Opening the Cage for You

Bibi Dong hesitated, then with a hint of probing mischief, imitated his tone from earlier. "Lin Chuan, your Second Martial Soul..."

"Of course, it's completely fine if you don't want to tell me~"

"After all, secrets can only be shared with the most reliable, trusted people~ If you don't want to tell me, I can't force you, right?"

She returned Zhao Linchuan's exact words to him almost unchanged, a teasing glint flashing in her eyes.

"If I hadn't wanted to tell you, I wouldn't have revealed even the slightest thing from the beginning." Zhao Linchuan smiled openly.

Before his words had even faded, an incomparably pure, vast aura of utter yang and unyielding force erupted!

A flash of crimson light flickered in his palm. A small sword phantom, ancient in design and seemingly forged entirely from flowing crimson gold, hovered silently above it.

Its scorching, sacred aura even caused the surrounding air to warp slightly.

"Such... such a powerful Martial Soul!" Bibi Dong's pupils contracted as she stared fixedly at the Crimson Gold Sword. Merely the aura it naturally gave off was enough to

make the two Spider Emperor Martial Souls within her feel an instinctive tremor and oppressive restraint!

This was absolutely no ordinary top-tier Martial Soul!

Her heart churned wildly, filled with indescribable shock and confusion. "Lin Chuan... you... where did you come from?"

"What exactly is your true identity?"

"Why do you possess such a... such terrifying Martial Soul?"

Zhao Linchuan did not answer directly. Instead, he put away the Crimson Gold Sword and asked with a half-smile, "Speaking of identity and origins, Dong'er, don't you think... you ought to explain yourself first?"

He pointed at Bibi Dong. "Who would have thought that this girl of ours, who eats like a starving ghost when she's hungry, is actually the revered and exalted Saintess of Spirit Hall?"

"Who are you calling a starving ghost?!" Bibi Dong retorted instinctively. But at the mention of her identity, her bright eyes instantly dimmed, her voice carrying a trace of barely perceptible sorrow and self-mockery.

Besides, what was there to envy about being the Saintess...?

"I'm really nothing more than a bird carefully raised in a beautiful cage... a canary for others to admire, unable to control its own fate."

Qian Xunji's possessive figure flashed through her mind, bringing a chill that pierced her heart.

Zhao Linchuan suddenly reached out and took Bibi Dong's slightly cool hand in his. His palm was warm and strong.

Bibi Dong looked up in shock, meeting his deep, resolute gaze.

"If you are a caged bird raised by someone else, a canary," Zhao Linchuan said in a low, clear voice, carrying an unquestionable strength, "then I will be the one who opens your cage and lets you soar freely through the skies."

Bibi Dong froze instantly!

A captivating blush spread across her cheeks and neck at a visible speed.

That almost blunt promise and confession surged into her heart like a warm current, leaving her mind blank and her heart pounding wildly. For a moment, she did not know how to respond.

"Lin Chuan..." She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, only to find him holding it even tighter. After struggling twice, she gave up. Lowering her head, she spoke in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz. "We... we've only known each other for two days... Isn't this... too fast...?"

Her thoughts were in utter chaos. Should I turn him down first? Once I'm strong enough and have completely escaped Qian Xunji's control, then... then go find him?

Just as her mind was in turmoil, Zhao Linchuan abruptly changed his tone. The familiar roguish smirk curled at his lips as he continued, "When that time comes, I'll be your new master!"

"I'll tie you to my side so you can't go anywhere. You'll only be able to circle around me every day, serving me tea and water, kneading my shoulders and pounding my back..."

"You—!" The emotion Bibi Dong had just begun to feel was instantly replaced by fury. She clenched the fist of her free hand, wanting nothing more than to punch him in the face!

"Just as I thought, no ivory ever comes from a dog's mouth! Bastard! Let go of me!"

Not only did Zhao Linchuan refuse to let go, he even exerted a little force and pulled her into his arms.

Bibi Dong cried out in surprise and fell down beside him, nearly leaning against him.

"Don't worry, Dong'er." Zhao Linchuan's voice sounded above her head, carrying less teasing and more seriousness. "Before that, I'll help you defeat the person who imprisoned you."

His arm naturally wrapped around her shoulders, carrying a reassuring strength. "Rest for a while. When dawn is near, I'll take you back."

"What are you doing?!" Bibi Dong struggled symbolically, but her body honestly did not leave that warm embrace.

Feeling his body heat and steady heartbeat, and recalling his words that had seemed joking yet were truly serious, a sly, mischievous smile quietly crept onto her lips.

She turned her head and leaned close to Zhao Linchuan's ear. Her warm breath, carrying a trace of provocation, gently brushed over his ear.

"Mmm... I'm sleepy. I'm going to sleep." After saying that as though nothing had happened, she adjusted her position, narrowed her eyes comfortably, and rested her head against Zhao Linchuan's sturdy, warm chest, as if she truly intended to sleep.

Yet the moment her head touched that warm chest, Bibi Dong suddenly realized something and cried out inwardly, Oh no! Didn't I just play with fire and burn myself?!

She could clearly feel the scorching heat radiating from the body pressed against her back, as well as his powerful heartbeat accelerating even through their clothes.

It's over, it's over... I can't beat him, and I can't outrun him either... If he really does something to me... what am I supposed to do...? Her body stiffened slightly as she waited nervously.

Second by second, time passed.

The night breeze was gentle, and insects chirped softly. The "improper" thing she had anticipated did not happen.

Zhao Linchuan merely held her quietly, his breathing calm and deep, as though he truly only wanted her to rest in peace.

Her taut nerves gradually relaxed. His warm embrace and reassuring presence enveloped her, driving away the unease in her heart.

Drowsiness came over her like a tide. Bibi Dong's consciousness gradually blurred, and in the end, she fell deeply asleep in his arms, sleeping exceptionally sweetly and peacefully.

Only when a pale glow appeared on the horizon and the cool morning breeze brushed her cheeks did Zhao Linchuan gently wake her.

"Wake up. It's time to get up."

Bibi Dong rubbed her eyes groggily, her voice heavy with sleepiness. "The sky... isn't even fully bright yet..."

"If you wait until it's bright, it'll be too late." Zhao Linchuan helped her sit up. "Looking at you right now..." He pointed at her wrinkled bathrobe and messy strands of hair. "If you go back after full daylight, what will those people from Spirit Hall think when they see you? What rumors will they spread?"

"So what?" Bibi Dong lazily stretched, her curves fully on display. "They wouldn't dare say anything." She had great confidence in her own authority.