412. Drama By 4 Women

Sensing the gentle gaze, Ning Rongrong, holding Qian Renjue, lifted her eyes to meet his. Her eyes held a hint of shyness. Reluctantly, she let go of Qian Renjue, bowed, and greeted softly:

“Rongrong greets Your Majesty!”

Bibi Dong’s face showed a hint of amused interest.

“Heh.”

Qian Renjue chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Ning Rongrong’s pink hair.

“Rongrong, there’s no need to be so formal.”

“Oh?”

Ning Rongrong looked back at Qian Renjue, her large, watery eyes blinking. Her cheeks turned a delicate shade of red. After a brief moment of thought, she seemed to understand Qian Renjue’s meaning.

Straightening her legs and standing upright, she lifted her blushing face and shyly called out:

“Mom~”

“You!”

Hu Liena was stunned, staring at Ning Rongrong in disbelief. She had clearly underestimated this girl—so cunning!

Calling her “mom” right off the bat? Shameless!

She had worked so hard for so long!

“Hmm?”

Bibi Dong was also taken aback, looking at Qian Renjue with curiosity and a tinge of bemusement.

“You tell her?”

Equally perplexed, Qian Renjue shook his head in confusion.

“I really didn’t tell her this!”

Though he had a guess as to how she might know the truth, he hadn’t expected her to be so bold.

Ling Yuan, who had been following them, struggled to hold back her laughter, though she dared not be too blatant.

“Brother Holy Son, did Rongrong say it wrong?”

With flushed cheeks, Ning Rongrong dove into Qian Renjue’s arms, tilting her head to ask.

Qian Renjue was at a loss for words. It wasn’t entirely wrong… but it wasn’t entirely right either.

“Heh.”

Bibi Dong shook her head with a smile, pinching Ning Rongrong’s soft cheeks and speaking gently:
“No, but it’s a bit early to call me that.”

After a moment of thought, Bibi Dong suggested:
“Rongrong, you can call me Aunt Dong for now.”

“Okay, thank you, Aunt Dong.”

Leaning against Qian Renjue, Ning Rongrong nodded, her heart brimming with joy. It felt like she had earned the approval of her brother’s mother.

Bibi Dong smiled warmly.

Children were certainly more agreeable than those scheming older women.

“Alright, Nana, Ling Yuan, go bring out the dishes. I’ll go change clothes.”

With her scepter in hand, Bibi Dong headed into the house.

“Yes, Teacher (Your Majesty).”

As Hu Liena glanced at Qian Renjue with curiosity and began heading toward the kitchen with Ling Yuan, she heard Ning Rongrong’s bell-like voice behind her.

“Brother Holy Son, where did you go earlier? Do you need Grandpa Sword's help?”

“Haha, no need. I just went to Heaven Dou City.”

Holding Ning Rongrong’s small hand, Qian Renjue led her toward the pavilion by the lotus pond.

“It’s all taken care of now.”

“Mm, as long as it’s fine. Rongrong will go help too.”

Ning Rongrong nodded obediently, releasing his hand. She ran toward Hu Liena, sticking her tongue out at her before darting into the kitchen.

“Hmph, little brat!”

Hu Liena huffed, turning back to glance at Qian Renjue.

“Heh.”

Qian Renjue chuckled softly, meeting Hu Liena’s gaze with a gentle smile, reassuring her with his expression.

Only then did Hu Liena feel at ease.

After so many years, her senior brother’s demeanor today was undoubtedly special.

As Qian Renjue watched the women interact, he fell into quiet contemplation.

Liu Erlong likely wouldn’t wake up for now, but he needed to visit her soon. Once his spirit bone skill was refreshed, he’d make time.

Not only did he need to spend time with Snow Empress, but also with Liu Erlong.

Taking a sip of fragrant tea, Qian Renjue didn’t feel burdened by it at all.

