Ols title: "Bibi Dong's Emotion"
By the time Chu Tianxiu returned to the Spirit Hall with Ju Yueguan, news of their successful hunt had already spread. He first entrusted the mighty Amethyst Winged Lion King, "Old Purple," to the care of Old Lange at the Dongxiu Clothing Store before proceeding to the Papal Palace with Ghost Douluo.
As they walked, Ghost Douluo spoke, his voice a low rasp. "Little Xiu, His Holiness the Pope was quite concerned for your safety. Will you go to see her first?"
Chu Tianxiu felt a genuine warmth at the thought of his master. "Yes, I will report to Sister Dong'er immediately."
He then produced two items from his storage, their auras dense with spiritual energy. One was a magnificent purple chrysanthemum—the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum. The other was a slender, dark purple vine that seemed to drink the light around it—the Youming Devouring Soul Vine.
"Elder Gui, these are for you and Elder Ju. The chrysanthemum is for him, and this vine… I felt its aura was uniquely suited to you."
Ghost Douluo's eyes, visible above his mask, widened slightly. He recognized the chrysanthemum instantly; it was a perfect match for Ju Yueguan's martial soul. The vine, however, was unfamiliar, but the moment it appeared, his own Ghost Martial Soul trembled with a sense of longing and excitement. He accepted them without false modesty, a nod conveying his deep appreciation.
After Ghost Douluo departed, Chu Tianxiu stood before the grand doors of the Papal Palace. For a moment, he hesitated, recalling their last, somewhat strained parting. But before he could turn away, her voice, clear and commanding, echoed from within.
"Since you are here, enter."
Pushing the door open, he saw her. Bibi Dong sat upon her throne, as majestic and beautiful as ever, though Chu Tianxiu's sharp eyes detected a subtle thinness in her face that hadn't been there before.
She looked at him, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes before being schooled into calmness. "You have returned. Were you injured?"
"Thank you for your concern, Sister Dong'er. The journey was a success."
He stepped forward and, before she could react, performed a respectful bow. "This disciple has missed your guidance."
Bibi Dong was momentarily taken aback by his formality, a stark contrast to his usual childish familiarity. A pang of something—regret? loneliness?—twinged in her heart. She stood and descended from the dais.
"It is good to have you back, Little Xiu."
Seeing the hesitation in her eyes, Chu Tianxiu decided to bridge the distance he felt. He reached into his spatial storage and retrieved a pristine jade box. Opening it, he revealed a strange orchid—the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid. Its petals trembled slightly, pure white and crystalline, radiating a noble and tranquil aura.
"Sister Dong'er, I brought you a gift."
Bibi Dong's breath caught. She knew of precious herbs, and the energy emanating from this one was profound. "This…"
"It is called the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid," he explained. "It can strengthen one's foundation and expel impurities accumulated through cultivation. I thought it might be helpful for you."
Bibi Dong accepted the box, her fingers brushing against the cool jade. A wave of emotion washed over her. Every time this child ventured out, his first thought was to bring something back for her. Even a treasure like an external soul bone had been offered without a second thought. She couldn't help but compare his selfless devotion to Yu Xiaogang's past cowardice and abandonment.
'Xiao Gang… did you ever once think of me like this?' The thought was like a crack in a dam, allowing doubt to flood in. 'Was everything I sacrificed for you truly worth it?'
"Sister Dong'er?" Chu Tianxiu's voice, laced with concern, pulled her from her dark thoughts.
She looked down at his earnest face and felt the walls around her heart soften. A genuine, gentle smile, rare and beautiful, graced her lips. "Thank you, Little Xiu. This is a precious gift."
Encouraged by her smile, Chu Tianxiu felt the remaining tension between them dissolve. He smiled back, a bright, happy expression that reminded her of his youth. "I am glad it pleases you. I will take my leave now to let you rest."
He bowed again and turned to leave, his step noticeably lighter.
Bibi Dong watched him go, the jade box held tightly in her hands. As his figure disappeared, she looked down at the immortal herb, her resolve firming.
'Perhaps… it is time to let go of the past and look to the future.'
She turned and walked towards her private chambers, ready to absorb the herb and solidify the new path unfolding before her.