Another bright morning found Chu Tianxiu within Bibi Dong's private residence. He looked up to find her already awake, her amethyst hair flowing freely and her jewel-like eyes observing him with a newfound softness.
'Her demeanor has truly warmed since I returned,' he noted internally.
Seeing him awake, Bibi Dong's expression softened further. She felt a lingering sense of guilt; she had initially seen him partly as a substitute for another, but his selfless actions had proven his genuine loyalty.
"Little Xiu, you are awake," she said, her voice gentle.
Chu Tianxiu sat up. "Good morning, Sister Dong'er."
Bibi Dong rose gracefully. "Now that you are up, there is no use pretending to sleep. I will introduce you to your senior sister today."
"Senior sister?" Chu Tianxiu's interest was immediately piqued. 'Hu Liena. According to the timeline, she should be eleven or twelve now.'
"Is she strong? Is she nice?" he asked, embodying the curiosity of a young disciple.
Bibi Dong laughed lightly, a rare, clear sound. "You are too young to be concerning yourself with such things. Your senior sister is eleven this year. Her martial soul is a Fox Spirit, and she is a talented soul master. Of course, she is perfectly adequate."
Despite Chu Tianxiu's playful protests, Bibi Dong ensured he was properly washed and dressed. Then, holding his hand, she led him to the main Papal Palace, having already sent for Hu Liena.
Hu Liena had been feeling unsettled lately. As an orphan taken in by the Pope, she had come to view Bibi Dong as a mother figure. But recently, her teacher had taken in a new, male disciple and had been spending significant time with him. A faint, unfamiliar feeling of neglect prickled at her.
When a servant announced the Pope's summons, she hurriedly changed into her Holy Maiden attire and rushed to the palace. She eagerly looked for her teacher, but her steps faltered when she saw Bibi Dong holding the hand of a exquisitely handsome boy.
Chu Tianxiu was momentarily stunned by Hu Liena's appearance. Though not yet the peerless beauty she would become, her innate charm and delicate features were already evident.
'She is indeed very pretty,' he thought.
Hu Liena's inner monologue was less charitable. 'So this is the little brat who stole Teacher's attention! I will put him in his place!'
Feigning anger, she marched over and sharply separated Chu Tianxiu's hand from Bibi Dong's. "How dare you hold my teacher's hand so casually! Have you no respect?"
Chu Tianxiu, leveraging his youthful appearance perfectly, instantly welled up with tears. "I… I am sorry, Senior Sister… I was wrong… Waaah!"
Hu Liena, still a child herself, panicked at the sudden waterworks. "Oh! D-do not cry! I… I forgive you!" she stammered, frantically wiping his tears with her sleeve. His porcelain-doll features, especially when tearful, evoked a strong protective instinct.
She found herself holding his little face. "Alright, I forgive you. From now on, I am your senior sister. Call me that, and I will protect you. I am already a level 25 Great Soul Master."
Chu Tianxiu's face flushed as if from embarrassment. "I understand. Thank you, Senior Sister."
Finding his shy expression utterly endearing, Hu Liena's earlier jealousy melted away completely. She took his hand firmly. "Come, junior brother. I will show you around."
Bibi Dong watched their interaction, a faint, relieved smile on her lips. 'It is good that they can get along. It would be nice if they could support each other in the future.'
Seeing her teacher's gaze, Hu Liena asked, "Teacher… why are you looking at us like that?"
Bibi Dong collected herself. "It is nothing. Your junior brother has acquired his spirit ring. He will be studying with you at the Spirit Academy from now on. Take him to your class to register later."
Hu Liena's eyes lit up with excitement. "Junior brother will be in my class? Is that alright with you, junior brother?"
Chu Tianxiu offered a shy smile. "Yes, Senior Sister. That would be nice."
Pleased, Hu Liena said a quick goodbye to Bibi Dong and practically dragged Chu Tianxiu out of the palace by his hand.
Bibi Dong watched the two young figures depart, a distant look in her eyes. It reminded her of a past she had long buried, yet this new disciple's talent and character promised a far different future.