…

“Brother Holy Son, Rongrong wants shrimp~”

Ning Rongrong, summoning her courage, held out her bowl and looked at her fiancé expectantly. But before Qian Renjue could respond, Hu Liena, who had taken her seat, seized the opportunity and picked up the shrimp in Ning Rongrong’s bowl.

“Missy, let me handle it for you~”


"You!"

Ning Rongrong pouted, glancing at Hu Liena angrily. She set down her bowl with frustration and muttered softly,
“So annoying~”

“Heh.”

Hu Liena, unfazed, placed the peeled shrimp into Qian Renjue’s bowl.
“Senior Brother~ I just peeled this for you.”

“Mm, thank you, Nana,” Qian Renjue replied, pulling the corners of his mouth into a polite smile.

Hu Liena shot a smug glance at Ning Rongrong, who gritted her teeth in silent frustration. What’s so impressive about that?

Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong reached directly for Qian Renjue’s bowl. Puffing out her cheeks, she spoke sweetly,
“Brother Holy Son, Rongrong will peel for you too!”

“Alright then,” Qian Renjue sighed, rubbing his forehead in mild exasperation.

Bibi Dong observed Qian Renjue’s troubled expression and smiled. Picking up a large shrimp, she took a small bite before holding it up to Qian Renjue’s lips.

Qian Renjue leaned forward and bit into it immediately.
“Thank you, Mom.”

“Mm.”

Bibi Dong’s face showed a smug smile, a trace of concealed pride as she glanced disdainfully at Ning Rongrong and Hu Liena.

The two young women looked slightly defeated, unwilling to protest further.

Ling Yuan, watching their every move, struggled to stifle her laughter. Lowering her gaze, she extended her chopsticks.
“Your Highness, try this—hmm?”

The expected words of thanks didn’t come. Instead, Bibi Dong’s sharp, sarcastic tone broke the silence.

“Ling Yuan, that’s my bowl.”

“Ah?! Your Majesty, I—I meant to give it to you! I just misspoke earlier.”

“Pfft, hahaha!”

“…”

Watching the four women at the table, Qian Renjue covered his face and lowered his head. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

No wonder they say three women are enough to stage a drama.


---

The simple family celebration dinner ended, and after a short nap, Qian Renjue took Ning Rongrong and Hu Liena for a stroll midway up the Central Divine Mountain.

They stopped only when Ning Rongrong grew tired.

Later, Qian Renjue quietly instructed Ling Yuan to escort Ning Rongrong back discreetly. Of course, he left her with a series of reminders.

With Qian Renjue’s warnings, Ning Rongrong eagerly agreed, promising not to reveal her fiancé and future mother-in-law's relationship.

She would still be staying in Spirit City for several more days and wanted to leave a good impression.


---

The evening breeze blew gently as the night deepened.

Qian Renjue sat cross-legged alone on his bed, while Bibi Dong was in the secret chamber of the Pope's Hall, engaged in a special cultivation.

She used the day’s accumulated negative emotions to assist in her divine trial.

Swish—

As midnight passed, a dark, gleaming Evil God’s Hook appeared in the pitch-black room.

A rotating vortex of shadow expanded slowly, swallowing Qian Renjue within.


---

In Heaven Dou City, one of the two most prosperous cities, lights still illuminated the streets late into the night.

However, the numerous academies were exceptions. The quiet and still night was the perfect time for soul masters to meditate.

Deep within Blue Tyrant Academy, in a wooden cabin by the forest stream, lights remained on.

Liu Erlong had already awakened.

Her body was spotless, and she sat by the window with her chin propped on her hand, a maiden-like wistfulness in her posture. Yet, her beautiful eyes lacked vitality, her entire being motionless.

The cool night breeze lifted her soft, smooth hair as it drifted gently.

Her noble features carried a faint sorrow.

In the room, Ah Yin paced occasionally, her voice breaking the silence from time to time.

“Dean Liu~”

“Is this bathing portrait of the master authentic? Surely he wouldn’t let you see it, right?”

“Even if the lower half is blurred in the water…”