Qian Renxue

Qian Renxue's eyes lit up at once.

But the next second, when she saw the unfamiliar child clinging tightly to Bibi Dong in her arms, the smile on her little face froze.

The fervent anticipation in her eyes immediately turned into deep disappointment.

Her mother's embrace was the place she dreamed of entering.

But now, that spot was occupied by a boy she didn't know at all.

Qian Renxue bit her lower lip, then summoned her courage and ran a few steps forward.

"Mom..."

Qian Renxue tipped up her head, her voice trembling faintly with hope.

Yet Bibi Dong didn't even pause.

Her breathtaking face was as cold as frost. She treated Qian Renxue with utter indifference and didn't even look at her.

In Bibi Dong's eyes, Qian Renxue was nothing but the bastard left behind after that beast, Qian Xunji, had raped her—the greatest humiliation of her life.

Every time she saw Qian Renxue, she was reminded of those dark, agonizing memories.

But Lin Yuan, nestled in her arms, was completely different.

Not only had she personally found him amid the blood-soaked streets of Slaughter City, but he had also depended on her for survival throughout those two years in hell, saving her from desperate situations time and again.

He was the child she truly wanted to be a mother to, the one she willingly cherished and protected.

Unwilling to give up, Qian Renxue reached out a little hand, trying to touch the hem of Bibi Dong's clothes.

"Don't touch me!"

A trace of disgust flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. She gave a brutally forceful wave and shoved Qian Renxue away without a shred of warmth.

Caught completely off guard, Qian Renxue fell hard onto the stone steps, landing on her bottom. Her eyes immediately reddened.

Watching this, a barely perceptible shadow crossed Qian Xunji's eyes.

He strode forward and pulled Qian Renxue to her feet.

His gaze swept over Lin Yuan in Bibi Dong's arms like the edge of a blade.

"Bibi Dong, the child you brought back seems rather special."

Qian Xunji spoke.

He had keenly sensed that after these past few years of slaughter and trials, Bibi Dong's aura had become unfathomable and her strength had greatly increased.

He had already been wary of her, so he put on a show of authority, adopting the imposing airs of the Pope.

"Since you've brought him back to Spirit Hall, the elders should take charge of his training."

Qian Xunji paused, then continued.

"Perhaps he'll be another genius belonging to our Spirit Hall."

At those words, Bibi Dong's eyes turned dangerously cold.

She tightened her hold on Lin Yuan and took a forceful step forward, the Divine Slaughter's Domain around her showing signs of erupting.

"Don't even think about it."

Bibi Dong refused him at once, showing Qian Xunji not the slightest consideration.

"This is my child. I'll raise him myself."

She stared straight into Qian Xunji's eyes, her tone domineering.

"From now on, stay out of my affairs—and Yuan'er's—unless there's a good reason to bother us."

With that, Bibi Dong ignored Qian Xunji's livid expression and strode into Saintess Palace with Lin Yuan in her arms.

On the stone steps, Qian Renxue stared blankly at her mother's retreating figure.

Those words—"This is my child"—were like a razor-sharp knife, stabbing deep into her young heart.

Qian Renxue felt as though she'd been struck by lightning. An overwhelming ache surged through her.

She could no longer hold back her tears. They streamed down her adorable cheeks.

In the inner chamber of Pope's Palace, candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the furnishings.

As usual, Bibi Dong sat on the edge of the broad, soft bed, gently patting the swaddled Lin Yuan in her arms as she soothed him to sleep.

She had traded the elaborate, splendid robes of the Pope that she wore during the day for a close-fitting silk gown.

The light fabric clung to her skin, accentuating her full, statuesque figure and her graceful, sinuous curves.

Her long, shapely legs were crossed elegantly. The hem of her dress slid along their curves, revealing her slender, pale calves.

Below them were her delicate feet, small enough to fit in one hand. Her toes lightly touched the floor, her skin glowing with a warm sheen.

Paired with her peerless beauty, her entire being radiated the astonishing charm and fatal allure unique to a mature woman.

Lin Yuan lay contentedly in Bibi Dong's arms.

His cheek rested against her soft warmth. He felt utterly limp with comfort, the fragrance unique to Bibi Dong lingering beneath his nose as he luxuriated in her embrace.

Outside the crack in the door.

A pair of wide eyes stared fixedly at the scene inside.

Hidden in the shadows, Qian Renxue clutched the hem of her skirt with both hands, her knuckles turning white from the force of her grip.

Seeing her mother treat that baby boy with such tenderness while remaining cold and indifferent toward her year after year, Qian Renxue felt a pang of bitterness in her chest.

She instinctively began to hate the little boy inside.

This outsider who had appeared from who knew where had stolen her mother!

He'd stolen all the love that should have belonged entirely to her!

The longer Qian Renxue watched, the angrier she grew. Her eyes brimmed with resentment.

Inside, Bibi Dong always took the utmost care of Lin Yuan.

She patiently sang a gentle tune until he closed his eyes, then carefully laid him on the pillow.

After tucking the blanket around him, Bibi Dong lowered her head and kissed Lin Yuan's rosy cheek.

Only after tending to him with such meticulous care did Bibi Dong rise reluctantly and leave the room, heading to the secret chamber for her daily cultivation.

The sound of her footsteps faded completely down the corridor.

Qian Renxue could no longer suppress her hurt and anger.

Taking advantage of Bibi Dong's absence, she broke into a run and charged straight into Lin Yuan's room.

She reached the bedside, walked up to Lin Yuan with a childish pout, and glared down at him.

Two-year-old Lin Yuan hadn't actually fallen asleep. When he opened his eyes, he saw the girl standing beside the bed.

Qian Renxue was still very young, but she was already as lovely as a carved doll, with fair skin. Her face had flushed red with anger.

She was adorable as a little girl, and even in a temper, there was a mischievous charm about her.

Lin Yuan found her amusing. His lips moved, and he was just about to call her "big sister."

Then Qian Renxue's furious voice came crashing down over him.

"You bad boy! You stole my mother!"

Qian Renxue gritted her teeth and shoved Lin Yuan's shoulders with both little hands.

Lin Yuan toppled backward from the push and fell onto the soft rug beside the bed.

"You're not allowed near my mother! She's mine!"

Qian Renxue's eyes were red as she shouted at Lin Yuan.

But Lin Yuan, sitting on the floor, didn't wail like an ordinary two-year-old.

He simply sat quietly on the carpet, bracing himself with both hands as he blinked his clear eyes and stared at the furious Qian Renxue.