"Sure. Then tomorrow, we'll return to Spirit Hall." Lin Yu said no more. Discovering the Blue Silver Forest this time had been an unexpected bonus; his original plan had been to go there after Ah Yin was revived.
As Lin Yu and the others prepared to head back, someone else was also planning to go to Spirit City: Tang San's teacher, Yu Xiaogang.
"Bibi Dong, I'm here." Standing outside Notting Academy and gazing toward Spirit City, Yu Xiaogang's eyes had grown deep and distant. Unfortunately, his outfit did little to match his imposing air.
"Teacher, we're back." The first thing Lin Yu did upon returning to Spirit City was look for Bibi Dong, so he went straight to Pope Hall. This time, however, he had brought Zhu Zhuqing with him.
"Xiao Yu, you're back." Hearing Lin Yu's voice, Bibi Dong was delighted. Then she noticed Zhu Zhuqing standing beside him.
"Is she from the Zhu Family of the Star Luo Empire? Why did you bring her back?" Bibi Dong recognized Zhu Zhuqing at a glance.
After all, although Spirit Hall's influence in the Star Luo Empire was weak, it still knew some basic information.
"Teacher, when we went to Star Dou Forest to obtain Soul Rings this time, we unexpectedly discovered a fraudulent academy in Suotuo City.
"There were also wanted criminals from Spirit Hall at the academy, so we arrested them and disbanded Shrek Academy.
"Zhu Zhuqing was one of the people who wanted to enroll there. I saw that she had good talent and strong willpower, so I brought her back.
"She's only eleven, yet she's already a Soul Elder. After taking an Immortal Herb, she'll be able to compete in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Continental Elite Tournament in two years.
"On top of that, she's from the Zhu Family in Star Luo City. I'm sure she'll be of considerable use to Spirit Hall." Lin Yu glanced meaningfully at Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong was no fool. She naturally understood what Lin Yu had in mind from the look he gave her.
"Are you sure you didn't bring Zhu Zhuqing back because of her figure and looks?" Bibi Dong asked with a smile.
At her words, Zhu Zhuqing's face turned slightly red.
Still, after deciding to follow Lin Yu, Zhu Zhuqing had already resolved to give him everything. Even if he really had brought her back for that reason, she wouldn't refuse him.
"Teacher, how could you think that of me?" Lin Yu feigned a wounded look as he stepped behind Bibi Dong and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"All right, I was only joking.
"Since you brought her here, have Yue Guan pick out a suitable Immortal Herb for her and have her take it as soon as possible. I'm sure she'll reach Soul Ancestor in two years." Bibi Dong intended to send Zhu Zhuqing away.
"Thank you, Your Holiness the Pope." Zhu Zhuqing thanked Bibi Dong excitedly. She didn't know what an Immortal Herb was, but clearly, gaining more than ten ranks in Soul Power in two years was no small feat.
"You shouldn't thank me. You should thank Xiao Yu. He's the one who gave you this opportunity.
"All right, go outside for now. I have something to discuss with Xiao Yu." Bibi Dong waved Zhu Zhuqing away.
"Now, tell me what you had in mind." Bibi Dong placed her hand over Lin Yu's, which rested on her shoulder.
"Teacher, Zhu Zhuqing was only a Soul Grandmaster. Her older sister had the backing of her family, yet Zhu Zhuqing still managed to escape Star Luo City. Clearly, the Zhu Family isn't happy about making its daughters marry into the Star Luo Imperial Family.
"And they're already unhappy about the sisters being forced to turn against each other. This is the perfect chance to use Zhu Zhuqing to bring the Zhu Family down for good. That way, Spirit Hall can extend its reach into the Star Luo Empire.
"It'll give us an advantage in carrying out our plans." Lin Yu didn't hide anything and openly explained what he intended to do.
Hearing Lin Yu's words, Bibi Dong smiled with satisfaction. Just as she was about to say something more, Gui Mei suddenly appeared in Pope Hall.
"Your Holiness, Holy Son, Yu Xiaogang has arrived in Spirit City and wishes to see Your Holiness." Gui Mei immediately reported what had happened, afraid that if he waited too long, Bibi Dong wouldn't give him a chance to speak.
"Yu Xiaogang? What's he doing in Spirit City?" Bibi Dong was surprised, but that was all.
"Xiao Yu, is there something else you've been hiding from me?" Bibi Dong suddenly turned to look at Lin Yu.
"Teacher, let's talk about it when you get back." Lin Yu tried to brush it off. He'd forgotten to tell Bibi Dong about Tang Hao and Tang San.
"I'll deal with you when I get back." Bibi Dong shot Lin Yu a look.
"Have him wait in the reception hall," Bibi Dong told Gui Mei. Her tone was no longer gentle like it had been with Lin Yu; it was distant and indifferent.
Gui Mei didn't leave. He remained standing respectfully where he was.
"What else is it?" Bibi Dong asked, puzzled.
"Yu Xiaogang is also carrying a token that only elders are allowed to possess." Gui Mei hesitated, then told her. He didn't know whether Bibi Dong had given the token to Yu Xiaogang. After all, he and Yue Guan had been among the first to follow Bibi Dong, so they knew about what had happened between her and Yu Xiaogang.
"You may leave." Hearing Gui Mei's words, Bibi Dong furrowed her brows.
"Yes." Gui Mei answered and disappeared at once.
"Little rascal, want to come meet him?" After Gui Mei left, Bibi Dong suddenly turned to Lin Yu.
"Can I come too?" Lin Yu asked, surprised.
"Why not? Do you want to?" Bibi Dong knew Lin Yu must be aware of many secrets. This time, she intended to show him that she had already let go of Yu Xiaogang.
"Sure. I'd like to see what this so-called 'Grandmaster' is really like—the man who made one of the most powerful women on Douluo Continent fall for him, and not just one." As he said this, Lin Yu secretly watched Bibi Dong's reaction.
Bibi Dong hadn't missed his little trick.
"You little rascal!" Bibi Dong tapped Lin Yu on the forehead without a trace of anger. After all, she had once been unable to forget Yu Xiaogang.
It was the Lovesick Heartbreak Red Lin Yu had brought back that helped her understand her true feelings.
When the two arrived at the reception hall Spirit Hall used to entertain guests, Yu Xiaogang stood with his hands behind his back, facing the window.
"What are you here for?" Bibi Dong's icy voice rang out. She didn't even acknowledge Yu Xiaogang as she took the seat of honor.
Lin Yu didn't reveal himself. He hid nearby and watched what happened in the reception hall. With Yu Xiaogang's Soul Power still below rank thirty, he couldn't sense Lin Yu's presence.
"Dong'er..." Hearing Bibi Dong's voice, Yu Xiaogang turned around. The instant he saw her, his body trembled, and a trace of greed surfaced deep in his eyes.
"Call me Your Holiness the Pope!" Bibi Dong had no intention of indulging Yu Xiaogang. As soon as she heard those words, she pressed her aura down on him. However, she kept the pressure fairly light, afraid she might accidentally crush him to death.
She still needed to use Yu Xiaogang to show Lin Yu that there was nothing between them anymore.
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