Chapter 320: Bibi Dong: "I Want to Ask You for a Favor"
Bibi Dong paused for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Nana, have you misunderstood? Why would I stop you from meeting the 'Asura Emperor'? I have always fully supported your search for him," she said warmly. "A genius soul master with the Asura Domain—our Spirit Hall has always been eager to welcome such talent."
Hu Liena bit her lip, her expression complex. It was true that Bibi Dong had never hindered her from using the Spirit Hall's resources to track down the Asura Emperor. But what Tang San had said in the Star Dou Forest now lingered in her mind.
No matter how much she searched the continent, she had been unable to find any trace of the Asura Emperor, as if he didn't exist at all. Only a select few on the entire continent would have the power and motivation to accomplish this. Apart from the two great empires, the only other possible entity was the Spirit Hall itself.
But the two empires had already been deeply infiltrated by the Spirit Hall, leaving no room for secrets. That left only one possibility: her teacher, Bibi Dong.
Determined to see the Asura Emperor, Hu Liena was ready to risk angering Bibi Dong. She dropped to her knees, looking up at her teacher seated high on the Pope's throne, and spoke resolutely.
"Teacher, it's true you haven't stopped me, but you chose an even more ruthless approach by hiding the Asura Emperor away," she said, her voice unwavering. "I have mobilized all of Spirit Hall, yet we haven't found a single clue about him. The only person with both the motivation and the power to accomplish this is you, Teacher!"
"Teacher, the Asura Emperor is the person you assigned to protect me in the City of Slaughter, isn't he?"
"Silence!"
Bibi Dong's face darkened, her tone sharp with anger and disappointment.
"I see you've become quite the clever disciple! But remember, you are the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, not some lovesick fool willing to throw away her dignity over a man!"
"Get up!" she commanded, slamming her staff against the floor, the impact sending fragments flying and forming a shallow crater. A wave of energy surged from Bibi Dong, throwing Hu Liena backward.
Hu Liena fell to the ground, blood trickling down her forehead. Wiping the blood from her lip, she brushed her disheveled brown hair back and knelt down again without hesitation. She knew her teacher would be furious, yet her desire to see the Asura Emperor was too strong.
Lowering her head, Hu Liena fully prostrated herself, her voice trembling with desperation.
"Teacher, please… just let me see him!"
"You…" Bibi Dong stared at her, her whole body shaking with rage, her chest heaving as her breathing grew heavier. How humiliating it would be for the Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden to debase herself over a man!
But as she looked at her student's pleading expression, something softened within her. Once, she had begged Qian Xunji just as desperately to let her be with Yu Xiaogang.
In the depths of her memory, she saw Qian Xunji's face, his look of bitter disappointment resurfacing in her mind. Now, she understood his feelings then.
"Am I going to become the same as him, tearing apart a young love just as he did?" she wondered. "Is history about to repeat itself for Nana?"
For a moment, Bibi Dong hesitated.
She turned away, not wanting Hu Liena to see the conflict on her face.
The Asura Emperor was, after all, Dai Yao in disguise. On the surface, Dai Yao already had a wife, the granddaughter of Dugu Bo, and a close, ambiguous relationship with her. How could she let Hu Liena end up as nothing more than a nameless companion to him?
She couldn't do that to her.
More importantly, her relationship with Dai Yao was… complicated.
Hu Liena had grown up under her watch, and Bibi Dong had poured all of her love into her. Since escaping the darkness of that secret chamber, Hu Liena had been the anchor for her heart. Bibi Dong saw in Hu Liena a younger version of herself, blessed with the same beauty and talent.
She wanted to give Hu Liena a pure, happy life. Watching her grow carefree and joyful filled some of the gaps left by her own regrets.
How could she bear to let Hu Liena down, to see her walk down the same dark path?
"No… I can't let that happen…" Bibi Dong's heart wrestled with itself.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. After a long pause, she turned back to Hu Liena, who still knelt on the floor, and sighed softly.
"Stand up. I'll allow you to meet him."
Upon hearing Bibi Dong's words, Hu Liena looked up, her face lighting up with joy. She immediately pressed her forehead to the ground in deep gratitude, heedless of the blood that seeped from her brow.
"Thank you, Teacher! Thank you so much!"
Seeing her beloved student bowing in such gratitude, Bibi Dong stopped her, feeling an ache in her heart.
"That's enough. I can let you see him, but I can't promise what his attitude toward you will be," Bibi Dong said calmly.
