Hu Liena's tears surged forth uncontrollably once again, her body nearly going limp, fortunately supported by Jiang Chen's embrace.
"Who is this person's master?" Bibi Dong turned back, her eyes still filled with killing intent as she looked at the group of elders.
One elder stepped forward nervously, bowing respectfully. "Your Holiness, the Pope, this is a disciple I recently accepted. I had no knowledge whatsoever of him committing such a disgraceful act, and I never imagined his character would be so poor."
Bibi Dong gave him a cold glance, flicked her sleeve, and walked out. Her voice drifted back, "Your salary will be deducted for three years. Do you have any objections?"
The elder's expression soured, and he was just about to plead for mercy when several surrounding elders immediately pushed him.
"His Holiness the Pope is wise and just. I have no objections," he hurriedly shouted, then wiped the sweat from his forehead.
That was close. He had almost lost his senses just now. With the Pope in such a furious state, if he had dared to refuse, he couldn't imagine what terrible thing might have happened.
"Senior Sister, let's head back." Jiang Chen supported Hu Liena as they descended the stairs.
Even after returning to her dormitory, Hu Liena still hadn't stopped crying.
This incident had struck her too hard, nearly causing her to break down.
Jiang Chen sat on the edge of the bed, gently patting Hu Liena's shoulder. "Senior Sister, it's all over now. Rest assured, Teacher and I will always protect you."
Hu Liena gradually stopped. After a moment, she said, "Little Chen, thank you, and thank Teacher too."
"Why say thanks to me? Who made me your junior brother?" Jiang Chen smiled.
"Go to sleep. Sleep for a while, and when you wake up, you'll feel much better."
Hu Liena nodded. "Little Chen, can you not leave?"
"Mm, I won't leave. I'll stay here with you." Jiang Chen replied.
Hu Liena gave a soft nod, hugged the blanket, and soon fell asleep. After this ordeal, she was mentally exhausted and could finally relax.
Jiang Chen sat by the bed, quietly watching Hu Liena, feeling some heartache for this senior sister.
To be nearly assaulted by someone she had regarded as an older brother since childhood—such a thing would be unbearable for anyone.
Though Hu Liena was asleep, her long eyelashes still held many crystalline tears. Jiang Chen reached out and gently wiped them away.
Hu Liena seemed to be having a good dream, as a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
…
When Hu Liena woke again, five hours had passed, and the sun was about to set.
The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Jiang Chen asleep with his head resting on the edge of her bed. A wave of emotion suddenly rose in her heart, and she couldn't help but reach out to quietly stroke her junior brother's face.
"Little Junior Brother really is very handsome."
Jiang Chen felt his face itch and instinctively frowned, startling Hu Liena like a frightened rabbit. She quickly withdrew her hand.
Her heart pounded uncontrollably, and a strange feeling lingered in her chest. She didn't know what this sensation was, and it suddenly made her flustered.
Jiang Chen woke up, rubbed his eyes, and asked in confusion, "Senior Sister, were you touching my face just now?"
Hu Liena's pretty face flushed slightly as she huffed, "Who touched you? Maybe you were dreaming and dreamt of some beauty touching you."
"Really? How come I don't remember?" Jiang Chen became even more puzzled.
Hu Liena quickly changed the subject. "It's almost dark. Let's get ready to eat."
"Alright." Jiang Chen didn't dwell on it any further. Seeing that Hu Liena's mood seemed to have improved, he felt very happy as well.
He didn't dare bring up the midday incident again. He went out to fetch the meal, and the two of them ate together.
Hu Liena behaved just as cheerfully as usual, as if she had truly forgotten the matter.
They had just finished eating when Bibi Dong's maid came to summon them.
Hu Liena suddenly became nervous. After what happened today, the teacher must be utterly disappointed in her.
Jiang Chen reassured her, "Senior Sister, don't worry. The teacher will probably just scold you a bit. If she scolds you, it means she cares about you. Just keep nodding."
Hu Liena nodded lightly. With Jiang Chen by her side, she suddenly didn't feel so afraid anymore.
The two arrived at Bibi Dong's study. Bibi Dong wasn't handling affairs but was sitting in a chair, deep in thought.
"Teacher, we're here," Jiang Chen said.
Bibi Dong looked up at her two disciples, her gaze finally settling on Hu Liena.
"Nana, do you know what mistake you made today?" Bibi Dong's voice was stern, without any of the usual gentleness.
Hu Liena hurriedly knelt nervously. "Teacher, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have let my guard down and allowed past affection to blind me, preventing me from seeing the truth."
Bibi Dong nodded. "It's good that you understand. If something like this happens again in the future, you will no longer be my disciple."
"Yes, Teacher." Hu Liena replied respectfully.
"Mm, stand up."
Hu Liena stood.
Bibi Dong's gaze shifted to Jiang Chen, her tone severe. "Little Chen, you saw what happened today. Teacher is giving you a warning: if in the future you ever do something so beastly to someone else, Teacher will definitely kill you."
"Teacher, I guarantee I will never do such a thing," Jiang Chen hurriedly promised.
Bibi Dong's expression finally softened. "There is still a little over a month until the Spirit Hall Academy opens. The teacher is now giving you two tasks."
"Nana, you've been at level thirty-nine for two months now. Little Chen, you've been at level twenty-nine for a month. I give you one month to break through. After that, the teacher will personally take you to hunt soul beasts and obtain soul rings. Can you do it?"
"Yes!" Jiang Chen and Hu Liena answered in unison.
Both of them were very confident in their cultivation speed. Based on their previous rates, breaking through in one month was entirely possible.
"Mm, you may go back now. Cultivate diligently."
The two respectfully left.
…
On the way back, Hu Liena suddenly asked, "Little Chen, how did you and Teacher know something happened to me at noon?"
Jiang Chen had already prepared his explanation and immediately said, "I always felt that Yan wouldn't give up on you so easily. At noon, when I saw you enter the Elders' Hall, I got curious and followed. When I realized Yan was making a move against you, I immediately notified Teacher."
"Little Chen, thank you so much." Hu Liena stopped walking.
"Why be so polite? I'm your junior brother. If you really want to thank me, give me something substantial, like…"
Before Jiang Chen could finish, Hu Liena quickly leaned in and planted a light kiss on his cheek, then ran off ahead.
"This is how I'm repaying you. Don't misunderstand, okay?" Hu Liena's voice came from up ahead.
Jiang Chen touched the spot where Hu Liena's lips had lightly brushed, feeling that he had suffered a huge loss. He had originally wanted her to treat him to a big meal.
But with just this light touch, his big meal was gone. What a bloody loss.
"Still, it's a good thing she didn't take my first kiss, or I wouldn't know how to explain it to Xue'er," Jiang Chen muttered, then followed after her.
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