As the prompt sounded, Gu Qing felt a cool energy surge into the space between his brows.
His spiritual power instantly spread outward. Every rustle of wind and grass within dozens of miles was clear to his senses.
Right after that, the System spoke again.
[The host's Soul Power has reached Level 90.] [Congratulations, host! You have obtained a special talent!] [Exclusive skill of Dark-type Blue Silver Grass: Dark Night Blood Storm!]
A wealth of information about the skill flooded into his mind.
Gu Qing closed his eyes and quickly absorbed the details of how to use this new skill and the power it held.
A moment later, he opened his eyes, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Eighteen years.
Gu Qing had crossed into this world, been adopted by Bibi Dong, and awakened this Sign-in System.
For the past eighteen years, he had signed in every single day.
Through the System, he had continually gained pure Soul Power, all manner of rare, high-grade pills, and many powerful skills.
All those gains had made him what he was today.
A Level 90 Titled Douluo!
If anyone could see the Soul Rings around Gu Qing right now, their legs would surely go weak with fright.
Black, black, black, black, black, black, red, red!
Six Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings and two Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings!
Such a terrifying Soul Ring configuration was simply beyond all reason.
However, Gu Qing had spent all these years cultivating in seclusion on this back mountain, keeping an extremely low profile.
Very little about him had ever reached the outside world.
Most people in the Spirit Hall didn't even know what he looked like. They only knew that His Holiness the Pope had an adopted son she doted on immensely.
"My Soul Power has reached the Level 90 bottleneck."
Gu Qing withdrew his Martial Soul from his palm and pondered to himself.
"It's time to prepare to absorb my ninth Soul Ring."
Just as Gu Qing was considering where he could hunt a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast to serve as his ninth Soul Ring,
a soft tread sounded from outside the valley.
Gu Qing looked up.
Bibi Dong had shed her resplendent papal robes and changed into a form-fitting purple dress. She approached with graceful steps.
Her beauty was breathtaking. The years had left no trace on her face; if anything, they had only deepened her mature allure.
Her fair skin shimmered with a warm glow in the sunlight.
Gu Qing's eyes lit up the moment he saw Bibi Dong.
Without a moment's hesitation, he strode over to her.
When he reached her, Gu Qing opened his arms and pulled Bibi Dong into a tight embrace.
"Aunt Dong!"
His voice was affectionate, brimming with joy and dependence.
Bibi Dong's figure was stunning, her alluring curves pressed into a breathtaking arc in Gu Qing's embrace.
Though Gu Qing had hugged her so boldly, Bibi Dong showed no displeasure at all. Her eyes were filled with tenderness.
She slowly raised a hand and gently stroked Gu Qing's back.
Her touch was as tender as if soothing a cat that had come asking for affection.
Bibi Dong tipped her head back slightly and looked at Gu Qing's handsome face, now half a head taller than hers. A wave of emotion rose in her heart.
"In the blink of an eye, you've grown so much."
Bibi Dong's voice was gentle and melodious, nothing like the coldness she showed when facing Qian Renxue in the Pope Palace.
"I'm always a child in your eyes, Aunt Dong."
Gu Qing smiled, released his arms, and smoothly took Bibi Dong's soft, delicate hand.
"Aunt Dong, it's windy outside."
"Come on, let's go inside and talk."
With that, Gu Qing led Bibi Dong straight toward the quiet wooden house in the valley.
Bibi Dong let him hold her hand and walked beside him, her eyes fixed on his profile, full of affection.
Hand in hand, the two walked into the quiet wooden house.
The furnishings inside were simple, but everything was spotless, giving the place a warm, lived-in feel.
Gu Qing led Bibi Dong over to the table and sat down with her.
He never took his eyes off the beautiful figure beside him.
"Aunt Dong."
"You're always so busy, vanishing like a dragon and appearing like a god. What brings you all the way here to see me today?"
As he spoke, Gu Qing picked up the purple clay teapot and skillfully poured a cup of hot tea.
The tea was clear, steam rising from it.
He brought the cup steadily over to Bibi Dong.
Up close, Bibi Dong's intoxicating, mature feminine fragrance drifted straight into Gu Qing's nose.
"And how come I feel like you're looking more radiant than ever, Aunt Dong?"
"That face, that figure..."
"If you walked outside looking like this, you'd charm every man under heaven."
A smile tugged at Gu Qing's lips, his tone playfully intimate.
At his frank praise, Bibi Dong's jade-white hand paused just as she was about to take the teacup.
A rare blush of shyness flashed across her usually dignified face.
In the Pope Palace, her ministers bowed before her. Who would dare speak to her in such a teasing tone?
Only this cheeky boy, whom she had raised herself, was so shamelessly familiar with her.
"You smooth-talker."
Bibi Dong gave Gu Qing a playful, reproachful glare, though amusement filled her eyes and smile.
"You've been in seclusion for so long. I wonder how much your cultivation has improved."
"But that silver tongue of yours has certainly gotten sweeter."
Gu Qing showed no fear of Bibi Dong's scolding.
He plopped down on the wooden chair opposite her and leaned back, crossing his hands behind his head.
"Everything I said was the honest truth."
Once they had finished their small talk, the atmosphere in the room gradually grew quiet.
Bibi Dong cradled the warm teacup in both hands and gazed deeply at the handsome young man across from her.
After looking at him for a long while, she let out a soft sigh.
"Qing'er, I came to see you today because there's something important I need to tell you."
Bibi Dong set down her teacup, her expression suddenly turning grave.
"I want you to marry Qian Renxue."
The brief sentence rang through the room.
Gu Qing, who had been enjoying their leisurely conversation, suddenly froze.
He lowered his arms and leaned forward slightly, raising his brows.
His gaze held a note of scrutiny and surprise.
"Aunt Dong."
"Are you serious?"
Gu Qing knew Qian Renxue's identity very well.
She was the Martial Soul Hall Young Master—and the biological daughter of the Pope before him.
Bibi Dong met Gu Qing's eyes without a trace of jest.
Only she knew just how bad the state of her body had become.
The Rakshasa God's inheritance came with pain beyond anything an ordinary person could imagine.
That immense, deeply evil energy was eroding her meridians and soul day and night.
Her body was growing weaker by the day.
If she couldn't successfully ascend to godhood, she didn't have many years left to live.
At the thought, Bibi Dong slowly rose to her feet.
She walked around the table and came to Gu Qing's side.
She reached out with her slender, fair hands and gently caressed Gu Qing's cheek once more.
Her touch was filled with a deep affection and trust that nothing could dispel.
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