Ye Guyue looked at the red dress embroidered with gold thread in Bibi Dong's hands. His temple twitched, and he shot her a glare, his tone firm and unyielding.
"No way. I wouldn't wear it even if you beat me to death."
He had been holding back his frustration for a long time.
Ever since he was little, countless people had mistaken him for a girl. The appearance and charm stats the system had randomly added back then had already given him enough headaches, let alone willingly putting on a dress.
If he really wore one, he was afraid he'd never be rid of the title "Miss Ye" for the rest of his life.
What was more, his experience of being coerced by Gu Yuena was still fresh in his mind. He would never again let anyone treat him like a woman, not even Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong giggled and sidled up to him, taking his arm and giving it a gentle shake as she cooed:
"Just wear it once, darling. Just for me, okay?"
The word "darling" made Ye Guyue's ears warm, but he kept a straight face and pulled his arm away, not budging in the slightest.
"I said I'm not wearing it. Don't make a fuss."
He knew full well that with things like this, one time would lead to countless more. If he gave in today, who knew what other strange things Bibi Dong might bring out to torment him with later? He absolutely couldn't let his boundaries be crossed.
Seeing that he wouldn't be swayed, Bibi Dong puffed out her cheeks. In the end, she reluctantly put the dress away, though a trace of unwillingness still lingered in her eyes.
She secretly plotted to herself that it didn't matter if she'd failed this time. There was plenty of time, and one day she'd get her senior sister to put on a dress for her of her own accord.
Bibi Dong stopped fooling around and took the everyday clothes she'd prepared from her Storage Soul Tool, handing them to Ye Guyue.
Ye Guyue took the moon-white brocade robe. It was made from Ice Silkworm silk specially procured by the Worship Hall. The fabric felt cool to the touch, and only a few subtle golden dragon patterns were embroidered on it, making it understated yet luxurious.
He quickly changed into it, his white hair loosely tied behind his head. His cool, aloof air stood out even more, but the ache and weakness in his waist and abdomen made him pause slightly as he walked. He couldn't help glaring at Bibi Dong again.
Bibi Dong had already changed into her gold Holy Maiden robes. Seeing him like this, she let out a soft laugh, then hurried over to support his arm, her voice full of appeasement:
"Take it slow, senior sister. It's all my fault. I was too rough last night."
Ye Guyue slapped her hand away in exasperation, but didn't really push her off. He let her support him as they walked out.
The two headed for the Pope Palace first. The guards and maids they encountered along the way bowed to them, their eyes full of respect as they looked at Ye Guyue.
Ye Guyue knew perfectly well that at yesterday's wedding, he had exposed Yu Xiaogang's true nature in front of everyone and revealed his identity as the Holy Son.
Now, no one in all of Spirit Hall dared to regard him merely as a gifted young man doted on by the Worship Hall. They truly saw him as the future leader.
When they entered the Pope Palace, Qian Xunji was seated on the papal throne, handling official business. As soon as he saw them come in, he set down the scroll in his hand and smiled.
"You're here? Sit down."
The two bowed before taking seats nearby.
Qian Xunji looked at them sitting side by side, and felt quite pleased.
He had originally worried that Bibi Dong might be devastated by what happened with Yu Xiaogang. But now, with Ye Guyue at her side, not only had she moved on, the light in her eyes was brighter than before.
"Did you get through everything yesterday at the wedding? I've already had people sort through the congratulatory gifts sent by the major sects. They'll be delivered to your chambers shortly."
Ye Guyue gave a slight nod. "Sorry for the trouble, Teacher."
"You're the Holy Son of Spirit Hall. It's only right."
Qian Xunji waved a hand, his tone turning more solemn.
"From now on, you can get more involved in Spirit Hall's affairs, too. Dong'er has a lot on her mind. Give her a hand when you can."
Ye Guyue's heart stirred.
He knew of Qian Xunji's ambitions, and he knew how things would end for him. Now that Qian Xunji was willing to hand over some authority, this was the perfect opportunity for Ye Guyue to take control of Spirit Hall early—and prevent many tragedies from happening later.
"This disciple understands. I'll protect Dong'er, and I'll never let down your expectations or those of Spirit Hall."
Bibi Dong sat nearby, watching Ye Guyue handle everything with such composure, her eyes filled with admiration.
She had once thought of Ye Guyue only as a senior brother of exceptional talent. Only now did she realize that his steady, dependable nature was a thousand times better than Yu Xiaogang, who did nothing but make empty promises.
She was deeply grateful that she hadn't continued down the wrong path, and had managed to hold on to the person before her.
After leaving the Pope Palace, the two turned and headed for the Worship Hall.
As soon as they stepped through the entrance, they heard Guangling Douluo's hearty laughter.
"Little Yueyue and Dong'er are here? Come over and let Grandpa see you. How was your wedding night?"
Guangling Douluo sat in a chair and waved them over. Golden Crocodile Douluo sat beside him, looking at the two with a warm smile.
Qian Daoliu sat in the seat of honor, his eyes full of affection as he watched them enter.
Guangling Douluo's question made Ye Guyue's ears redden, but he still led Bibi Dong forward properly and bowed to the elders.
"Grandpa Qian, Grandpa Golden Crocodile, Grandpa Guangling."
"Enough, enough. No need for formalities." Qian Daoliu waved a hand and motioned for them to come closer. "You were tired from the wedding yesterday. We should have let you rest a little longer."
As he spoke, he took out a Storage Soul Tool and handed it to Ye Guyue.
"These are the wedding gifts the seven of us old fellows prepared for you. There are a few Soul Bones suited to you, along with some rare treasures for cultivation. They'll help improve your Soul Power."
Ye Guyue took the Storage Soul Tool. It felt a little heavy in his hand, and a wave of warmth rose in his heart.
He had been in this world for twenty years, with no parents. These seven elders had taken turns raising him, teaching him to cultivate, and giving him a kind of familial affection he had never known before.
Though they doted on him and indulged him, they had never spoiled him. Instead, they had taught him to be level-headed and decisive.
He could never repay them for this kindness in his lifetime.
"Thank you, Grandpa Qian. Thank you, all my grandpas."
Guangling Douluo waved a hand with a laugh.
"What are you thanking us for? You've started a family now, and you're the Holy Son of Spirit Hall. From now on, you can't disappear for a year or half a year every time you go out to train like you used to. You have to come back to the Worship Hall and visit us old fellows more often."
"I know, Grandpa Guangling." Ye Guyue smiled as he agreed.
Golden Crocodile Douluo gave a stern reminder from nearby:
"Guyue, you have exceptional talent and an unlimited future ahead of you, but remember this: Spirit Hall will always be your backing. The seven of us old fellows will always stand by you. Whatever happens, don't try to shoulder it all alone."
Ye Guyue nodded firmly, his heart warmed even more.
They chatted in the Worship Hall for a long time. Only when the sun had climbed high did Qian Daoliu urge the two to go back and rest, so they wouldn't wear themselves out.
Ye Guyue took his leave with Bibi Dong. When they walked out of the Worship Hall, sunlight fell over them, warm and bright.
Bibi Dong reached out and took his hand, lacing their fingers together. She looked up at him, her eyes full of smiles.
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