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"Hahaha… My dear disciple, you've finally returned. Your teacher has searched for you in vain all these years."
"It's good to have you back. Seeing you safe and sound brings me great joy."
Qian Xunji studied Bibi Dong's smile for a moment before bursting into laughter, his expression one of genuine delight as he rose from his throne.
"This disciple was wrong to worry you, Teacher." Bibi Dong bowed her head in remorse.
"Nonsense. Your return is all that matters. A little worry is nothing."
"Rise." Qian Xunji waved a hand magnanimously.
"Thank you, Teacher."
"Tell me, how have you spent these four years?" Qian Xunji leaned back casually, though his eyes remained sharp.
(Four years apart, and she's changed so much. Just meeting her gaze sends chills down my spine—like a venomous serpent watching its prey.)
(I can't even tell if that smile is real or fake anymore.)
"Teacher, speaking of this… I am ashamed." Bibi Dong sighed. "I failed your teachings. Back then, I was young and foolish. When Lin Yongming died, I could only wallow in grief, blind to your difficulties."
"At the time, I felt that without him, my life had lost all meaning."
"I'm sorry, Teacher!"
Her tone was dripping with sincerity.
"Oh? You don't hate me?" Qian Xunji's question was deceptively mild.
"At first, I did. I hated you for killing the first man I ever loved. But after some time in seclusion, reflecting on my actions, I came to understand your righteousness."
"Lin Yongming colluded with spirit beasts, even marrying one and bearing children—an affront to natural order. Now that I think about it, he deserved death."
"But once I realized this, I was too ashamed to face you after all your years of guidance. So I wandered the continent, experiencing life's trials."
"Only recently, after breaking through to the Titled Douluo rank, did I remember that my teacher still awaited me in Spirit Hall. Though I failed you, I knew it was time to return."
Her words were calm, but her expression was one of deep remorse.
"Good. Such maturity pleases me greatly." Qian Xunji nodded approvingly.
"All men err, especially the young. That you could pull yourself back from the brink is rare. Now that you've seen the truth and reached Titled Douluo rank, your future is limitless."
(Impossible! Four years ago, she was just a Soul Sage. To reach Titled Douluo in such a short time… Is this the terror of a twin-spirited genius?)
Despite his shock, Qian Xunji's smile widened.
(But this works in my favor. I've long sought a woman of exceptional talent—and now you've delivered yourself to me, Bibi Dong.)
(Cough… Damn that Lin Yongming! His final strike left permanent damage, cutting off my path to further growth.)
A flash of hatred crossed his face as he discreetly pressed a hand to his chest—a lingering injury from Lin Yongming's suicidal attack years ago.
"Teacher, may I rejoin Spirit Hall? Does this unworthy disciple still have the right to be your student?"
Bibi Dong's eyes flickered to his concealed wound.
(Suffering all these years, weren't you, Qian Xunji?)
A cold smirk curled in her heart.
"Of course. You will always be my disciple—and Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden. I've kept your quarters untouched, awaiting your return."
"Thank you, Teacher! You're too kind to this foolish disciple." Bibi Dong feigned tearful gratitude.
"To err is human. Now, the hour grows late. You must be weary from your journey. Rest well. Tomorrow, I shall announce to all that our Holy Maiden has returned from her training."
The Trap is Set
That night, a banquet was held to celebrate Bibi Dong's return.
As the festivities wound down, Qian Xunji approached her with a cup of tea.
"Dong'er, you've had quite a bit to drink. Here, this will sober you up."
"Thank you, Teacher. Sister Lingyuan and the others were too enthusiastic."
She accepted the cup without hesitation and drained it in one gulp.
A satisfied gleam entered Qian Xunji's eyes.
(Perfect. She suspects nothing.)
But moments later, Bibi Dong staggered, her vision blurring.
"Teacher… what did you put in that tea?"
"Just a special blend to aid your rest."
His kindly mask slipped, revealing a predatory grin as he sealed her soul power with a swift strike.
"Teacher?! What are you—"
"You'll see soon enough. I'm taking you somewhere… private."
He swept her into his arms and strode toward his chambers, where a hidden passage lay behind a bookshelf.
"So Spirit Hall has secret dungeons. You've hidden your true self well, Qian Xunji."
Bibi Dong's voice was suddenly clear, her eyes sharp.
"What?!"
Before he could react, an overwhelming killing intent engulfed him, sending him crashing into the bookshelf in panic.
"This aura—you've become a Dark Spirit Master?!"
"Dark Spirit Master? How naïve." Bibi Dong's lips curled. "Did you truly think I returned unprepared?"
With a flick of her wrist, a purple-black mist enveloped them both.
"Behold—the Rakshasa Illusion!"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 110 power stones I will publish the next chapter.