Chapter 36

(Hi there, I am back let's just say I will continue to post chapter's for this fanfic, but it won't be as daily like previously, maybe every two or three days. The reason is school is getting closer and I had a lot of work to do.)

Their group swiftly arrived at the Spirit City by the afternoon. Without pausing for a moment, they flew directly towards the Spirit Hall, alighting at the grand main entrance of the Pontiff Palace.

Taking a deep breath, Cai Wen stretched his body and said, "It feels so good to be back. Living in the forest was challenging."

Chrysanthemums Douluo chuckled, replying, "That might be true, Xiao Wen, but if you wish to advance further in your Cultivation and deepen your knowledge of herbs and plants, I'm afraid that's a necessary sacrifice."

Directing his attention towards Qian Daoliu, Chrysanthemums Douluo bowed respectfully. "Excuse me, Your Highness, I have some reports that I need to report to the pope."

Qian Daoliu acknowledged with a nod, and Chrysanthemums Douluo departed, not before reminding Cai Wen to report to his teacher, the Pope, later on.

Turning to Cai Wen and Qian Renxue, Qian Daoliu said, "Cai Wen, although the Elder Palace is usually off-limits, I'll make an exception for you. Do visit us at times. For now, we should take our leave."

"Thank you, Grandpa Qian," Cai Wen replied, before turning his gaze towards Qian Renxue. They exchanged glances, falling into an awkward silence as they grappled with what to say next.

Cai Wen decided to break the silence. "Renxue," he began, "I've never really explored the Palaces here. Would you mind showing me around next time?"

Qian Renxue appeared surprised, but she nodded in agreement. "You've been here for a year, and you still don't know the place? Aren't you a bit lazy?" She teased him playfully.

"Well, I've been cooped up in the library, so I never had a chance..." Cai Wen replied, exchanging a few more words with her before bidding farewell to Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue.

Finding himself alone, Cai Wen thought, 'Finally, some solitude. I didn't expect to forge such a close bond with the Qian family - to think I would call Qian Daoliu as a grandpa, and even becoming friends with one of the final bosses, my luck might be so low right now with all of this. I guess I should visit Bibi Dong first. I've missed my scary teacher, and I owe a visit to big sister Hu Liena too later.'

With that, he entered the grandeur of the Supreme Pontiff Palace and wandered its intricate corridors. After several twists and turns, he arrived at the familiar door of Bibi Dong's office.

Just as he was about to knock, the door swung open, revealing Chrysanthemums Douluo. "Oh, Xiao Wen," he said, "I thought you would stop by a bit more later."

Cai Wen responded, "Well Grandpa Qian and Renxue left shortly after you, and I decided to visit my teacher first. Then, I'll retreat to my room for some rest."

"I see," Chrysanthemums Douluo replied, his tone wistful. "I miss my garden. Do visit sometime. My plants seem to adore your presence - it feels like they love you more than me, their owner." He pouted slightly at the end.

Cai Wen managed to suppress the instinct to grimace. 'Cai Wen, remember this is a man,' he reminded himself.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Cai Wen bid farewell to Chrysanthemums Douluo with a friendly wave, then turned to knock on the door.

"Cai Wen, I'm aware of your presence. Come in," Bibi Dong's voice sounded from inside, prompting him to enter without further delay.

Within the office, the Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong sat behind her desk, her attention riveted to a scroll spread before her. She lifted her gaze as Cai Wen stepped in, her eyes an unfaltering icy stare.

"Cai Wen, I hadn't anticipated your arrival so soon," she remarked, setting the scroll aside.

Cai Wen offered a slight bow in response. "I deemed it appropriate to report to you first, teacher."

Bibi Dong acknowledged his statement with a slight nod. "Sit," she instructed, pointing towards the chair across her desk.

Cai Wen complied and seated himself. He had been about to recount his experience from the Star Dou Forest and share his gains, hiding a few personal things like his Eyes.

However, she interrupted him. "I'm already informed about your exploits by Chrysanthemum. I must say, ever since you became my disciple, you've consistently impressed me with your progress," she said, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. 'If only you would stop trying to learn everything from books, most of my teaching plans would not be wasted.'

"I've also heard that you've grown quite close to the Grand Worship and her granddaughter," Bibi Dong continued, her gaze hardening, her voice laced with cold and bitterness . "Cai Wen, remember, not all is as it seems. There's a great deal of politics within Spirit Hall. Although I wield significant power, the influence of the Elder Palace can still sway my authority. You must tread cautiously."

Cai Wen nodded in understanding. "I will follow your advice, teacher."

They then spoke a bit more with Cai Wen still ended up telling her his experience in his perspective and she criticise every mistake she heard from him.

After a while, they lost anything to talk.

An awkward silence enveloped the room. After a moment of hesitation, Cai Wen decided to voice his question. "Teacher...is Qian Renxue...your daughter?"

He already knows the answer but he wanted to gauge her reaction, so he could see if he could help Qian Renxue to get closer to her mother. But he hadn't anticipated the icy chill that suddenly permeated the room with her hardening stare, despite his increased resistance to cold from his recent adventure he suddenly felt like he was inside of a refrigerator.

Bibi Dong continued to glare frostily at Cai Wen before finally closing her eyes and regaining her composure. "Cai Wen," she advised coolly, "you need to understand where your boundaries lie. Whether or not I am Qian Renxue's mother is not your concern, nor is it appropriate for you to question."

A shiver ran down Cai Wen's spine as he hastily apologized, "My apologies, teacher. I overstepped my bounds" However, he couldn't help but think, 'Your reaction has already hinted at the truth that anyone can easily guess that you are indeed her mother.' Though he was still scared of her reaction is quite fierce and it was the first time she show how scary she can be and he was just lucky in his entire time being in this place.

Bibi Dong's then took a deep breath. "You should rest, Cai Wen. We'll continue our discussion tomorrow." Bibi Dong then dismissed him.

Cai Wen rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to his teacher, "Thank you, teacher. I will take my leave now."

As he exited the office, he found himself deeply contemplating her reaction. It was saturated with hatred towards Qian Renxue, yet, beneath that loathing, there seemed to be a hidden care that she doesn't even realize herself.

Since acquiring his second ring, his perception had expanded, allowing him to see more details and even the energy around people. He could interpret people's emotions by observing their physical reactions. Though that is only if he focuses on recognising this tiny details or he will overlooked them.

With a heavy sigh, Cai Wen mused, 'This is going to be challenging. Bibi Dong is a complex mix of love and hate, as if she embodies the entire concept of Naruto anime. She harbors affection for Yu Xiaogang, yet she despises him. She loves Qian Renxue, but she also resents her. While I don't particularly mind if her hatred for Yu Xiaogang intensifies, I feel compelled to find a way to bridge the gap between mother and daughter. After all, I am a close friend of Qian Renxue.'

As Cai Wen ambled towards his quarters, he decided to visit Hu Liena the next day. With that, he prepared to rest, mentally bracing himself for the hurdles that the following day would undoubtedly bring.