Bibi Dong: "…"
Sigh~
Bibi Dong let out a soft sigh in her heart. I knew it, he doesn't understand a thing.
Now it felt even harder to bring up what she wanted to say.
"Big sis, what's wrong?"
Su Linfeng looked at her with confusion written all over his face. "What's so strange about liking a girl?"
What should I do…?
Bibi Dong opened her mouth, but not a single word came out. "Forget it!"
At last, she exhaled deeply and said, "You're still young. When you grow up, you'll naturally understand."
Phew—
Su Linfeng also secretly let out a sigh of relief. That was close, I almost exposed myself! Seems like Bibi Dong sensed something, too. Not just testing me…
With that, Bibi Dong no longer dwelt on the topic.
"Let's begin. I feel that since your bloodline awakening, not only can you help me refine the evil will inside me, but it also aids in my cultivation of my martial soul."
Begin?
I just got back!
Hearing her request, Su Linfeng's lips twitched. Had I known, I wouldn't have rushed back so early. I haven't even eaten yet… truly a soul-devouring little demoness!
Although he felt resistance in his heart, he couldn't escape her grasp. He had no choice but to obediently follow her inside.
Bibi Dong warned coldly: "Little brat, let me be clear this time—you're not allowed to touch me with your hands and feet again!"
Su Linfeng: "What? Me? I didn't do anything!"
Bibi Dong: "Still dare to talk back? Careful, or I'll tear that mouth of yours apart!"
Su Linfeng: "So… no chopping off hands this time?"
Bibi Dong: "You—!"
Time flew. Years passed.
Eight years later.
In the year 2640 of the Douluo Calendar.
On the continent of Douluo—
Aside from the long-standing wars between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, the world of soul masters had stabilized completely with the change of the Spirit Hall's Pope, the Haotian Sect's seclusion, and the cleansing of the Seven Great Sects.
Under Bibi Dong's leadership, Spirit Hall was reshuffled and began issuing many new policies.
For example, Spirit Hall dispatched soul masters to awaken martial souls for commoners free of charge. Since only a small fraction of commoners had martial souls suitable for cultivation, and only a small number awakened with soul power, those few who could cultivate were often too poor to advance. Now, after awakening, Spirit Hall provided stipends to soul masters below level 30, solving one of the biggest barriers for commoners.
Because of these reforms, Bibi Dong was hailed as the most powerful leader in Spirit Hall's history, the most outstanding Pope across generations.
It was also worth mentioning—
Because of the endless wars between the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires, Spirit Hall personally intervened to mediate. To further balance both nations, Spirit Hall even initiated, together with them, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, led by Spirit Hall.
This year, the tournament officially began. Spirit Hall even broadened the rules.
In addition to academy team battles, they added an individual competition.
The purpose was to give academies and individuals without the means to field full teams a chance to shine. Of course, this suggestion came from Su Linfeng himself—after all, he fully understood Bibi Dong's ambitions.
This not only embodied Spirit Hall's philosophy of treating nobles and commoners equally…
But also allowed them to win over even more hearts.
Especially those of the commoner soul masters.
That morning—
The sky over Spirit Hall was still dim, as if veiled by a thin mist.
Bibi Dong slowly awoke from her sleep.
She turned her head and glanced at the youth sleeping soundly beside her, a complex feeling rising in her chest.
Fifteen years old now.
This brat was more and more like an adult; his appearance fully blossomed.
Back when he was little, he looked rather plain, but now… it was as if he'd shed his old self completely. Slender brows, a high nose bridge, a sharp chin, his features like a painting—his beauty transcended gender, transcended mortal description. Even Bibi Dong didn't know how to describe it.
At this moment, Su Linfeng's lips curved ever so slightly, as if always smiling, glistening faintly as though kissed by morning dew.
Wait—something's wrong!
Bibi Dong's cheeks suddenly flushed red. She smacked his hand away.
"Su! Lin! Feng!"
Her low shout startled Su Linfeng awake.
Opening his eyes, the first thing he saw was her familiar, beautiful face—but this time with a chilling expression.
"You little brat!"
Bibi Dong sat up straight on the bed, her face crimson as she glared at him. "Did you have another dream last night?!"
Regret…
She should've instilled more discipline in him when he was younger. Otherwise, how could she be at such a loss now that he was entering puberty?
"Uh…"
Su Linfeng's eye twitched. Embarrassed, he flipped the quilt aside and slowly closed his eyes again.
So humiliating!
Bibi Dong's face was burning. Her voice turned cold: "From now on, you need to start cutting this off. First step—stop sleeping with me!"
"You're practically an adult now!"
"Tell me, what fifteen-year-old still sleeps with his mother? Hurry up and go bathe!"
"Uh…"
Su Linfeng tiptoed off the bed. But as Bibi Dong scolded him, he couldn't help but mutter, "You're not even my mom… Besides, do you think I actually want this?"
"And don't forget, at night, I still have to help you refine away that evil will. If I can't sleep here, where else should I go? There are only two rooms in this whole place. You want me to go sleep with Hu Liena instead?"
It was worth mentioning—
When Hu Liena reached level 20, Bibi Dong brought her into Spirit Hall for focused training.
Whether it was acknowledgment of her talent, missing Qian Renxue, or simply filling the gap left by Su Linfeng's refusal to accept the title of Holy Son, Hu Liena was chosen as part of Spirit Hall's future.
Five years ago, she moved into the Pope's Palace. From then on, Bibi Dong wasn't just raising one child, but two.
Thankfully, they were both older now.
Which was why Su Linfeng had just blurted out such a line.
"You brat!"
Bibi Dong clearly heard the resentment in his voice. Her eyes narrowed as she scolded, "What are you mumbling about?"
"Nothing."
Su Linfeng looked like a deflated ball, staring at her helplessly. "Do you think I want this?"
Bibi Dong: "You—"
"Don't I? Eight years, and I'm only at rank 49. Even Hu Liena rose from rank 15 to rank 41 during that time. On average, she advanced three levels a year. And me?"
Su Linfeng's eyes were full of grievance as he looked straight at her. "Seven years old—rank 41. Now fifteen, only rank 49! If it weren't for you draining my soul power every day, with my talent, I'd be at least a Soul Emperor by now!"
"The best years of my life! The best talent wasted…"
Having said his piece, Su Linfeng turned his back and strode into the bath.
Bibi Dong froze on the spot.
Yes. If not for her, with Su Linfeng's talent, he would at least be at the Soul Emperor realm by now. And yet here she was, blaming him.
A wave of guilt swept through her.
She realized her words earlier had been too harsh.
Coming to the bathroom door, she cleared her throat softly. "Um… Linfeng."
"My words just now were too heavy. I'll go cook something good for you."
"A-and… this kind of thing, you mustn't tell anyone, understood?"
As she spoke, her face reddened further.
He's already fifteen, and yet still clings to me like this. Doesn't he know he's in his adolescence now?
I wonder if it's too late to have that talk with him now… I just hope I'm not already too late.