout, turning away proudly.
Qian Xunji laughed helplessly. Even he struggled with those dense martial soul theories, let alone Bibidong. It made sense that she preferred practice over theory for now.
"But I came here for a reason." With that, he took out several glowing blocks from his soul guide.
"This is whale glue."
Gu Han immediately recognized them. Though the ones he had used before were only a hundred years old, the form and texture were the same.
"These ten pieces are about five thousand years old. You'll each get five — use them to strengthen your foundation."
"Teacher, my brother said this stuff improves physique and innate talent. He's weaker than me, so he should take two more."
Bibidong's voice was sincere. In her eyes, her junior brother's talent lagged far behind. Giving him more would help him catch up. As for her? She believed she could grow strong even without it.
Gu Han raised a brow. This girl really was good to him — first the meditation method, and now this.
But he shook his head with a smile. "Senior Sister, you're already near Rank 30. This will raise your physique and allow you to absorb stronger spirit rings. You should take more."
"You two, stop arguing," Qian Xunji said, a warm smile on his face. "Five each. No more discussion."
He had already planned this: give Gu Han the best-quality pieces to make up for his weaker talent. That way, neither felt left out.
Seeing there was no room to argue, both siblings finally accepted their share.
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