The atmosphere in the bedchamber deep within the Papal Hall was heavy.
Bibi Dong stood beside the bed, looking at Hu Liena's still-pale face and faint breathing. A trace of barely concealed ferocity and heartache flashed through her deep eyes.
Since Nana had become her disciple, when had she ever suffered such serious injuries? Though Bibi Dong had never intended to raise Hu Liena like a flower in a greenhouse, wanting her to weather storms and temper her character, that should at least have waited until she became a Soul Ancestor, when her body and Soul Power were resilient enough.
But now, Hu Liena was only thirteen.
She was still a child!
"Mm..."
With a soft murmur, Hu Liena slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was her teacher Bibi Dong's face, filled with concern. Her eyes instantly reddened, and she struggled to sit up, saying weakly, "Teacher, your disciple was useless. I failed to win the match and brought shame upon you."
Since waking after being rescued, she had repeated those words more times than anyone could count.
Every time she recalled that battle and how Yang Chang'an had driven her into a desperate corner, her heart filled with resentment and self-reproach.
Her teacher had spared no effort to build her prestige, yet she had lost to Yang Chang'an under the eyes of Spirit Hall's entire leadership. Even after using a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, she had only managed a draw.
Bibi Dong sighed softly, stepped forward, and gently pressed her back onto the bed. She comforted her in a tender voice. "Silly child, this wasn't your fault. Never mind you and your brother-even I never imagined that Yang Chang'an was hiding such an extraordinary Soul Bone."
Looking at Hu Liena, she continued firmly, "Nana, you mustn't