"Why aren't you saying anything? Weren't you full of ideas, kid?"
Bi Bi Dong combed through her long hair, glancing back at Ye Tian.
"Let me gather my thoughts first."
Ye Tian glanced at the lacy purple undergarments on the bed, silently pulled up the covers to hide the masks and other items, then sat cross-legged in the center of the bed.
Looking at Bi Bi Dong in front of the mirror, he spoke eloquently:
"As for the situation in the Soul Master Realm, someone like me who's never ventured far—a frog at the bottom of a well—naturally doesn't have any special insights. As for what you mentioned, Teacher, about whether to maintain consistent dominance or adopt a gentler, appeasing approach when dealing with various factions… I think you're just asking a question you already know the answer to."
"Oh? How so?"
Bi Bi Dong glanced at the red rouge on the dressing table, then looked at her rosy, glowing face in the mirror. Slowly, she pushed the box aside.
Now, she no longer needed such extra adornments to conceal her once-pale and gloomy complexion.
"Teacher, don't you have any self-awareness?"
Ye Tian curled his lips in annoyance.
"Are you the type to swallow your pride and compromise? Even if you were, as the youngest Titled Douluo on the continent—and one of the rare few with a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring—and soon to be the exalted Pope, would someone like you still be willing to continue compromising?"
"…"
Bi Bi Dong was momentarily stunned, a faint, satisfied smile appearing on her face.
When her defenses were down, she would deny Ye Tian's understanding of her. But in ordinary times, she hoped he would understand and get closer to her.
And Ye Tian's answer pleased her quite a bit.
But that wasn't the essence of her question.
Resting her smiling face in her hands, Bi Bi Dong looked at Ye Tian's reflection in the mirror and said softly, "Although I quite like hearing that, I think you've misunderstood."
As she spoke, a trace of worry flickered in her eyes as she gazed at the reflection.
Soon, she would be Pope, burdened with administrative duties. Matters like hunting Spirit Rings for her disciple would no longer be something she could handle personally.
Contemplation filled Bi Bi Dong's eyes.
"What I really want to know is how to strike the right balance. After all, I'm not afraid of them resorting to desperate measures—I'm more concerned about them causing trouble behind the scenes. It's endlessly annoying."
"I really can't say much about that. You're the one who'll be Pope."
Ye Tian was somewhat tired of this rhetorical questioning and replied dismissively, "If someone causes trouble in secret, you can simply make an example of them to warn others, letting them know your decisive methods so they'll think twice. Such trivial matters are better left for you to decide."
"Trivial matters??!"
Hearing this, Bi Bi Dong couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
"You've got quite the nerve, kid. I'm asking you because I value your opinion. If it were just provocation, of course I have plenty of ways to retaliate. But what if they target my disciple? I'm worried about your safety."
"Target me?"
Ye Tian frowned slightly.
"Yes. Your teacher just wreaked havoc on the battlefield and offended quite a few people. The Clear Sky School and those fleeing affiliated forces… every one of them hates me to the core. Aren't you afraid they'll take it out on you by association?"
Bi Bi Dong slowly stood up, swaying her waist as she walked toward the bedside.
She finally sat down on the edge of the bed.
Her hands pressed against the soft bedding as she leaned slightly forward. The loose collar of her robe traced a graceful arc over her chest, accentuating the fair, rounded curves beneath.
Her purple eyes fixed intently on Ye Tian.
Ye Tian, however, dared not let his gaze wander, afraid of catching a glimpse of something he shouldn't. He could only keep his eyes firmly locked on Bi Bi Dong's face.
Watching her crimson lips part slightly.
"Moreover, as the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, you must possess exceptional cultivation to make those other forces take notice, right?"
Bi Bi Dong's eyes were filled with approval for Ye Tian.
Slowly, she voiced the idea she had earlier—a way to restore the dignity Spirit Academy had lost.
"Therefore, I intend for you to make a brief appearance before the many influential factions when I assume my position. Coincidentally, Spirit Academy suffered a defeat in the finals of this year's Soul Master Competition."
Upon hearing that Spirit Academy had lost in the finals of the Soul Master Competition, Ye Tian immediately grasped the meaning behind Bi Bi Dong's words and spoke up first:
"So, teacher, you want me to show a little of my skill, to reclaim the face Spirit Academy lost in the competition and maintain Spirit Hall's absolute dominance? To tell the world that, regardless of age, every generation of Spirit Hall far surpasses any other force."
"Age? Are you calling me old?"
Bi Bi Dong narrowed her eyes and leaned forward a bit more.
