Bibi Dong's return from Star Luo City was as silent as a predator's shadow. Within the span of a single heartbeat, she had crossed the threshold of her private estate, her spiritual sense instantly identifying the location of her children.
The clone she had left behind was seated on a chair under the moonlight in the room balcony, a tome on ancient history balanced on its lap—a perfect picture of the scholarly, distant mother.
As Bibi Dong approached, the two entities blurred and merged. The memories of the clone—hours of watching the children's laughter and hearing their small footsteps—slid into her mind like missing pieces of a puzzle.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she fully reintegrated. In the bed, Renxue was meticulously arranging a collection of dolls, staging an elaborate "trial" for a stuffed rabbit. Yorrichi was sitting beside her, holding a miniature tea cup. His face was a mask of stoic endurance, his eyes occasionally darting towards the booknearby, yet he remained dutifully in place.
He was clearly being forced into the role of a "distinguished guest," and the sight of his tiny, serious face trying to take a "tea party" seriously was enough to melt even Bibi Dong's iron heart.
"Children, come here." she called out, her voice warm and melodic.
Renxue jumped with joy and abandoned her dolls, while Yorrichi stood up with visible relief, though he maintained his composed stride. Bibi Dong scooped them both into a wide hug, the cold, calculating thoughts of the Star Luo auction and the black stone fragments fading into the background. For the next hour, she simply played, losing herself in their innocent world.
The chime for dinner echoed through the halls. Led by the head maid, named Hua, a stern but loyal woman who had served Bibi Dong for years, the trio made their way to the grand dining hall. The room was lit by flickering soul-lanterns, casting a golden hue over the long, mahogany table.
Bibi Dong froze for a fraction of a second as she entered. At the head of the table sat Qian Xunji.
The children paused, their steps faltering. It had been nearly two weeks since they had seen their father at a meal. With the adaptability of children raised in a high-pressure environment, they didn't cry out or show excitedness; instead, they simply shrugged and took their seats. Their little lack of emotional reaction was a silent testament to the distance that had grown between them.
Qian Xunji, watching them, noticed the lack of fanfare. He looked at Bibi Dong and saw a flicker of surprise in her eyes, which he—in his typical vanity—interpreted as delight.
She misses my presence more than she admits, Xunji thought with a self-satisfied smirk. And the children... He looked at Renxue, whose golden hair shimmered under the light. A rare pang of guilt touched his heart.
I haven't spent enough time with her. My little angel. After this mission to capture the Blue Silver Empress, I will dedicate myself to her training. She is the future of the Seraphim lineage. He glanced at Yorrichi, then away. His focus was entirely on the "legitimate" heir. He had no way of knowing that, in his future, there might not be a "later" to spend.
The meal began. Surprisingly, Renxue and Yorrichi were the ones to break the ice, chatting amiably with their father about their day.
"Why didn't you come to eat with us, Father?" Renxue asked between bites of honeyed ham.
Qian Xunji took a sip of fine wine, his expression cool and regal. "A Pope's life is not his own, Renxue. I have been immensely busy with the affairs of the continent. Maintaining the peace of the Spirit Hall requires a vigilance that most cannot comprehend."
He then launched into a long, rambling lecture on the sacred duties of the Pontiff. He spoke of the weight of the crown, the strategic brilliance required to command the Elders, and the divine right of the Seraphim bloodline to lead humanity. He painted himself as a martyr of duty, a visionary working tirelessly for the "greater good."
Yorrichi and Renxue listened with wide eyes, seemingly fascinated by the tales of high-level politics and power. Xunji cheered up internally, his chest swelling with pride. See? It isn't that difficult to connect with them. They are children; they crave the glory of their father's position.
Bibi Dong, however, was dying of boredom. Every word out of his mouth felt like a lead weight. She kept her expression perfectly composed—a mask of focused, happy attention that only served to motivate Xunji to speak even longer.
If I have to hear about the 'sanctity of the Elder Hall' one more time, I might actually use my spirit power to shut his mouth, she thought, though she nodded encouragingly at every pause.
