Mother and Daughter ReunionWuhun City, Papal Palace.
The crisp footsteps stopped, and Qian Renxue looked up at the majestic palace, feeling both familiar and strange.
"Young Master, do you really want to see that woman?"
Behind him, Golden Crocodile Douluo asked.
Qian Renxue took a slight breath, bit her lip, and gazed silently at the Papal Palace. After a long while, her eyes flickered, and she spoke with a profound meaning in her voice:
"Yes, I have to see her."
Immediately, crisp footsteps rang out again, and amidst the strange yet respectful gazes of the many guards, Qian Renxue slowly walked into the Papal Palace, which she had not set foot in for many years.
Thump—
As the doors closed, the papal palace gradually darkened.
Inside the Papal Palace.
Bibi Dong sat high on her throne, her long, slender legs, encased in purple stockings, crossed over each other, her dangling feet swaying gently. One hand gripped the papal scepter, the other supported her head; her exquisite face was stern as she gazed at the woman kneeling on the ground.
The woman was tall and slender with short, orange-brown hair. Qian Renxue only glanced at the woman once, but a strange allure was already surging through her heart.
"Is she Hu Liena?"
Qian Renxue had a sudden realization.
Hu Liena had long heard of Bibi Dong's reputation as a personal disciple of the current Pope, deeply favored by her, with a relationship akin to that of mother and daughter. As Bibi Dong's biological daughter, Hu Liena was naturally distressed to learn of such treatment of a stranger by Bibi Dong.
She didn't know how to approach Hu Liena, but unexpectedly, the two met in this setting.
Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel a little puzzled:
"Wasn't it said that Hu Liena and that woman had a relationship as close as mother and daughter? Why would Hu Liena act like this?"
Despite the sudden arrival of the stranger, Hu Liena remained kneeling on the ground, showing no intention of getting up, and didn't even glance at Qian Renxue.
Upon seeing Qian Renxue's appearance, Bibi Dong's pupils contracted slightly, and her previously stern expression instantly turned cold. She turned her gaze to Hu Liena, who was kneeling on the ground, and said in a cold voice:
"He's been gone for so long, and you still haven't come to your senses. If you dare to leave the Spirit Hall alone to find him, then don't blame me for being ruthless; I'll make him disappear from this world! Now, you better behave yourself as the Holy Maiden. Alright, get out of here."
"yes!"
Hu Liena agreed, slowly stood up, her charming face devoid of any smile, instead showing a hint of sorrow. She was somewhat surprised to see Qian Renxue, and then left the Papal Palace.
The conversation between the two made Qian Renxue even more puzzled.
"Who exactly is 'he' that woman is talking about? Could it be that Hu Liena has fallen in love with a man, and that woman wants to stop her?"
When the doors of the Papal Palace closed again, only Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue remained in the vast Papal Palace.
Bibi Dong sat high on her throne, coldly looking down at Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue stood straight, unafraid of Bibi Dong's oppressive aura, and raised her head to meet Bibi Dong's gaze.
The two stared at each other for a long time, neither giving an inch.
Finally, Bibi Dong slowly closed her eyes and said coldly:
"You've come back alive."
Qian Renxue frowned. Judging from Bibi Dong's tone, Bibi Dong was quite surprised that she was still alive. She sneered:
"I was also surprised to see such a show as soon as I got back. What? After abandoning me, your own daughter, you still want to control the life of my replacement, Hu Liena?"
Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong suddenly opened her eyes, staring intently at Qian Renxue. An immense pressure surged towards Qian Renxue like a tidal wave. Qian Renxue let out a muffled groan, but showed no fear, continuing to meet Bibi Dong's icy gaze.
Bibi Dong gritted her teeth. She never wanted to control Hu Liena's life, but she had fallen in love with someone she absolutely could not. With so many confidantes around Dai Yao, Hu Liena inherited her expectations, and her past regrets and pain were increasingly projected onto Hu Liena.
She sees Hu Liena as a reflection of her former self and wants to give Hu Liena a perfect life and a devoted love, unlike Dai Yao's one-sided affection.
