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"Then we'll take our leave and not disturb the three of you on your journey," Cheng Jian said, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture.
"Thank you, esteemed ones, for saving our lives," Steward Fang Yan also expressed his gratitude with a bow.
"We're all on the same side, no need for formalities," Lin Yongming nodded, returning the courtesy.
After they left, Lin Yongming and his two companions also exited the gates of Xiyun City.
"Xiao Ming, our three-year journey is only a few months away from completion. But now, the teacher has suddenly ordered us to stop our training. Could it be that he knows about our relationship or the matter with the Spider Queen?"
Once outside the city, Bibi Dong, who had been holding back her worries for a long time, finally spoke up.
"The incident with the Spider Queen happened less than two days ago. It's unlikely that's the reason. The most probable cause is that the Pope has found out about our close relationship."
"But let's not assume the worst. Maybe he's calling us back for something else entirely."
"And even if it is because of our situation, it's better to face it head-on. We'll stand together, no matter what," Lin Yongming said, taking Bibi Dong's hand to comfort her.
"Dong'er, Xiao Ming is right. Don't overthink it. If it really is about our relationship, we'll just have to make it clear," Blue Silver Empress also chimed in to reassure her.
"You're both right. I'm just being too sensitive. Even if we have to face the most dangerous situations, as long as I have you two, I won't be afraid."
"Maybe the teacher just has something urgent and needs us back," Bibi Dong said, looking at the two of them with a determined nod.
Lin Yongming didn't say anything more. Bibi Dong had become more sensitive about Qian Xunji ever since the incident with the Spider Queen.
In the past, Bibi Dong would have trusted Qian Xunji's words without question and strictly followed his orders. But after what happened with the Spider Queen, she could no longer face him with the same mindset.
"With the talent I've shown, would Qian Xunji really not approve of me being with Bibi Dong?"
In truth, Lin Yongming's heart was heavier than both Blue Silver Empress and Bibi Dong. After all, he knew what the future might hold.
But for now, he couldn't share this with the two women. He could only bury it deep in his heart and pray that the tragedies from the original timeline wouldn't repeat themselves.
"Qian Xunji, I hope this tragedy doesn't repeat itself."
After calming his mind, Lin Yongming held Blue Silver Empress and activated his Purple Lightning Wings, taking to the air.
Bibi Dong, on the other hand, summoned her Six-Winged Purple Light Wings. After more than two years, her external soul bone had fully integrated with her body.
Orienting themselves toward the northeast, where Spirit City was located, the three of them flew at full speed.
After crossing the mountains and forests to the west, they arrived at a city by dusk—a city known as the Metal Capital, Gengxin City.
"Gengxin City! It's actually the famous Metal Capital of the continent. I didn't expect us to pass by here," Bibi Dong said, looking up at the city gate with surprise.
"The sun is setting, and it's good that we've come across a city. We've been traveling all day, so let's rest here and continue tomorrow morning."
"We should also have a proper meal. Eating just dried meat isn't enough," Blue Silver Empress said in her usual big-sister tone.
"Alright, we'll rest in Gengxin City tonight. At our flying speed, we should be able to reach Spirit City tomorrow," Lin Yongming agreed without objection.
As they entered Gengxin City, they noticed that it was completely different from other cities. The architecture here was more avant-garde.
Moreover, Gengxin City was an independent city, a place where the continent's blacksmiths thrived. Although it was located within the Star Luo Empire's territory, it wasn't under their jurisdiction.
After having dinner, the three of them booked two rooms at a hotel.
"Xiao Ming, you might be meeting Qian Xunji tomorrow. Make sure to talk to Dong'er and help her not dwell on the Spider Queen incident," Blue Silver Empress said generously, pushing him toward Bibi Dong's room.
With that, Blue Silver Empress entered her own room, leaving the two of them to spend time together.
"Xiao Ming, did Sister A'Huang push you onto me again?" Bibi Dong said, her hair still damp as she looked at Lin Yongming.
"What do you mean 'push'? I'm just worried that you might act impulsively when you see the Pope," Lin Yongming replied with a helpless expression.
Sometimes, the two women would playfully push Lin Yongming back and forth, each hoping to spend more time with him.
"Sigh… Xiao Ming, I'll try to let go of this matter gradually. What I'm really worried about is whether the teacher will approve of us being together. Is he calling us back because he knows about our relationship?" Bibi Dong sat on the sofa, her expression filled with melancholy.
"Dong'er, don't worry. I'll make sure to become even more outstanding. If he doesn't agree, I'll keep working until he does," Lin Yongming said, sitting beside her and gently wrapping his arms around her.
"Mm. If the teacher doesn't agree, I'm willing to give up my position as the Holy Maiden to be with you. Even if it means leaving Spirit Hall, I'll do it," Bibi Dong said with a determined look in her eyes.
"No, don't say that. Leave this matter to me. You mustn't say such things, or it will definitely anger Qian Xunji. After all, you're the successor he's poured so much effort into training. You can't just talk about leaving Spirit Hall so casually."
"The Pope might not agree now, but even if it takes a year, two years, or even ten years, I'll keep trying until he agrees."
Hearing Bibi Dong's words, Lin Yongming immediately tried to calm her down.
If Bibi Dong really said something like that to Qian Xunji, it would undoubtedly provoke his wrath.
The consequences would be unimaginable.
"Xiao Ming…" Bibi Dong's voice trembled with emotion. "Actually, the main reason is that I don't know how to face what Bai Qianxue said. I don't know how to face the teacher, which is why I thought about resigning as the Holy Maiden."
"Dong'er, maybe the Pope doesn't even know about this. Even if he does, you've grown up under his care. No one would dare call you a fallen one."
"So when we return to Spirit City, let's not bring it up. You'll still be the Holy Maiden, and we'll maintain the same relationship as before."
"Besides, we're overthinking this. Maybe the Pope is calling us back for something entirely different."
"So don't overthink it. When we return to Spirit City, aside from the matter with the Spider Queen and our relationship, there's no need to hide anything else," Lin Yongming advised.
"Mm, I'll listen to you."
"But once we're back in Spirit City, we won't be able to be as close as we are now. Since we'll be arriving tomorrow, stay with me tonight," Bibi Dong said affectionately.
"Alright, Dong'er," Lin Yongming nodded.
Back in the bedroom, Bibi Dong took the initiative, removing her violet nightgown.
…
The next morning, it was past ten when Lin Yongming and Bibi Dong finally got up, thanks to Blue Silver Empress's arrival.
"How late did you two stay up last night? You're waking up so late," Blue Silver Empress teased as soon as she entered the room.
"Sister A'Huang, stop joking," Bibi Dong said, her cheeks flushing.
"Oh? It seems Xiao Ming's comfort works wonders. Your gloomy face from yesterday is all rosy now," Blue Silver Empress said, pinching Bibi Dong's cheek.
"You're the worst, A'Huang. Anyway, once we're back in Spirit City, I'll leave Xiao Ming in your care. If anything happens to him, I'll hold you responsible," Bibi Dong said, swatting Blue Silver Empress's hand away.
Lin Yongming, meanwhile, sat with a look of resignation as he ate the breakfast Blue Silver Empress had brought.
After finishing their meal, the three of them set off once more.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 266 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 70 power stones I will publish the next chapter.