Su Cheng arrived outside the meeting hall of the Pope's palace and pushed the door open.
Bibi Dong stood by the window with her back to him.
The familiar golden Pope's robe wrapped around her graceful figure.
Her slightly curled long hair hung down to her waist, and the purple-gold crown on her head reflected dazzling arcs of light in the sunlight outside the window.
The two-meter-long Pope's scepter was held in her hand, with colorful gemstones embedded in its tip.
For a moment, Su Cheng felt as if he had returned to the simulated world.
But the next moment, he snapped out of it.
This wasn't his first time returning from the simulated world.
After last night's adjustment, coupled with today's interaction with Qian Renxue, Su Cheng's mindset had already adjusted as usual.
Although looking at the distinctly different Bibi Dong in front of him, the graceful curve of her back inevitably caused him a slight sense of confusion, he could still face it calmly.
"Pope, I heard you wanted to see me."
Bibi Dong, still facing away from Su Cheng, said lightly, "Elder Chrysanthemum mentioned that the secret method of absorbing soul rings has not been completely sorted out yet. Did you encounter any difficulties?"
She said so, but her mood was far from as calm as her words suggested.
At the moment she heard this familiar voice, her heart began to beat violently in her chest, as if it would burst into her throat in the next moment, and her palms were unknowingly soaked with sweat.
Both anticipation and apprehension filled her.
Even at this moment, she didn't dare to turn around to face him.
Before the other party entered the Pope's palace, her heart was filled with joy and anticipation.
But when the moment truly arrived, she hesitated.
Upon hearing Bibi Dong's question, Su Cheng was not surprised. It had been quite a few days since their last meeting.
"Yes."
He nodded gently, not minding Bibi Dong's action of turning her back to him.
After all, this was how the real-world Bibi Dong was, and Su Cheng was already used to it.
"You may not know much about this aspect. The physical qualities, bloodline talents, and even soul power attributes of different soul masters vary, so it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. It requires tailored solutions to achieve the best results.
"Of course, if you're not pursuing the optimal lifespan, it's not necessary to go through all this trouble.
"However, the young generation of the Martial Soul Hall are all exceptionally talented. If that's the case, it would be a waste of talent."
"I see." Bibi Dong nodded, still not turning around.
In fact, she understood this principle as well.
The knowledge from those dreams was deeply embedded in her memory.
Compared to the past, her understanding of the essence of soul masters was much deeper now.
Even higher than most theoretical experts in this world.
...
After her words fell, there was a long silence in the hall, and the atmosphere gradually became awkward.
Su Cheng furrowed his brow inwardly, unsure of the situation.
The other party definitely didn't call him here for such a trivial matter.
Just as he was about to speak, Bibi Dong suddenly turned around.
Their eyes met instantly, and there was a subtle movement in their gaze, but they remained calm.
"Judging from her expression, she probably doesn't remember anything, or at least not deeply..."
"Does he still remember me? That's not an ordinary dream. According to reason, it shouldn't be just me who remembers those experiences..."
Similar thoughts flashed through both their minds simultaneously.
Bibi Dong lowered her eyelids, suppressing the tumultuous emotions in her heart, and said in a deep voice, "The reason I called you here today is mainly for another matter."
As she spoke, she slightly turned sideways, no longer facing Su Cheng directly. "You know about Qian Renxue's special situation. From today onwards, I will personally guide her cultivation, so I need you to temporarily reduce your contact with her."
Su Cheng was stunned for a moment, almost thinking he had misheard. "What did you say?"
Then he felt like he had spoken out of turn and quickly added, "Uh, what I meant to say was, Your Holiness, did you just say you want to personally teach Little Xue?"
"Indeed." Bibi Dong tightened her grip on the scepter, "Your relationship seems quite intimate."
"True," Su Cheng said frankly, "I met her when I was studying at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy."
There was nothing to hide about this.
He didn't believe Bibi Dong hadn't investigated his relationship with Qian Renxue.
Anyway, these two people were like fire and water, and Bibi Dong couldn't control Qian Renxue, who had the support of the Qian Sect behind her. There was no need to be secretive about it.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Bibi Dong looked at him with a sideways glance and sneered, "So, what's the deal with you and Zhu Zhuqing?"
"What do you mean?" Su Cheng blinked, "What deal?"
"You don't have to pretend." Bibi Dong's eyes flashed with a strange light, "That little girl told me that your relationship with her is not ordinary. Do you need me to tell you the specifics?"
