Chapter 21: Bibi Dong Appears, Takes Lin Luo Away

"Wha… what is this…" 

The Wuhun instructor stared, slack-jawed, at the baby crawling across the ground. The tiny backside wiggling with a diaper attached—a baby this young, out here?

Not only was the baby calm, but he moved around as if this were his backyard, totally unfazed. 

"Whose child is this?! Don't they know Wuhun Hall prohibits bringing family members in?"

The instructor shouted, assuming one of the academy's disciples had sneaked in their kid. But after his outcry, no one came forward to claim the baby, and everyone continued to watch, curiosity piqued.

Seeing the disciples' eyes all glued to the crawling baby, the instructor yelled again, "What are you all doing? Stand your ground!"

The disciples, still curious but too intimidated to disobey, stayed where they were, watching the baby with amusement. 

Not too far off, Qian Renxue was at a loss on how to handle the situation. She couldn't just step out and pick up her son; her appearance alone would raise suspicions. Even in the plainest of clothes, her angelic looks would give away her status in an instant.

Golden Crocodile Douluo broke the silence, "I'll go get him."

Lightwing Douluo frowned, "Won't work. He'll just use his escape speed again, and without spirit power, we can't keep up. It's too risky with this crowd; we could hurt him by mistake."

Hearing his concern, the elders nodded in agreement.

Azure Luan Douluo reassured her, "Relax, Xue'er, we'll keep an eye out and step in if needed. Plus, we'll get to see what this little guy's up to."

"He's just being mischievous. Didn't you hear how much he was laughing when he dodged us earlier?" Qian Renxue added, exasperated but amused.

Still, she reminded herself to look the part of a strict mother, crossing her arms and forcing a stern frown.

---

"Hey, little guy! Stop there!"

The head instructor, now on high alert, moved to intercept. 

Lin Luo glanced back, a smirk playing on his lips. 

Super Douluos couldn't catch me, and you think you can?

This time, he ramped up to a sevenfold speed, dashing forward in a blur.

Everyone gasped. The instructor's words choked off mid-sentence as he froze in shock.

"What… what on earth is this?" 

Nearby, Qian Renxue and the others finally got a clear look at Lin Luo's astonishing speed, each feeling an awed chill.

Golden Crocodile muttered, "Xue'er, be honest—his dad… he's human, right?"

Azure Luan joined in, "Yeah, I was wondering the same thing."

With a knowing look, Qian Renxue said cryptically, "That's not for you to know."

"Alright, alright." The elders quieted down, well aware of the "father's" supposed powers, which they'd experienced firsthand.

Luan Ying Douluo chimed in, "Why is the young master just circling the place?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Snake Dragon Douluo cut in, "When you first awaken a powerful bloodline, you're going to test it out a bit, right?"

"Exactly!"

As the elders mused among themselves, Qian Renxue found herself at a loss. Her child didn't even have a father—yet here they were, discussing what bloodline he'd inherited.

It's amazing what people will make up when they don't know the truth.

Still, she couldn't deny her bafflement. How was her child so overpowered?

Hopefully, things wouldn't get any more chaotic from here.

Qian Renxue swallowed nervously. Little did she know, things were only just beginning.

Lin Luo, meanwhile, had already covered six kilometers! 

But his "Endurance Booster Card" was about to run out—a one-time bonus that was nearly finished. When it expired, he'd have no choice but to await the inevitable outcome: being carried back.

He gritted his teeth. There were still three kilometers to cover. 

He had to push through. 

---

By now, Hu Liena and the others had stopped, unable to keep pace with the blur Lin Luo had become.

Just as the scene reached its height of excitement, a commanding figure emerged from the Pope's Palace.

In a flowing purple dress, Bibi Dong appeared, her cold, regal aura radiating from the top of the steps.

"What a pack of useless fools." 

She scowled, drawing angry glares from the elders.

"If you're so good, why don't you try?" someone was about to retort, but Bibi Dong silenced them by unleashing her spirit power, striding forward.

"The Pope's using spirit power!" the elders gasped.

Qian Renxue's heart leapt; she feared Bibi Dong might be too harsh with Lin Luo. 

Truth be told, she wasn't entirely sure her mother had truly accepted her grandson yet.

In the outer square, over a thousand people watched Bibi Dong's approach, immediately straightening their postures, expressions turning respectful.

Even the instructor, realizing the Pope's presence, panicked, dropping to one knee.

"Forgive me, Your Holiness! I had no idea where this child came from! I-I'll capture him right away!" 

Bibi Dong replied coldly, "That won't be necessary." Her tone, laced with disdain, chilled him.

Meanwhile, Lin Luo noticed Bibi Dong's appearance. His Endurance Booster Card had five seconds left, and a hundred meters remained!

Gotta crawl!

With one final burst of speed, Lin Luo completed his nine-kilometer crawl just as the boost ended. Exhausted, he could only sit there, waiting to be picked up.

Bibi Dong had arrived, soul power fully deployed, intercepting him halfway.

Contrary to his expectations, Lin Luo sat still in her arms, surprisingly docile. He'd completed his mission and dared not risk inciting her wrath further.

The onlookers watched, holding their breath. Rumor had it the Pope was cold-hearted and didn't care for anyone. Would she harm this baby?

Seeing Bibi Dong hold the child, Hu Liena's heart tightened in the distance.