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Watching Chrysanthemum and Ghost stand up, Qian Daoliu clasped his hands behind his back and slightly nodded.
He softly instructed, "Alright, Xiao Xue, take Xiao Jue back first."
Qian Renxue was about to move when Qian Renjue suddenly grabbed Qian Daoliu's arm.
"Grandpa."
Qian Daoliu looked at him curiously. "Xiao Jue, is there something else?"
Qian Renjue's eyes shifted toward Bibi Dong, hesitating for a moment before suggesting, "Grandpa, mom has already reached level ninety. Dad is still injured, so why not let mother take over as the Pope for now?"
"What?!"
Qian Renxue was shocked. Bibi Dong also showed surprise, mixed with both joy and anxiety.
The more Qian Renjue trusted her, the more guilty she felt.
Qian Daoliu frowned, looking at Bibi Dong.
Over the years, Qian Xunji had indeed been gradually relinquishing power.
Given his severe injuries, it was uncertain when he would recover.
Having someone manage the affairs of the Pope's palace was indeed necessary.
Normally, there would be no issue with Bibi Dong taking charge.
She had the status and strength, and she was the biological mother of the children.
In recent years, she had treated them well.
Yet, Qian Daoliu still felt uneasy because he wasn't sure about Bibi Dong's true feelings toward Qian Xunji.
Had the hatred really ended?
Qian Daoliu gathered his thoughts and asked Bibi Dong, "How do you feel about the sacrifice of the hundred-thousand-year soul beast? Are you satisfied?"
Bibi Dong frowned slightly, harboring some resentment toward Qian Daoliu as well.
She replied stiffly, "Its really good, I'm satisfied."
"Glad to hear it."
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly and added, with a meaningful look, "I hope you won't betray Xunji's efforts on your behalf."
His words were filled with warning, admonishment, and caution.
Bibi Dong's fists clenched as her face cooled.
Did they really think a hundred-thousand-year soul ring could erase the past?
Ha!
She coldly laughed inside, suppressing her hatred.
Her voice remained calm but carried a cold edge. "Grand Priest, I understand."
"Good that you understand."
Without further testing, Qian Daoliu decisively made the decision. "From now on, the affairs of the Pope's palace will be handled by you."
"Understood."
Bibi Dong maintained her usual composure as she agreed.
Qian Daoliu said no more, raising his hand to gently rub the heads of the two children, smiling as he said, "It's late. You two should go rest."
"Mm."
Qian Renxue nodded, holding Qian Renjue's hand. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Qian Renjue smiled faintly, pleased that the power might start to shift and put Qian Xunji in the background.
Qian Daoliu nodded slightly and turned to head back into the secret chamber, sighing inwardly.
He could only hope that the hundred-thousand-year soul ring and bones Xunji had fought so hard to obtain would be worth it.
Qian Renjue held Qian Renxue's hand and walked over to Bibi Dong, smiling as he said, "Mom, as Pope, you can make Sister a Saintess!"
Bibi Dong's cold expression softened slightly as she raised her hand, tenderly cupping Qian Renjue's face.
She spoke softly, "I'm only a temporary Pope."
"And such things depend on Xiao Xue's wishes too."
As she said this, Bibi Dong looked over at Qian Renxue.
She couldn't shake the feeling that her daughter knew something.
Qian Renxue remained silent.
She didn't want Bibi Dong to become Pope so soon, as it might mean Qian Xunji was already dead.
Bibi Dong looked away without saying anything further.
She leaned down to gently kiss Qian Renjue's cheek and spoke softly, "Be good and go rest."
"Okay, goodbye, Mom."
Qian Renjue nodded and waved before obediently following Qian Renxue out, his face filled with confusion.
"Sister, why aren't you talking?"
"…"
Bibi Dong stood still, quietly watching the backs of the two children. She couldn't let go, nor could she forget.
Before long, Bibi Dong entered the Pope's palace and, under the cover of night, issued her first command as acting Pope:
"Do everything in your power to hunt down and kill Tang Hao!"
…
Late that night, faint groans of pain came from the secret chamber.
Qian Xunji had begun to regain consciousness, though he still couldn't move.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he tried to look around, his expression anxious.
"You're awake?"
Qian Daoliu was seated at the foot of the bed, his eyes slowly opening and closing.
"Dad, where are Xiao Xue and the others?"
Qian Xunji asked weakly, his voice hoarse.
"Don't worry, they've all returned safely."
Qian Daoliu stood up and grabbed the water jug from the nearby table.
"That's good."
Qian Xunji let out a sigh of relief and tried to move, only to wince in pain.
"Now that you're awake, focus on resting."
Qian Daoliu brought the jug to Qian Xunji's lips, helping him drink.
"Glug glug—"
Qian Xunji gulped down the water, his pale face showing no signs of recovery.
Qian Daoliu frowned, unable to resist scolding him. "Hmph! If your cultivation were stronger, would you be in this state?"
Qian Xunji winced. "I'm already like this, can't you say something nicer?"
"Nicer words? Would nicer words help you learn?"
Qian Daoliu's frown deepened as he set the jug aside.
"I'm seriously injured, and you're still worried about that?"
Qian Xunji forced a grin, his body feeling drained of strength.
This was the worst injury he'd ever suffered.
Qian Daoliu's face darkened with anger. "Do you really think Tang Hao's hammer isn't more effective than my words?!"
"You!"
Qian Daoliu's expression shifted as his anger flared.
"Dad, calm down. As a father myself, I know that's not the way to handle this."
Qian Xunji tried to laugh, though his body felt too weak to find much comfort.
Qian Daoliu's face grew even darker as he simmered with rage. "Do I need you to teach me now?"
"You see, you're getting angry again."
Qian Xunji sighed as he lay back, too weak to continue. "Dad, let's just talk about something nice for once."
"You worthless child!"
Qian Daoliu angrily snapped.
"Fine," Qian Xunji muttered, closing his eyes. "At this rate, I might as well keep my eyes shut."
"You ungrateful wretch!"
Qian Daoliu roared, but seeing Qian Xunji's injuries, his anger subsided.
After a long pause, Qian Daoliu exhaled slowly. "Tell me, what exactly happened when you fought Tang Hao?"
"You'd better ask Chrysanthemum and the others. I fainted after one hammer strike."
Qian Xunji's casual attitude made Qian Daoliu's blood pressure rise.
"You ungrateful fool!"