Looking at Qian Renjue's pleading eyes, Bibi Dong smiled softly, gently playing with his face.
"Why are you looking at mom like that?"
"Is mom scary? My esteemed Pope."
"Uh, no, mommy is very beautiful."
Qian Renjue shook his head awkwardly.
He wasn't afraid of Bibi Dong being angry, but rather concerned about possible playful retaliation.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, for the compliment."
Bibi Dong's tone was teasing, yet respectful.
"..."
Qian Renjue felt a black line appear on his forehead, stealing a glance at Ling Yuan, whose face was flushed red from stifling her laughter, making him even more uncomfortable.
"Can you carry mom down now?"
Bibi Dong couldn't help but laugh, stretching out her hands and wiggling her delicate bare feet.
"Yes."
Qian Renjue, exasperated, gently grabbed her slender ankle and bent down to pick up her shoes, carefully putting them on her feet.
He then stood up, wrapped his arms around her waist, and lifted her by her knees, cradling her horizontally.
"That's more like it."
Bibi Dong, satisfied, wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a light kiss.
Softly, she said, "Mom doesn't have any better gifts for you right now. Will this do?"
As the words left her lips, she recalled the playful moment earlier and leaned her head on Qian Renjue's shoulder.
In a teasing tone, she added, "I wonder if His Holiness the Pope is satisfied with this little lady's gift?"
"..."
Qian Renjue's eyebrows twitched as he stammered, "Mom, stop teasing. I was just joking earlier."
"No matter what gift mom gives, I like it."
"That's good."
Bibi Dong smiled and nodded, taking the crown off Qian Renjue's head and placing it back on her own.
"Then mom won't make that joke anymore."
"Mm."
Qian Renjue placed Bibi Dong back on her throne, took off her robe, and returned it to her.
Ling Yuan, ever so timely, handed over the long, ornate scepter.
Tap, tap!
Footsteps echoed in the vast hall as a slender figure full of charm approached.
With short orange wavy hair and a petite frame wrapped in a long dress stained with splotches of blood, Hu Liena arrived.
Her eyes were filled with respect and joy as she gazed up at the platform.
She knelt gracefully on one knee and spoke with utmost reverence.
"Hu Liena greets teacher and senior brother."
"Rise."
Bibi Dong raised her hand slightly, showing her approval of her younger disciple.
"Thank you, teacher."
Hu Liena stood up, her aura subtly different from before, now tinged with a mix of seductive grace and cold bloodlust.
Qian Renjue looked down at Hu Liena with a trace of pity in his eyes.
"How was it, Nana? Was the mission smooth?"
Bibi Dong glanced at Qian Renjue, not paying much mind to his concern for Hu Liena's formality.
"Thank you, senior brother, it went smoothly."
Hearing Qian Renjue's voice, a smile spread across Hu Liena's face, momentarily dissipating the gloom in her eyes.
Bibi Dong's expression became stern again, reminding her, "Nana, those bandits deserved their fate. You don't need to dwell on it."
"Teacher, Nana understands."
Hu Liena bowed her head, her delicate body trembling slightly, her face pale.
Even if she knew those people were not good and deserved to die, witnessing death firsthand was a different matter.
No one is exempt from the horrors of death.
The screams, the endless cries of pain, the severed limbs, and the blood—so much blood. The bandit group of over a hundred members was slaughtered by the three of them.
How could her heart not be shaken?
Just yesterday, after the battle, she couldn't help but vomit violently, which delayed her return.
"Alright, Nana. Go back and rest well for now. Don't rush into training."
Bibi Dong spoke softly. These things were just part of a soul master's journey, something everyone have to get used to.
Only Qian Renjue would be an exception—while she was alive, she wouldn't let him become a heartless killer.
"Yes, thank you, teacher, I will take my leave."
Hu Liena bowed and turned to leave.
Before going, she glanced at Qian Renjue, who was watching her, and she was feeling a bit comforted.
After she left, Bibi Dong shook her head with a smile and said, "Jue, take some time to comfort Nana later."
"Mm, I will."
Qian Renjue nodded.
"Also, your sister mentioned wanting you to visit her. When you leave, let mom know in advance so I can prepare, okay?"
"Don't worry, mom, I'll remember."
Qian Renjue nodded obediently before leaning down and giving Bibi Dong a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Thanks for the gift, mommy. I'm off to see Nana now."
"Mm, go on."
Bibi Dong smiled warmly, clearly pleased after being pampered by her son all morning, a joy that would last her for days.
"Sister Ling, let's go."
Qian Renjue called out as he made his way down the stairs. Calmly, he bid farewell to the two titled Douluos as he passed them.
...
Leaving the Pope's hall, Ling Yuan quickly caught up to Qian Renjue.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Ling Yuan didn't mean to laugh earlier."
"Ah! Ow!"
Just as Ling Yuan was about to approach, Qian Renjue turned swiftly and pinched her delicate porcelain-like face.
"Your Highness..."
Ling Yuan covered her now red cheek, her face flushed with both embarrassment and shame. How many times had this happened?
"It's okay, Sister Ling. I forgive you."
Qian Renjue smiled gently, patting her on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Ling Yuan replied, her voice soft.
"You're welcome, just try not to laugh next time."
Qian Renjue grinned as he turned to leave.
"How can I hold it in? Even Chrystanthemum was struggling to contain his laughter."
Ling Yuan muttered under her breath.
Still, just the thought of Qian Renjue pinching Chrystanthemum's face made her shiver. She couldn't imagine it.
Sometimes, being lightly punished by His Highness wasn't so bad, and perhaps it was best to keep this feeling of shame to herself.
Ling Yuan smiled and hurried after Qian Renjue, thinking about how much he had grown and how his demeanor now resembled both Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. The only difference was that his punishments were always gentle.
Catching up with Hu Liena, Qian Renjue called out.
"Nana!"
"Senior brother?"
Hu Liena turned around, her eyes lighting up with joy.
Seeing him approach, the exhaustion on her face eased considerably, and she stepped forward, throwing her arms around him.
With a faint sob, she whispered, "Senior brother, I killed people—so many people."
"Mm, I know."
Qian Renjue gently stroked Hu Liena's hair.
-
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