Realizing this point, Bibi Dong felt as if a huge stone had fallen from her heart. She was no longer confused.
She took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the window, gazing at the dazzling night view of Spirit City outside. A complex and enigmatic smile curved her lips.
"Dai Chengfeng..."
She softly murmured his name, "Even if I have to give in, it has to be at an appropriate time..."
Long after Bibi Dong left, in that dim secret chamber, a barely perceptible ripple once again stirred on the already silent altar.
The malicious and mocking voice of the Rakshasa God quietly echoed in the empty chamber in a way only certain entities could perceive:
"Asura... do you feel it?"
"I will personally create two monsters... they will both bear the most extreme evil power and climb to the peak of strength... hahahaha..."
"I truly look forward to the day when your chosen successor faces this 'gift' I've carefully prepared!"
"This game is getting more and more interesting! Hahahaha..."
...
Meanwhile, outside the Spirit City Arena.
The remnants of the sunset painted the horizon in brilliant gold and red hues, draping this magnificent city in a warm glow.
Dai Chengfeng and his group had just exited the arena, the atmosphere light and cheerful.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu still carried the excitement-induced flush on their faces, chatting animatedly about the duel they had just witnessed.
Especially Ning Rongrong, as an auxiliary-type soul master, the experience of participating in actual combat and achieving victory was novel and thrilling for her.
Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was lively and energetic, thoroughly enjoying the physical activity.
"It was so fun! Brother Chengfeng, can we come again tomorrow?"
Ning Rongrong blinked her big eyes, looking expectantly at Dai Chengfeng.
Xiao Wu also nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, those guys were too easy to beat; it wasn't satisfying enough!"
Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but chuckle at their excitement. He ruffled Ning Rongrong's hair and then looked at Xiao Wu:
"We'll see tomorrow."
"Soul battles are meant to enhance practical combat experience, not just for fun."
"Today, your coordination improved, but Rongrong, your positioning was still not cautious enough. Xiao Wu, you were too impulsive. If Zhu Zhuqing hadn't intervened in time, you might have gotten hurt."
Zhu Zhuqing remained as serene as ever, but her gaze towards Dai Chengfeng was gentle. Upon hearing this, she lightly nodded.
Hu Liena smiled while observing this scene. She appeared much more mature, mostly observing and summarizing.
"We know!"
Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue and obediently responded. Xiao Wu also grinned, hooking her arm with Zhu Zhuqing's:
"We'll be careful next time, next time!"
Dai Chengfeng smiled and began to meticulously analyze the strengths and weaknesses of today's team coordination, as well as areas each person needed to improve.
His analysis was incisive, pointing out problems while acknowledging progress, making everyone listen attentively.
As they talked and chatted, they headed back to Dai Chengfeng's tranquil courtyard inside Spirit City, bathed in the setting sun.
Inside the courtyard, a sumptuous dinner had already been prepared.
Empress Zhu Hongxiu of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Chengfeng's mother, was sitting beside the main seat. Seeing her son return with a group of girls who were all unique yet vibrant and youthful, her face immediately lit up with a gratified smile.
As a mother, seeing her son so outstanding and surrounded by such excellent girls naturally made her happy.
"Mother, we're back."
Dai Chengfeng approached, bowing respectfully yet affectionately.
"Good, good to be back. Everyone, sit down and eat quickly."
Zhu Hongxiu warmly invited the girls, her gaze sweeping over Zhu Zhuqing, Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu. Amidst her joy, a faint concern also surfaced.
The atmosphere at the dining table was harmonious. Despite their diverse backgrounds and personalities, the girls behaved quite demurely in front of Dai Chengfeng and showed great respect to Zhu Hongxiu.
Watching this lively scene before her, Zhu Hongxiu couldn't help but pull aside Zhu Hongye, the High Priest of the Star Luo Empire, to confide after dinner.
"Hongye, look at Chengfeng... Initially, it was Zhuqing and Liena, whom I thought were excellent, and I was happy for him."
"But after this trip to the Tian Dou Empire, he brought back two more... what will become of this? There are still two waiting back in Star Luo!"
Zhu Hongxiu massaged her temples, feeling both proud and worried.
"This child, why is he so attractive to girls? He's accumulating too much emotional debt."
Zhu Hongye was more relaxed about it. She patted Zhu Hongxiu's hand comfortingly:
"Hongxiu, you're taking blessings for granted."
"Chengfeng is so outstanding, with unparalleled talent, top-notch appearance, and character. It's normal for girls to be smitten."
"It shows how remarkable our child is."
"As for the future... children will handle their own affairs. Chengfeng is a decisive child; I believe he can manage it."
"As long as they genuinely care for Chengfeng and get along well, why worry too much?"
"Are you afraid that the Star Luo Empire can't afford to support a few crown princesses?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Hongxiu could only sigh helplessly: "You're right, but my heart... ah, never mind. As long as Chengfeng is happy and safe, I am content."
As the night deepened, the girls retired to their rooms. Just as Dai Chengfeng was about to head back to his room, he was stopped by his mother, Zhu Hongxiu.
"Chengfeng, wait a moment."
Dai Chengfeng paused, turned around, and looked at his mother: "Mother, is there something else?"
Zhu Hongxiu looked at her son, who had grown into a towering figure, her eyes filled with love and a hint of complexity.
She sighed softly and said gently: "I heard that in five days, you will have a public duel with your third brother, Mubai?"
Dai Chengfeng was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then nodded calmly:
"Yes, Mother. That is correct."
Zhu Hongxiu walked up to Dai Chengfeng, smoothing his already neat collar, her tone carrying a hint of pleading:
"Chengfeng, Mubai... he is, after all, your full-blooded elder brother.
Over the years, he may have done some bad things targeting you.
But regardless of whether you believe it or not, Mother swears on her life that deep down, he has never truly intended to kill you.
And Weisi...
They are princes of the Star Luo Empire, born into that position, and many things are beyond their control."
"Especially Mubai... he... he suffers greatly inside.
Since childhood, your father favored your eldest brother, Weisi. Later, when your talents emerged, your father's attention shifted more to you.
Mubai... he always seemed to be the overlooked one.
He desperately tried to prove himself but lacked the courage and decisiveness you and Weisi possess, sometimes even choosing to escape.
Mother knows this isn't an excuse for his wrongdoings, but...
Chengfeng, I am his mother. Is there any mother who would truly despise her own child?"
Zhu Hongxiu raised her head, gazing tenderly at Dai Chengfeng:
"Therefore, Chengfeng, today I am not asking you as the Empress of Star Luo, nor commanding you.
In the future, if... if Mubai and Weisi do not harbor lethal intentions against you, Mother hopes that, for the sake of sibling bonds, you can... spare their lives."
She paused, emphasizing: "Of course, this is merely Mother's wish.
Ultimately, the decision rests with you.
No matter if you choose to be as ruthless as your father or take another path, you will always be Mother's good child, my greatest pride."
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)