She stared at Qian Renxue, the golden figure filling her with a visceral aversion. Seeing Qian Renxue, that demonic figure seemed to be mocking her, manipulating her former, powerless self. She said coldly:
"You... are no match for Nana at all!"
Qian Renxue was stunned, feeling as if all her strength had been drained from her body, and her blood had lost its warmth. She took a deep breath, and after a moment, she finally came to her senses.
She wanted to retort and confront Bibi Dong, but remembering Dai Yao's words of advice on the wooden boat, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath to calm herself, and then opened her eyes to look at Bibi Dong, saying:
"I'm not here to argue with you. You should know what happened during the Heavenly Dou Palace Coup. An unfamiliar force intervened in the continent's situation. As the Pope, you should be more aware of their threat than I am. If it weren't for them, the Haotian Sect wouldn't have emerged from seclusion, and the coup plan wouldn't have failed."
On the wooden boat, during her heart-to-heart talk with Dai Yao, she mentioned her background but did not reveal Bibi Dong's identity. Dai Yao gave Qian Renxue a pointed warning, suggesting that perhaps her mother also had her own difficulties.
Although Qian Renxue disagreed, she didn't want to disappoint Dai Yao.
Bibi Dong was somewhat surprised; it seemed she no longer recognized this woman she nominally called her 'daughter.' Instead of arguing, she matured considerably. Suppressing her disgust, she pondered for a moment and slowly said:
"You're right. A peerless Douluo-level expert is indeed of great importance. After the incident, not only did I send people to investigate, but even your grandfather personally took action."
Upon hearing that Qian Daoliu had also come down from the mountain, Qian Renxue pressed for an answer:
"What was the result?"
Bibi Dong shook her head and said:
"The result was nothing."
"How is that possible? My grandfather is a level 99 peerless Douluo. How could he not find any clues when he made a move?"
Qian Renxue said in disbelief.
Bibi Dong frowned:
"That's the truth. If you don't believe me, ask that old man yourself."
Hearing Bibi Dong refer to her grandfather as "old guy," Qian Renxue felt somewhat displeased, but she had known since childhood that Bibi Dong and her grandfather did not have a good relationship, so she did not take it to heart.
She took a soft breath, preparing to tell Bibi Dong the most important thing about her arrival. Looking up at Bibi Dong, she said in a deep voice:
"There's one more thing."
"What's up?"
Bibi Dong said coldly.
Qian Renxue stared at Bibi Dong and slowly said:
"I need one of your men."
"who?"
"Dai Yao!"
Upon hearing this name, Bibi Dong seemed struck by lightning, her expression changing drastically. She abruptly stood up, staring intently at Qian Renxue, and said in a cold voice:
"What did you say?"
Qian Renxue frowned. Why did Bibi Dong react so strongly to mentioning Dai Yao? But she absolutely had to have Dai Yao!
"Didn't you already give up on Dai Yao? What, you don't want someone, but I'm not allowed to take them?"
Gazing at Qian Renxue's stunningly beautiful face, Bibi Dong noticed the same unwavering determination she had shown Hu Liena earlier! A sense of foreboding rose in Bibi Dong's heart. Could it be that Qian Renxue, too...
No, absolutely not!
However, before that, she had to confirm the relationship between Qian Renxue and Dai Yao! She closed her eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, then opened her beautiful eyes, staring intently at Qian Renxue, trying to discern any subtle expression on her face, and said sharply:
"I disagree! What's so great about Dai Yao that makes you want him so desperately?!"
Qian Renxue snorted coldly, the scene on the wooden boat flashing through her mind, her expression somewhat unnatural, before she said in a cold voice:
"Unrivaled among his peers, possessing twin martial souls, and with a sixth soul ring belonging to a peerless genius of a hundred thousand years, how could I remain indifferent?! Of course, I am informing you, not asking for your consent. Now that you know, it is time for me to leave."
Qian Renxue turned around gracefully, her golden boots striking the cold ground with a crisp sound, and left the Papal Palace without hesitation.
"you--"
Watching Qian Renxue's departing figure, Bibi Dong gritted her teeth and said.
She was certain that even if Qian Renxue hadn't fallen in love with Dai Yao, Dai Yao was still extremely important to her.