The thin silk nightgown slipped slightly over her smooth shoulders, making her chest appear even more generous.
But all Ye Tian saw was the hidden danger lurking in those deep purple eyes.
His expression shifted slightly as he hurriedly explained:
"Ah, teacher, don't joke around. You know I didn't mean it that way. We're discussing serious matters here—can we please stay focused?"
With that.
Ye Tian reached out both hands, swiftly catching the slipping garment and securing it back over Bi Bi Dong's shoulders.
At the same time, he gently pushed her back.
Making her sit upright again.
Otherwise, Ye Tian had no doubt that if he didn't intervene, Bi Bi Dong would let the gown slide off her shoulders entirely, turning into an audaciously revealing dress that barely contained anything.
And she would likely justify it as another test for him.
"..."
The moment Ye Tian grasped her shoulders, Bi Bi Dong felt a tingling numbness spread through her body, leaving her somewhat helpless.
She obediently allowed herself to be guided back into an upright position by his gentle force.
It was only then, realizing that Ye Tian had actually been paying close attention to her all along, that a wave of shame washed over her.
"Hmph~"
Bi Bi Dong's voice softened noticeably, yet it also carried a newfound dignity, no longer laced with mischief.
She smoothed the hair beside her cheek.
Then turned slightly, sitting cross-legged in front of Ye Tian, and nodded.
"Everything you said is correct."
"And precisely because of that, I'm even more concerned about your safety."
Bi Bi Dong's face grew even redder.
As her sense of shame returned, she suddenly realized she wasn't wearing any pants while sitting on the soft bedding.
Involuntarily, she tightened the hem of her robe between her legs, pressing it down firmly, and continued: "After all, if your talent were exposed, it would be absolutely astonishing. 'If we can't have it, we'll destroy it'—such thinking is not uncommon in the Soul Master Realm."
"Isn't that simple enough?"
Having understood the root of Bi Bi Dong's concern,
Ye Tian did not refuse Bi Bi Dong's request for him to show a little of his skills. Instead, he spread his hands nonchalantly and smiled cheerfully:
"Since I'm already the Holy Son, and you, as the Pope, are aware of such hidden dangers, given my value, shouldn't you arrange for a few Titled Douluo to serve as my guards? After all, I don't go out often, and even when I do, I've always enjoyed danger and never cared much about my own safety. No need to make a big fuss—just casually assign someone like Elder Chrysanthemum or Elder Ghost. I'm not picky."
"???"
Bi Bi Dong quickly turned her head, staring blankly at Ye Tian.
The shame in her heart had been completely dispelled by Ye Tian's fanciful and shameless words, leaving only a bit of bewilderment and amusement.
Since when had Titled Douluo experts become so casual?
Bi Bi Dong was so angry she laughed, unable to help but snap in a low voice:
"You brat, can you put away that wishful thinking face of yours? What do you take me for? Qian Xunji?"
How was this any different from what Ye Tian had said before—
casually handing over a couple of ten-thousand-year soul bones?
It was even more outrageous!
Bi Bi Dong put on a stern expression and warned, "I advise you to think carefully before you speak!"
"But this is the best solution."
Ye Tian wore an innocent expression, not feeling that his request was unreasonable at all. Moreover, he had his own little scheme in mind and explained seriously:
"Without a Titled Douluo to protect me, would you feel at ease, Teacher? Besides, if they were to learn of my value, I'm afraid that as soon as I leave Spirit Hall City, even the Clear Sky School, which has just sealed its mountain and closed its sect, might not be able to resist making a move."
"..."
Bi Bi Dong furrowed her brows.
She had to admit that Ye Tian's words made sense!
Without the protection of a Titled Douluo-level combatant, she truly wouldn't feel at ease about Ye Tian's safety. Yet the reality was also laid bare before her.
The Spirit Hall was the Qian Family's Spirit Hall. Her identity was more like that of a steward.
With the Hall of Worship looming above her.
Given her recent succession, not many elders would wholeheartedly support her.
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were essentially her current foundation. If she assigned them to protect Ye Tian, she would be left with no one to rely on.
Suddenly,
Bi Bi Dong thought of an old friend guarding Death Canyon. Perhaps she could be recalled to protect this brat, Ye Tian! As a woman, she could not only protect Ye Tian but also keep an eye on his interactions with other women—making her the most suitable candidate!
Having made up her mind,
Under Ye Tian's gaze, Bi Bi Dong pondered for a moment before meeting his eyes again. She nodded in agreement and said, "You're right. Not having a Titled Douluo's protection does make me very uneasy."
"Hehe..."
Ye Tian chuckled inwardly, secretly pleased.
