After Bai Wanwan withdrew her Martial Soul, Golden Crocodile gave her a kindly smile and pointed to Guangling's seat, motioning for her to sit there for now.
But Bai Wanwan did not immediately sit down. Instead, she discreetly surveyed the hall.
She saw Qian Renxue in the seat of honor, smiling with her head propped on one hand, and Azure Luan sitting beside Golden Crocodile, quietly sipping tea. After a moment's consideration, Bai Wanwan readily took Guangling's seat.
It was her grandfather's seat. Since Guangling was away, there should be nothing wrong with her sitting there as his granddaughter. Besides, the Second Worship himself had invited her to sit, so there was even less reason to worry.
"Wanwan, you don't need to feel restrained in the Worship Hall. Make yourself at home. We don't have as many rules here as you might imagine."
As though he knew what Bai Wanwan was thinking, Azure Luan set his teacup on the table beside him.
"All right, Grandpa Azure Luan."
Bai Wanwan answered, looking perfectly well-behaved.
Seeing this, Azure Luan merely smiled and said nothing more.
"Ahem."
Golden Crocodile cleared his throat, his expression gradually turning serious. "Wanwan, your talent is exceptional. As long as you work hard at your cultivation, you will certainly become the Young Master's trusted aide. It isn't even impossible for you to take your grandfather's place someday."
"But you mustn't copy everything your grandfather does. His rather childish temperament, for example, is something you needn't imitate. After all, anyone who hopes to accomplish great things must first have the composure to remain unruffled even when a mountain collapses before them."
Golden Crocodile lifted his teacup and took a small sip. As though something had occurred to him, he added, "Of course, I'm not saying your grandfather lacks composure. We've been brothers for decades, after all. Guangling is quite serious when it comes to handling important matters."
"I will keep your teachings in mind, Second Worship."
Bai Wanwan nodded obediently at Golden Crocodile.
As he watched her well-behaved manner, a thoughtful look flickered in Golden Crocodile's eyes.
"Wanwan, have you considered taking a master?"
"Although your grandfather Guangling is very powerful, strictly speaking, he isn't actually the best person to teach you. His temperament is one reason, and his Martial Soul is another."
"Yours is an exceptionally powerful dragon type spirit, while Guangling's is a tool spirit. Your areas of expertise are completely different."
Golden Crocodile paused and looked toward Bai Wanwan. Only when he saw her lower her head in thought did he continue. "Wanwan, you are like a fine piece of uncut jade. With a skilled master to guide you and polish you with care, your future path will not only be smoother, but may also take you farther."
"And when it comes to skilled masters, I believe I am worthy of the title."
"In terms of strength, I am more powerful than your grandfather Guangling, and I have considerable knowledge and experience. Our Martial Souls are also both beast spirits. Although their attributes differ, my knowledge should be more than sufficient to teach you."
With that, Golden Crocodile fell silent and quietly watched Bai Wanwan, waiting for her answer.
Though Golden Crocodile had all but stated his intentions outright, Bai Wanwan did not answer immediately. Instead, she silently weighed the matter.
Would taking Golden Crocodile as my master benefit me?
Of course. In fact, it would bring nothing but advantages.
Besides, with his strength as a level 98 Peak Douluo, teaching me would be well within his abilities.
After careful consideration, Bai Wanwan slowly raised her head.
"Second Worship, my grandfather is still away and hasn't returned yet. I wouldn't dare decide on taking a master without consulting him. I need to wait until he comes back and ask his opinion."
Golden Crocodile waved a hand dismissively.
"There's no rush. Once Guangling returns, I'll speak to him about it myself."
Golden Crocodile's gaze grew even warmer. He already looked at Bai Wanwan as though she were his own disciple.
Although Bai Wanwan had not agreed immediately, she had not refused either. It was merely a matter of going through one more formality. As for whether Guangling would turn down his request, Golden Crocodile could not think of any reason he would.
"Wanwan, your Martial Soul has both water and ice attributes. Once you decide which one you wish to focus on, come and tell me. I'll personally take you to the Soul Beast Forest near Spirit City and help you obtain a Spirit Ring suited to you."
Golden Crocodile lifted his cup again and savored his tea.
"Second Worship, I intend to focus on the water attribute, with the ice attribute as support. As for my development path, I'll follow the assault system."
Bai Wanwan answered without hesitation.
"You intend to focus on the water attribute?"
Golden Crocodile lowered his head in thought. "There are water-attribute Spirit Beasts of low cultivation age in the nearby Soul Beast Forest. I'll take you there tomorrow to look for one."
"Would you like to come along as well, Young Master?"
"Think of it as an outing to clear your mind."
Golden Crocodile turned his gaze toward Qian Renxue in the seat of honor.
He had carefully considered the invitation.
First, Qian Renxue had been in low spirits ever since Qian Xunji's unexpected death. Taking this opportunity to bring her out for a change of scenery and lift her mood would be a good thing.
With Golden Crocodile there to protect her, there would be no need to worry about her safety, either.
Second, he wanted Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan to spend more time together and deepen their friendship. After all, Bai Wanwan's talent was exceptional. Once the Grand Elder returned, it was practically certain that she would be groomed as a safeguard for Qian Renxue's future.
The two girls were close in age and still children, making this the ideal time to strengthen their friendship. There was no downside to letting them interact more.
"An outing to clear my mind?"
Qian Renxue propped her head on her hand and considered it seriously.
After a while, she nodded at Golden Crocodile. "All right. I'll go with you tomorrow."
"I could use a change of scenery."
Having received Qian Renxue's answer, Golden Crocodile smiled kindly. He exchanged a glance with Azure Luan beside him, then rose from his seat.
"Young Master, I'll go make the arrangements."
"Young Master, there are still some administrative matters awaiting my attention in the Papal Hall. I'll head there now."
After taking their leave of Qian Renxue, Golden Crocodile and Azure Luan walked out of the hall.
Once they had left.
Only Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan remained in the vast hall.
Their eyes met, and the corners of their mouths curved upward in unison as they gradually fell into conversation.
They were like kindred spirits, with an endless supply of things to talk about.
For a time, only the sounds of their conversation echoed through the vast hall.
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