[DD]: 211

Yu Xiaogang tightly gripped the intelligence in his hand, his teeth clenched to nearly shattering. As he read the report on the Soul Master Tournament in the Heaven Dou region, his body trembled slightly.

There was no doubt—he had been betrayed.

And it was Tang Hao's doing.

Tang San had knelt and bowed his head, pretending not to be curious about the secret of cultivating twin martial souls. But Yu Xiaogang couldn't believe it for a second.

It had to be Tang Hao. But hadn't he spoken to Tang Hao before leaving? He had even advised him to keep a low profile to ensure their plans proceeded smoothly.

But now…

Tang Hao has wronged me, Yu Xiaogang lamented silently.

Tang Hao hadn't trusted him at all and continued to act recklessly. As for the token, Tang Hao likely didn't care about it in the slightest.

"Heh, is there anything else you'd like to say?"

Bibi Dong observed his dejected state with an indescribable sense of satisfaction stirring within her.

The outcome she had anticipated hadn't occurred, but Yu Xiaogang's hopes had been destroyed by the very person he trusted. It gave her a twisted sense of pleasure.

"No, nothing…"

The intelligence in Yu Xiaogang's hand slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground. Since Bibi Dong already knew everything, there was no point in pleading further.

Bibi Dong stared blankly at him, but a trace of reluctance suddenly welled up in her heart. Almost driven by impulse, she asked, "Is that disciple of yours that important to you? When you left Wuhun City back then, I've never seen you look like this."

Yu Xiaogang hadn't expected such a question. Mechanically, he raised his head and glanced at her.

"You wouldn't understand. He is my hope; he's like a son to me."

His answer was vague—he didn't want to revisit the painful memories of the past. Back then, he had been like a stray dog.

Yet, in Bibi Dong's eyes, his demeanor was an undeniable admission.

She had lost again. Twenty years ago, it had been to Liu Erlong. And now, to his disciple. What did she count for?

Bibi Dong could no longer contain her emotions. She grabbed the teacup beside her and hurled it at Yu Xiaogang's head.

He didn't dodge—or perhaps he didn't have time to.

The teacup shattered against his forehead. Blood, mixed with the tea that had long gone cold, flowed down his face, soaking into his collar.

"No, Xiaogang…"

The sight of the blood startled Bibi Dong. Her anger softened, and she unconsciously took a few steps forward, wanting to help him.

But Yu Xiaogang, his expression blank, stepped back, stopping her in her tracks. This outcome was better than he had expected.

Under Bibi Dong's gaze, Yu Xiaogang bowed deeply.

"If Your Holiness still holds any remnants of our past affection, please allow me to leave and show leniency toward that child. He is innocent. He doesn't even know Tang Hao's identity."

Bibi Dong's outstretched hand froze in mid-air. Even now, he was pleading for his disciple.

As he bowed, blood dripped onto the white floor, a reminder not to overstep her boundaries.

After a long silence, Bibi Dong finally spoke, her voice strained.

"You may go."

Yu Xiaogang said nothing more. He straightened his back and left the hall without looking back, knowing that Bibi Dong had relented.

Once his figure disappeared from view, Bibi Dong collapsed into her chair, her eyes fixated on the bloodstain on the floor.

"Why didn't he dodge?"

"His child… his child…? Why do I have to endure this…?"

"If… if our child from back then… would be this old by now…"

"Sob… sob… I hurt him again…"

"Why…?"

In the palace, where no one dared approach, a dark purple mist rose, accompanied by low sobs and chilling, venomous mutterings, as if several voices spoke at once.

And Bibi Dong never emerged from it.

...

Under the surprised gazes of the guards, Yu Xiaogang, his forehead wrapped in white bandages, returned to the foot of the mountain.

Ignoring their stares, he sighed in relief. After walking a bit further, he glanced back at the Pope's Palace, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

Although Bibi Dong had reacted strangely, he had left unscathed. He touched his forehead, which had stopped bleeding, but his heart seethed with anger toward Tang Hao.

He had nearly been killed because of Tang Hao.

As for Bibi Dong, Yu Xiaogang no longer harbored deep feelings. While he often recalled their past and cursed Qian Xunji late at night, Bibi Dong didn't occupy much of his thoughts anymore—at least, not compared to his books and knowledge.

This time, he had gambled too much. Fortunately, Bibi Dong still had some sentiment for the past. But in the future, he knew he couldn't interact with her again. This time, he had escaped with a cracked skull. Next time, he might not be so lucky.

Luckily, Bibi Dong had agreed. She wouldn't harm Tang San, and that was already the best outcome Yu Xiaogang could hope for.