Allowing Hu Liena to meet him didn't mean she approved of her being with the Asura Emperor. Since she couldn't prevent Hu Liena from meeting him, she'd arrange for the Asura Emperor to reject her. No matter how infatuated Hu Liena was, she wouldn't hold onto feelings for someone who didn't reciprocate.
"Thank you, Teacher. Just seeing him is enough for me," Hu Liena replied, her face still beaming. She didn't pay much attention to Bibi Dong's caution.
After all, she was the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, of noble status and extraordinary beauty. She had countless suitors in the Spirit Hall and was gifted enough to earn Bibi Dong's favor as the Holy Maiden.
Hu Liena was confident few men could resist her charms. She didn't believe the Asura Emperor would be immune, and even if he was, she was prepared for a long pursuit.
She couldn't believe the Asura Emperor would have a heart of stone.
Seeing Hu Liena's happiness, Bibi Dong sighed inwardly. How closely she resembled the girl Bibi Dong had once been, hopelessly in love with Yu Xiaogang. Did fate really have to be so cruel to both master and disciple?
In the Valley
As the sun began to set, Dai Yao emerged from behind a waterfall, finishing his soul power cultivation for the day. Right now, his focus wasn't on increasing his power but on stabilizing the unstable soul power within him.
A few maids approached with towels, drying the water droplets from his body. Just then, Feng Wutong stepped forward, her slender hands gently combing through his damp golden hair, her warm fire-attribute energy drying it.
"Thank you, Wutong," Dai Yao said, turning to the picturesque woman beside him with a smile.
Feng Wutong smiled back gently. "Do you need to thank me, young master? Zhuqing is waiting for you over there."
Dai Yao glanced apologetically at Feng Wutong before looking toward Zhu Zhuqing.
She was sitting on a large rock by the riverbank, dressed in a flowing black gown that accentuated her grace and added a touch of mystery.
Her fiery figure was concealed by the loose gown, but its fitted waist emphasized her slender, captivating silhouette. Dai Yao had long been familiar with this allure.
With her arms resting on her knees and her chin propped on her hands, Zhu Zhuqing was gazing at the roaring waterfall, lost in thought.
Dai Yao approached her quietly, and as he sat beside her, she instinctively leaned her head onto his shoulder.
"Brother Yao, wouldn't it be wonderful if things could stay this way forever?" Zhu Zhuqing murmured, a note of reluctance in her voice.
Though their years in Spirit Hall had been marked by frequent separations, these had also been the most peaceful years of their lives. No worries, no troubles.
At least, that was how it seemed to Zhu Zhuqing.
Thanks to the Title Douluo-level masters who looked after her and Feng Wutong, the two rarely faced unwelcome disturbances.
When Dai Yao shared his plans to establish a sect and temporarily leave Spirit Hall, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong readily agreed to follow him. Yet, a hint of reluctance lingered in their hearts.
Dai Yao sighed quietly. He, too, wished he could remain in Spirit Hall. However, recent years had taught him valuable lessons. Though his relationship with Bibi Dong had improved, he knew the importance of having a backup plan. He needed to secure a path forward.
"That's why I'm creating a sect," he explained gently. "It's a safeguard, a way to protect our future."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, her gaze resting fondly on the small cabin behind them. "Brother Yao, I'm not blaming you. You've done so much for us. It's just… we've made so many memories here. It's hard to leave."
"Wutong feels the same," she added, her cheeks flushing slightly as if recalling a shared memory.
Dai Yao paused, understanding the significance this place held for them both. With a mischievous grin, he leaned in and whispered something in Zhu Zhuqing's ear, making her blush crimson as she playfully pinched his waist.
A short distance away, Feng Wutong overheard Dai Yao's remark, her own cheeks flushing at his words. Although he had spoken softly, there was no hiding his words from a Soul Emperor like her. Nor had he intended to keep it a secret.
As the sun set and the moon rose, Dai Yao's nose twitched as he caught a faint, familiar scent. His brow furrowed slightly, and he turned to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. "You two go on ahead. I'll stay here a bit longer."
The two women, suspecting nothing, nodded and returned to the cabin.
Once they were gone, Dai Yao shifted his gaze to the shimmering lake and spoke softly. "You might as well come out. Or must I invite you?"
A regal figure in a flowing purple gown stepped forward from the shadows, leaning on her Pope's scepter. Bibi Dong looked at him, slightly surprised. "So, you sensed my presence? Have you already reached the level of a Title Douluo?"
Her eyes gleamed with admiration.
Dai Yao smiled. "Oh, it's not my strength—I just recognized your scent."
Bibi Dong rolled her eyes but wondered to herself, Is my scent that noticeable?
