381. What Is This Girl Even Reading?

In the blink of an eye, three months had passed.

The preliminaries and advancement rounds of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament had long since concluded. The participating teams were now about to arrive at Spirit City.

It was midday.

The courtyard, known for attracting attention, was unusually quiet.

In the master bedroom, on a phoenix-carved bed, Bibi Dong lay on the outer side, resting her eyes during the brief midday respite.

Her face radiated an aura of nobility and grace, exuding elegance and poise.

Her snowy neck and delicate collarbones shimmered with a soft white glow.

Her slender figure rose and fell with her breathing, tranquil like still water at rest yet captivatingly dynamic when she moved.

Her slender waist accentuated her full bosom above and her peach-shaped hips below.

Her long, shapely legs were like flawless white jade pillars, straight and elegant.

Her delicate, soft feet rested quietly on Qian Renjue's crossed legs. A faint black glow occasionally illuminated the contours of her slender ankles.

Qian Renjue sat cross-legged on the bed.

Around him floated a triangular object radiating a deep purple-black light, enveloping him in its glow.

Every breath of life and energy from Qian Renjue was concealed within the black aura.

With his golden sword-like brows furrowed, he concentrated intensely.

At the center of his forehead, mysterious black light etched and outlined cryptic runes, twisting and merging into a dark rhomboid crystal.

"Hoo~"

Qian Renjue exhaled a breath of turbid air.

Opening his violet eyes, a flash of intense blood-red light flickered within them.

The dark rhomboid crystal abruptly cracked, strands of crimson energy seeping in, infusing it with a soul-like essence.

Qian Renjue's gaze softened with a faint smile as he watched the crystal gradually mend itself.

With a thought, the crystal settled back into his forehead, and the surrounding energy known as the "Evil God's Heart" returned to its rightful place.

The dark aura surrounding his body dissipated slowly.

"The Mark of Darkness... it's finally more refined now," Qian Renjue murmured with a smile, extending a trembling fingertip.

The crystal that had just disappeared into his forehead reappeared, spinning gently above his finger.

Qian Renjue felt an inexplicable closeness to it, as though it was an extension of his own will.

"After such a long wait... it's time to make my move against the Star Luo Empire," he whispered with anticipation, storing the crystal.

His eyes then fell upon Bibi Dong, who was sound asleep.

A tender and doting look filled his gaze.

Gently, he took her delicate foot in his large hand and began to massage it softly.

"Hmm?"

Bibi Dong couldn't suppress a soft hum.

Her brows knitted slightly as she bit down lightly on her silver teeth, but she soon relaxed.

A hint of pain flickered across her profile.

Qian Renjue remained focused, his hands kneading carefully.

Bibi Dong's half-closed eyes fluttered open slightly, catching a glimpse of his side profile.

Burying her face in the soft pillow, she bit her lips lightly.

Her pale feet gradually warmed, blood circulation improving as they trembled faintly.

Crack!

Qian Renjue adjusted her delicate foot with a soft crackling sound.

"Hiss—!"

"Be gentler; that hurts!"

Bibi Dong couldn't endure the pressure that reached deep into her bones.

She arched her body slightly, twisting and fidgeting as her feet lightly kicked against Qian Renjue's chest, pushing him away playfully.

"Alright, I understand," Qian Renjue replied with a smile, softening his touch.

Frost formed over his hands, applying a cooling sensation to ease the faint pain from the massage.

Bibi Dong hugged her pillow tightly, letting out soft hums as her feet flailed in Qian Renjue's lap.

After a while, they settled in his palms, radiating warmth as blood flowed freely. Slight tremors ran through them, evidence of revitalized circulation.



"Jue~ you... you need to take responsibility. The work isn't fully done yet~"

Bibi Dong's soft and melodious voice carried a hint of urgency.

Raising her delicate hand as if to prop herself up, she added, "I should get up now."

"Understood, Your Majesty, the noble Pope~ I get it," Qian Renjue replied with a helpless shake of his head.

Gently moving her delicate feet aside, he stood up by the bed. Bending down, he slid one hand behind her back and under her arm, while the other supported the crook of her knees.

"Good that you understand."

A smug expression appeared on Bibi Dong’s slightly flushed face as she played along with her title of Pope.

Her beautiful eyes held an air of majesty as her hands clung to Qian Renjue’s shoulders.

With a playful huff, she teased, "Hmph~ As my disciple, how dare you overstep your bounds."

"Do it properly. If you don’t, I’ll charge you with disrespect to your master and punish you by making you do this every day until you get it right. If you do well, there will be rewards."

Her eyes narrowed slyly as she leaned against his shoulder, her lips curving slightly.

"Tsk, looks like I accidentally gave the reward in advance~"

"Pfft, haha!"

Seeing Qian Renjue's exasperated expression, Bibi Dong couldn’t hold back her laughter.

"No worries, there are plenty more rewards for me to bestow," she added playfully.

"..."

Qian Renjue’s lips twitched as he gently placed Bibi Dong down on the edge of the bed. He retrieved her papal robes and helped her dress, kneeling to put her shoes on afterward.

Finally, he raised his head and said, "Thank you for Your Majesty's reward."

"Mhm~ Good boy~"

Sitting upright, Bibi Dong lightly patted Qian Renjue's golden hair before extending the back of her delicate hand toward him, raising her eyebrows expectantly.

"And where’s the proper show of gratitude?"

"..."

Qian Renjue blinked, then chuckled helplessly. Gently taking her hand, he lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on the back of it.

"I humbly bid farewell to Your Majesty!"

"Not bad, I’m quite pleased."

Bibi Dong’s smile blossomed like a flower. She bent down slightly and pressed a light kiss on Qian Renjue's forehead.

"Alright, enough playing. If we continue, I’ll be late again."

Thud!

With her words, a scepter appeared in Bibi Dong's hand, which she tapped lightly on the floor before walking out of the room.

"Jue~ behave yourself at home. Nana should be back today."

"Understood."

Qian Renjue touched his forehead, shaking his head with a wry smile before lying back down on the bed and closing his eyes.

"The tables really do turn. Mom's getting better at acting young. She’s even outdoing me."


---

Afternoon.

The room was silent.

Qian Renjue sat in Hu Liena’s room on a fluffy pink sofa, propping his face on one hand while looking at the book open on his lap: "How to Please a Sister Complex!"

Yawning in boredom, tears forming at the corners of his eyes, he muttered to himself, "What kind of nonsense is this girl even reading?"

On the coffee table in front of him lay two more books that seemed just as targeted: "How to Please a Powerful Mother-in-Law" and "How to Stand Out Among Co-wives."

Just as Qian Renjue was about to doze off, footsteps sounded in the hallway.

Following closely was a familiar, bell-like voice.

"Senior Brother!"

Qian Renjue’s drowsy eyes regained clarity as he turned his head.

There stood Hu Liena, her chin-length orange hair framing a face that, while not stunningly beautiful, radiated captivating charm.

Her slightly narrow fox-like eyes brimmed with an alluring mischief that could tempt anyone to sin.

Dressed in a pale yellow combat outfit, her already blossomed figure was tightly wrapped, highlighting her tall stature, slender waist, and long legs.

Every inch of her exuded a dangerous allure, her subtle killing intent and heroic spirit making her someone to admire from afar but never dare to offend.