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Bibi Dong waved her hand dismissively, her tone tinged with disdain: "It's fine."
"Improving your strength is the foundation. As for Shrek, it's just a match."
"Let them wait."
"Are you, Dai Chengfeng, really going to waste precious time improving your strength just for someone like Tang San?"
"You can focus on obtaining your soul ring. Before you return, be sure to inform me, and I'll make sure Tang San gets to experience your newfound power firsthand."
"Consider it... a trial run after obtaining your fifth soul ring."
"How's that sound?"
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng was momentarily stunned before breaking into a laugh.
Yes, when had he become so fixated on a mere bet?
In this world of Douluo, the eternal theme was the pursuit of strength.
Tang San? He was just an insignificant figure on his path to growth. Why should he disrupt his own cultivation rhythm for him?
Just because he was the protagonist of the original story? Hmph!
"Teacher is right; I've been too caught up in trivial matters," Dai Chengfeng readily agreed. "I'll follow your arrangements completely."
Seeing Dai Chengfeng's compliance, Bibi Dong nodded slightly, a flicker of satisfaction passing through her eyes.
"It's good that you understand."
She sighed softly and continued: "However, this time, when you go to obtain your fifth soul ring, I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you personally."
As she spoke, Bibi Dong sat down on a nearby chair, crossing her slender white legs.
"The last time I accompanied you to obtain a soul ring, I ended up being away from the Spirit Hall for too long."
"And those old fogeys in the Hall of Souls had quite a few complaints about it!"
Bibi Dong picked up a cup of tea, a shadow of resentment flashing in her eyes. "Hmph!"
"One day, I'll make those old men..."
She shook her head and stopped herself from continuing the topic, looking back at Dai Chengfeng. "Here's what we'll do..."
"This time, I'll send Yue Guan and Gui Mei with you. With their protection, there will be no room for error."
"Ghost Douluo Gui Mei and Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan?"
Dai Chengfeng thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Teacher, there's no need to trouble Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo."
"The High Priest of the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Hongxiu, recently broke through to the level of a Titled Douluo. Moreover, my mother just brought her to Spirit City to see me..."
"With her accompanying me, along with Nana and Zhu Zhuqing to the Great Star Dou Forest, it will be more than sufficient."
"As for Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, it would be better for them to stay by your side. After all, you're the one who truly needs capable people around you."
Of course, these were merely surface-level excuses.
Dai Chengfeng's true considerations went far deeper.
His fifth soul ring was highly unusual—it wasn't obtained through conventional means but rather through the sacrifice of Qiu'er.
Thus, Dai Chengfeng wanted to keep some things hidden. After all, Qiu'er's identity was extremely special—she was the Auspicious Beast, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, and her soul ring was extraordinary...
Moreover, this time, Dai Chengfeng might even awaken his second martial soul.
Therefore, the fewer people who knew about the details of his fifth soul ring, the better.
Yue Guan and Gui Mei were both veteran Titled Douluo with sharp eyes.
With them present, it would be difficult for Dai Chengfeng to completely conceal all the energy fluctuations and phenomena during the sacrificial process, especially during the critical moments of potentially unlocking his second martial soul.
If they were to discover anything...
On the other hand, Zhu Hongxiu, though newly promoted to Titled Douluo, was still relatively inexperienced. Her cultivation was roughly at Level 91, and her realm was not yet fully stabilized.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng's mental strength, after undergoing numerous trials, internal nourishment, and the consumption of the Four Symbols Five Elements Lotus, had quietly risen to the level of a Titled Douluo, comparable to Levels 91 or 92.
Thus, with his powerful mental strength, if he intentionally concealed things and prepared adequately...
It would be much easier to deceive Zhu Hongxiu's perception than to deceive Yue Guan and Gui Mei.
Moreover, Zhu Hongxiu hailed from the Star Luo Empire and was brought by his mother. Compared to the Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall, their relationship was somewhat distant, making it easier to control certain secrets.
Considering all these factors, having Zhu Hongxiu accompany him was the lowest-risk and most advantageous choice for Dai Chengfeng to execute his plans under the current circumstances.
Bibi Dong, however, was unaware of Dai Chengfeng's inner thoughts. After hearing his explanation, she pondered briefly.
She was well aware of Zhu Hongxiu's strength—a newly minted Titled Douluo with the Netherworld Spirit Cat as her martial soul, not the strongest but certainly not weak either. Protecting Dai Chengfeng and Hu Liena in obtaining their fifth soul rings would be more than sufficient.
Besides, keeping Yue Guan and Gui Mei behind would indeed be more useful in handling potential affairs within the Spirit Hall.
"Very well."
Bibi Dong nodded in agreement. "Then, as you wish, let Zhu Hongxiu accompany you."
She then asked: "When do you plan to depart?"
Dai Chengfeng thought for a moment and replied: "Since we've decided, the sooner the better."
"After some preparation, how about setting out early the day after tomorrow?"
"The day after tomorrow…"
Bibi Dong was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
Though it was she who suggested Dai Chengfeng go to obtain his soul ring, the thought of parting so soon—just two days away—still stirred an indescribable sense of reluctance in her heart.
After all, obtaining a soul ring required at least a month for the round trip.
She raised her eyes again, gazing deeply at her increasingly confident and poised disciple. Her profound purple eyes clearly reflected his figure.
Shedding the aura of the Pope, her gaze now carried a mix of concern, anticipation, and a hint of attachment she herself was reluctant to admit.
But soon, Bibi Dong shook her head, dismissing her thoughts.
She spoke again: "If sooner is better, then why not tomorrow?"
Her tone carried a hint of curiosity.
Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng didn't answer immediately. Instead, a faint smile curved his lips.
He stepped forward, and under Bibi Dong's slightly astonished gaze, he bent down, his arms sliding beneath her knees and back. With a gentle effort, he effortlessly lifted the supremely powerful Pope off the chair.
He then seated himself on the wide, authoritative chair of the Pope and placed her delicate, fragrant form onto his lap.
"Teacher, why do you think," Dai Chengfeng leaned down, looking at her breathtakingly beautiful face just inches away. "If sooner is better, then why not tomorrow?"
He paused, his arms naturally encircling Bibi Dong's slender yet strong waist to prevent her from escaping. He leaned closer to her ear, his warm breath whispering words only the two of them could hear:
"Because… I need to reserve a day to spend solely with Teacher."
"Spend solely with me?"
Bibi Dong's heart fluttered at Dai Chengfeng's bold, straightforward words. The warmth of his breath against her ear made her pale neck flush with a faint red.
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