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Outside the chambers of Pope Bibi Dong in the Spirit Hall's Pope Palace.
Late at night, Dai Chengfeng raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.
Soon, Bibi Dong's cool yet slightly lazy voice drifted out from inside.
"Come in. Teacher hasn't retired for the night yet…"
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng slowly pushed open the door, and a rich, unique fragrance immediately wafted toward him.
The room was opulent, dominated by deep shades of purple.
Heavy purple curtains were layered one over the other, blocking all external prying eyes.
On one side of the room stood a massive bookshelf filled with ancient tomes.
On the other side was an expansive bed, its drapes made of light purple gauze that swayed gently in the night breeze.
And there, sitting on a plush chair beside the bed, was Bibi Dong.
She wore a purple silk pajama set, semi-transparent but not overly revealing, still hinting at her exquisite and flawless figure.
Her wine-red hair cascaded freely over her snow-white shoulders, a few strands framing her delicate face, adding a touch of allure.
Her deep, probing eyes fixed on Dai Chengfeng.
"It's so late. Instead of resting and conserving your strength for tomorrow's journey to Death Canyon…"
"Why have you come to see me?"
Seeing Bibi Dong in such a tempting appearance, Dai Chengfeng felt a flicker of admiration in his heart, but he quickly composed himself.
"Teacher, today was my first time in Spirit City. Curious about this most prosperous city on the continent, I decided to explore it before going to bed."
"While I was touring Spirit City, Qian Renxue sought me out."
Although Dai Chengfeng was certain that Bibi Dong wouldn't know about his private meeting with Qian Renxue today, given his Mustard Seed Realm state's unique ability.
It didn't rely on sensing soul power but instead on detecting subtle changes in the surroundings. Thus, even someone as powerful as a Title Douluo…
Unless they were aware of Dai Chengfeng's special skill beforehand and remained vigilant about their surroundings, there was no way they could escape his notice.
But…
Dai Chengfeng knew that his future interactions with Qian Renxue would inevitably become frequent.
And with Bibi Dong's status, along with the vast power and intelligence network she controlled, it would be nearly impossible to completely hide any anomalies from her.
Especially when, in the future, after Bibi Dong fully inherits her godhood and takes complete control of the Spirit Hall…
The second Worship of the Douluo Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo, and the third Worship, Qing Luan Douluo, would both actively show favor to Bibi Dong, not to mention elders of the level of Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo.
By then, his private dealings with Qian Renxue would inevitably be exposed.
Thus, Dai Chengfeng decided to give Bibi Dong a 'heads-up' in advance…
Of course, the account of events needed careful adjustments, such as the agreement between Qian Renxue and him, and what exactly transpired during their earlier meeting.
After all, if Bibi Dong were to learn that just moments ago, her daughter Qian Renxue had her head stroked freely by Dai Chengfeng…
Terrifying!
On the other side, upon hearing Dai Chengfeng's words, Bibi Dong's eyebrows arched slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes.
She had considered the possibility that Qian Renxue might seek out Dai Chengfeng. After all, as her mother, she was well aware of Qian Renxue's competitive nature.
But Bibi Dong was confident that Dai Chengfeng would make the right choice, so she wasn't overly concerned.
What she hadn't expected, however, was…
That Dai Chengfeng would voluntarily come to inform her of this matter.
"Xue? What did Qian Renxue want from you?"
Bibi Dong picked up the book again and began flipping through it, seemingly asking casually. However, her gaze never actually landed on the pages.
Dai Chengfeng maintained a calm expression. "Qian Renxue asked me to spy for her, relaying all sorts of orders and intelligence about you in advance."
"I neither agreed nor refused; I simply said I needed time to think."
At this point, Dai Chengfeng, seemingly fearing Bibi Dong might misunderstand, hurriedly explained, "Of course, I'm not trying to betray you, Teacher. It's just that Qian Renxue is the beloved granddaughter of Grand Worship Qian Daoliu, and I couldn't afford to offend her."
"Therefore, I wanted to ask you to step in and refuse on my behalf."
Bibi Dong nodded lightly, harboring no suspicion.
After all, since Dai Chengfeng had come forward to disclose this matter, how could he possibly agree to Qian Renxue's request?
For a moment, Bibi Dong gazed at the 'loyal' Dai Chengfeng, her eyes reflecting admiration.
At the same time, she spoke, "Good."
"Chengfeng, you understand how to discern right from wrong. Teacher is deeply gratified."
However, her tone shifted as she continued, "But you could also agree to her request."
Just as expected!
Dai Chengfeng inwardly chuckled. The little schemes of this mother-daughter pair were remarkably consistent.
Then again, it was only natural—they were mother and daughter, both equally confident and proud.
Outwardly, however, Dai Chengfeng's eyes flashed with feigned 'surprise.' He abruptly raised his head, locking eyes with Bibi Dong, his gaze filled with confusion.
"Agree?"
"Teacher, why is that?"
Bibi Dong looked at the surprised Dai Chengfeng, her crimson lips curling into a confident smile as she slowly explained:
"Qian Renxue's move appears to be for her own benefit, attempting to plant a spy within my ranks."
"But she's far too inexperienced to anticipate that you'd come directly to me and reveal this."
"So if you were to agree to her request, I could turn this situation around and use your position to our advantage…"
Slap—
Bibi Dong gently closed the ancient tome in her hands, her eyes gleaming with increasing satisfaction. "On the surface, you'd be her spy, feeding her information about me."
"But in reality!"
"The truthfulness and extent of that information would be entirely under our control!"
Bibi Dong rose gracefully, her alluring figure gliding to the bookshelf. She returned the book to its place, her fingers lightly trailing across the spines of the other books.
"Chengfeng, you may not realize…"
"The power structure of the Spirit Hall is far more intricate than you imagine."
"For instance, the Douluo Hall overseen by Qian Renxue's grandfather, Qian Daoliu, doesn't entirely obey my commands."
"Therefore, Teacher plans to take advantage of this opportunity."
"Let them believe they've uncovered my secrets or plans, thereby lowering their guard or making poor decisions."
With that, Bibi Dong suddenly turned around, her gaze sharp. "Besides, since Qian Renxue initiated this request, it would be difficult for you to refuse, wouldn't it?"
Dai Chengfeng instinctively nodded.
Bibi Dong smiled in satisfaction, returning elegantly to her seat and crossing her pale legs.
Resting her chin on one hand, she gazed at Dai Chengfeng.
"Chengfeng, just remember this: follow my instructions, and if the plan goes smoothly, there will be no one left in the Spirit Hall capable of opposing me!"
"And you…"
"Will earn unparalleled glory and status within the Spirit Hall, second only to me!"
"What do you think?"
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