Bibi Dong Protects Her Own!

Bibi Dong let out a soft hum.

She seemed not to care much about Qian Renxue.

She reached out with fingers as white and delicate as jade, gently smoothing back Lin Qiu's slightly messy bangs.

Her fingertips brushed across Lin Qiu's forehead, leaving behind a cool sensation.

"That was her own choice."

"She chose that path herself, so she must endure the bitterness herself."

Having said that, Bibi Dong ceased mentioning Qian Renxue.

Her gaze fell upon Lin Qiu, a flicker of anticipation flashing in her eyes.

"Xiao Qiu."

"Today is a good day."

"The awakening ceremony in the palace has already been prepared."

"You are six years old now; it is time to see what your Martial Soul is."

Bibi Dong had poured all her heart and soul into this adopted son.

It was not just because Lin Qiu was well-behaved and sensible, but because in him, she felt a long-lost, pure sense of familial affection.

There were no exchanges of interests, no schemes or deceit.

She was eager to know what kind of Martial Soul this child, whom she loved so dearly, would awaken.

Based on her observations over the years, although Lin Qiu had not yet awakened, his physical constitution was ridiculously good.

Even if it were not a Twin Martial Soul, it should at least be a top-tier one.

However.

To her surprise.

Lin Qiu shook his head.

"Mom."

"I don't want to awaken today."

Bibi Dong was stunned.

A trace of astonishment flashed through those pale purple eyes.

"Why?"

"Children across the entire continent look forward to this day."

"The earlier you awaken, the earlier you can begin to cultivate."

"Do you not want to become a Spirit Master?"

Lin Qiu leaned back, sinking into the soft cushions.

He found a comfortable position.

"It's not that I don't want to."

"It's just that I feel... it's not the right time yet."

"I want to wait a little longer."

"Even if it's half a year later, that would be fine."

This reason sounded quite willful.

It was even a bit inexplicable.

If it were any other elder or bishop, they would likely have scolded him for being "absurd."

But Bibi Dong was not just anyone.

She was the most protective woman on the entire continent.

Hearing Lin Qiu say this, she was only stunned for a moment before she began to laugh.

Her smile was breathtakingly radiant.

"Very well."

"Then we shall wait."

"If you don't want to go, then you won't go."

"Our Xiao Qiu can awaken whenever he wants to."

There was no reproach.

There was not even any unnecessary questioning.

In her view, as long as Lin Qiu was happy, that was all that mattered.

Even if Lin Qiu never awakened a Martial Soul in his entire life and remained an ordinary person, she was more than capable of supporting him.

And she could raise them very well.

Anyone who dared to disagree, she would destroy.

Bibi Dong reached out and gently slung an arm around Lin Qiu's shoulders.

Pulling him into her embrace.

It was a suffocating softness.

Lin Qiu could clearly smell the pleasant, faint fragrance emanating from her.

"Are you tired?"

Bibi Dong asked softly.

"Just now, you fought with Xue'er, you must be exhausted, right?"

"What do you want to eat tonight? I'll have the kitchen prepare it."

As she spoke, she gently patted Lin Qiu's back.

As if coaxing an infant.

Lin Qiu nuzzled into her arms, like a lazy kitten.

"I want sweet and sour pork ribs."

"And crystal shrimp."

Bibi Dong's eyes curved into crescents.

"Okay, whatever you want."

She lowered her head and gently kissed Lin Qiu's tender cheek.

The action was natural and intimate.

"As long as you are by my side, I will bear the weight of the sky falling."

"You don't need to feel any pressure."

Lin Qiu's heart warmed.

He knew Bibi Dong genuinely cared for him.

In this Martial Soul Hall filled with schemes, this pure affection was especially precious.

"Thank you, Mom."

Lin Qiu refused to awaken his martial soul.

Although Bibi Dong had ordered it sealed.

But there were no airtight walls in the Martial Soul Hall.

Especially for those who were constantly paying attention to the Pope's movements.

This news spread like wings, quickly reaching the higher echelons.

Worship Hall.

Several elders in golden robes were gathered, drinking tea.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

The one speaking was Falling Devil Douluo.

He fiddled with a Coiling Dragon Staff in his hand, his brow furrowed, a look of displeasure on his face.

"Did you hear?"

"That wild brat the Pope brought back actually refused to awaken his martial soul."

Thousand Jun Douluo, sitting opposite him, took a sip of tea.

He let out a cold laugh.

"Refused?"

"In my opinion, he's simply too afraid."

"Most likely, he secretly tested it already and found out it was a waste martial soul, or he has no soul power."

"He's afraid of embarrassing himself in public, so he's making excuses to delay."

Falling Devil Douluo heavily slammed the staff onto the ground.

A dull thud echoed.

"Hmph!"

"I knew the Pope was being foolish."

"Instead of doting on her own young master, she insists on spoiling some outsider bastard."

"How many heavenly treasures has that brat consumed in the years he's been here?"

"Even a pig would have evolved into a soul beast by now."

"And the result?"

"He doesn't even dare to awaken his martial soul."

The surrounding titled elders shook their heads one after another.

In their eyes, this behavior of Bibi Dong was simply incomprehensible.

Not only was it a waste of resources, but it also brought shame upon Martial Soul Hall.

"Should we go and advise the Pope?"

Someone tentatively suggested.

"Advise?"

Thousand Jun Douluo shot him a sidelong glance.

"You go and advise her?"

"You know full well what the Pope's temper is like right now."

"Besides that wild brat, whose words can she even listen to?"

"Last time, Elder Chrysanthemum merely mentioned a fault of that boy in passing and was nearly thrown into Slaughter City by the Pope."

Hearing this, everyone fell silent, terrified.

No one dared to touch that unlucky streak again.

They could only grumble in private, lamenting the misfortune of Martial Soul Hall for having produced such a "dull ruler."

Time passed day by day amidst these rumors and whispers.

Spring departed and autumn arrived.

In the blink of an eye, half a year had gone by.

During these days, the rumors that Lin Qiu was a "useless waste" and a "coward" grew increasingly intense.

Even some ordinary deacons and disciples began to look at Lin Qiu with strange expressions in private.

It was a mixture of pity and disdain.

Inside Pope Palace.

Bibi Dong stood before the massive floor-to-ceiling window, listening to the report from her subordinate.

Her expression grew increasingly dark.

A terrifying killing intent permeated the space around her.

The temperature of the entire hall seemed to drop by several degrees.

"A bunch of gossiping old women."

Bibi Dong spat out the words coldly.

"Pass on my order."

"Anyone who dares to gossip again shall be executed without mercy."

The reporting deacon trembled all over, scrambling and crawling as he retreated.

Bibi Dong took a deep breath, calming her mood.

She turned around and walked quickly toward Lin Qiu's bedchamber.

She did not care what others said about her.

But she would never allow those rumors to hurt Lin Qiu.

Lin Qiu was still so young, at an age where his heart was most sensitive.

If he heard these words, how sad would he be?

Thinking of this, the pace of Bibi Dong's footsteps involuntarily quickened.

Pushing open the door.

What she saw was a scene of peaceful tranquility.

Lin Qiu was sitting cross-legged on the carpet.

His eyes were slightly closed, his breathing long and steady.

He seemed to be practicing some kind of special breathing technique.

The sunlight spilled through the window onto him, gilding him with a golden outline.

He looked sacred and serene.

There was not the slightest sign that he was troubled by the rumors.