You Wouldn't Want Qian Renxue to Find Out
Su Cheng arrived at the Council Hall of the Pope's Palace, pushed open the door, and went inside.
Bibi Dong stood by the window with her back to him.
Her familiar, gleaming gold Pope Robe clung to her graceful figure.
Her slightly curled long hair fell to her waist and hips, and the purple-gold crown on her head reflected a dazzling arc of light in the sunlight shining through the window.
He held the Pope's Staff, which was over two meters long, with its tip inlaid with dazzling gemstones of various colors.
For a moment, Su Cheng felt as if he had returned to the Simulated World.
But he came to his senses the next moment.
This wasn't the first time he had experienced returning to reality from Simulated World.
After adjusting last night and spending time with Qian Renxue today, Su Cheng's mindset has returned to normal.
Although seeing the completely different Bibi Dong before him, the graceful curves of her back inevitably caused him a slight sense of disorientation, he was still able to face it calmly.
"Your His Holiness the Pope, I heard you wish to see me."
With her back to Su Cheng, Bibi Dong said calmly, "I heard from Chrysanthemum Elder that the secret method for absorbing Soul Ring has not yet been fully developed. Is there some difficulty you've encountered?"
That's what she said, but her true feelings were far from as calm as she appeared.
The moment she heard that familiar voice, she felt her heart pounding violently in her chest, as if it were about to hit her throat, and her palms were unknowingly soaked with sweat.
I felt both anticipation and apprehension.
Even at this moment, I don't dare to turn around and face them.
The image of Su Cheng burning himself out lingered in his mind, and the sense of despair he felt at that moment was even greater than that night more than twenty years ago.
Scenes from our past time together resurfaced in my mind...
She dared not turn around, afraid that she might inadvertently reveal unusual emotions.
Before the other person entered the Pope's Palace, Mingming's heart was filled with joy and anticipation.
But when that moment actually arrived, she still hesitated.
Hearing Bibi Dong's question, Su Cheng wasn't too surprised. Indeed, quite a few days had passed since their agreement.
"That's right."
He nodded slightly, not noticing that the other person had their back to him.
Anyway, that's how Bibi Dong is in the real world, and Su Cheng is already used to it.
"You may not know much about this. Different Soul Master have subtle differences in physical qualities, bloodline aptitude, and even Soul Power attributes. You can't generalize. You need to treat the symptoms to achieve the best results."
"Of course, if you're not looking for the best age, you don't need to go through all this trouble."
"However, the younger generation of Soul Master in the Spirit Hall are all exceptionally talented. If that's the case, it would be a waste of their talent."
"I see." Bibi Dong nodded, still not turning around.
In fact, she understood this principle as well.
The knowledge gained from those dreams has settled deep within my memory.
Compared to the past, she now has a much deeper understanding of the essence of Soul Master.
Even surpassing the vast majority of theoretical experts in the world.
"..."
After she finished speaking, there was a long silence in the hall, and the atmosphere gradually became somewhat awkward.
Su Cheng frowned inwardly, wondering what was going on.
The other party certainly wouldn't call him over for something so trivial.
Just as he was about to speak, Bibi Dong suddenly turned around.
Their eyes met instantly, their gazes flickered slightly, yet remained remarkably calm.
"Judging from her expression, she probably doesn't remember much, or at least doesn't have a deep impression of it..."
"Does he still remember me? That was no ordinary dream. Logically speaking, I shouldn't be the only one who remembers those experiences..."
Similar thoughts flashed through their minds at the same time.
Bibi Dong lowered her eyes, suppressing the turbulent emotions in her heart, and said in a deep voice, "I called you here today mainly for another matter."
As she spoke, she turned slightly to the side, no longer facing Su Cheng directly. "You know about Qian Renxue's special circumstances. From today onwards, I will personally guide her cultivation. You need to temporarily reduce your contact with her."
Su Cheng was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, almost thinking he had misheard. "What did you say?"
He then realized his mistake, knowing that the other person was capricious and didn't want to cause conflict because of such a slip of the tongue.
He quickly added, "Uh, what I mean is, Your His Holiness the Pope, you just said you wanted to personally teach Xiao Xue?"
"Indeed." Bibi Dong's fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the scepter. "Your relationship is quite intimate."
"That's right," Su Cheng said frankly. "I knew her when I was studying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Let's not even talk about the fact that there's nothing to hide.
He also didn't believe that Bibi Dong hadn't investigated his relationship with Qian Renxue beforehand.
In any case, these two are sworn enemies, and the other party can't control Qian Renxue, who has Qian Daoliu backing her up. There's no need to hide this fact.
