Advance to Attack, Retreat to Defend

Everyone looked toward him, surprised that the seemingly honest and introverted Feng Xinglie would jump out to provoke Bibi Dong at such a critical juncture. However, after learning that Martial Soul Hall was preparing to launch the Nation Seizing Plan, Feng Xinglie had suddenly realized one thing:

"If I could replace Qian Renxue and head to the Heavenly Dou Empire to carry out the mission, wouldn't I be able to legitimately distance myself from the center of the power struggle in Martial Soul Hall? Plus, I could utilize the resources of the Heavenly Dou royal family to assist my own cultivation. Even in the future, if Martial Soul Hall grows too powerful, I could continue the mission and take down Heavenly Dou. But if the plot unfolds just like the original work, I could also use the Nation Seizing Plan and internal intelligence from Martial Soul Hall as a bargaining chip to join the protagonist's group at any time. This is truly an invincible position where I can advance to attack or retreat to defend. Even if they send a Titled Douluo to monitor me, by that time, Tang San, having obtained the Sea God's Trident, will have more than one cheat code; dealing with one or two Titled Douluo will certainly be no problem."

Having figured out the connections, Feng Xinglie immediately requested permission from Bibi Dong:

"Respected Your Excellency the Pope, the Young Master's status is noble and his talent is exceptionally high; sending him to execute the Nation Seizing Plan is truly a waste of talent. Since I am the Holy Son of Martial Soul Hall, I should naturally share the burden for Your Excellency. How about you leave this mission to this humble one instead?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked at Feng Xinglie with varied expressions. Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo were astonished, Bibi Dong was annoyed, and Qian Renxue's eyes widened, unable to believe what she had just heard.

"The Holy Son has good intentions, but the Nation Seizing Plan is of great importance. If it weren't for Qian Renxue's excellent talent, it would be difficult to handle. Letting you stay this time is merely for you to observe; it would be better to speak less."

Although they had little contact, Bibi Dong had already seen through Feng Xinglie's cautious and risk-averse nature. However, she did not expect that this time, Feng Xinglie would have no intention of backing down:

"In reply to Your Excellency the Pope, I also wish to contribute to Martial Soul Hall. I have heard that my Innate Soul Power of level 20 is also quite excellent, so I am surely capable of this mission. Furthermore, as a boy, I am certainly more suitable than the Young Master to impersonate a prince."

"Feng Xinglie... you had better think this through. This matter concerns the future development of Martial Soul Hall in unifying the Douluo Continent. If the operation stalls because of your dereliction of duty, can you bear that responsibility!?"

She no longer called him Holy Son, but addressed him by his full name. Bibi Dong's tone was noticeably sharper. This was no longer a hint, but a direct threat. Under normal circumstances, let alone a six-year-old child, even the two Titled Douluo, Chrysanthemum and Ghost, would be too terrified to breathe. Yet today, Feng Xinglie acted as if he had swallowed gunpowder, refusing to retreat no matter what:

"In reply to Your Excellency the Pope, if the Nation Seizing Plan fails, I am willing to pay with my life!"

"Hiss..."

Once these words were out, everyone couldn't help but gasp. Even Qian Daoliu, who was observing from the shadows, had his expression turn solemn, and Qian Renxue covered her mouth with both hands, watching the back of Feng Xinglie as he stood in front of her with teary eyes. Yet, what no one could have guessed was that at this moment, Feng Xinglie was thinking:

"Fail? If I fail, I'll just turn around and join the protagonist's group. Once I'm hiding in the rear, can you even drag me out?"

"Feng Xinglie!"

With an angry shout, the Pope's scepter slammed heavily into the ground, stirring up violent soul power fluctuations; Bibi Dong's pressure as a Titled Douluo was revealed in full. Feng Xinglie, as the primary target, did not panic in the slightest. He knew very well that Qian Daoliu must be aware of the plan to send the Angel God Heir away. As long as he couldn't bear to let Qian Renxue go, he would have to let him take her place. Once he left Martial Soul Hall, he would be as free as a bird in the sky; once he was far away in the Heavenly Dou Empire, who would care if Bibi Dong held a grudge?

But just as Feng Xinglie was daydreaming about the future, a small, slender figure shielded him, and golden radiance spilled down, blocking most of the pressure for him:

"I agree to your request. I will go to the Heavenly Dou Empire to execute the Nation Seizing Plan."

"?"

Feng Xinglie was stunned.

He had just been acting with the mindset of "I'm leaving anyway, so it doesn't matter if I burn bridges" while going head-to-head with Bibi Dong. And now you're telling me you're going undercover and leaving me behind???

"Um... Young Master, why don't you reconsider?"

Thinking of the retaliation he would face from Bibi Dong if he stayed behind, Feng Xinglie's voice even carried a tremor. He wanted to try and fight for it a little more, but he saw Qian Renxue turn around and force a smile at him:

"Don't worry, this is my own choice. You just stay in Martial Soul Hall and wait for me to come back."

No, my dear lady, if I stay, I definitely won't live until you return...

Bibi Dong on the throne didn't care about any of that. Seeing that Qian Renxue had finally agreed, she quickly made the final decision, setting the matter in stone:

"Good, then it is settled. You shall prepare as soon as possible and head to the Heavenly Dou Empire."

After speaking, she didn't give anyone a chance to react, stood up, flicked her robes, and walked toward the back hall, leaving behind a Feng Xinglie who looked like he had lost all will to live.

"...Is a coffin better made of golden nanmu or yellow rosewood?"

Just as Feng Xinglie was seriously contemplating this life-altering question, Qian Renxue suddenly appeared before him. That pretty face, which would evoke pity in anyone who saw it, now scared Feng Xinglie into taking several steps back.