He didn't understand why Zhu Zhuqing would tell Bibi Dong these things.
Logically, Zhu Zhuqing wasn't one to talk too much, and their situation wasn't something that could be easily explained in a few words.
How could she divulge these details to someone unfamiliar?
No matter how you looked at it, Zhu Zhuqing and Bibi Dong had nothing to do with each other, except for the fact that she had accompanied her to the City of Slaughter once.
"As for me and her..." Su Cheng carefully chose his words and began slowly, "we are indeed quite familiar..."
Watching him struggle with his words, Bibi Dong's emotions became subtly complicated.
She felt both triumphant and strangely bitter.
Externally, she remained composed and simply said, "I will inform Qian Renxue of this matter."
Su Cheng couldn't help but curse inwardly at her words.
He had only just calmed down Qian Renxue's emotions yesterday, and if she were to find out about this, who knows how much trouble it would cause.
Especially since she was going through a crucial period and needed to balance her soul issues, she couldn't afford any disturbances.
If this caused further conflict between the two souls, it would only complicate matters further.
Moreover, he had other concerns. If sudden changes disrupted his plans, it wouldn't be a laughing matter.
"...Your Holiness, there's no need for that," Su Cheng said dryly.
"Qian Renxue has definitely told you about her relationship with me," Bibi Dong said, turning to look out the window, her voice sensual but chilling. "Since that's the case, why should I hide it from her?"
Although her voice was pleasant, her words sent chills down one's spine. "Do you think what you're doing is appropriate? Can you justify yourself to either of them? Can you live with your conscience?"
Su Cheng fell silent once again.
He never imagined that he would one day be caught by Bibi Dong and rendered speechless.
As for Bibi Dong's considerations for Qian Renxue, he didn't believe it.
Given the relationship between these two, they were already at odds with each other.
As long as it didn't involve life and death, they probably wouldn't mind seeing each other face some problems.
"What do you want?" Su Cheng sighed, feeling somewhat helpless.
Of course, he could adamantly deny this matter.
But with Qian Renxue's extreme temperament, she would likely believe it regardless.
And unless absolutely necessary, he didn't want to deny his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing.
In a hidden corner where Su Cheng couldn't see, a smile tugged at the corner of Bibi Dong's lips.
Then she turned back and said indifferently, "Joining the ranks of the Pope's Palace and working for me, I won't mistreat you."
At this point, her voice softened, and she looked into Su Cheng's eyes with a shimmering gaze.
"Su Cheng, don't think I'm forcing you. I'm doing this for your own good too.
"Qian Renxue is destined to be the next Pope of the Martial Soul Hall and the sole heir of the Angel Clan.
"You know her talent, and now is not the time to waste on romance."
"The next Pope?" It was normal for Bibi Dong to try to recruit him, as their struggle for power with Qian Renxue had been going on for some time, but the meaning conveyed in her words surprised Su Cheng.
"What about Hu Liena? Isn't she your direct disciple and your favored successor?"
"Liena is not suitable to be the Pope, whether in strength, ability, or temperament, she falls short," Bibi Dong said frankly.
After experiencing those memories, her suppressed mental symptoms had been relieved, and her thinking had become clearer.
Her understanding of people and things had subtly changed, blending with the memories of her past self.
Hu Liena was certainly not lacking, but compared to Qian Renxue, she was far behind.
Not to mention her talent and strength, even her temperament was too emotional to be suitable for the position of Pope.
Even if she were forcefully supported, she would inevitably be manipulated by Qian Renxue, becoming nothing more than a puppet.
Su Cheng furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat skeptical.
It felt unlike Bibi Dong to say such things.
She regarded Hu Liena even more highly than her own daughter. How could she be so sure?
And when did she start thinking about the future of the Martial Soul Hall? Wasn't she the lunatic from before?
At this point, Bibi Dong casually continued, "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Zhu Zhuqing wants to be my disciple."
"...?" Upon hearing this news, Su Cheng's eye twitched slightly.
Shocked yet somewhat relieved.
No wonder, no wonder she suddenly changed her tune.
Although he didn't know what the scheming little Zhu Zhuqing was up to, or what she specifically told Bibi Dong.
But she must have thoroughly impressed her during their brief time together.
"Su Cheng, I can see that Zhu Zhuqing really likes you, and you have feelings for her too. Since that's the case, why bother with Qian Renxue?"
