Mother-Daughter Conflict

Bibi Dong had no idea that the aura she had unconsciously released had nearly crushed Qian Renxue. The mother and daughter, who did not acknowledge each other, began discussing Shrek Academy.

At first, Bibi Dong had deeply resented Qian Renxue. That resentment was an extension of her hatred for Qian Xunji. Yet after Qian Xunji's death, years of solitary living gradually made her reflect on whether she had been too cold and heartless toward Qian Renxue. Unfortunately, she had realized it too late.

She knew that the daughter sitting across from her did not acknowledge her as a mother. Having been alone for so many years, she also did not know how to get along with her daughter. Bibi Dong knew that without outside intervention, their relationship would remain locked in this cold war until one of them died.

Although reuniting with her daughter was not her ultimate goal, Bibi Dong was still hurt.

"You may take the people from Shrek Academy with you. But to avoid arousing suspicion, you must remain in Spirit City for one year. Only after the exchange delegation concludes may you return with them."

It was a chain of benefits. Spirit Hall could study the inherited martial souls of the two great clans and conduct secret research, while also strengthening Crown Prince Xue Qinghe's influence within the Heaven Dou Empire. Why not?

The dignified crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire personally remained in Spirit City to safeguard the disciples of the two great clans. Was there any better way to win people's hearts?

"Bibi Dong, you disgust me!" Qian Renxue did not appreciate it in the slightest. Her voice was filled with ruthlessness and coldness.

After reflecting briefly, Bibi Dong understood what she meant.

Was her intention to keep her in Spirit City for a while longer really that obvious?

When Qian Renxue had still been around, Bibi Dong had not noticed anything. But ever since she had disguised herself as Xue Qinghe, the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Bibi Dong had realized that this daughter, whom she had despised and hated since birth, had gradually come to occupy an important place in her heart.

After all, she was still flesh of her own flesh.

Qian Renxue had no idea that one careless remark from her could stir up Bibi Dong's heavy memories buried deep within her heart.

But Bibi Dong was still Bibi Dong. After serving as the Pope of Spirit Hall for more than twenty years, her strength was unfathomable. She could still control this little emotion.

"Then what price do you intend to pay? Cede territory? Other than carving off land for Spirit Hall, I truly cannot think of anything the Heaven Dou Empire possesses that Spirit Hall needs." Bibi Dong was rather pleased with herself as she spoke.

Over the years, under her leadership, Spirit Hall's strength had risen steadily. That was an achievement no one could erase. Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou Empire had been thrown into chaos under someone's meddling.

Qian Renxue was so angered that she could no longer maintain Xue Qinghe's appearance. It was replaced by her sacred, proud face. Tall and curvaceous, her chest rose and fell violently with anger.

The instant Bibi Dong saw her biological daughter's face, her gaze briefly went unfocused. Yet this only made Qian Renxue more impatient. The woman who had never shown her any concern for over twenty years was now putting on such a hypocritical expression. Wasn't it fake? Wasn't it irritating?

"Bibi Dong, as long as you return them, our Heaven Dou Empire can naturally afford the price. Do not think you have governed Spirit Hall so well. What I have done in the Heaven Dou Empire these past years is no worse than what you have done."

"Oh? Let's hear it." Bibi Dong lazily leaned back in her chair, her narrow eyes slightly narrowing as her imposing aura suddenly intensified without warning.

Qian Renxue took it as a provocation. Her face turned cold with anger as she prepared to snap, "Bibi Dong..."

But before she could speak, an angry roar rang out first. "Insolent! Is Bibi Dong a name you can call?"

Looking at her mother opposite her, whose spiritual fluctuations had surged and whose chest heaved, Qian Renxue froze for a moment. Then she revealed a mocking smile. "If I don't call you Bibi Dong, what should I call you? Do you think I would call you Mother?"

"Who gave you the right to address me by name? Call me Your Excellency the Pope." Bibi Dong did not have a good temper either. Qian Renxue had called her by name so many times only because she was Qian Renxue. If it had been anyone else, Bibi Dong would have dragged them away to feed the spiders long ago.

"You..." What utter humiliation. She had embarrassed herself completely.

The other woman had never cared about her at all, yet she had been acting sentimental, hopping around like a clown.

"Your Excellency the Pope, the Heaven Dou Empire is willing to trade a national treasure for them. It is said to be an artifact of the legendary Sea God, the Sea God's Treasure: Dinghai Qiankun Cover. This treasure should be enough to exchange for the other two members of the Golden Iron Triangle."

"An artifact of the Sea God?" Bibi Dong frowned. After thinking for a moment, she understood.

It must have been because their martial souls had sensed each other. But those of the same level repelled one another, so Qian Renxue likely did not dare approach rashly for fear of provoking hostility.

Still, what was the point of giving it to her? She had long since ceased to need it.

However, if it truly was the Sea God's Treasure: Dinghai Qiankun Cover, then exchanging it for the Golden Iron Triangle would be no problem at all.

"Fine." Bibi Dong agreed and rose to leave. She did not intend to continue talking.

The warmth she had felt earlier had already been extinguished by a basin of cold water—extinguished beyond all recovery.

As she passed by, Qian Renxue spoke again. "Who is this Xu Yu? How about assigning him to me?"

Throughout the negotiations, Qian Renxue had been observing Xu Yu. She found that he was especially suited to helping her keep the powerful nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire in line. Most importantly, he was good with words and shameless enough; if there were matters she could not conveniently handle herself, she could entrust them to him.

Hearing Qian Renxue's request, Bibi Dong was surprised for a moment. She had not expected that the first time Qian Renxue asked her for something, it would be to borrow someone.

Though their relationship was quite tense, if Qian Renxue had asked for anyone else, Bibi Dong would not have minded giving them to her. But she still had a use for Xu Yu. Moreover, this student had considerable talent for governing a nation and fully supported her plan to unify the continent through force. Where else could Bibi Dong find someone like that? If she sent him away, she would never find another.

People with talent were easy to find, but were people with the right ideas easy to find?

That was right. Only ideas that aligned with Bibi Dong's were the correct ideas.

"Fine, then." Qian Renxue was not disappointed at failing to get him; she had only mentioned it on a whim. But she had no patience to continue speaking with Bibi Dong, and naturally, Bibi Dong had no patience to continue speaking with her either.

Others had always acted according to her expression. When had she ever needed to act according to someone else's?

Outside the door.

Seeing Xu Yu sitting in the seat of honor with a cheerful smile, everyone was somewhat afraid to provoke him. They secretly wondered what exactly his relationship with the Pope was, and why the Pope valued him so highly.

Furthermore, the Ninth Elder, a Titled Douluo, leaned against him. They did not seem like superiors and subordinates at all, but more like equals. What was going on? Could it be that the Pope had taken Xu Yu as her disciple? If so, he would indeed be able to stand on equal footing with the elders.

No matter what, the news was still profoundly shocking.