Bibi Dong closed her eyes in anguish. Yu Xiaogang and Qian Xunji flashed through her mind, their images constantly fading. As their figures disappeared, Dai Yao's face slowly appeared in her mind. The mutual support in the zombie world, the tacit understanding in the real world, all shattered like a mirror.
Hu Liena's falling in love with Dai Yao dealt her a heavy blow; while Qian Renxue's renewed entanglement with Dai Yao completely extinguished any remaining thoughts of her relationship with him.
"Dai Yao, Dai Yao, what kind of magic do you possess? Nana and Qian Renxue have both fallen in love with you one after the other. Even I... I clearly told you not to lay a hand on Nana. I could have any woman you wanted, but you have betrayed my heart time and time again."
She closed her eyes with a self-deprecating smile, and when she opened them the next moment, her eyes were devoid of any emotion, as cold as eternal ice.
"Since that's the case, you're just a menace to this world anyway, so you might as well just disappear completely. Although Nana will suffer for a while, even the greatest pain will fade with time, and Nana will understand me."
Bibi Dong was never a normal person.
Emerging from the secret room, she gradually went mad, even contemplating destroying the entire world.
She has a biological daughter, Qian Renxue, with whom she maintains a icy relationship; and another daughter, Hu Liena, whom she considers her own, who has fallen in love with a man—a man with whom she also has a close relationship. These complex relationships are beyond her comprehension. Therefore, she decides to destroy this person.
Then, all the problems will be solved.
Suddenly, the doors of the Papal Palace opened again, and a cardinal hurriedly came forward, knelt on one knee before the throne, and respectfully said:
"Your Holiness, news has suddenly come from outside Wuguan City that hundreds of unidentified Soul Masters have suddenly arrived here, and the leader is none other than Dai Yao! Considering the changes that have occurred in the Star Luo Empire recently, Dai Yao must be trying to lead people to the Star Luo Empire to rescue his uncle."
Seeing that Bibi Dong's expression was off, the cardinal quickly said:
"Your Holiness, Dai Yao is a member of my Spirit Hall, yet he has secretly established a power base. His intentions are truly sinister. Since he wants to go to the Star Luo Empire to die, then let him die."
Bibi Dong's icy gaze suddenly shot towards the cardinal, the immense pressure rendering him unable to even stand. Bibi Dong remained silent for a long while before finally speaking in a cold voice:
"It's none of your business how I should do things!"
She slightly raised her head, gazing at the tightly closed doors of the Papal Palace, sighed softly, and said in a deep voice:
"The Star Luo Empire is our enemy. Regardless of Dai Yao's identity, since he is preparing to attack the Star Luo Empire, he is on our side. Pass on my order: the Spirit Hall forces within the Star Luo Empire may provide Dai Yao with assistance, provided it does not affect their own interests."
Under pressure from Bibi Dong, the cardinal broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly agreed:
"yes."
Immediately, he fled the Papal Palace as if escaping.
The doors of the Papal Palace closed once more, and Bibi Dong sat on the papal throne, a chilling loneliness engulfing her.
She didn't know why she felt a pang of reluctance, but in the end, she helped Dai Yao. She had clearly decided that eliminating Dai Yao, and using the Star Luo Empire to do so was the best option. But in the end, she hesitated.
"Sigh, after all, Dai Yao gave me a period of happiness I hadn't experienced since leaving the secret chamber. Let this last bit of mercy allow him to successfully take his revenge..."
······
Leaving the Papal Palace, Qian Renxue arrived at the huge square in front of it.
Qian Renxue glanced at Hu Liena, who was still surrounded by Yan, Xie Yue, and the others, treated like a princess. A hint of envy stirred within her.
If her relationship with Bibi Dong were like that of an ordinary mother and daughter, then she should be just like that carefree, adored saintess.
But she knew she could never become someone like Hu Liena.
"Young Master."
The temple's enshrined staff members came forward to greet them and respectfully inquired.
Qian Renxue shook her head and said in a deep voice:
"It's nothing, let's go back to the main hall."
