Early the next morning, Li Chang'an left home carrying a small package. Inside was a handmade cake—one he'd personally made for Bibi Dong. In addition, he wore a soul tool storage device on his wrist, which contained all the essentials for an outing... along with a full set of picnic cookware!
This soul tool storage device had actually cost his father a hefty sum. Even so, its capacity was still rather limited—just enough for basic needs.
To get a better soul tool, it's generally easier to buy from within the soul master community. But Li Chang'an's family had always been ordinary folks. No matter how wealthy they became, certain connections remained difficult to establish.
As he jogged near the Hall of the Pope, Li Chang'an's eyes lit up the moment he spotted Bibi Dong standing there.
Today, she wore a simple white outfit with her hair tied into a ponytail for convenience. She looked clean-cut and elegant. Even in casual clothes, her tall and alluring figure stood out beautifully, making Li Chang'an's gaze freeze for a moment.
"Good morning, Teacher!"
Bibi Dong saw Li Chang'an running over, drenched in sweat. She gave a gentle, almost doting smile, reached out to ruffle his hair, and said softly, "No need to rush. I've cleared my schedule for the next two days. It should be more than enough time to help you find a suitable spirit ring."
"Thank you, Teacher! Oh—this is a cake I made for you. Want to try it?"
As he spoke, Li Chang'an opened the bundle. Inside was a cake so misshapen it was almost painful to look at. Bibi Dong stared at it in surprise.
'This... is a cake?'
"Chang'an, you don't need to make these things just for me in the future. I appreciate the thought, but your best way of repaying me is to study hard."
Even as she said this, Bibi Dong still reached out with her slender, jade-like fingers and picked up the cake. She gave a slightly exasperated smile and took a bite—just to give Li Chang'an some face.
But just as she was about to put the cake down, her taste buds suddenly reacted—'This thing is... surprisingly good!'
With that in mind, she took another small bite and then gracefully finished the entire little cake. She shot Li Chang'an an approving look.
Setting aside this disciple's outstanding talent, his thoughtfulness and cooking skills alone were unmatched in her eyes. It really seemed like she had taken in an exceptional student.
At that moment, Li Chang'an suddenly said, "Teacher, there's a little cake crumb at the corner of your mouth…"
Bibi Dong flushed with embarrassment. She quickly stuck out her small pink tongue to clean the corner of her mouth, then coughed and said, "Alright, Chang'an, let's set out."
"Are we flying, Teacher?" Li Chang'an asked, still confused, as he didn't even know where they were going to hunt spirit beasts.
Bibi Dong shook her head and pointed toward a nearby ornate carriage.
"This time we're headed to the Heaven Soul Forest, a specialized spirit beast reserve under the control of the Spirit Hall. It's a bit far, so a carriage will be more convenient."
As the Pope, it really would be unbecoming to fly everywhere, and besides, the Heaven Soul Forest was indeed quite a distance away—flying would be inefficient.
With a wave, Bibi Dong signaled to the carriage, and the coachman immediately urged the horses forward. The carriage sped over swiftly and smoothly, like it was driven by a seasoned veteran.
"These two horses pulling the carriage are both hundred-year soul beasts. Their speed and safety are reliable. Let's get in."
She gave a brief explanation to Li Chang'an before stepping into the carriage. Then she turned and extended her hand toward him, gesturing for him to take it.
Inside, Li Chang'an felt like he was about to float from joy, though he kept a calm expression on the surface.
He reached out and grasped her hand tightly, using her support to climb into the carriage.
But since Bibi Dong was still standing outside the carriage when he got in, the moment he entered, his face ended up just a centimeter from hers—and his view was filled with her breasts.
Yep. Big. Perky. And at this distance, he can even smell her faint, elegant fragrance... It's intoxicating.
Of course, Bibi Dong had no idea what was running through his mind. She still saw Li Chang'an as a child. Noticing that he hadn't let go of her hand, she didn't say anything. Instead, she gently led him into the carriage.
Only then did Li Chang'an finally retract his gaze. Holding her hand had felt… smooth, soft and comforting...
The interior of the carriage was exquisitely designed. Made of pear blossom wood, the compartment featured not only seats but also a small inlaid table in the center, adding a touch of elegance.
Bibi Dong sat down directly next to Li Chang'an, not bothering to make him sit opposite her. Once inside, she casually let go of his hand and adjusted her clothes before sitting properly.
Li Chang'an really wanted to lean in and enjoy her scent a bit longer, but his rational side told him to behave. He moved a little to the side, maintaining a respectful distance.
After they both settled in, the carriage started moving. Li Chang'an poked his head out the window and was surprised by how fast and stable it was.
Outside, the scenery zoomed by in a blur, yet inside the carriage, he couldn't feel any vibration at all. Even the noise from outside was completely blocked off. The whole compartment was incredibly peaceful and comfortable.
For some reason, a naughty thought popped into Li Chang'an's mind: 'This carriage is so stable and soundproof… If someone were to have a little "carriage adventure" in here… wouldn't that be thrilling?'
Thinking along those lines, he couldn't help but glance over at Bibi Dong again. With her stunning face and regal aura, he felt like he could spend a lifetime just staring at her.
Noticing his gaze, Bibi Dong didn't mind at all. She even smiled at him and said, "Coming out with you this time is also my way of getting a little break. There's been so much on my plate lately—your teacher's been under a lot of pressure."
"Alright, let's not talk about that now. Let me give you a brief introduction to the Heaven Soul Forest."
"Heaven Soul Forest is located near the mountain range between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire. It's one of the largest spirit beast reserves on the continent, with a huge variety of soul beasts—including many thousand-year ones. You'll definitely be able to find a suitable first spirit ring there."
Li Chang'an spoke up hesitantly, "Teacher, for my first spirit ring… can I try for one around 900 years old? Would that be okay?"
______
Hey everyone! 💫
If you're enjoying the story and want to support the translation, please consider voting with your Power Stones! 🌟
Every vote motivates me to keep bringing you more chapters, faster and better. Your support means the world!
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next chapter! 🙌