Persistence

Time passed quickly, and a year had gone by.

Over the past year, Dongfang Yu had spent most of his time cultivating. Heaven rewarded those who worked hard, and his soul power had finally reached level 27.

"Phew." Dongfang Yu opened his eyes and let out a heavy breath. Perhaps he truly felt tired, so he decided to rest for two days and give himself a break.

He opened the door and stepped outside, letting the dazzling sunlight fall across his face as a faint smile appeared on his lips.

At that moment, it seemed as though time had become eternal, but the years had never truly been peaceful.

He had to open his eyes eventually. Looking at the unchanged buildings and furnishings around him, Dongfang Yu could not help but feel a little sentimental.

"So you finally decided to come out." A woman's voice came from the doorway.

Dongfang Yu glanced sideways, then broke into a smile. "Senior Sister."

"You still remember you have a senior sister?" Hu Liena approached in small steps, her tone reproachful.

"What are you saying, Senior Sister?"

"Alright, it wasn't easy for you to come out. Let's go for a walk."

Dongfang Yu nodded. "Alright."

Under the azure sky, the golden glazed-tile double-eaved roof of Papal Hall looked especially magnificent.

Two fierce golden dragon statues stood before the hall, their presence imposing as they looked down upon the world. Anyone who came here could not help but feel the urge to worship.

Those exceptionally sharp dragon claws seemed to represent not only the majesty of Papal Hall, but also Bibi Dong's own ambition.

Standing in the distance, Dongfang Yu smiled in reflection. Hu Liena looked at him and said, "Teacher has been quite busy lately."

Dongfang Yu asked, "What has Teacher been busy with recently?"

Hu Liena thought for a moment. "Mm... she seems to be busy making money. Over the past year, quite a few commoner soul masters from various places have joined Spirit Hall. Military expenses have become rather tight for a time, and Teacher hasn't had a proper rest in quite a while."

"Making money?" Dongfang Yu nodded slightly. Military expenses truly were no small burden. Spirit Hall might have a vast foundation, but supplying an army still required an enormous amount of money. Ordinary people really could not bear such costs.

"Senior Sister, I'll accompany you tomorrow. I want to see Teacher first." Dongfang Yu sounded somewhat apologetic.

Hu Liena gave him a suspicious look. "It's good that you want to see Teacher, but she hasn't been in a very good mood lately. Be careful not to anger her."

Inside Papal Hall.

Bibi Dong was frowning as she read the memorials in her hands. Her mood was truly not very good, and a rare hint of anger showed on her face. Another branch hall below had urged her for military funds again—armor, weapons, food, and so on.

Over the past year, Bibi Dong had intensified Spirit Hall's propaganda throughout the various regions, making a grand spectacle of capturing and executing Evil Soul Masters. This deliberate approach had won the goodwill of many civilians, and as a result, the number of commoner soul masters joining Spirit Hall had increased greatly.

What Bibi Dong had not expected was that there were simply too many people—far more than she had anticipated. Yet she could not refuse them. If she did, everything she had done over the past year would have been for nothing.

"This really is rather troublesome..." Bibi Dong murmured. She had nearly emptied her private treasury, yet it was still only a drop in the bucket. As the numbers kept growing, military expenses would naturally continue to increase. If she could not find a good way to make a large sum of money, that day would come sooner or later.

Just as Bibi Dong was feeling irritated, footsteps sounded from the entrance.

Tap—tap.

"Didn't I say not to disturb me unless it was important?" Bibi Dong did not even look up, her tone full of displeasure.

"This disciple entered without announcing himself. I hope Teacher will forgive me."

Hearing that, Bibi Dong raised her head. Hmm? It was her youngest disciple. She had not seen him in a long time, but his soul power had increased quite a bit. At least that gave her some comfort.

"So it's Xiao Yu. You finally decided to come out?" Bibi Dong said lightly.

Dongfang Yu smiled. "Cultivation cannot be rushed. This disciple feels it is better to balance work and rest."

"Mm. You are still young. Cultivation must proceed step by step. Being too impatient can easily lead to cultivation deviation."

"Did you come to see me for something?" Bibi Dong did not believe he had really come merely because he was concerned about her. His usual respect was only because he feared her, and Bibi Dong knew that perfectly well.

"I heard from Senior Sister that Teacher seems to have something troubling her lately?" Dongfang Yu probed cautiously.

"Why are you asking about that? Just do what you are supposed to do." Bibi Dong's tone was calm as she refused to mention the matter.

Dongfang Yu sighed inwardly. Sure enough, this woman had always been lonely. She did not allow others to get close to her so easily. But that was precisely where her charm lay—the more she resisted, the more he could not help wanting to draw closer to her.

Although taking this step would be difficult, Dongfang Yu had to do it. Otherwise, how could he gain her trust?

Taking a deep breath and forcefully steadying himself, Dongfang Yu spoke again. "Perhaps this disciple has a way to help Teacher."

A trace of surprise appeared in Bibi Dong's eyes. This was the first time her youngest disciple had dared to be so stubborn before her. Hadn't he always lowered his head and obeyed her in the past? He had cultivated for a few months, and not only had his soul power risen a few levels, but his head had apparently become harder too?

"This is not something you should concern yourself with." Bibi Dong's tone turned colder, and a hint of indifference appeared in her eyes.

Hearing the change in Bibi Dong's tone, Dongfang Yu truly felt an overwhelming pressure.

At this point, Dongfang Yu was practically forcing himself to hold on. "I have a way to make money. Teacher might as well hear me out."

Bibi Dong's expression darkened. He actually dared to defy her wishes again and again today. He truly had some nerve.

"Do you know how much money is needed? Do you know what kind of situation we are in? I'll give you one more chance. Leave." Bibi Dong still intended to give him an opportunity, since raising him had not been easy.

Besides, what could a little brat possibly understand about the bigger picture? Did he think they only needed a few dozen or a few hundred?

Dongfang Yu's heart abruptly skipped a beat. The last two words Bibi Dong had spoken clearly carried a trace of anger.

"I know the money needed is no small amount, and this disciple has not made much preparation either. But I still have to say this... I have a way to help Teacher." Dongfang Yu's back was already soaked with sweat, and his heart was filled with unease.

But this was an opportunity. He was willing to try. He believed that since Bibi Dong had heard him speak to this extent, she should seriously consider his words.

In truth, Dongfang Yu had guessed correctly. Bibi Dong knew his personality well. Once or twice might have meant he had cultivated himself stupid and become confused for a moment, but his repeated insistence was rather thought-provoking.

He... was very afraid of death.

He knew he should not anger her, yet he still did it. That could only prove that he was serious. He knew perfectly well what he was doing at this moment.