As long as Bi Bi Dong dared to send Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo over, he had enough confidence to mold them into his own people! Although it might seem redundant, who said only Bi Bi Dong could send people to monitor him? Couldn't he monitor her in return?
He wouldn't naively believe that Bi Bi Dong only wanted to protect him.
"Thank you, Teacher!"
Ye Tian's eyes held gratitude, and he showed understanding for Bi Bi Dong's difficult position, saying considerately:
"Actually, I'm aware that you're currently short on reliable people. So, I think sending Chrysanthemum Douluo over first would be enough. Once you've firmly established your position, you can send Ghost Douluo over later."
"Hmm?"
Bi Bidong raised an eyebrow slightly, speaking with a strange tone:
"When did I ever say I would assign Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo as your guards? They are far more useful to me than they would be by your side. Don't get any wild ideas."
"Huh? If not them, then who?"
Ye Tian was momentarily confused.
Could it be that Bi Bidong had other Titled Douluo experts under her command who could be assigned?
"Hmph! Don't worry about who it is. Just wait."
Bi Bidong shot Ye Tian a glance. How could she not know what he was thinking?
Years ago, Ye Tian and Yue Guan had already been entangled in unclear relations. If she assigned Yue Guan to him, as Pope, she might end up being sidelined by both the Qian Family and Ye Tian working together!
Although she had become Pope for Ye Tian's sake, until she fully controlled him, the Spirit Hall was merely a tool for her to win over and protect Ye Tian. Only in the end, when Ye Tian belonged to her, would the Spirit Hall truly belong to Ye Tian. She wouldn't get the order wrong.
Faced with Bi Bidong's assertive gaze, Ye Tian couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Yet, no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't figure out who Bi Bidong would send.
He could only force a smile and agree:
"Alright, then I'll wait for your arrangements, Teacher."
"You'll be satisfied."
A confident smile curled at the corner of Bi Bidong's lips. With Ye Tian's safety resolved, she could now act boldly and decisively—
Slowly devouring the Spirit Hall controlled by the Qian Family!
Once she had enough power, even the so-called Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would be nothing more than ants! When that waste lost everything, even in his suffering, he would not escape death!
Bi Bidong wanted to tear apart her wretched past—
To bid farewell properly, with blood!
A chilling killing intent surged in the room, and a trace of madness flickered in Bi Bidong's eyes.
Ye Tian could clearly sense it, yet he felt no discomfort. The negative energy around Bi Bidong seemed to deliberately avoid him. But not entirely—a wisp of sinister power surged toward him, only to be enveloped and neutralized by the milky-white mist surrounding Ye Tian.
Rakshasa, is it?
Ye Tian watched as purplish-black blood vessels spread across Bi Bidong's pupils, murmuring to himself.
For now, it seemed Bi Bidong had not yet officially begun her God Trial. The influence of Rakshasa Divine Power on her was still limited. However, he didn't know whether she would still be able to communicate with him so amicably as the God Trial progressed.
This was also one of the reasons Ye Tian needed manpower.
With worry in his heart, Ye Tian slowly crossed his hands over his Pill Field.
A pill materialized, surrounded by two purple and one black Spirit Rings. The thick, liquid-like milky pill mist was swiftly flung in all directions, splashing onto Bi Bidong's dress, her fragrant shoulders, and her jade-porcelain-like face. As it slowly slid down, it gradually evaporated and diffused into a white mist.
As Bi Bidong breathed, the milky mist formed from the Jade Dew on her face was drawn in and out. A cool sensation sprouted from her Pill Field, flowing through her divine sea.
A pair of purple eyes, once clouded with madness, gradually cleared.
Bi Bidong frowned slightly, suppressing that sinister power. She glanced at the Jade Dew on her shoulder and looked up at the warmth in her heart.
Her face was still adorned with Jade Dew formed from the pill mist.
Ye Tian couldn't help but feel a bit awkward at the sight.
This appearance was really… something.
But Bi Bidong didn't seem to mind. Instead, she seemed to enjoy it slightly, raising an eyebrow as she asked, "What? I'm not targeting you, am I?"
"No, of course not."
Ye Tian coughed twice and, following his earlier thoughts, reminded her, "I just think that what you need to address now isn't only the lingering concerns. There's also a leftover issue from the Clear Sky School that needs to be resolved, or it might damage your dignity as Pope."
"Oh? What issue?"
Bi Bi Dong asked curiously.
She still felt that calling Ye Tian 'strategist' wasn't inappropriate at all.
"Tang Hao—is he still alive?"
Ye Tian asked softly.
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