She strolled along the sandy shore, her purple heels barely leaving a trace. Her elegance and poise made it seem as though she was floating. Turning to admire the majestic waterfall in the distance, she couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"No wonder you spend all your time here. With beauty at your side and scenery like this, you certainly chose well…"
As Bibi Dong turned, Dai Yao's eyes caught the sway of her low ponytail and the enticing curve of her figure, sparking memories. He wondered how he had once managed to hold her without being affected. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he chuckled, "I owe this place to you, after all…"
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed slightly, and her grip on the scepter tightened. "I'm sorry… I was wrong in how I handled things back then."
Dai Yao rose to stand beside her, gazing out over the lake. "You're not to blame. You did what you thought best, and no one could have foreseen what would happen. So, what brings you here?"
Bibi Dong turned to study his face. "Oh? Am I not allowed to seek you out unless it's for something important?"
Dai Yao chuckled. "Of course, that's not what I meant. But over the years, haven't you always come to me with a purpose?"
Bibi Dong froze momentarily. She realized that aside from their time in that apocalyptic world, she had only ever met with Dai Yao to assign him tasks.
A trace of sadness flitted across her eyes, but she quickly returned her focus to the matter at hand. "Actually… I do have a favor to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"I want you to reject Nana in the guise of the 'Asura Emperor,'" she said, her voice quiet. "Nana is my disciple, and I don't want her…"
She trailed off, but Dai Yao understood her unspoken words. Since he already had a wife, Bibi Dong didn't want to lead Hu Liena into a painful situation.
The emotions swirling within Bibi Dong grew even more complicated. She was the one who had sent Dai Yao, disguised as the Asura Emperor, to guide Hu Liena through the Hell Road. Now, she was asking him to use that same guise to turn her away.
In the past, she would have simply commanded Dai Yao without feeling the need to explain. But now, she wanted him to understand her intentions.
In truth, even she didn't know how to define her relationship with Dai Yao.
Friends? Friends didn't act so intimately.
Lovers? It was out of the question. After all, how could she, burdened as she was, deserve love?
And yet, could she imagine cutting ties with him entirely? That was impossible. Dai Yao had been like a lifeline, a ray of hope in her darkest moments—how could she abandon him?
She was the Pope, holding unmatched authority, yet she couldn't find a title or role that allowed her to stand by Dai Yao's side.
Perhaps maintaining the status quo was the only way…
"Fine. I'll do it," Dai Yao replied after a moment, his face expressionless.
Bibi Dong bit her lip, sighing inwardly. The moonlight illuminated the lake, reflecting countless stars across its surface. She found herself captivated. Since ascending to the Pope's throne, she had rarely taken the time to enjoy such a simple beauty.
After a long silence, Dai Yao turned to see Bibi Dong lost in thought, gazing at the lake. He understood that her situation was complicated; he couldn't fault her for wanting to keep Hu Liena out of it.
The chorus of cicadas marked the arrival of summer. Dai Yao smiled and said, "No one else comes here. Why not take a dip?"
Bibi Dong gave a small laugh. "I'm the Pope—why would I indulge in such things?"
"You can lie to me, but don't lie to yourself," Dai Yao replied, lying back on a rock and gazing at the stars. "When you return to the Pope's Hall, there'll be no chance for this again."
Bibi Dong bit her lip, her gaze flickering. After a moment, she sat on a nearby rock, slowly slipping off her purple heels and removing her silk stockings. Under Dai Yao's admiring gaze, she stepped gracefully into the water.
Each step sent small crystal droplets splashing into the air.
The coldness of the lake didn't bother her, but the experience was new and unfamiliar. The simple sensation of her feet in the water seemed to stir something within her, a faint memory of the innocent girl she once was.
Caught up in her thoughts, she didn't notice a splash heading her way.
Though she raised her hand to block it, the water still splashed onto her face, momentarily making her forget her identity as a formidable Title Douluo.
She looked in the direction of the splash and saw Dai Yao grinning mischievously.
"Why keep up that stoic face? Sometimes, when life feels overwhelming, it helps to pause and notice the things around you. Some joys are far simpler than the goals you chase," he said, his voice full of meaning.
Bibi Dong froze, but before she could respond, Dai Yao splashed her with water again.
"You…" she sputtered, half-laughing, half-annoyed. "You think I'll just let you get away with that?"
She retaliated with a splash of her own, and Dai Yao answered with another, sending droplets flying into her face until she could hardly see.
Under the soft moonlight, the splashes sparkled like stars, and an exquisite purple-gold crown lay discarded on the sandy shore…
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