Under the respectful gaze of the guards, and amidst the puzzled looks of Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and the others, Qian Renxue's golden dress fluttered in the wind, transforming into a streak of light, and carrying several worshippers, she swept towards the worship hall behind the Papal Palace.
······
The Hall of Offerings, the Temple of Angels.
Beneath the magnificent angel statue, Qian Daoliu slowly turned around, gazing at Qian Renxue who had just escaped, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. After the failed palace coup, Qian Renxue's arrogance vanished, like a rough gem being gradually polished, her astonishing future already beginning to take shape.
"Xue'er, although the plan failed, it seems you've gained a lot."
Qian Daoliu laughed.
Qian Renxue nodded. Her escape journey with Dai Yao had deeply shocked her and left a lasting impression on her.
For the first time, she realized that she was not invincible among her peers. Although Dai Yao was a whole realm lower than her, he still posed a significant threat. Not to mention, Dai Yao possessed twin martial souls.
However, remembering Dai Yao's warning to her, she asked:
"By the way, Grandpa, for so many years, we and that woman have been at odds. Can you tell me why?"
Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu was taken aback. He and Qian Renxue exchanged glances for a moment, remained silent for a long time, and then Qian Daoliu said:
"You know about this too early; I can't tell you now. Aren't you curious why I urged you to come back? I'll tell you tomorrow. Go back today, take a good bath and change your clothes. Tomorrow you need to pray in the Temple of Angels. If you can meet the requirements then, I will naturally explain to you."
Seeing that Qian Daoliu didn't want to answer, Qian Renxue had no choice but to stop asking. However, she really wanted to know why Qian Daoliu wanted her to launch the palace coup ahead of schedule.
"Grandpa, why tomorrow?"
Qian Daoliu simply shook his head:
"Now is not the time."
No matter how much Qian Renxue questioned him, Qian Daoliu remained silent. As a result, Qian Renxue had no choice but to leave the Angel Temple.
Returning to my room, which had been sealed for over twenty years, I found it still looking brand new, entirely white without a single other color.
Following Qian Daoliu's instructions, Qian Renxue bathed and changed her clothes. Sitting alone in her room, a sense of loneliness welled up within her.
"Someone come here."
Qian Renxue gave the instructions.
A maidservant hurried in, approached Qian Renxue, and respectfully asked:
"Young Master, what are your orders?"
Qian Renxue's gaze drifted into the distance, the room before her seeming to transform once more into a turbulent sea. She was still sitting in that small wooden boat, with Dai Yao in the fore-and-aft cabin, preparing rice porridge for her. She whispered:
"I want to drink porridge."
The waitress bowed and left. A short while later, she returned with a bowl of sumptuous porridge and presented it to Qian Renxue. The waitress introduced it to her:
"Young Master, this porridge is made by Master Yun Tao, the top support-type Soul Master in the Soul Master world. It not only tastes extremely delicious, but also has a series of miraculous effects such as restoring Soul Power and enhancing attack power. I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
Qian Renxue frowned involuntarily; this wasn't the porridge she wanted. Although it contained countless rare ingredients, it held no appeal for her. However, since the waitress had praised it so highly, she figured she might as well try it.
She took out a spoon, took a small bite, and Qian Renxue's face immediately darkened. She put down the spoon and said coldly:
"I don't want it anymore. Take it away. I want a bowl of plain porridge!"
Although this bowl of porridge would be incredibly delicious to most people, Qian Renxue found it utterly unappetizing. The white porridge Dai Yao cooked in her memory was the best food she had ever eaten; compared to this bowl of porridge, it was like heaven and earth.
The waitress was startled and quickly withdrew with the bowl of porridge. A short while later, she returned with another bowl of plain porridge.
"Young Master, the congee has arrived."
Looking at the plain white porridge before her, Qian Renxue felt no appetite whatsoever. She took a small bite, and the taste was completely different from what she remembered. She immediately understood that it was because of Dai Yao; without him, this plain white porridge would forever taste like nothing at all!
She waved her hand somewhat listlessly:
"Go down."
The maid hurriedly withdrew, leaving only Qian Renxue's voice in the room. In the white room, a low sigh could be heard from somewhere.
...(End of this chapter)