376. Explosive Technique

He felt the warmth in his arms.

Qian Renjue's hand paused slightly before continuing to write the remaining content. He reached out to support the slender, soft waist beside him.

The strength in his writing hand gradually softened, becoming much gentler.

"Jue..."

Bibi Dong leaned lightly against Qian Renjue, rubbing against him slightly. Her clear, amethyst-like eyes glimmered with a touch of reliance.

The feeling Qian Renjue gave her had changed again—he seemed steadier, broader. Yet, this made her even happier because Bibi Dong knew why the once high-spirited Qian Renjue had become like this.

It was all because he wanted to protect her.

It was because she was nestled in his embrace.

Bibi Dong tightened her hold, closing her eyes to quietly enjoy this moment—a moment where his embrace was opened exclusively for her.

The hall grew quiet.

No one came to disturb them. Qian Renjue gently stroked Bibi Dong's silky hair, his touch full of tenderness, making her body and mind gradually relax.

With a slightly childish pout, she muttered inwardly.


It shouldn’t be Qian Renjue protecting her.
She should be the one standing in front of the younger brother and older sister, shielding them at all times!

“Mom, hold the paper for me,” Qian Renjue’s voice came from beside her, his breath brushing against her hairline.

“Mm,” Bibi Dong nodded instinctively, complying without hesitation.

Fifteen minutes passed.

With Bibi Dong’s cooperation, Qian Renjue finished transcribing the training method for the Great Sumeru Hammer.

With a swift motion, he lifted the priceless sheet of paper with one hand. Looking down at Bibi Dong, he smiled and said, “Mom, it’s all written down.”

“Mm. And then?”

Bibi Dong, still leaning against his chest, spoke lazily.

“Mom, memorize it,” Qian Renjue replied softly, gently squeezing her waist.

“No!”

Bibi Dong shook her head willfully, like a child throwing a tantrum. She looked up and smiled tenderly.

“I want you to read it to me several times, and I’ll memorize it that way.”

“Huh?!”

Qian Renjue’s face showed his surprise.

“What? You can’t? Are you too busy, Jue?!”

Bibi Dong raised her head, frowned slightly, and pouted her delicate lips.

Her three-question interrogation, coupled with an imposing maternal aura, made Qian Renjue shake his head repeatedly.

“Of course not. I’m happy to help you, Mom.”

“Good. At least you’re sensible.”

Bibi Dong pinched his face playfully, smiling as she said, “Now start reading. I’m listening. Read it until I remember.”

“Alright.”

Qian Renjue twitched the corner of his mouth.

He let her lean against him as he glanced at the inked page on the desk and began reciting aloud.

“The first element of the Great Sumeru Hammer—physical strength...”

“…”

Bibi Dong closed her eyes, a faint smile on her lips, as she listened to Qian Renjue’s clear, gentle voice.

Her red lips moved slightly, silently mouthing the words along with him.

I can’t lose myself in this moment of leisure. This is the Pope's Hall, and I am the Pope.

There are still matters to handle.

The training method for the Great Sumeru Hammer wasn’t particularly complicated, but its requirements were extremely demanding.

It required mastery over strength control, endurance, output rate, physical constitution, and spiritual power—all of which posed high thresholds.

Yet, for Bibi Dong, these were not issues.

She already possessed a full set of soul bones, including several of ten-thousand-year quality, as well as external spirit bones.

Before long...



Bibi Dong had already memorized everything perfectly.

Out of a hint of indulgence, she made Qian Renjue repeat it several more times to verify that she had indeed committed it to memory.

"Alright, I’ve got it all memorized now."

Bibi Dong raised her hand to cover Qian Renjue’s lips, then sat up straight with a smile.

“Whew~”

Qian Renjue let out a breath of relief, rubbing his throat, which almost felt like it was on fire.

“Was it really that bad?”

Bibi Dong gave Qian Renjue a sideways glance, holding the hand that seemed flushed from the heat of his breath. She picked up her teacup and brought it to his lips with mock reproach.

“Here, have some tea to soothe your throat.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

Qian Renjue smiled and reached out to take the cup, but Bibi Dong tipped it directly into his mouth instead. He tilted his head slightly to drink.

“Gulp, gulp~”

Once Qian Renjue had finished the tea, Bibi Dong stretched lazily, her graceful figure mesmerizing with its curves. She lifted her chin slightly, her beautiful eyes half-lowered, radiating an aura of dominance and control, her lips curling into a faint smile.

"Jue, how long has it been since you’ve come here?"

"Uh—"

Qian Renjue froze, his expression momentarily blank. After some thought, he grinned sheepishly, as though seeking forgiveness.

“Hmph!”

Bibi Dong pushed his face away as he tried to nuzzle closer.

“Don’t try that with me.”

“Ever since you got that new soul skill, you’ve barely been home!”

She raised a slender finger and gently poked Qian Renjue’s forehead.

Qian Renjue laughed awkwardly. “I was handling important matters, but I’ll always come back when I have time!”

“You’d better,” Bibi Dong teased, her tone playful but with an edge of seriousness.

In truth, Qian Renjue came back fairly often, but for Bibi Dong, the more frequent, the better.

Xiao Xue wasn’t here.

His share of affection should rightfully belong to her beloved mother, not to any outsiders who hadn’t even entered the family yet.

“Absolutely!” Qian Renjue nodded solemnly.

After all, he had just returned from finishing an important task, though it wasn’t something he could openly discuss.

“If you have serious matters to attend to, then go handle them first.”

Bibi Dong rested her arm on Qian Renjue’s shoulder, her smile sharp, her eyes gleaming as though hiding daggers.

“But if you lie to me…”

“I’ll send you off to the countryside to farm a few acres of land for the common folk.”

Qian Renjue chuckled helplessly.

“How could I ever lie to you, Mom?”

“Relax, I’m just joking.”

Bibi Dong laughed softly, tilting her head to plant a fleeting kiss on Qian Renjue’s cheek. Her fingers traced the warmth she left behind, playfully poking the spot.

“Alright, go find those old fogeys. Just make sure to come back early.”

“Understood. Goodbye, Mom.”

Qian Renjue stood up, leaned down to return the affectionate gesture, and gathered the sheet of paper filled with detailed notes. With a cheerful stride, he headed outside.


---

Outside the Pope’s Hall, a small line had already formed. Upon seeing Qian Renjue, everyone greeted him respectfully, their voices filled with deference.

This was the son of the former Pope and the current Pope’s disciple. He was the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, supported by both the old and new factions within the organization.

It was already an unspoken truth—he was destined to inherit the Pope’s position.

Qian Renjue gave a slight nod as a greeting before walking directly toward the plaza in front of the hall.

He was on his way to present the Great Sumeru Hammer technique to the elders, especially his grandfather, the Qian Daoliu. Even though the technique was challenging to master, he was confident that someone among them would succeed.

Without activating his martial spirit, Qian Renjue manipulated the gentle wind, effortlessly ascending into the air.

Even within the Spirit Hall, few had ever witnessed him in his martial spirit-possessed form.

Before long, the lively chatter within the Worship Hall abruptly ceased.

Moments later, a collective exclamation of shock echoed in unison from the seven elders present.

“The Great Sumeru Hammer?!”