With a self-deprecating smile, Yu Xiaogang headed toward the hotel. He still needed to treat his wound, and he had to write a letter immediately. He couldn't afford to let the favor he had risked his life to earn be wasted, leaving Tang San vulnerable again because of Tang Hao's reckless actions.

...

Heaven Dou City, Han Li's Residence.

Salas knocked on the courtyard door. Han Li furrowed his brows slightly as he walked over to open it.

"Is something the matter?"

Han Li eyed Salas, puzzled, since he had never visited him before.

Salas bowed and respectfully handed over two letters.

"Your Highness, these letters are from the Pope's Hall and the Worship Hall, respectively."

As he spoke, he cautiously observed Han Li's expression.

"Oh?"

Han Li's interest was piqued. A letter from the Worship Hall wasn't unusual, but receiving one from the Pope's Hall was a first.

Ignoring Salas' gaze, Han Li opened and read the letters one by one. Once he finished, a small flame rose in his hand, burning the letters, yet his expression remained unchanged.

"Alright, I'll leave the follow-up matters to you. I'll depart the day after tomorrow."

Han Li nodded at Salas, but didn't invite him in, and promptly closed the courtyard door.

Outside, Salas breathed a sigh of relief and turned to leave. It had gone much easier than he anticipated.

He knew the contents of the letter from the Pope's Hall—it confirmed the task in the Heaven Dou region was complete, and that he could return to Wuhun City. There were matters regarding the final tournament that needed his attention.

To Salas, Han Li's indifference was expected, so he hadn't anticipated such a quick agreement.

After seeing Salas off, Han Li lay back on his recliner and closed his eyes.

The letter from the Worship Hall had been written by his master, Guang Ling, asking when he would return. They had recently achieved a breakthrough and were feeling restless. The letter also mentioned that Bibi Dong had met with Yu Xiaogang, even noting how he had left with a bloodied head.

Conveniently, a command from the Pope's Hall arrived at the same time.

"Are they worried I'll kill Tang San?"

Han Li pondered for a moment, finding no other explanation. He opened his eyes, his expression strange.

He had been quite busy lately and hadn't kept a close watch on everyone. To his surprise, things had taken such an odd turn.

What's this? Bibi Dong protecting Tang San?

The Worship Hall's reluctance to take action against Tang San was understandable due to his influence, but Bibi Dong? Was it because of Xiaogang? But didn't Xiaogang's head get smashed?

So… was this some sort of compensation? How ridiculous…

Goosebumps prickled Han Li's skin. He shook his head, baffled by Bibi Dong's motives. The power of love, coupled with her instability, made dealing with her a nightmare for him.

Forget it. He had been planning to return anyway. He'd figure it all out when he got back.

Tomorrow, he would visit Qian Renxue, and then he'd be on his way.

"Xiu'er."

Han Li called out habitually. It was time for them to head home early.

"Yes, Xiao Li. What is it?"

...

A day passed in the blink of an eye. Shui Bing'er was saying her goodbyes to her fellow students from Skywater Academy, Dugu Yan had gone to find Ye Lingling, and Zhu Zhuqing had sent word to Ning Rongrong.

On the surface, it seemed as though only Han Li and Xiu'er had yet to make any moves, but that was just appearances.

While the qualifying matches were still ongoing, Han Li and his group quietly departed Heaven Dou City.

This time, Han Li didn't formally meet with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, and Xue Qinghe seemed to have forgotten about their prior dealings.

Han Li's departure didn't cause much of a stir. Compared to the attention his arrival had garnered, it was far more subdued.

Watching their carriage leave Heaven Dou City, Tang Hao finally returned to Tang Yuexuan. In his eyes, the early departure of the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall was a signal that his plan had succeeded.

...

"Heading back, huh? It's a pity Lingling won't be joining us," Dugu Yan said lazily from the bed in the carriage.

"She'll join us soon enough," Han Li replied casually, setting down the book he had been reading.

"Yeah, I suppose. It's been a while since I've seen Grandpa—I kind of miss him."

Dugu Yan sat up and scooted closer to Han Li, unconcerned about her disheveled clothing.

"Grandpa has already broken through to level 96. Got a gift ready for him?"

"My return will be gift enough. By the time we get back, I'll probably break through to level 70. That's the best present."

"Thick-skinned."

"Learned from you."

Soon, the others joined in the conversation, and the atmosphere in the carriage remained lighthearted.

Han Li glanced back toward Heaven Dou City, his thoughts briefly returning to the figure that had been watching him as he left.

He remembered the stack of noble family records in Qian Renxue's hands when they last met, and a satisfied smile tugged at his lips. He hadn't left empty-handed, after all.

The stage is yours now—don't disappoint me!

Oh, and he hadn't forgotten to notify Liu Erlong either. She would be arriving on her own.

The finals… he was looking forward to them.