Letting Qian Renxue Make her Decision

Bibi Dong's fair and tender face leaned against Ao Tian's chest, and her soft, flowing hair spread over Ao Tian's body, making him feel ticklish.

Upon hearing Ao Tian's words, Bibi Dong looked up at him and asked, "Are you trying to play dumb with me?"

Ao Tian awkwardly smiled.

Bibi Dong continued, "I noticed a few years ago that Xue'er liked you. She was only fifteen or sixteen at the time, and I thought that with time, her feelings for you would fade. But today, as I observed carefully, not only have her feelings not faded, it seems they've deepened. She's just intentionally hiding it, perhaps to avoid causing any trouble between us."

Ao Tian nodded helplessly, saying, "I've noticed too, but what can I do?"

With his powerful spiritual sense, he could see every subtle expression on Qian Renxue's face if he paid attention.

Bibi Dong pinched him hard and asked, "Are you saying you have no plan at all?"

Ao Tian awkwardly inquired, "Are you trying to set me up with someone again?"

Bibi Dong sighed, "Originally, I didn't have this idea. I thought that Xue'er would eventually find someone she truly likes. But since I've agreed to you being with Gu Yuena and Xiao Wu, and seeing Xue'er suffer for so many years, how can I bear to watch her be heartbroken?"

"So, you're planning to use me as a tool to comfort Xue'er?"

"What tool? You make it sound so unpleasant!" Bibi Dong kicked Ao Tian and said, "I just don't believe you have no plan at all. You know, every time you give a piece of your heart away, it hurts me."

Ao Tian hugged Bibi Dong tightly and said, "You silly girl, always thinking about me. Rest assured, no matter how many pieces of my heart are given away, my love for you will only increase, never decrease."

"That's why I can trust you with Xue'er," Bibi Dong said.

"You mentioned Hu Liena earlier. Don't tell me you want me to take her as my disciple too?" Ao Tian asked.

"You're dreaming." Bibi Dong gave him a glare and said, "I only just realized today that Liena has feelings for you. It wouldn't be proper for both of us to serve you as master and disciple. So what do we do? We can't just talk to her directly; she's a sensitive young girl and might do something foolish."

Bibi Dong sighed, "I've already figured it out. Let her go to the Spirit Hall Academy. That way, she won't have to see you. There are plenty of outstanding young people there who will pursue her, and she's bound to find someone she likes."

Ao Tian wasn't entirely confident in Bibi Dong's plan. After all, he knew the plot, and Liena wouldn't be interested in those who pursued her.

But he couldn't bring himself to crush Bibi Dong's hopes, so he reluctantly agreed to the arrangement.

Neither of them spoke further. After a while, Ao Tian suddenly asked, "Have you rested well?"

Upon hearing Ao Tian's words, Bibi Dong felt a tingling sensation in her body and replied irritably, "You again."

Ao Tian chuckled, "Haven't you noticed that your physical condition has greatly improved these past few days?"

Bibi Dong's face blushed slightly, "Just get on with it. It's almost dawn, and you'll have to take Xue'er back soon."

Ao Tian teased, "When you say 'get on with it,' do you mean in terms of time or..."

"Go to hell!"

...

As dawn approached, Ao Tian arrived in Qian Renxue's room.

The Supreme Pontiff's palace was Qian Renxue's home. Whenever she returned, she would stay here for a night, and just before daybreak, Ao Tian would escort her back to Heaven Dou City.

As Ao Tian entered, he saw Qian Renxue sitting at the vanity, her complexion a little tired, with faint dark circles under her eyes.

"You didn't rest all night?" Ao Tian asked.

Qian Renxue stood up and said, "I've had some trouble sleeping lately, but it's not a big deal for me."

Ao Tian sighed and reached out to caress Qian Renxue's golden hair, saying softly, "Silly girl, there are some things you don't need to overthink." With his recent progress in cultivation, he had regained his height of 1.8 meters; otherwise, it would have been difficult to reach the top of Qian Renxue's head.

Feeling Ao Tian's touch, Qian Renxue leaned back.

'Could he have guessed my feelings? Is this his way of rejecting me?' Qian Renxue thought sadly.

Ao Tian smiled helplessly. This little girl has really grown up, keeping everything hidden in her heart.

"I'll escort you back to the Heaven Dou Royal Palace," he said.

"Mm."

Ao Tian grabbed Qian Renxue's soft hand and instantly teleported them into the Crown Prince's chamber of the Heaven Dou Royal Palace.

Qian Renxue forcefully pulled her hand away, looking at the man she secretly admired, struggling to find the right words.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Ao Tian asked.

Summoning her courage, Qian Renxue's gaze softened. "Ao Tian, I... I... thank you for celebrating my birthday."

In the end, she restrained herself. After all, this man was technically her brother-in-law. How could she say such things?

"Silly girl, why thank me for something like that? I also prepared a birthday gift for you." Ao Tian said, taking out a palm-sized golden scale.

Gold was Qian Renxue's favorite color. She looked at the golden scale, which was adorned with exquisite engravings and featured the character '雪' (snow) at its center. She was overjoyed.

Taking the scale, she held it affectionately.

Ao Tian explained with a smile the various uses of the dragon scale, leaving Qian Renxue even more pleasantly surprised. Especially the scale's defensive capabilities, with her current soul power, it could withstand any attack below the god-level.

The stronger she became, the stronger the scale's defense would be.

Ao Tian let out a long sigh. This could be considered his token of love for Qian Renxue.

Touched, Qian Renxue took a couple of steps forward and quickly kissed Ao Tian on the cheek.

Her pretty face was now flushed red. She quickly explained, "Don't misunderstand. Since you said I couldn't say thank you, this is the only way I can express my gratitude."

Ao Tian touched the spot where Qian Renxue had kissed him and said with a smile, "If you want to thank me, you can kiss me a few more times."

"You wish." Qian Renxue rolled her eyes.

Ao Tian sighed, "Well, if you don't kiss me now, you might not have the chance later. Your sister Dong'er mentioned that I could take on a few more concubines."

Qian Renxue was stunned. How could Sister Dong'er, who was so perfect and proud, be willing to let other women share her man?

"Is this true?" Qian Renxue's expression couldn't hide her shock.

Ao Tian nodded, "Yes, why would I lie to you? She has already chosen two girls, one named Gu Yuena and the other Xiao Wu. If you don't believe me, I can take you back and ask her."

Qian Renxue didn't say anything. She stood there, struggling to accept this news.

Ao Tian sighed inwardly. By saying this, he wanted Qian Renxue to make her own choice. After all, Qian Renxue would not only have to accept him and Bibi Dong, but also Gu Yuena and Xiao Wu. With Qian Renxue's proud nature, this choice might be very difficult for her.

So, Ao Tian would respect her and give her time.

"Your sister Dong'er also said that if you're willing, you can become my woman."

Ao Tian's words were like a bombshell, exploding in Qian Renxue's heart.

Pointing to the dragon scale on Qian Renxue's hand, he said, "I'll be going now. If you ever want me, you can contact me through the dragon scale at any time."

He understood that Qian Renxue wouldn't be able to make a decision in the short term. He could only wait, and no matter what decision she made, he would respect it. (T/N: Press X to doubt)

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T/N Rant: Damn, I can't see the work in rankings. This fic has 90+ power stones but I can't find it in the weekly rankings. Am I getting shadowbanned?