As dinner concluded and the servants cleared the plates, Xunji finally ceased his ramblings. He looked at the clock and then at the children.
"It is late," he said. "Hua, take the children to their quarters. Your mother and I have private matters to discuss."
Renxue's face immediately crumpled. "But I wanted Mother to tell us a story!" she protested, clutching Bibi Dong's sleeve.
Before she could start a tantrum, Yorrichi's hand moved swiftly, covering his sister's mouth. He gave his father a polite, disciplined bow.
"Understood, Father. Goodnight, and please take care of your health," Yorrichi said with a maturity that bordered on eerie.
As they walked away, Renxue puffed out her cheeks, whispering angrily, "Why did you stop me, Yorrichi? I wanted to stay!"
"Patience, sister," Yorrichi whispered back, his voice calm as he coaxed her toward their wing of the palace. "Mother isn't going anywhere. They are just talking. If you make a scene, Father will be annoyed, and then we definitely won't see her tonight. Trust me."
Bibi Dong watched them go, her heart aching with pride for Yorrichi's tact and irritation at being left alone with the "bastard."
Once the doors closed, the atmosphere in the room changed. The warmth vanished, replaced unknowingly by the cold, professional distance between a master and a disciple.
"So," Xunji said, leaning back. "The children will have their Awakening Ceremony in two days, correct?"
Bibi Dong nodded, her eyes lowered respectfully. "Yes, Master. Two days."
The word 'Master' acted like a drug on Xunji. He visibly relaxed, his posture becoming even more domineering. He loved the reminder of his superiority over her—the fact that no matter how strong she became, she was still the girl he had molded.
"How is their training?" he asked. "What do you expect on the day? You know that every Elder from the Spirit Hall and the Worship Hall will be there. Even my father, the Grand Worship, will attend to witness the next generation of the Qian family."
"The training is progressing exceptionally well," Bibi Dong replied, her voice steady. "I am certain they will surprise everyone present. I have noticed subtle changes in their physical resilience and spirit sensitivity. They are far stronger than they were even a month ago."
Xunji looked bewildered. "I know Renxue will be a prodigy—that goes without saying. But... you mean Yorrichi as well?"
Bibi Dong's voice took on a hint of genuine pride. "Yes. He is a natural with the sword. He has already begun studying various techniques on his own, showing a level of focus I've rarely seen in other children of his age. He may even develop his own path. I can guarantee he will be just as impactful as Renxue in this ceremony."
Xunji let out a dismissive huff. "Hmph. I cannot expect much from him if you are comparing him to the Seraphim. It is statistically impossible. But," he conceded, "it would be good for the Hall if he at least awakens a high-level Martial Soul. A support spirit or a sturdy tool spirit would serve the Hall well. Hmm, yes, we shall see."
Bibi Dong chuckled internally, the black stone in her storage tool feeling like a hidden weapon. Oh, you have no idea, Xunji. You think you know the limits of the world, but my son is about to break them all.
"Yes, Master," she said aloud. "We shall see on that day. If there is nothing else, I should go and check on the children. Have a good night."
Xunji's eyes twitched. He sensed her desire to leave, the subtle dismissal in her tone. For a moment, he considered asserting his authority, perhaps demanding she stay and listen to more of his "wisdom." But the weight of the Tang Hao mission pressed on his mind. He had more important things to do than bicker with his disciple.
"Hmph. Fine. Goodnight," he said, standing up and walking toward his private study with forceful, heavy steps.
Bibi Dong remained in the dining hall for a few seconds, confirming his aura had truly moved far away. Only then did she relax her shoulders. She walked swiftly to her children's room, finding them both tucked into bed, eyes wide as they waited for her.
That night, as she lay between them, the soft sounds of their breathing filled the room. Bibi Dong stared at the ceiling, her mind drifting to the ceremony. She couldn't lie to herself—she was terrified, but also deeply, viscerally excited.
Two days, she thought. Two days until the world sees the power I have nurtured. Two days until the first true step of our ascent.
The 1000 Gold Soul Coins she spent on the black stone felt like the one of best investment of her life, but the real treasure was currently sleeping beside her.