Just as the faint "click" of Bibi Dong's chamber door closing echoed behind Dai Chengfeng's departure…
On the bed, Bibi Dong, who was supposed to be asleep, slowly opened her eyes.
There was no trace of drowsiness in her phoenix-like eyes—only a complex, clear-as-water expression.
She had actually been awake for some time.
Or rather, the moment Dai Chengfeng rose, she had fully awakened from that half-dreaming, half-awake embrace.
However, unsure how to face this inevitable farewell laden with sorrow, she chose to pretend to remain asleep.
Now, alone in the chamber, the air still seemed to carry the lingering traces of last night's passion and his unique, comforting presence.
Moments ago, through her slightly lowered lashes, she had watched his cautious movements…
She saw the tenderness in his eyes as he gazed at her, and also watched his retreating back as he left—his figure upright, yet tinged with a trace of reluctance he himself might not have noticed.
In an instant, an indescribable sense of emptiness filled the spacious and luxurious chamber along with Dai Chengfeng's departure. It also flooded Bibi Dong's suddenly hollow heart.
As the Pope of the Spirit Hall, she had long grown accustomed to decisive actions, meticulous planning, and burying her personal emotions beneath a mask of authority.
But when it came to this disciple—younger than her yet forcefully barging into her closed-off heart—she repeatedly broke her own rules and lost control.
The Dark Star ring she gave him last night was less a protective artifact for her disciple and more a tangible manifestation of her unspoken concerns and worries.
Her position forbade her from behaving like an ordinary woman—crying or pleading for him to stay—or from frequently uttering soft words like "return safely."
She could only convey her feelings and strength through this token, accompanying him on his journey.
Bibi Dong gently turned over, burying her cheek into the pillow where Dai Chengfeng had rested his head just moments before.
The pillow still carried his distinct scent—a crispness mingled with the aroma of sunlight, a fragrance she had long grown familiar with—and… one she craved.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if doing so could lock his presence beside her for just a little longer.
The dignified Pope, at this moment, resembled an insecure ordinary woman, seeking solace in this almost childishly naive way.
"Please come back safely…"
A whisper so faint it was barely audible escaped her lips, blending into the silent air.
Sleep gradually crept back—not because her body was exhausted, but because her emotions were weary after experiencing such dramatic highs and lows.
Clinging to the pillow that still bore Dai Chengfeng's lingering scent, as if he were guarding her in some intangible way, Bibi Dong's tightly strung heart relaxed slightly, and her consciousness grew hazy once more, slipping back into slumber.
Only this time, her brows remained lightly furrowed, as if even in her dreams, she worried for the one who had departed.
...
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng had already returned to the courtyard where he resided.
He forcibly suppressed the sorrow of parting, his usual composure restored to his face, though a faint ripple still lingered deep within his eyes.
As soon as he entered the yard, he found it bustling with activity.
A seemingly simple yet clearly crafted with exquisite materials and precision, spacious carriage stood there, drawn by two magnificent horned scale horses—low-key yet exuding an aura of grandeur.
His mother, Zhu Hongxiu, was already present, smiling warmly as she watched the scene.
Qiu'er lay lazily curled up in Zhu Hongxiu's warm embrace, her lively eyes darting around curiously as she examined her surroundings.
Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing were also ready.
Hu Liena wore a sleek white-and-pink dress, her charming face radiating anticipation.
Zhu Zhuqing, as always, dressed in her signature cold-toned black attire, which accentuated her slender and upright figure, her expression calm and composed.
High Priestess Zhu Hongye quietly stood by.
The only person who caught Dai Chengfeng off guard was…
The girl standing beside the carriage, dressed in a light cyan gown, appearing fresh and lovely, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her dress—Ning Rongrong.
At this moment…
Seeing Dai Chengfeng return, Qiu'er, who had been lounging lazily in Zhu Hongxiu's arms, flashed a streak of golden light and transformed into a streak of flowing light, leaping precisely into Dai Chengfeng's arms.
Her little head rubbed affectionately against his neck.
A tender smile immediately spread across Dai Chengfeng's face as he temporarily set aside his thoughts, reaching out to steady her warm little body.
He playfully nuzzled her soft and smooth fur with his cheek, teasing:
"After just one day apart, my little Qiu'er missed me so much?"
Qiu'er nodded instantly, her eyes full of obedience.
At this moment, Hu Liena gracefully stepped forward, her peach-shaped eyes scanning Dai Chengfeng. Her delicate nose twitched almost imperceptibly, and a flicker of confusion crossed her eyes. She spoke with a hint of curiosity:
"Dai Chengfeng, where did you go so early in the morning? You kept us waiting."
"And…"
"You seem to have a very distinctive fragrance on you… cool and refreshing, with a hint of orchid…"
"And why does this fragrance feel so familiar?"
Dai Chengfeng's heart sank at her words.
Though he had tidied his clothes before leaving this morning, after spending the night in an intimate embrace with Bibi Dong, he couldn't help but carry the unique blend of her cool, noble, and subtly fragrant scent.
And Hu Liena, being Bibi Dong's direct disciple, was naturally very familiar with Bibi Dong's scent—it was no surprise she sensed something familiar.
If this were exposed, it would undoubtedly lead to an explosive confrontation.
Outwardly, Dai Chengfeng remained calm, but inwardly, he felt a pang of guilt. He quickly laughed it off, trying to brush past the topic:
"Oh? Is that so? Maybe I picked up the scent of flowers while walking around the outer halls of the Pope's residence earlier."
"I figured it was about time, so I hurried back."
As he spoke, he subtly shifted his body to avoid Hu Liena's overly sharp scrutiny.
Then, without missing a beat, he changed the subject, glancing at everyone and speaking casually: "Since everyone is ready, let's not delay any further. Let's set off early and try to reach the next town before nightfall."
Zhu Zhuqing cast a cool glance at Dai Chengfeng, then at the puzzled Hu Liena, and nodded faintly.
Seeing Dai Chengfeng deliberately avoiding the topic, Hu Liena, though even more curious, knew this wasn't the time to press further. She playfully pouted:
"How mysterious."
With that, she stopped pursuing the matter.
Zhu Hongxiu observed the subtle interactions among the young people, her face bearing a knowing and gentle smile. She stepped forward and carefully adjusted Dai Chengfeng's already neat collar, softly reminding him:
"Chengfeng, be careful on this journey."
"Obtaining a soul ring is important, but safety comes first."
"Think things through before acting, don't be reckless. Your mother will be waiting for you to return safely in Spirit City."
Her words were filled with a mother's concern for her son.
Dai Chengfeng immediately sobered up, his joking demeanor vanishing as he nodded solemnly: "Mother, don't worry. I'll be careful. Please take care of yourself as well."
With that, Dai Chengfeng prepared to board the carriage.
But just then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a sneaky figure slowly inching toward the carriage door. He couldn't help but chuckle.
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