Mother's Love?

Ice Spear Douluo did not know how to explain it.

She had been observing him.

She felt that Su Chen's behavior was somewhat off.

Yet, she could not quite put her finger on it.

She had no choice but to speak: "The Holy Son purchased a large quantity of Whale Rubber."

"He even went out of his way to shake off those around him, acting entirely on his own."

Whale Rubber?

Bibi Dong's eyes flickered.

She immediately understood that Ice Spear Douluo had an issue with Su Chen.

After all, without knowing the true utility of Whale Rubber.

Any woman would naturally feel a sense of disgust.

Before Bibi Dong could speak, Ice Spear Douluo's cold, clear voice rang out once more:

"Su Chen is still young, yet he already has such thoughts. The Holy Maiden must keep a strict watch over him, lest he... stray onto the wrong path."

In the common knowledge of everyone on the continent, Whale Rubber was a tonic specifically for men to boost their vitality; its purpose was quite explicit. Ice Spear Douluo felt that she did not need to remind her; Bibi Dong should understand.

However, seeing Bibi Dong's calm expression, she noticed not a hint of anger upon hearing this.

This was different from what she had anticipated, and ripples of unease began to stir in her heart.

How could this be?

Her disciple was buying such things in private, and he was just a little one at that. As his teacher, how could Bibi Dong not be angry?

Ice Spear Douluo's mind uncontrollably drifted to books she had once accidentally leafed through.

There existed a type of favoritism and indulgence that transcended the rites of master and disciple, leading those in power to tolerate their young disciples in every way, even ignoring their most absurd actions.

Ice Spear Douluo's heart hammered against her ribs as a bold thought slowly spread through her mind.

Could it be... that the Holy Maiden's feelings for this personal disciple were no longer a simple master-disciple bond...

Could it be...

This...

Was it maternal love?

"Elder Ice Spear, do not concern yourself with this matter for now. You may return."

"I will lecture Little Chen. He is young, and it is possible he was merely curious. When he returns, I will ask him and find out."

Seeing the look in Ice Spear Douluo's eyes, Bibi Dong realized her own reaction had been off. She immediately changed her tone, feeling that she still needed to put on a show.

Ice Spear Douluo nodded gently. Since the teacher did not seem to care, she had nothing to worry about.

Not long after Ice Spear Douluo left, Su Chen returned to the room.

Seeing Bibi Dong, Su Chen smiled and greeted her, but Bibi Dong asked in a flat voice: "Where did you go running off to? You even shook off the guards I assigned to you."

"Teacher, I was searching for some Whale Rubber in the city. Here, this is a gift for you."

Su Chen pulled out a box containing two pieces of ten-thousand-year Whale Rubber and, under Bibi Dong's gaze, spoke slowly: "Teacher is about to become a Soul Emperor. Century-old or millennium-old ones won't have much effect, so I thought ten-thousand-year ones would be just right."

Bibi Dong lowered her eyes, a trace of warmth rising in her heart. She had not expected her disciple to buy this for her.

She pretended not to care and nodded lightly: "I accept your intentions, but I do not need the items. You should keep them for yourself."

"Teacher, I have more!" Su Chen chuckled inwardly; there was more ten-thousand-year Whale Rubber in Vast Sea City than he had imagined.

"Then I shall accept it. But be more careful next time. You think that by shaking off your guards, no one noticed you, but the power of a Titled Elder is far beyond what you can imagine."

"Titled... Elder?"

Su Chen's pupils constricted slightly, and he finally understood what was going on.

So, a Titled Elder had been spying on him—no, protecting him.

Every move he made in private had been detected by the other party and reported to Bibi Dong.

A trace of vigilance crept into Su Chen's heart; he felt as though he had no secrets left.

Thinking of his purchase of the Dragon Abyss Boat, Su Chen suppressed the turmoil in his heart and asked softly: "Did they... notice anything unusual? Did they suspect the things I was looking for, or suspect my motives?"

Bibi Dong looked up at him, assuming he was asking about the Whale Rubber, and shook her head.

"I don't believe so."

She paused, looked at Su Chen's profile, and added indifferently: "They just thought your behavior... was somewhat lewd."

Su Chen: "..."

The next day, as the sky began to brighten, the horns at the docks of Vast Sea City sounded, their echoes piercing through the sea.

The Martial Soul Hall soul masters set to conquer Devil Island assembled on schedule. Following Bibi Dong's order, the vast fleet set sail.

Several days passed in the blink of an eye. Out in the ocean, the isolated Sea God Island soon received word that the Martial Soul Hall army was crossing the sea to invade.

Both the Sea Soul Master and the Soul Beast of Sea God Island worship the Sea God.

Across this vast ocean, it was only natural that the Soul Beast would be the first to detect them, with the message reaching Xiao Bai first.

As the guardian beast of Sea God Island, Xiao Bai immediately informed the elders on the island.

Sea Dragon City, the council hall of Sea Dragon Douluo.

Sea Spear Douluo, Sea Maiden Douluo, and Sea Horse Douluo were present.

As were the candidates for the holy pillars: Sea Horse, Sea Ghost, Sea Illusion, and Sea Star.

After the Demon Soul Great White Shark, Xiao Bai, finished explaining the situation, the atmosphere grew heavy.

Sea God Island had been peaceful for many years; never before had anyone dared to attack the island, let alone with such a massive force.

The Deep Sea Demonic Whale King was the only exception.

Sea Dragon Douluo spoke up: "Since the enemy is invading in such great numbers, we must immediately inform the High Priestess, have Xiao Bai summon all the deep-sea Soul Beast clans, and simultaneously mobilize every Sea Soul Master on the island. We shall combine our sea and land forces to repel the invaders with all our might."

As his voice fell, the others nodded in agreement. Aside from the High Priestess, the Sea Dragon Douluo before them held the highest status on Sea God Island, and his words carried the full weight of their collective approval.

"I will go notify the High Priestess!"

The Demon Soul Great White Shark, Xiao Bai, stood up, ready to head toward the Sea God Temple.

"I am already aware."

Just then, a graceful figure stepped slowly into the hall.

She was dressed in a long red robe.

Her figure was tall and shapely.

Her sea-blue hair cascaded down her back, exuding a sense of nobility and cold detachment.

The High Priestess of Sea God Island, Bo Saixi, a ninety-nine-level Sea God Douluo.

"High Priestess!"

Everyone stood up in unison; the appearance of Bo Saixi brought a profound sense of stability to their hearts.

"I already know of the matter."

Bo Saixi's tone was calm and composed.

"They have traveled from afar to wage war across the sea; they are already exhausted and nothing to be feared."

"For this battle, I shall personally oversee Sea God Island. You are to lead the troops and defend against the enemy without restraint. Use every ounce of your strength to repel the invaders and protect the peace of the island. You must not allow them to offend the Sea God, otherwise..."

Bo Saixi's gaze darkened, carrying absolute confidence and control: "Should any accidents occur, I will take action myself."

These simple words contained the conviction of a Peerless Douluo, filling everyone present with confidence. With the High Priestess's personal assurance, no one could set foot on Sea God Island or violate the majesty of the Sea God.

"That is wonderful, High Priestess! We must teach them a lesson. To dare attack Sea God Island and offend the Sea God—we shall ensure they never return."

Xiao Bai was furious. In her eyes, the Sea God was a truly magnificent existence, and she would not permit anyone to provoke his wrath.