Wang Dong'er's Analysis

Moonlight flowed like water, quietly streaming through the courtyards and corridors of the Worship Hall.

Lu Jing, who had returned, pushed open his room door, carrying with him a lingering, deep fragrance from the depths of the Pope Palace and an unshakeable doubt.

He closed the door behind him. Inside, only a soft lamp was lit, casting shallow shadows on his young yet overly calm face.

He walked to the window, his gaze fixed on the dark night outside, trying to unravel the deeper meaning behind Bibi Dong's strange "goodwill."

However, his thoughts were a tangled mess. Bibi Dong's inscrutable gaze under the flickering candlelight in the Pope Palace study, Yan's desperate panting on the ground, her gentle words, "I just wanted to see you"... all these scenes intertwined, causing his brow to furrow tightly.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A faint knock, exceptionally clear in the silent night, interrupted Lu Jing's contemplation.

So late? Lu Jing was somewhat surprised but turned and walked to the door, pulling it open.

Standing outside was none other than Wang Dong'er.

The bright hallway light outlined her slender figure.

She had clearly just bathed, changing into a soft, moon-white Silk Nightgown. The light fabric clung to her, outlining the nascent, graceful curves of a young girl.

Her powder-blue long hair was damp, cascading down her shoulders, the tips still slowly dripping small, sparkling water droplets that shimmered like crushed diamonds in the light.

Vapor misted around her, lending her already fair, jade-like skin a tempting pink hue.

Her clear, powder-blue eyes, at this moment, held undisguised concern and inquiry, staring directly at Lu Jing.

"Xiao Jing?"

Her voice, soft from her bath, asked gently, "Why are you back so late? Bibi Dong was looking for you... is everything alright?"

Lu Jing stepped aside, clearing the doorway. "Come in."

Wang Dong'er stepped inside.

Lu Jing casually closed the room door. As the door leaf, blocking their sight, shut, it felt as if only the two of them remained in the room, along with the tranquil moonlight filtering in from the window.

She didn't immediately go to a chair but stood before Lu Jing, her powder-blue eyes like searchlights locking onto him. They clearly reflected his still-unfurrowed brow as she repeated her question, "What exactly did Bibi Dong want with you? Was it because of Yan's matter today?"

Lu Jing looked at the genuine worry in her eyes, feeling a warmth in his heart.

In this unfamiliar era of Ten Thousand Years Ago, Wang Dong'er was the only companion he could talk to, the only one he could truly trust.

He shook his head, walked to the table, and poured himself a glass of water. Then, he sat down in the chair opposite her. Without hiding anything, he recounted everything that had happened in the Pope Palace study.

From pushing open that heavy Carved Wooden Door, to Bibi Dong's elegant posture in a purple Casual Dress.

From her asking about the future direction of the Martial Soul Hall, to him pointing out her strategic intention to use the Heaven Dou Empire's army to compensate for their shortcomings, and Bibi Dong clapping her hands in approval, calling him smart!

She suddenly mentioned the conflict with Yan during the day, saying, "On the contrary, I will still help you."

Then Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan threw Yan, covered in blood, filled with fear and despair, onto the ground like goods. Finally, there was Bibi Dong's cold judgment—"If you nod, I can kill him right now..." And after refusing on the grounds of Martial Soul Hall's losses and giving face to Hu Liena, Bibi Dong ultimately had Yue Guan drag the heavily injured Yan away. The final, puzzling remark was, "I just wanted to see you, and let you see my sincerity and attitude in handling this matter."

Lu Jing's voice was calm and his narration clear, presenting every detail to Wang Dong'er, including Bibi Dong's seemingly gentle yet oppressive demeanor, Yan's miserable state, and his own inner confusion and vigilance.

"Then, I came back. Until now, I still haven't figured out what she was trying to achieve with all this."

After Lu Jing finished speaking, he picked up his water cup and took a sip, looking at Wang Dong'er and asking, "Sister Dong'er, what do you think? What was she after doing this?"

Wang Dong'er listened quietly, her powder-blue eyes occasionally narrowing, occasionally flashing with thoughtful light.

When she heard that Bibi Dong had actually offered to kill Yan to help Lu Jing, her brows furrowed tightly.

After Lu Jing finished speaking, she was silent for a moment, as if digesting the unbelievable events.