Unexpectedly, Bibi Dong glanced at him and sneered, "Then what's going on between you and Zhu Zhuqing?"
"?" Su Cheng blinked. "What? What happened?"
"You don't need to pretend anymore." A strange light flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. "That little girl told me that your relationship is unusual. As for what exactly your relationship is, do you want me to tell you in more detail?"
"..."
Upon hearing this, Su Cheng felt somewhat embarrassed.
He didn't know why Zhu Zhuqing was telling Bibi Dong these things.
Logically speaking, Zhu Zhuqing is not the type to talk too much, and the matter between her and herself cannot be explained in just a few words.
Why would she tell this information to someone she doesn't know well?
No matter how you look at it, Zhu Zhuqing and Bibi Dong shouldn't be connected at all; it was just a matter of taking her to the Slaughter City.
"She and I..." Su Cheng carefully chose his words before slowly beginning, "... we are indeed quite familiar with each other..."
Seeing his ambiguous expression, Bibi Dong felt a subtle emotion.
I felt both proud and inexplicably bittersweet.
He remained outwardly calm, only coldly saying, "I will tell Qian Renxue about this."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Su Cheng cursed inwardly.
I just calmed Qian Renxue down yesterday. If she finds out about this, who knows how many troubles it will cause.
Especially recently, this is a critical period for her; she needs to address her spiritual issues and cannot be subjected to any stimulation.
If this further exacerbates the internal conflict between the two souls, then it will be even more troublesome.
Moreover, he had other ideas, and if unexpected changes disrupted his plans, it would be no joke if blood was spilled.
"... Your His Holiness the Pope, there's no need for that," Su Cheng said dryly.
"Qian Renxue must have told you about her relationship with me." Bibi Dong turned to look out the window. "Since that's the case, why should I hide it from you?"
Her voice was sexy and pleasant, but her words sent chills down one's spine. "Do you think what you're doing is appropriate? How can you face any of them? Can your conscience forgive you?"
"..."
Su Cheng fell silent again.
He never imagined that one day Bibi Dong would find a handle against him and leave him speechless.
He didn't believe Bibi Dong's claim that she was considering Qian Renxue's well-being.
Given the relationship between these two, it would be good enough if they didn't trip each other up.
Unless it's a matter of life and death, they'd probably be happy to see the other person get into some trouble.
"...What do you want?" Su Cheng sighed, somewhat helplessly.
Of course, he could deny it to the death.
But given Qian Renxue's current extreme temperament, she would definitely prefer to believe it's true.
Moreover, unless absolutely necessary, he doesn't really want to deny his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing.
From an angle unseen by Su Cheng, Bibi Dong's lips curled into a smile.
He then turned back and said calmly, "If you join the Pope's Palace and work for me, I will not treat you unfairly."
As she spoke, her voice softened, and a glint seemed to flicker in her eyes as she gazed at Su Cheng.
"Su Cheng, don't think I'm forcing you. I'm doing this for your own good."
"Qian Renxue is destined to be the next Pope of the Spirit Hall, and also the only successor of the Angel Clan."
"You know how talented she is; we shouldn't waste time on romance now."
"The next Pope?" Bibi Dong's recruitment was normal; she and Qian Renxue had been vying for the right to speak for quite some time. But the meaning behind her words surprised Su Cheng.
"What about Hu Liena? Isn't she your personal disciple and your most favored successor?"
"Na Na is not suitable to be the Pope. She is lacking in strength, ability, and personality," Bibi Dong said frankly.
After experiencing those memories, her repressed mental symptoms were relieved, and her thinking became more clear.
My perception of people and things has undergone a subtle change, merging with the self I remember.
Hu Liena is certainly not bad, but she is far inferior to Qian Renxue.
Regardless of her talent and strength, even just considering her temperament, she is too emotional. She is more than qualified to Saintess, but not suitable to be Pope.
Even if they were forcibly supported, they would inevitably be manipulated by Qian Renxue, no different from puppets.
Su Cheng frowned, a hint of suspicion in his mind.
This doesn't sound like something Bibi Dong would say.
She treats Hu Liena like her own daughter, how can she be so sure?
And when did she become so focused on the future of the Spirit Hall? Is she still the same madwoman?
At this moment, Bibi Dong continued as if nothing had happened, "Oh right, I forgot to tell you, Zhu Zhuqing wants to become my disciple."
"..."
Upon hearing this news, Su Cheng's eye twitched slightly.
I was shocked, but also somewhat relieved.
No wonder, no wonder she suddenly changed her tune.
Although we don't know what that cunning little girl Zhu Zhuqing is up to, or what she specifically said to Bibi Dong.
But he must have won her over during the short time they spent together.
