The gardens of Spirit Hall bloomed with a quiet magic, their vibrant flora drawing Yoriichi and Qian Renxue into daily explorations. At five, the twins wandered among shimmering petals and curling vines, their curiosity blossoming like the flowers around them. "This one's leaves sparkle like jewels," Renxue said, holding a translucent leaf to the sunlight, her purple eyes wide with wonder.
Yoriichi examined it, his maroon gaze analytical. "It might store energy, like soul power in plants." Renxue tilted her head. "Could it make us stronger if we ate it?" Yoriichi chuckled. "Maybe, but we'd need to know its secrets first."
Their discussions wove through theories—whether glowing blossoms could guide night travelers or if thorny vines held hidden defenses—each idea fueling their fascination with the natural world.
Their talks grew richer each day, turning the garden into a playground of discovery. Renxue pointed to a cluster of star-shaped flowers. "What if they're wishes trapped in petals?" Yoriichi nodded, plucking one gently. "Then we'd free them by learning their names."
They invented a game, naming plants after mythical creatures—a crimson bloom became a "Phoenix Ember," a spiky shrub a "Dragon's Thorn." Their laughter echoed as they debated which plant could "guard a castle," their bond tightening through shared imagination.
"We'll make a book of these," Renxue declared, her enthusiasm infectious. Yoriichi agreed, his mind already sketching pages of their discoveries, a spark of purpose igniting.
Days later, Bibi Dong ventured alone into Star Dou Forest, her form cloaked in her refined concealment technique, a shadow among the ancient trees. Her soul power thrummed, teetering on the edge of level 90.
A breakthrough is close, she thought, exhilaration pulsing through her. Deep in the forest, she encountered a 90,000-year-old Mirage Viper, its scales flickering with chameleon-like camouflage, blending into the foliage. Its strikes were silent, venomous fangs aiming for her throat. Bibi Dong countered with her Soul Devouring Spider Emperor, spinning webs of corrosive energy that trapped the viper's movements. Her Death Spider Emperor variant unleashed a barrage of toxic spikes, piercing its illusions. The battle tested her precision, forcing her to track its shifting form through soul sense alone. With a final surge, she crushed its core, absorbing its essence. Level 90 within days, she confirmed, her heart racing with triumph.
Before returning, her soul device—a jade token glowing with faint green light—vibrated. Dugu Bo's voice crackled through. "Saintess, I've secured the soul bones. When can you come?" The afternoon sun hung high, giving her time before night.
"I'm coming now," she replied. "Your estate?" Dugu Bo hesitated. "Yes, my home. I'd like to observe closely." Bibi Dong's brow furrowed at his tone, but she dismissed suspicion. If he tests me, he'll regret it, she thought, redirecting her path to Heaven Dou City, her Soul Devouring Spider Emperor ready to silence any threat.
She arrived swiftly, finding Dugu Bo at his estate's gate, his jade-green robes stark against the stone walls. He nodded silently, leading her inside. The air grew heavy with a medicinal stench as they entered a dimly lit room where Dugu Xin lay, his skin sallow, green veins pulsing faintly.
An older man stood by the bed, his aura radiating a gentle warmth. "Ye Xiaoling, a level 84 healer and my old friend," Dugu Bo introduced. Bibi Dong sensed Xiaoling's Nine Hearts Begonia martial soul, its floral energy a rare beacon of restoration. A healer with such a spirit—Dugu Bo chose well, she thought, intrigued by their bond.
Dugu Bo presented two soul bones, relics from 80,000-year beasts, their surfaces etched with faint, luminescent patterns. "As you requested," he said. Bibi Dong took them, positioning herself beside Dugu Xin. "Let's begin," she said, channeling her Soul Devouring Spider Emperor's energy into a delicate web, threading it through his meridians to draw out the hereditary poison.
The bones glowed as they absorbed the toxin, Dugu Xin's face softening, color returning to his cheeks. Ye Xiaoling's eyes widened, his Nine Hearts Begonia blooming faintly in his palm. "Remarkable—my healing only soothed him, but you redirect the poison itself," he said, awe in his voice. Dugu Bo watched, his stoic mask cracking with hope. My son breathes easier, he thought, emotion welling.
The process drained Bibi Dong, her focus razor-sharp to maintain the delicate balance. "This will take a week," she said, catching her breath. "I'll return daily to complete it." Dugu Bo nodded, his voice thick. "A few days is nothing for this miracle, Saintess. My gratitude is boundless."
He bowed deeply, a gesture of newfound respect. Bibi Dong's gaze was steady. "Your loyalty and sanctuary access are my price." He agreed without hesitation, introducing her to Dugu Xin, now awake, and Ye Xiaoling. "This is Bibi Dong, Saintess of Spirit Hall," he said. Their eyes widened at her title, understanding his deference. They attempted to bow, but she waved it off. "No need. I'll return tomorrow."
As she left, the room fell silent. Dugu Xin, his voice weak but clear, asked, "Father, must you serve her because of me?" Dugu Bo shook his head, a rare softness in his eyes. "She's no ordinary woman—her power surpasses mine, and her cure is our salvation. Loyalty to her is a small price."
Ye Xiaoling, his passion for healing ignited, added, "Her method could change medicine. I've never seen poison manipulated so precisely." Dugu Bo nodded. "She knew our curse without spies—her knowledge is uncanny. If she frees us, our family owes her everything." They discussed the soul bones' origins—a dangerous trade with a northern clan—hope anchoring their words.
Bibi Dong returned to Spirit Hall at dusk, greeted by the twins' warm hugs. They shared a new game: crafting "plant potions" with crushed petals, pretending to brew elixirs. "This one heals!" Renxue declared, holding a makeshift vial of rose dust.
Yoriichi grinned, adding crushed mint. "This one gives speed." Bibi Dong joined them, her laughter light, and shared a tale of a mythical orchid that sang to lost travelers. "Did it help them find home?" Renxue asked. "If they listened," Bibi Dong replied, tucking them in later with a whisper: "Dream of hidden paths, my treasures."
In her study, Bibi Dong examined a relic she'd found in the forest—a crescent-shaped stone pulsing with faint soul energy, rumored to enhance toxin resistance. Perfect for Dugu Bo's cure, she thought, planning its use.
Her thoughts drifted to Yue Guan's herb tome, a key to the Yin Yang Well's flora. If the twins' plant games grow, they'll charm him, she mused, her plan subtle. The twins' awakening loomed, her excitement a quiet flame. Their souls will shine, and I'll forge their strength.
Qian Xunji, absent from dinner, sent a note of council duties. Bibi Dong's smile hid her relief, her facade of warmth reserved for his return. His trust is my weapon, she thought, her Secret Chamber plot sharpening.
AMV
Yoriichi: The garden's plants pulse with secrets, like soul power waiting to bloom. Renxue's ideas spark mine—we'll uncover nature's strength together.
Bibi Dong: Dugu Bo's trust is won, his cure my leverage. The twins' curiosity lights my path—their awakening will herald a new dawn.
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