Bi Bidong rapped Su Yu on the forehead. "Since you brought her here, you'll have to take responsibility. If anything goes wrong, you'll have to answer to me."
Su Yu rubbed his ear and chuckled. "Don't worry, Teacher. I'll make sure she becomes even more capable than me!"
Bi Bidong shot him a glare before turning to sit back in her main seat. She picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, her tone softening.
"Alright, tell me then. Where did you go this time?"
Su Yu quickly moved behind Bi Bidong and began gently massaging her shoulders with just the right amount of pressure.
"Teacher, I really didn't go far. I was just wandering around nearby when I happened to meet Xue Na."
"That child has Innate Full Soul Power, and her Martial Soul is special too. I thought I'd bring her back for you to see—she might turn out to be a promising seedling."
Bi Bidong leaned back in her chair, feeling the tension in her shoulders gradually ease under his ministrations.
Without turning around, her voice softened further. "You just happened to stumble upon a genius while wandering around? Your luck is quite something."
Her words carried a hint of teasing, but she didn't press him further about his unauthorized outing.
"Of course! After all, I'm your student."
Su Yu seized the opportunity to flatter her, his hands moving even more gently.
"Besides, I noticed she's had a tough life with no one to rely on. Bringing her back allows her to cultivate properly while also strengthening our Spirit Hall. It's a win-win situation."
Bi Bidong snorted, though the corners of her mouth curled into a faint smile.
"Silver-tongued rascal."
"Fine. Since she's someone you've taken a liking to, make sure you look after her properly from now on."
"Though the Spirit Hall is large, not just anyone can establish themselves here easily."
"Don't worry, Teacher. I understand."
As Su Yu responded, his fingertips accidentally brushed against the cool skin beneath her sleeve, making him unconsciously lighten his touch.
"Have you not been resting properly lately? Your shoulders are quite stiff."
Bi Bidong closed her eyes briefly, her voice lowering. "There's much to handle in the Papal Hall. It's unavoidable."
"You still need to rest, no matter how busy you are," Su Yu urged. "What would I do if you worked yourself to exhaustion?"
"Hmph! If I collapse from overwork, I'll pass the Pope's position to you. Then you can experience this hardship for yourself!"
Su Yu's hands paused for a moment before pressing down with more force, his voice taking on a pleading tone.
"Teacher, don't scare me like that. How could I possibly handle the Pope's position?"
Bi Bidong pinched the bridge of her nose, her body relaxing slightly as she spoke in a muffled voice.
"Your teacher has to deal with so many matters every day, and you just slip away without a word! Do you have any idea how worried I was when I found out?"
He leaned down, resting his chin gently in the hollow of her shoulder like a chastened child.
"I know I was wrong, Teacher. From now on, I'll always tell you where I'm going. I won't sneak off again."
"Please don't worry. I've returned safely, haven't I? And I even brought Xue Na back as a gift for you—such a promising seedling."
Bi Bidong could feel the warm breath against her neck, and the last of her annoyance dissipated.
She reached up and patted the back of his hand, her tone gentle.
"It's good that you recognize your mistake. You are the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, with responsibilities on your shoulders. How can you act so recklessly?"
"You grew up under your teacher's watch. If anything really happened to you, how could I..."
The unspoken words hung in the air, and Su Yu knew exactly what she meant to say.
He straightened up and continued massaging her shoulders, his voice muffled:
"Teacher, I understand. I'll prioritize my own safety from now on and won't make you worry about me anymore."
Bi Bidong gave a soft "Mm" in response, closing her eyes as she savored this rare moment of peace.
After about fifteen minutes, Bi Bidong spoke softly: "Xiao Yu, your teacher has a bit of a headache. Could you massage it for me?"
Hearing this, Su Yu immediately stopped massaging her shoulders and carefully moved to stand in front of Bi Bidong.
He half-knelt to bring himself to her eye level, noticing her slightly furrowed brows and the genuine weariness in her expression. His heart tightened with concern.
"Has Teacher not been resting well?"
He asked quietly as his fingertips gently settled on her temples, using his pads to massage in slow, circular motions.
Bi Bidong leaned back in her chair, allowing him to continue. The tension in her brow gradually eased.
She tilted her head slightly and could see Su Yu's focused expression.
The young man's features were clear and bright, with long eyelashes that cast faint shadows beneath his eyes when he looked down. The usual restlessness in his demeanor was replaced by unusual steadiness.
"There have been many matters lately, making it hard to sleep soundly at night."
She spoke in a low voice, carrying a trace of barely detectable exhaustion.
"And with you, little one, still making me worry, how could your teacher rest properly!"
Su Yu's hands paused for a moment before becoming even gentler:
"It's my fault for distracting Teacher."
Bi Bidong closed her eyes slightly without responding, a faint curve quietly forming at the corner of her lips.
After approximately two hours, a guard's respectful voice came from outside the door:
"Your Holiness the Pope, it's time for the morning assembly."
Bi Bidong slowly opened her eyes. Having managed to doze briefly thanks to Su Yu's massage, the weariness in her eyes had faded considerably, replaced by returning clarity.
She raised a hand to straighten her robes and looked at Su Yu beside her, her tone carrying serious admonishment:
"Xiao Yu, from now on you mustn't run off like this anymore. Otherwise... your teacher will truly become angry."
Su Yu quickly nodded, like a puppy being pacified: "Don't worry, Teacher. I promise I'll inform you wherever I go from now on, and never act on my own again."
Only then did Bi Bidong nod in satisfaction. As she stood up, Su Yu naturally offered his support.
She patted the back of his hand before turning to adjust her collar, her entire demeanor instantly shifting back to its usual authoritative composure as she turned toward the chamber door.
Before completely turning away, she glanced at Su Yu once more, her eyes softening momentarily:
"Return to the Holy Child Palace first. Keep a good watch on Xue Na, and don't let her wander recklessly around the palace."
"Right away!"
Su Yu responded cheerfully. He watched as Bi Bidong walked out of the chamber with steady steps before turning to head toward his own Holy Child Palace.
Meanwhile, Xue Na followed a maid servant to the Holy Child Palace.
Along the way, Xue Na's eyes were wide with wonder, her small hands clutching tightly at her skirt as she couldn't resist stealing glances around.
The bricks of Martial Soul Holy City were carved with flowing patterns of faint light, while the corridor pillars were entwined with golden vine motifs.
"Wow..."
She couldn't help but whisper in amazement, her steps slowing until the maid servant stopped walking. Only then did she snap back to attention, following the other's gaze.
"Is this... the Holy Child Palace?"
Xue Na looked up, her voice still filled with lingering astonishment, her small face completely written with disbelief.
She gently rose on tiptoe, trying to see more clearly, her skirt brushing over the steps and stirring a faint rustle of wind.
The maid smiled and nodded: "Yes, Miss Xue Na, you'll be living here from now on."
Xue Na cautiously reached out her hand, touching the cold white jade steps, the sensation at her fingertips feeling both real and wondrous.
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