"Su Cheng, I can also see that Zhu Zhuqing likes you very much, and you have feelings for her in return. Since that's the case, why bother with Qian Renxue anymore?"
After speaking, Bibi Dong saw Su Cheng's brows furrow even more and his face turn cold, and her heart trembled involuntarily.
She added, "Of course, I never intended to make the choice for you; it's your own business. But the timing isn't right now. Can't you even wait a few years? Besides, do you think Qian Renxue would accept your fickleness?"
"..."
Su Cheng finally understood.
Bibi Dong has now completely seized control of him, and she certainly won't make an exception for him, at least not in the short term.
With a sigh, Su Cheng composed himself and said, "Your His Holiness the Pope, I can do things for you, but it will take some time."
"Why wait? I already said that this stage is extremely important for Qian Renxue." Bibi Dong pursed her red lips, not wanting to give up this opportunity.
Su Cheng calmly said, "Give me a year. I need to help Xiao Xue stabilize her foundation and completely eliminate any hidden dangers in her soul."
Bibi Dong was taken aback upon hearing this.
He immediately realized what she meant and his eyes widened slightly. "You have a way to erase that inner demon?"
"What inner demon?" Su Cheng frowned. "Can't you feel it? Those two souls are twins, with no distinction between primary and secondary. I'm trying to help her achieve a certain degree of independence between the two."
"..." Looking at his expression, Bibi Dong was stunned for a moment, then turned her gaze away and said softly, "I misspoke."
Su Cheng was surprised that she would say something like an apology, and his expression softened.
"I'm glad Your His Holiness the Pope is thinking of Xiao Xue. By the way, are you currently unable to unleash your full power for some reason?"
Su Cheng's words were rather veiled.
After all, this is a private matter, and if it were revealed casually, I wonder if Bibi Dong would be angry about it.
"What does he mean by that?" Bibi Dong wondered, but her face showed displeasure, even a hint of gloom.
She stared at him and said coldly, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"I just sense something is off, but I can't be sure. Although my abilities are meager, I do have some knowledge in various miscellaneous fields. If you really have this problem, I might be able to help you."
Bibi Dong was stunned.
He then turned to face the window, his back to Su Cheng.
After a long silence, he said softly, "There are indeed some problems with my cultivation."
Su Cheng nodded. "As long as you agree to give me a year, I'll find a way to help you alleviate your discomfort."
"..."
The joy that had just risen in Bibi Dong's heart was instantly extinguished by a bucket of cold water, leaving behind a bitter feeling.
"Okay, I agree. You may leave now."
Su Cheng glanced at her retreating figure, then turned and walked out of the Pope's Palace.
Bibi Dong was unaware that Su Cheng's decision was not merely a bargaining chip.
He has many other bargaining chips to sway the other party.
Whether it's nurturing the younger generation or some secret methods for utilizing Spiritual Power, it's enough to excite them.
The reason he chose to help her relieve the pressure on her soul and spirit was because Su Cheng genuinely wanted to help Bibi Dong.
He no longer harbors much ill will towards Bibi Dong.
Having experienced the Simulated World last time, he now understands that the other party is truly exceptional in terms of talent, intellect, and spirit.
It's just a pity that he was born at the wrong time and didn't meet a good teacher.
Although the Spirit Hall offers excellent growth conditions, it may not be the best choice for a genius of her caliber.
And in the various changes that followed, who, apart from the parties involved, could truly distinguish the gains and losses, the right and the wrong?
Perhaps, from the very beginning, Bibi Dong's choice was indeed her own fault.
However, earlier on, Qian Xunji, as a teacher, also bears some responsibility for failing to provide proper guidance and education.
When problems actually arose, he tried to remedy and retain the situation in the wrong way, which ultimately led to tragedy.
In the end, one person died, and the other lived out the rest of his life in agony.
After Su Cheng left.
Only Bibi Dong remained in the Pope's Palace Council Hall.
She staggered slightly, grabbed the windowsill with one hand, and relied on the windowsill and the Pope's Staff in her hand for support to barely steady herself.
He broke out in a cold sweat, his breathing suddenly became rapid, and he gasped for breath like a fish out of water.
In that brief moment, her heart pounded relentlessly.
I couldn't help but want to test the waters many times, but I never dared to speak up.
It was only by suppressing his powerful cultivation that he didn't reveal anything unusual.
I can finally relax now, and at the same time, I feel a sense of joy and anticipation.
Su Cheng had just said he would help her cultivate in the future, which made her unable to suppress the memories of those times.
Although she knew there was no possibility between them, she didn't deserve anything.
But even if we could get a little closer, spend a little more time together.
For her, this was already a blessing from heaven.