Lin Ye and Qian Renxue entered the Papal Hall side by side, their steps steady.
The once majestic, lavish hall was now steeped in a cold, murderous atmosphere.
Bibi Dong sat high upon the papal throne, looking down with icy eyes.
When she saw who had come-especially when she saw Lin Ye and Qian Renxue arriving together-her fingers instantly tightened around her scepter.
Shock flickered across her exquisite yet cruel face.
"Lin Ye!" Bibi Dong's voice was shrill with disbelief. "You lapdog of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! You dare set foot in my Papal Hall?"
The humiliating memory of this young man sending her flying with a single punch years ago gnawed at her pride like a venomous snake.
How dare he come here again? And bring... her?! Bibi Dong's gaze raked viciously across Qian Renxue like a poisoned spike.
Qian Renxue met her mother's gaze. Her eyes were cold and complicated, filled with estrangement and a deeper, hidden sorrow.
Mother, look at yourself...
Lin Ye came to a stop, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. His smile was especially jarring in the forbidding hall.
"A lapdog?" He chuckled, his mockery undisguised. "Heh, say whatever you like. But I did come to collect a debt."
"Collect a debt?" Bibi Dong sounded as though she had heard the greatest joke in the world, her voice rising. "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to demand payment from me?"
"You know perfectly well whether I have that right."
Lin Ye's smile faded, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"Bibi Dong, you sent people to attack my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at night. You used despicable methods to try to wipe us out. Had I not prepared in advance, wouldn't we have suffered the same