Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and Hu Liena returned to Martial Soul Holy City after a month of trials.
Inside Pope Hall, Bibi Dong wore plain white robes, her eyes lowered as she leafed through the documents in her hands.
"Teacher! I'm back!"
The hall doors creaked open, and a bright, lively voice broke the silence within.
A girl in a silver-gray fitted outfit came running in, the edges of her clothes still carrying traces of dust from the road. Clearly, she had just hurried back from outside.
She was strikingly beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes that shone as though they held starlight, a straight, pert nose, and naturally rosy lips.
As she ran, her high ponytail traced crisp arcs through the air, her whole body brimming with youthful vitality.
When she saw the figure working at the desk, her smile grew even more radiant.
In a few strides, she rushed up to Bibi Dong and threw her arms tightly around her.
"Teacher, I missed you so much!"
Bibi Dong swayed slightly from the impact, and the documents in her hands settled lightly onto the desk.
She raised a hand and patted the girl's back with helpless indulgence, a soft ripple stirring in her previously tranquil eyes.
"It's good to have you back. Judging by the look of you, you must have gained quite a bit from your trials."
Hu Liena nuzzled against her before lifting her face and raising her chin as though showing off a treasure.
"Of course! I reached level thirty-nine during this trial. I'm only one step away from becoming a Soul Ancestor!"
Her eyes sparkled, filled with a look that begged for praise.
Looking at the fine beads of sweat on her temples and the lingering flush on her cheeks, Bibi Dong