Lin Ye and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance. In each other's eyes, they saw the same flash of understanding.
They knew their days on Douluo Continent had come to an end.
Bibi Dong looked at the golden staircase leading to the Divine Realm. Her anger vanished in an instant, replaced by an expression too complicated to read.
There was reluctance, relief, and a faint trace of melancholy.
"Are you going... to the Divine Realm?" she asked softly.
"Yes." Lin Ye nodded.
"It looks like we have no choice."
He wanted to stay in this world a little longer, but the Divine Realm's decree clearly left no room for refusal.
"That's fine."
Bibi Dong took a deep breath, and the dignity and pride of a pope returned to her face.
She walked up to Lin Ye and reached out to straighten his slightly rumpled collar. Her touch was impossibly gentle.
"You little rascal. When you reach the Divine Realm, stop fooling around like you do now."
"It's not like Douluo Continent. Powerful figures are everywhere. Keep your wits about you, and don't let anyone scheme against you."
"And you, Zhuqing." She turned to Zhu Zhuqing, her gaze softening beyond measure.
"Take care of yourself, and keep an eye on this troublesome fellow. If he dares to bully you, just wait until I get to the Divine Realm. I'll show him."
"Teacher..."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes grew hot, and her heart filled with emotion.
She knew Bibi Dong sounded stern, but in her heart, she truly regarded them as her own children.
"Don't worry, Teacher."
Lin Ye held Bibi Dong's hand and smiled with confidence.
"So what if it's the Divine Realm? Wherever I go, I'm the protagonist."
"Just wait. Once Zhuqing and I find our footing there, we'll pave the way for