A month later, Ning Tieta left the Spirit Hall alone. Chu Tianxiu stood watching his solitary figure disappear down the road, a complex expression in his eyes. 'The seed is planted. How deeply it takes root will depend on his own fortune.'
After seeing him off, Chu Tianxiu went to bid farewell to Bibi Dong. He planned to journey to the Star Dou Great Forest. The trip had been postponed due to the Holy Son Competition, but now the time was right.
"What! You want to go to the Star Dou Great Forest alone? Absolutely not. I forbid it." Bibi Dong's refusal was immediate and firm, her posture rigid on the papal throne.
Chu Tianxiu looked at her, a mixture of affection and exasperation in his heart. He stepped forward, his voice softening into a plea. "Sister Dong'er, please. Let me go. I'll be perfectly safe."
Under normal circumstances, his earnest tone might have swayed her. But when it came to his safety, Bibi Dong's resolve was ironclad. "Tianxiu, why must you go to such a dangerous place? The Spirit Hall has endless resources at your disposal. You seem to spend more time in Soul Beast Forests than you do here!"
"Sister Dong'er," he countered, his tone turning serious, "while the Spirit Hall's resources are vast, you know better than anyone that true strength isn't forged in a greenhouse. A warrior is tempered in battle, not in comfort."
"But the Star Dou Forest is teeming with hundred-thousand-year soul beasts! It's a completely different level of danger than the Sunset Forest. If you must go, at least take Ju Yueguan or Gui Mei with you."
Chu Tianxiu shook his head. "Uncle Ju and Uncle Gui are more useful here, by your side. You are the Pope. It would be unbecoming for you not to have Title Douluos under your direct command."
Seeing her stubborn refusal begin to crack, he pressed his advantage. "Sister Dong'er, I have the means to protect myself. If you don't believe me, let me show you."
His confidence piqued her curiosity. She changed out of her formal robes into a simple purple dress and left the Spirit Hall with him, looking more like an elegant older sister than the formidable Pope.
He led her to the Dongxiu Clothing Store. However, when Bibi Dong saw the store's sign, her face darkened, and she reached out to pinch Chu Tianxiu's ear.
"Ow! Sister Dong'er, what was that for?" he yelped.
She leaned closer, a dangerous smile on her lips. "Tianxiu, care to explain the first character of this store's name to me?"
Chu Tianxiu's mind raced. He had chosen the name on a whim without consulting her, and now he'd been caught. Even his thick skin couldn't prevent a blush from creeping up his neck.
Just as he was scrambling for an explanation, his savior appeared. Old Lange happened to be at the entrance and called out, "Little boss, you've finally come! Your spirit beast eats enough to bankrupt me!"
Chu Tianxiu shot him a grateful look and quickly performed introductions. "Grandpa Lange, this is my teacher, His Holiness Pope Bibi Dong."
Old Lange immediately bowed deeply. "Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope."
With an outsider present, Bibi Dong released Chu Tianxiu's ear and acknowledged the greeting with a regal nod.
Chu Tianxiu, rubbing his sore ear, instructed Old Lange, "Please take us to see Lao Zi. I'll be taking him with me."
Old Lange led them to a clearing where the Amethyst Winged Lion King lay, feigning sleep amidst a small mountain of gnawed bones.
Bibi Dong's pupils contracted. As a Title Douluo, she could feel the immense pressure radiating from the beast. 'This soul beast is at least 60,000 years old.'
Chu Tianxiu, however, had no such reservations. He walked directly up to the lion and gave its massive face a firm kick. "Old Zi! Wake up! If you keep lazing about, I'll turn you into stew!"
The Amethyst Winged Lion King was jolted awake and let out an instinctive roar. "What foolish human dares to interrupt my slumber? I'll tear you to pieces!"
A familiar, childish voice replied, "Old Zi, you've gotten bold in my absence. It seems I've been too lenient."
The lion's head swiveled, its fierce expression melting into one of comical fawning. "M-Master! What brings you here? I've missed you terribly!"
Chu Tianxiu snorted. "It looks like I sent you here to get fat, not to train."
The lion nuzzled him affectionately. "Master, I've just been so bored. You never visit, so I turned my loneliness into an appetite."
Chu Tianxiu ignored the excuse and turned to Bibi Dong. "Sister Dong'er, this is Old Zi. He's the king of the Amethyst Winged Lion clan. With him by my side, my safety is guaranteed."
Seeing that this was his master's master, the lion king also offered a respectful greeting. "Greetings, Master's Master."
Bibi Dong was momentarily speechless. In her experience, soul beasts of this level were notoriously proud and hostile towards humans. This one was behaving like an overgrown puppy. However, with a beast of this power accompanying him, her worries lessened considerably.
She stepped forward and placed a hand on Chu Tianxiu's arm, her voice gentler now. "Little Xiu, with him watching over you, I can worry less. I… agree. But you must still be careful."
The Amethyst Winged Lion King pounded its chest with a forepaw. "Master's master, do not worry! With me here, I'll shred anyone who dares harm Master!"
Bibi Dong could only sigh at the beast's enthusiasm. She straightened Chu Tianxiu's robes. "Come back soon."
Feeling her genuine concern, Chu Tianxiu gave her a quick, warm smile. Before she could react, he leaped onto the lion's head. The next moment, the great beast spread its wings, scattering dust and bones, and soared into the sky.
"Sister Dong'er, please tell my senior sister I'll be back!" he called down, his voice fading as the lion swiftly became a speck in the distance.
Bibi Dong watched the sky, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "You little rascal."
At that moment, Old Lange approached, carrying a bundle of clothes. "Your Holiness, the young master asked me to prepare these for you."
Bibi Dong took the bundle and unfolded it. Inside was a beautiful purple cheongsam made of smooth silk, embroidered with a stunning, lifelike spider pattern in gold thread. It was both noble and alluring. She examined the other pieces; all were in styles that suited her taste perfectly.
Old Lange continued, "The young master said that while you should wear your papal robes for official duties, you should have beautiful choices for your daily life as well."
Bibi Dong stored the clothes in her spatial soul tool, her outward composure unwavering. "They are satisfactory. If you encounter any issues in the future, you may seek an audience at the Papal Palace." She handed him a token bearing the seal of the Pope's palace.
Old Lange accepted it with trembling, grateful hands. With the Pope as his backer, his business was sure to flourish.
After giving the token, Bibi Dong turned and walked alone back towards the Papal Palace, her figure soon disappearing into the flow of the city's crowd.