The fragrant aroma of fine wine paired with the enticing smell of roasted meat filled the air.
The forest cabin seemed to return to the days when Lin Feng was researching soul veins here—peaceful and serene.
As if by unspoken agreement, Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue avoided direct interaction, each speaking their own thoughts, with Lin Feng as the common point of their conversations.
"Xiao Feng, do you think that transformed soul beast was really the mother of that Soft Bone Rabbit?"
Lin Feng was momentarily stunned, "Obviously, yes. You heard the conversation between the beautiful woman and the Soft Bone Rabbit. They explicitly stated their relationship."
Qian Renxue hummed in acknowledgment, her gaze drifting to the side, "I see. I just didn't expect that, even as soul beasts, they could do something like that. To willingly sacrifice herself just so her daughter could escape."
Bibi Dong paused her silver spoon for a moment, as if she hadn't heard, and continued eating the delicacies.
Seeing Bibi Dong's lack of reaction, Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Clang!
She set her plate down and turned to Lin Feng, "Xiao Feng, don't you think the emotions between soul beasts can sometimes be more genuine than those between humans?"
Ling Yuan and Lin Feng: So she's indirectly criticizing someone! But why use me as the middleman? Whatever I say will probably be wrong.
Bibi Dong also gently set her plate down, elegantly wiping the corner of her mouth. Her tone was soft and gentle, "Xiao Feng, don't you think soul beasts are natural enemies of humans? Isn't empathizing with them a bit ridiculous?"
Lin Feng took a deep breath. Why are you joining in too?!
Qian Renxue glared, "Hmph, that soul beast mother was much better than some people. Even her first instinct was to shield that rabbit behind her! Don't you think so, Xiao Feng?"
You're only a few meters apart, do you really need to speak so loudly? I can hear you just fine.
Please stop shouting. I can hear you.
And Xue'er, don't get so worked up. Look at how composed Bibi Dong is. Just that alone puts you at a disadvantage...
Lin Feng opened his mouth, "I think—"
Bibi Dong sneered, "I noticed that rabbit still cared deeply for that transformed soul beast, only following its instructions."
Ling Yuan covered her mouth, It feels like they're tearing into each other. What should I say? The 'Mother Ye Strategy Guide' doesn't cover this...
Qian Renxue gritted her teeth, What are you implying? That I'm disobedient?
Since I was a child, you've barely paid any attention to me. How have I been disobedient?
Thinking back to the month of soul hunting, the way your attitude changed, I thought our relationship was improving. Can't you even handle a little complaint from me now?!
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, but before she could say anything, Bibi Dong spoke again, "Xue'er, I know I've done terrible things to you in the past. I apologize, but please stop with these indirect remarks. It's not good for either of us.
What's done cannot be undone. Let's not dwell on it anymore. Let's move forward, okay?"
"You—"
Qian Renxue's lips parted, but no words came out.
Well, this round went to Bibi Dong.
Lin Feng shook his head, feeling the need to back Qian Renxue up.
He stood up, his expression serious.
"Your Holiness, what's past is past, but the future is still within our grasp.
The scars deep within take time and effort to heal. Even when they heal, they leave marks.
If you truly feel remorse toward Xue'er, please make it up to her in the future."
Bibi Dong rested her chin on her hand, looking at Lin Feng, murmuring, "The future is still within our grasp, huh?
Well said. I'll take that to heart."
The future is still within our grasp... to grasp what?
Bibi Dong looked at Lin Feng, who was half a head taller than her, her eyes filled with amusement. She then bowed deeply to Qian Renxue.
"I'm sorry, Xue'er."
"You!"
Qian Renxue was startled, wanting to avoid Bibi Dong's apology.
But Lin Feng stopped her, allowing her to accept the gesture.
"Xiao Feng..."
Qian Renxue's breathing quickened. Though she could hardly believe it, the once aloof and distant Bibi Dong had finally bowed her head and apologized to her.
It felt like a dream, surreal and unreal.
Bibi Dong smiled warmly, spreading her arms, "Do you need a hug?"
"I don't—"
Before Qian Renxue could finish, Bibi Dong, with the speed of a level 98 Super Douluo, pulled her into an embrace.
"What are you doing?!"
Qian Renxue struggled, but her efforts were feeble. Gradually, she relaxed.
As Bibi Dong's delicate hand gently stroked Qian Renxue's hair, the latter finally collapsed into Bibi Dong's arms.
"Waaah— Do you know how awful you were before? Why did you do those things?!"
Her fists rained down on Bibi Dong's shoulders like a storm.
Bibi Dong's heart was in turmoil. Her feelings for this younger sister were undeniably complex.
If she truly had no feelings for Qian Renxue, it would have been impossible. In the original story, she had taken a fatal blow for Qian Renxue. How could there be no affection?
"Thank you..."
Bibi Dong's heart trembled, her lips parting but no words coming out.
She kept reminding herself that she still had more important matters to attend to, things she had yet to obtain.
She gestured for Lin Feng to come closer to her and Qian Renxue.
Lin Feng hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over.