"Bibi Dong..." Wang Dong'er softly murmured the name, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the smooth tabletop.

She recalled the historical evaluations of this Pope—extremely cunning.

Suddenly, she looked up at Lu Jing, a flicker of realization in her eyes, and tentatively asked, "Is there a possibility... she's trying to win you over?"

"Win me over?"

Lu Jing raised an eyebrow. He wasn't surprised by this conclusion; he had considered this possibility in the Pope Palace during the day.

He put down his water cup, his tone laced with a hint of confusion and doubt: "I thought about it too. But just based on this? Using Yan's life as a prop, even sacrificing a Core Member of the Golden Generation? The price is too high, isn't it? Moreover, Yan is one of her people in the Pope Palace, loyal to her. What kind of win-over is this? The logic doesn't make sense. Does she think I should be Grateful and turn to her side just because of this?"

Lu Jing's doubts were realistic.

Bibi Dong's behavior was too abrupt, too extreme, and completely contrary to common sense.

Upon hearing this, Wang Dong'er's lips curved into a knowing smile.

She stood up and walked in front of Lu Jing, elegantly leaning forward slightly.

She extended a slender, jade-white finger, carrying a faint, fresh scent after bathing, and gently tapped Lu Jing's forehead. Her action carried a hint of sisterly intimacy and chiding, and she smiled as she enlightened him:

"You're an idiot, Little Jing!"

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, echoing in the quiet room:

"Of course, she didn't expect this one act of killing Yan to immediately win you over! That's too Naive. She's just baiting the hook!"

Wang Dong'er withdrew her finger, her powder-blue eyes flashing with insight, and analyzed:

"Think about it, she first talked to you about Martial Soul Hall's Grand Blueprint of unifying the continent, pointing out that you're a smart person who understands the Essence. This in itself is a form of Recognition and Importance. Then, in handling Yan's matter, she put on a full show, appearing to back you up and showing sincerity and attitude by not hesitating to enact Righteousness Over Kinship. What do you call this? This is a pledge of allegiance! Or, it's showing you her so-called Bias and Stance."

She paused, looking at Lu Jing's thoughtful expression, and continued:

"She wants to use this incident to leave a deep impression on you—compared to the strict rules and lofty status of the Worship Hall, she, Bibi Dong, the Pope, views you, Lu Jing, differently. She's willing to protect you at any cost. She's planting a seed in your heart that she's very good to me, very special. As for the cost? Yan's life or death, in the eyes of someone like her, might just be a pawn that can be discarded at any time. If sacrificing Yan can earn your favor, or even shake your sense of belonging to the Worship Hall, she would absolutely do it."

Wang Dong'er's voice carried a calm, insightful tone: "Her real plan is still to come! This is just a prelude, releasing a strong signal to you. To let you know that her attitude towards you is different from her attitude towards everyone else in the Worship Hall. Once you have this impression that she's special to me, when she uses her authority over the Scripture Depository, other resources, or even some ambiguous promises to approach and help you in the future, your acceptance will be much higher, and your guard will be lowered. Boiling a frog in warm water, understand?"

Listening to Wang Dong'er's analysis, Lu Jing's eyes gradually brightened. That's right, he had been fixated on the abruptness and unreasonableness of Yan's death itself, but had overlooked the coherence of Bibi Dong's entire chain of actions—from establishing common ground and recognition through high-level conversation, to displaying favoritism and sincerity through decisive means, it was all about creating a special relationship.

She truly didn't expect to succeed in one go; she was laying out a plan, making preparations.

"So that's how it is..."

Lu Jing slowly nodded, the fog in his heart seeming to dissipate a little, and he said softly, "She's playing the long game. Her so-called sincerity and attitude are the beginning of that line."

It seems having a partner like this is quite good. After all, everyone makes mistakes, there will always be things you don't anticipate. But this is when the importance of a partner comes into play.

"Exactly!"

Wang Dong'er affirmed, "It's a gesture of goodwill, and an active one at that, even a bit excessive, to make you remember her kindness."

Her tone shifted, becoming serious as she asked, "So, Little Jing, what do you think we should do?"

Lu Jing looked up, meeting her clear and determined gaze: "Sister Dong'er, what do you think?"

Wang Dong'er replied without hesitation, decisively: "Naturally, we should continue to stay with the Worship Hall!"