After saying this, Bibi Dong noticed Su Cheng's furrowed brows deepen and a coldness crept onto his face, sending a shiver down her spine.
She added, "Of course, I'm not trying to make a choice for you. This is your own business. But now is not the right time. Can't you wait a few more years? And do you think Qian Renxue will accept your vacillation?"
"...," Su Cheng finally understood.
Bibi Dong now completely held him in her grasp, at least for the short term, she wouldn't budge.
Sighing, Su Cheng composed himself and said, "Your Holiness, I can work for you, but I need some time."
"Why do you need time? As I mentioned, the current stage is crucial for Qian Renxue," Bibi Dong lightly pursed her lips, reluctant to let go of this opportunity.
Su Cheng calmly responded, "Give me a year, I want to help Xiao Xue stabilize her foundation and completely eliminate the hidden dangers in her soul."
Bibi Dong was momentarily surprised.
Then she quickly reacted, slightly widening her eyes, "Do you have a way to eliminate that inner demon?"
"What inner demon?" Su Cheng furrowed his brow, "Can't you feel it? Those two souls are twins, there's no distinction between primary and secondary. I want to help her achieve a level of independence for both."
"..." Bibi Dong was momentarily stunned by his expression, then turned her gaze away, murmuring softly, "I misspoke."
Su Cheng hadn't expected her to apologize in such a manner, and his expression softened as well.
"Your Holiness is considerate of Xiao Xue, and I am happy for her. By the way, are you currently unable to fully utilize your strength for some reason?"
Su Cheng's words were somewhat cryptic.
After all, this was a private matter, and revealing it casually might anger Bibi Dong.
"What does he mean by this?" Bibi Dong thought to herself, wearing a displeased expression on her face, even a hint of gloominess.
Staring at him coldly, she said, "You're talking nonsense."
"I just feel something is amiss, though I can't be sure. Although my strength is weak, I have some knowledge in various fields. If you really have this issue, perhaps I can help you," Su Cheng said.
Bibi Dong was stunned.
Then she turned away from Su Cheng, facing the window, her back to him.
After a long silence, she whispered softly, "There are indeed some problems in my cultivation."
Su Cheng nodded, "As long as you agree to give me a year, I will find a way to help alleviate the discord within you."
Bibi Dong's momentary joy was instantly extinguished by a cold shower, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.
"Fine, I agree. You may leave," she said.
Su Cheng glanced at her back before turning and walking out of the Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong didn't know that Su Cheng's decision was not only a bargaining chip but also because he had many other cards to impress her.
Whether it was nurturing the younger generation or some secret methods of mental power application, they were enough to pique her interest.
The reason he chose to help her alleviate the pressure on her soul and mind was because Su Cheng genuinely wanted to help Bibi Dong.
He no longer harbored much resentment towards Bibi Dong after the experience in the simulated world last time.
He had come to understand that she was just a temporary choice, whether in talent, intellect, or spirituality.
It was a pity she didn't come at the right time or meet a good teacher.
Although the conditions for growth in the Martial Soul Hall were excellent, for someone of her caliber, this environment might not be the best choice.
And amidst the subsequent changes, besides the individuals themselves, who could truly discern the right and wrong?
Perhaps initially, Bibi Dong's choice was indeed her own problem.
But even earlier, as a teacher, Qian Xunji hadn't guided and educated her well, which also bore some responsibility.
After the problem arose, he used the wrong methods to remedy and retain, ultimately leading to tragedy.
One person died in the end, while the other lived in pain for the rest of their life.
After Su Cheng left,
Only Bibi Dong remained in the council chamber of the Pope's Palace.
She staggered slightly, one hand bracing against the windowsill, relying on it and her Pope's scepter to support her body.
Sweat beaded on her forehead, her breath becoming rapid, her entire body gasping for air like a fish out of water.
In just that short moment, her intense heartbeat never slowed down.
Many times she couldn't help but want to probe, but she never dared to speak up.
It was all suppressed by her powerful cultivation, not allowing herself to reveal any anomalies.
It wasn't until now that she finally relaxed, but at the same time, there was some anticipation in her heart.
Su Cheng had just said he would help her cultivate in the future, reminding her of those memories from the past.
Although she knew there was no possibility between them, and she didn't deserve anything.
But even if she could get a little closer, spend a little more time together.
For her, it would already be a gift from the heavens.