---
A glint flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes as she wrapped her other arm around Lin Feng, pulling the three of them into a tight embrace.
Lin Feng couldn't help but wonder if it was his imagination, but he felt Bibi Dong's hand trembling slightly against his back. Was she too excited?
Little did he know, Bibi Dong's heart was racing at an incredible pace.
Finally, finally, she had touched him again. Since their first meeting in the scripture repository, this was the first time she had been so close to him.
Lin Feng's body emitted a unique, refreshing scent. Just smelling it seemed to calm her heart.
Qian Renxue snapped out of her daze and pulled Lin Feng away from Bibi Dong's embrace, her expression complex.
She glanced at Ling Yuan, who stood alone, and her eyes filled with apology. She stepped forward and gave Ling Yuan a hug.
Turning to Bibi Dong, she said, "I'm very tired tonight. I don't want to talk about anything else. We'll discuss it later."
Bibi Dong rubbed her left hand, seemingly reluctant to let go, and smiled, "Of course. You should rest now."
Qian Renxue took Ling Yuan's hand, her trembling fingers betraying her inner turmoil.
Bibi Dong nodded slightly and swiftly left for the Pope's Hall.
"Phew—"
Qian Renxue exhaled deeply. What exactly had just happened? It seemed that ever since two and a half years ago, Bibi Dong had started to change.
Had she truly become better now?
"Xiao Feng, what should I do?"
Lin Feng held Qian Renxue in his arms, resting her head on his shoulder, and comforted her, "Reconciling with yourself doesn't mean you have to forgive her all at once. Take it step by step. Watch her change, and then make your decision."
"Mm."
Qian Renxue's breathing steadied. She bit Lin Feng's earlobe lightly, "Xiao Feng, I'm tired."
"Alright."
Lin Feng scooped Qian Renxue up in his arms and led Ling Yuan to the bed.
Ling Yuan watched quietly as Qian Renxue lay on Lin Feng's chest, her arms tightly wrapped around his back. Her eyes were filled with pity.
She transmitted a message to Lin Feng, "Xiao Feng, can their relationship really improve?"
Lin Feng remained silent for a long time. Although he didn't know why Bibi Dong had changed so much, he felt that without some profound experience, they wouldn't realize how important they were to each other.
Or perhaps, the truth of the past needed to be laid bare before them?
He shook his head, gently brushing Qian Renxue's bangs aside as she lightly snored, and whispered, "I don't know. Time will tell."
---
In the secret chamber of the Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong appeared on the bed.
The progress had been so smooth that Bibi Dong could hardly suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
She collapsed onto the golden silk bedding, clutching a purple pillow tightly.
She pressed it firmly against her chest.
The pillow creased under her force as Bibi Dong wrapped her arms around it, her left hand gently resting beneath her nose.
"Inhale— Exhale—"
It was intoxicating. A hint of madness flickered in Bibi Dong's eyes. Was this what she had been dreaming of?
How delightful!
By retreating to advance, by secretly maneuvering, her dear sister was no match for her.
But it wasn't enough. Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan could be by his side at any moment. That wouldn't do.
She would take him, step by step.
Seeing how Ling Yuan and Qian Renxue acted, it was clear that Lin Feng hadn't truly been claimed by them yet.
The feeling of taking something that belonged to others filled Bibi Dong with excitement.
Especially given Lin Feng's current identity—her dear son-in-law, her dear Xiao Feng.
Bibi Dong's lips curved into a smile as she drifted into a deep sleep on the spacious bed.
Since accepting the Rakshasa God's trials, this was the first time Bibi Dong had slept so soundly and comfortably.
---
"Are you going to the Spirit Hall's primary academy today?"
Ling Yuan adjusted Lin Feng's clothes and asked softly.
"Yes, the Pope sent a message. It's perfect timing. After a week of classes, we can leave."
Qian Renxue pecked Lin Feng's cheek and gently pinched his face, "Go early and come back soon. I'll be waiting for you at home."
"Alright."
Still processing the events of the previous day, Qian Renxue decided not to accompany Lin Feng, choosing instead to stay in the forest cabin to calm her mind.
Lin Feng made his way to the Spirit Hall's primary academy, a place he hadn't visited in a long time.
"It's been so long since I've been here. I only attended for a year before being sent away.
Was that considered a fast track?"
Lin Feng chuckled and shook his head, patting an elderly man who was lost in thought at the entrance, "Principal, long time no see."
Principal Zhang adjusted his glasses, "Who are you?"
Lin Feng smiled and released his innate treasure orb.
"Lin Feng! You're Lin Feng!"
Principal Zhang exclaimed in surprise. How could he not recognize such a unique martial soul? If the Spirit Hall hadn't kept Lin Feng's current appearance under wraps, he would have been recognized by everyone along the way.
Lin Feng nodded with a smile, "Didn't Her Holiness the Pope inform you of my arrival?"
"She did, she did. The students are all waiting. But Her Holiness didn't tell me what you look like now, so I didn't recognize you at first.
Look at me, getting so old that I can't even sense your aura immediately.
Come, come, let's go to the classroom. Xiao Feng, you have no idea how much those kids admire you!"