Dusk was falling.
Above the Icefire Yin-Yang Well in the Sunset Forest, the green poison formation once again rose into the air.
Two figures—one tall, one small—slowly walked out, retracing the path they had taken earlier.
Bibi Dong glanced quietly at Su Linfeng at her side. She couldn't help but feel doubtful. It seemed like he hadn't done anything, and yet it also felt like he had done everything.
She never would have thought that Dugu Bo, a dignified Title Douluo, would actually compromise because of the serpent venom in his body.
"Elder Sister, why are you looking at me like that?"
Noticing her gaze, Su Linfeng tilted his head down at himself as they walked.
"Nothing is growing on me, is there?"
He already knew what she was thinking.
But he didn't show it.
Indeed—
Given Bibi Dong's temperament, when facing someone like Dugu Bo—unyielding to both force and persuasion—her first instinct would be to suppress him with absolute strength. If that failed, her second instinct would be to eliminate him, to leave no loose ends.
And with Dugu Bo's character, one who lived only by his own whims, there was no way he would willingly bow to Spirit Hall.
The two sides were destined to clash.
But from what Su Linfeng knew, while Dugu Bo was eccentric and solitary, his affection for Dugu Yan far surpassed his love for himself.
And he did, in fact, know how to repay kindness. Otherwise, later on, when Prince Xue Xing saved him from Spirit Hall, he wouldn't have devoted himself so completely to the prince's service.
Such a man was worth using.
Su Linfeng hadn't actually done anything—yet at the same time, he had done everything.
All he did was subtly expose Dugu Bo's weakness, naturally creating an opening for Bibi Dong to exploit.
"Still just a child, after all."
Bibi Dong gave a helpless smile, shaking her head. Maybe she was just overthinking. She explained lightly:
"Nothing. I just feel like having you at my side brings me good fortune."
"Really?"
Su Linfeng grinned.
"Then can I grow on you from now on?"
Bibi Dong: "…"
This brat is already so clingy, and he still isn't satisfied? Now he wants to grow on me?
"Elder Sister," Su Linfeng asked curiously, "why didn't you just make Dugu Bo join Spirit Hall directly? Why let him remain in the Heaven Dou Empire?"
"Children shouldn't ask so many questions."
Bibi Dong brushed it off.
"If you're willing to become Spirit Hall's Holy Son, then I'll tell you my plan."
Su Linfeng's eyes widened. He refused without even thinking:
"I won't!"
"You—!"
Bibi Dong choked on her words, staring at his resolute expression. She could only sigh helplessly.
"Why is it that making you Holy Son is harder than killing you?"
"That's none of your business!" Su Linfeng huffed.
Bibi Dong: "…"
Inside, she snorted coldly. Why does it feel like I'm spoiling him more and more? Even when he contradicts me, I can't get angry.
Originally, she was supposed to eat him alive.
What a curse.
With that thought, she shot him a frosty glare.
"From now on, we're setting some rules!"
"When we return to Spirit Hall, you must not act so casually. You absolutely cannot contradict me in front of others!"
"And—don't interrupt."
Su Linfeng: "…"
Uh… wasn't this just about protecting her dignity as Pope?
Why did it sound so strange?
It felt… oddly off.
While he stood stunned, Bibi Dong had already walked ahead.
Su Linfeng grinned, hurrying after her.
"Elder Sister, wait for me! We haven't bathed in days. Shouldn't we find a lake and wash up together?"
"Scram!"
One tall, one small.
Two figures disappeared into the sunset depths of the forest.
Bibi Dong's tragic life had only just begun.
Although calling it tragic was perhaps too much.
For alongside the endless darkness and fear, she was beginning to experience something she had never felt before—warmth.
Time flowed like water.
In the blink of an eye, three months had passed since Su Linfeng absorbed the immortal herbs at the Icefire Yin-Yang Well.
Douluo Calendar, Year 2632.
Spirit Hall had undergone earth-shaking changes.
The new Pope, Bibi Dong, governed diligently, consolidating her authority and reshaping the institution of Spirit Hall.
After ascending to the Title Douluo level, she publicly revealed the secret of her twin martial spirits, using them to intimidate the continent's powers and soul masters.
At the same time, through suppression and recruitment, she purged opposition from the Elder Hall and promoted her confidants—Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo—into the core of power. In just a few months, she had fully secured her position.
With the new year came a fresh atmosphere across Spirit City.
Notably, Bibi Dong also reformed the system for training soul masters, consolidating the previously scattered resources of Spirit Hall. She implemented tactical simulations and adaptive cultivation environments, producing batches of elite soul masters.
From this system emerged the Golden Generation, the core prodigies of the new era.
As for Su Linfeng—
By day, while Bibi Dong was busy with state affairs, he lingered in the Spirit Academy, spending time with the children. At night, he returned to the Pope's Palace to help her refine the will of the Rakshasa God.
Three months had passed, and his soul power hadn't increased at all.
If not for the immortal herbs he had taken…
He might already have been drained dry by Bibi Dong.
On this day—
The sun shone brightly over Spirit Academy, and students streamed in one after another.
As usual, Hu Liena stood waiting at the academy gates for Su Linfeng. The warm sunlight bathed her face, filling her with satisfaction.
At that moment, Zhang Ping quietly crept up behind her.
Then, suddenly shouted:
"Nana!"
"Ah?!" Hu Liena jumped in fright.
Taking advantage of the moment, Zhang Ping slapped her on the backside with a sharp smack.
"Good morning!"
"Haah?!"
Hu Liena's hands flew behind her, her face flushing red.
"Zhang Ping, you—"
Pain!
And hot, too.
Realizing what happened, she pouted angrily.
"Zhang Ping, why did you have to hit me so hard?"
"Heh heh…"
Zhang Ping grinned, looking at her.
"Because yours looks nicer than mine—and has more bounce."
Then she sighed, muttering with envy:
"How can a kid already have such a good figure? And why do you always wear those little leather shorts?"
Hu Liena's face grew even redder.
"Zhang Ping, you… you're just—!"
"Morning, you two."
Before she could snap back, a familiar voice came from behind them.
Ah!
Su-gege!
Did he see what just happened?!
Hu Liena jumped again, quickly covering the sore spot with both hands. Straightening her body stiffly, her face turned crimson. What should she do?
"What are you two doing?"
Su Linfeng asked with amusement.
"Why so sneaky?"
"N-nothing!"
Hu Liena stammered, cheeks aflame.
"We were just… just playing around."
Playing?
Su Linfeng glanced at Zhang Ping. Judging by her mischievous grin, he could guess that even if it was a game, it wasn't an innocent one.
Kids these days really are growing up fast.
Hu Liena, terrified Zhang Ping might blurt something out, tugged at her urgently. She looked flustered and anxious.
At last, she hurriedly said:
Su-gege, let's go! Green-haired Elder Sister has been waiting for you at the academy for a long time already!