The Pope's Late-Night Visit

In the blink of an eye, the sun set in the west.

The sky gradually darkened.

Guang Ling glanced at the time, then returned to the Worship Hall with Chen Xi and Tian Yao.

Inside the majestic and solemn hall.

Second Worship Golden Crocodile and Third Elder Qingluan sat facing each other, with a chessboard between them. Black and white pieces landed upon it with their movements.

Hearing the faint footsteps at the entrance, Golden Crocodile and Guang Ling turned their gazes toward the door almost simultaneously.

"You're back."

Azure Luan beckoned to Chen Xi as he entered the hall.

"Teacher."

"These are pastries Fifth Elder bought for me in Spirit City. I thought they tasted quite good, so I brought a portion back for you."

Chen Xi walked to Azure Luan's side, took out a portion of pastries still giving off a little warmth from his Storage Bracelet, held it in his hands, and offered it to Azure Luan.

At the sight of this.

Azure Luan was slightly stunned, but quickly recovered. Looking at Chen Xi's sincere eyes, a hint of amusement and approval quietly appeared in his own.

"You've been thoughtful."

"Xiao Xi, just set it aside. You don't need to keep holding it."

Azure Luan's voice was exceptionally gentle.

Azure Luan was very satisfied with Chen Xi, this talented, diligent, well-behaved, and sensible disciple.

The pastries were not valuable, but they represented Chen Xi's thoughtfulness and attitude.

For example, the Aromatic Silk Beauty from that morning was far more precious than the pastries before him, yet there was no difference between the two when it came to the sentiment and attitude behind them.

"Yes, Teacher."

Chen Xi set down the pastries and stood respectfully beside Azure Luan, watching the chessboard before him.

Golden Crocodile, seated opposite Azure Luan, watched the harmonious scene between master and disciple. He gave two light coughs and subtly shifted his gaze toward Tian Yao. His meaning was obvious.

Tian Yao reached out, picked up a piece of fruit beside Golden Crocodile, wiped it on his clothes, and took a small bite.

"Grandpa, why are you looking at me?"

"It's your turn to make a move."

"And judging by this game, Grandpa, it looks like you're about to lose."

Tian Yao ate the fruit, her cheeks slightly puffed out by the flesh. At a glance, she looked very cute.

"Ahem, Tian Yao."

"Guang Ling took you to Spirit City to have fun. Didn't you bring anything back?"

Golden Crocodile placed a chess piece on the board, offering a subtle reminder.

"Oh, right."

"Grandpa, if you hadn't mentioned it, I almost forgot."

Tian Yao held the fruit between her teeth, took out a long receipt from her Storage Ring, and placed it in Golden Crocodile's hand.

"Grandpa, I ordered a few outfits."

"Grandpa Guang Ling already paid the deposit. In a few days, don't forget to settle the remaining balance."

Tian Yao sat beside Golden Crocodile and focused on eating her fruit.

Golden Crocodile looked at the receipt in his hand, then at the pastries before Azure Luan, narrowing his eyes.

Hmm...

More or less. No matter what, his granddaughter had brought something back for him.

They both represented thoughtfulness. They should be about the same, right?

"Ahem."

Azure Luan lightly coughed, seeming to hide his amusement.

"Xiao Xi, it's getting late. You should go back and rest first."

"Remember, come to the study I took you to yesterday at nine tomorrow morning."

Azure Luan waved to Chen Xi.

"Teacher, this disciple shall take his leave."

After bowing respectfully to Azure Luan, Chen Xi headed out of the hall.

"Tian Yao, you should go rest as well."

"I arranged a room for you in the Worship Hall. It's right next to Chen Xi's residence. Tomorrow, when Azure Luan gives his lesson, go sit in and listen."

"I've already spoken to Azure Luan about it."

Golden Crocodile reached out and patted Tian Yao on the shoulder.

"Ah..."

"Grandpa, you're not going to eat this fruit, are you? If not, I'll take it away."

Tian Yao pointed at the fruit beside Golden Crocodile.

"Take it."

Golden Crocodile waved dismissively.

"Xiao Xi, wait for me."

Tian Yao picked up the fruit and headed toward Chen Xi.

After leaving the hall.

On the bluestone path.

Chen Xi and Tian Yao walked side by side.

"Tian Yao, when you were playing in Spirit City with Fifth Elder, I remember you seemed to eat a lot."

"How can you still eat so much fruit?"

Chen Xi looked at Tian Yao beside him, his eyes slightly curious.

"You mean this?"

"My martial soul is the Golden Crocodile King. I follow the body-tempering path, and my blood and vitality are abundant, so I can eat quite a lot."

As Tian Yao spoke, she handed a fruit to Chen Xi. "Try it. It's pretty sweet."

Chen Xi took a bite of the fruit and nodded lightly.

"It really is sweet."

The two chatted and laughed as they walked ahead.

Before long, they arrived at their respective doors. After waving goodbye, they entered their own rooms.

Inside the room.

Chen Xi stretched his waist, lay down on the soft and comfortable bed, and gradually closed his eyes.

Just as Chen Xi was about to drift off to sleep, a knock sounded in the room, making him sit up from the bed at once.

He opened the door.

Seeing the person standing before him, a trace of surprise quietly flashed through Chen Xi's eyes.

Because the person standing before him was none other than the Pope, Bibi Dong.

"Your Majesty the Pope."

Chen Xi bowed to Bibi Dong.

"No need for such formalities."

"Xiao Xi, it should be alright if I call you that, shouldn't it?"

Bibi Dong revealed a gentle smile.

"Of course."

Chen Xi made an inviting gesture and let Bibi Dong enter the room.

After entering Chen Xi's room.

Bibi Dong gave it a brief glance before sitting down in a chair nearby.

"Xiao Xi, come sit as well."

"There are some things I want to ask you about. When you were in Heaven Dou City, Xue..."

Bibi Dong paused, seemingly choosing her words. "Did Sister Xue ever ask you to use your martial soul's ability to glimpse her fate? What exactly did you see? Can you tell me?"

Chen Xi slightly raised his eyes and quietly watched Bibi Dong before him.

Writing the Future's effect must be pretty good. She actually came to ask about Qian Renxue herself.

Chen Xi silently thought to himself, though he outwardly put on a contemplative expression.

"There were two times."

"The first was: one careless move, and the whole game is lost."

"The second was: lie low for twenty years. Though there may be twists and turns, in the end, your wish will be fulfilled."

Chen Xi recounted everything truthfully, though his gaze remained fixed on Bibi Dong's expression.

"Lie low for twenty years?"

Bibi Dong murmured to herself, her eyes seeming somewhat dim.

Countless thoughts flashed through her eyes. Bibi Dong turned her gaze in the direction of Heaven Dou City, deep contemplation appearing in her eyes. No one knew what she was thinking about.

The room gradually fell silent.

Chen Xi looked at Bibi Dong, who had sunk into thought, lowered his head, and lightly twisted the corner of his clothes, with no intention of speaking.

After a long while.

Bibi Dong's eyes regained their calm.

"I understand."

"It's getting late. You should rest early as well."

Bibi Dong reached out and stroked Chen Xi's hair, then rose from her seat and walked out of the room.