Time was an invisible knife, turning grapes purple, wood ear mushrooms black, and bananas yellow...
Inside Bibi Dong's meditation chamber.
After Zhao Linchuan had "plowed" her "field" for an entire month, Bibi Dong was now limping toward the exit.
Her steps were unsteady, her long legs trembling nonstop, while lotus root starch kept spilling from her cup.
She had no idea how to face her daughter, much less Zhao Linchuan.
The pleasures of the flesh had long since faded. The flames repeatedly kindled over that month had left nothing but a floor of cold ashes.
"Mom!"
Qian Renxue's voice came from behind her, accompanied by rapidly approaching footsteps.
Bibi Dong paused. Her shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly, but she did not turn around.
"Xue'er, wait!" Zhao Linchuan reached out to stop Qian Renxue as she was about to follow.
He held his arm across Qian Renxue's waist and watched Bibi Dong walk with one hand braced against the wall, letting out a soft sigh.
"Let her calm down. Give her some time to come to terms with it."
"Lin Chuan..." Qian Renxue turned back, her eyes reddened and her voice bewildered and fragile. "I'm afraid Mom might do something desperate."
"After all... after all, she and I were together..." Unable to continue, she pressed her trembling lips together.
"Don't worry, Xue'er." Zhao Linchuan drew Qian Renxue into his arms, letting her lean against his chest as he slowly stroked her back. "Your mother is a strong woman."
"She climbed from rock bottom to the position of Supreme Pontiff all on her own, enduring what ordinary people could never endure. Her resolve is far stronger than you imagine."
"Before you, her daughter, become a god, she absolutely won't take her own life."
"Then how am I supposed to face her from now