Her voice was clear and resolute, carrying the decisiveness of the Young Master of the Clear Sky Sect:

"Don't forget our situation. Qian Daoliu values you and has high hopes for you. Although Qian Renxue has gone to the Heaven Dou Empire, she... also treats you quite differently. Most importantly, we are newcomers, and our foundation is in the Worship Hall. And—"

A flash of wisdom flickered in her blue eyes, pointing out the most crucial reason, also referencing the results from history books:

"In the end, it wasn't just her, Bibi Dong, who became a god! Qian Renxue is also a god!"

Wang Dong'er's tone intensified, with clear deliberation:

"We don't need to rashly lean towards the Pope Palace when the situation is unclear and the risks are unknown, thus earning a reputation for betrayal and indecisiveness. This will only lead to pleasing neither side, and we might even become cannon fodder in their conflict. Staying with the Worship Hall, at least for now, seems stable. We have plenty of resources available, and we don't need to immediately pick a side."

"You're right."

Lu Jing nodded in deep agreement. Wang Dong'er's analysis coincided with his previous judgment.

His original vigilance and decision not to change his stance were supported.

"The Worship Hall... at least for now, is still our most secure foothold. Improving our strength and finding a way back home are the fundamentals. As for the Pope Palace..."

A hint of calmness flashed in his eyes as he said, "Maintain distance and observe the situation. Accept the benefits she offers if we can, but never make easy promises, and certainly don't actively approach her."

Although he didn't want to go back either, he had to pretend he did because Wang Dong'er was here. After all, only on this premise would the other party fully help him.

As for what happens next, it all depends on the situation. If he can change Wang Dong'er's attitude and thoughts, that would be best. But if not, he'll have to send her back alone, or wait until he successfully creates his own divine position and has the capital to contend with Tang San. Otherwise, he wouldn't go back even if he were beaten to death.

"Yes, that's right."

Wang Dong'er's face showed a satisfied smile, like ice and snow melting, bright and moving.

Seeing that Lu Jing had figured it out, she also put down her worries.

"Alright, it's very late, and you must be exhausted. Get some rest quickly. Aren't we going out to play tomorrow? Don't overthink it, let nature take its course, and respond to changes with constancy." She gently admonished, her tone returning to its usual softness.

"Mm, I understand. Sister Dong'er, you should also rest early." Lu Jing replied.

Wang Dong'er nodded, said no more, and turned to open the room door.

Her moon-white figure gracefully stepped into the corridor's light, like an epiphyllum quietly blooming in the dark night.

She gently closed the door behind her, leaving the tranquility to the young man in the room.

Lu Jing watched the door close again and let out a long sigh of relief.

Wang Dong'er's analysis was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, giving him a clearer understanding of Bibi Dong's almost magical operation tonight.

Although his doubts were not completely eliminated, he at least had a direction to deal with it.

He walked to the bedside and sat down, extinguishing the lamp on the table.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silver frost on the floor.

Lu Jing closed his eyes, the last things flashing in his mind were Bibi Dong's deep, abyss-like purple eyes filled with indescribable calculations, and... Qian Daoliu's vast, sea-like aura.

"Become stronger, survive..." he whispered silently, repeating his long-set core goal.

Before sinking into dreamland, the young man's heart was filled with an increasingly firm belief.

Only by becoming strong enough himself could he truly possess the right to choose and the confidence for self-preservation in this treacherous Martial Soul Hall of ten thousand years ago.

The bait from the Pope Palace and the attention from the Worship Hall were merely external forces. True reliance could only be his own strength.

After all, whether it was Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue, or Bibi Dong, they were all interested in his talent, and even his martial soul.

One must know that even the Six-Winged Angel, a divine-tier martial soul, could not suppress the destruction from the World-Destroying Black Lotus. So, if he were Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue, he would also try his best to keep him by his side and control him. He just didn't know what kind of conditions the three of them would offer to win him over.

And, facing Tang San later, how would he face him with Wang Dong'er? Even, if he changed the plot of this time period, would the future change?

If it did, would Wang Dong'er and Beibei still exist? Would he still be able to travel here?

Thinking of this, Lu Jing opened his eyes, his mind in turmoil. He didn't know if this was a parallel world or a timeline where the future could be easily changed.