Unpredictable.

Whether it was the crazed Bibi Dong or the composed Qian Daoliu, even when facing these high-ranking old foxes, Feng Xinglie could figure out the logic behind their actions and use the contradictions in their relationships to carve out a space for survival. But he couldn't see through Qian Renxue; this girl could always disrupt his entire plan in various unexpected ways. Facing this girl whose thoughts were completely unpredictable, Feng Xinglie instinctively wanted to distance himself.

"What's wrong? Were you scared? Don't be afraid, I said I would look after you."

Qian Renxue sniffled, pretending to be strong.

"Ha... haha... I thank you so much..."

Feng Xinglie gave an awkward laugh, but then Qian Renxue's body suddenly swayed, and she nearly fell. He hurriedly stepped forward to support her, only then remembering that she had just helped him block the furious pressure of a Titled Douluo.

"It's nothing, I'm just a little tired. Don't worry, your sister is very strong; the mere Heavenly Dou Empire is nothing! You just cultivate well in Martial Soul Hall, and I'll play with you when I get back."

"..."

Feng Xinglie didn't reply. He hadn't expected that Qian Renxue's absurd behavior, which had ruined his plans, was actually born out of kindness. And just as the atmosphere between them began to grow somewhat awkward, Qian Renxue asked again:

"By the way, you just now... why did you say those things?"

"Ah? What things?"

Feng Xinglie raised his head in surprise, only to see a flushed, pretty face:

"It's just... that even if you failed, you would be willing to die to apologize, all to take the mission for me..."

Qian Renxue's voice grew softer as she spoke. Seeing this, even if Feng Xinglie were any stupider, he couldn't possibly tell the truth:

"The Young Master said we are friends, right? Friends should naturally help each other. I wouldn't just watch the Young Master leave home and go to such a dangerous place."

Hearing this, Qian Renxue's eyes immediately turned red, and tears began to fall. She lunged forward and hugged Feng Xinglie, sobbing:

"Yes! You're right, we are good friends. So it's a promise; you must wait for me obediently, and when I return, I'll treat you to some snacks!"

After saying this, Qian Renxue slowly loosened her embrace, wiped away her tears, and said with a smile:

"It's a promise! No backing out!"

"Ah... this... um... no... I... ah?"

Feng Xinglie remained stiff in the embrace until Qian Renxue had long since run off, his mind still reeling.

"Xiao Lie, well done."

Feeling the touch on his shoulder, Feng Xinglie stiffly turned his head:

"Master?"

"Mm."

Qian Daoliu nodded, then said:

"From today onwards, I will personally guide your cultivation. As for Bibi Dong, you can rest assured. In the entire Douluo Continent, no one dares to touch my disciple, Qian Daoliu."

Feeling his shoulders patted heavily twice, Feng Xinglie shook his overloaded head and murmured in the direction Qian Daoliu had disappeared:

"Regardless, it seems I've improved the favorability of Qian Daoliu and his grandson? In any case, I don't need to worry about Bibi Dong's revenge for now. Congratulations, congratulations..."

By the time Feng Xinglie returned to his residence, exhausted in body and mind, the moon was already hanging high in the sky. Without even the energy to light a lamp, he flopped onto the bed with a thud. Feeling the soft embrace of the quilt, he finally let out a long sigh of relief:

"Sigh, the road ahead is fraught with peril..."

"Heh heh, even our Holy Son is afraid?"

Completely caught off guard by someone responding to his absentminded sigh, Feng Xinglie practically sprang off the bed and quickly looked towards the man standing in the center of his room:

"Greetings, Elder Chrysanthemum."

At this moment, Feng Xinglie actually missed Qian Renxue a little. At least she knew to knock. Unlike this Titled Douluo, who was already behind him and he hadn't sensed him at all. Yue Guan sized up this child who dared to confront the Pope, and praised with satisfaction in a gentle voice:

"Not bad, quite the man. No wonder the Young Lady is so concerned about you."

"Young Lady? Does the Young Master have any instructions?"

Feng Xinglie blinked, surprised that Yue Guan was here because of Qian Renxue. Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded and took out a Gold Soul Coin from his embrace, handing it over:

"The Young Lady said her snacks are not eaten for free. When she returns from the Heavenly Dou Empire with snacks, you are to buy them with this Gold Soul Coin."

"Thank you, Elder Chrysanthemum, but... why did she ask you to pass it on?"

Taking the Gold Soul Coin with a puzzled expression, Feng Xinglie was full of questions. As he asked, he saw a flicker of helplessness and sympathy flash across Yue Guan's face:

"The Young Lady... has already departed for the Heavenly Dou Empire."

"So soon!?"

Feng Xinglie was stunned.

Chrysanthemum Douluo explained upon seeing his reaction:

"Actually, the Pope had already prepared for this operation long ago. Today's confrontation was less of an interrogation and more of a notification. As long as the Young Lady agreed, she would be immediately sent out of Martial Soul Hall."

To send her away before Qian Daoliu could react?

His thoughts raced, but he still asked with confusion:

"But, the Young Master is the Grand Enshrined's granddaughter. Would the Grand Enshrined agree to such a thing?"

Mentioning the Great Enshrined, Yue Guan's expression became a little more serious:

"The Great Enshrined initially opposed it, but after speaking with the Young Lady, he ultimately chose to support her decision."

As he spoke, he also gave Feng Xinglie a strange look:

"The Young Lady said you are her first friend. If you were willing to risk your life for her after only meeting once, then she naturally wouldn't let you be in danger. In any case, I've delivered my message, so I'll take my leave now."