"A nine-hundred-year-old soul ring, Chang'an, do you even realize? The maximum for a first soul ring is normally just over four hundred years."
Bibi Dong didn't scold him right away. Instead, she patiently explained.
Li Chang'an had already prepared a reason for this. Looking at Bibi Dong with wide, innocent eyes, he calmly replied,
"Teacher, you know I have twin martial souls, and both are of very high quality. So from the moment my martial souls awakened, my body's physical strength has been subtly enhanced. If you don't believe me, you can test it yourself."
'Another chance to legitimately touch the goddess'—Li Chang'an couldn't help but think to himself after saying that.
As expected, Bibi Dong extended her fair, delicate palm and said,
"Then punch me and let me see."
Seeing this, Li Chang'an didn't hesitate. After all, this concerned the soul ring he would choose. He clenched his fist, gathered his strength, and swung!
His small fist landed squarely on Bibi Dong's palm. Immediately, he felt as though it had been wrapped in something soft. Looking up, he saw the astonishment in Bibi Dong's beautiful eyes.
[Bibi Dong. Points +18]
Bibi Dong slowly let go of Li Chang'an's hand, composed herself, and said calmly,
"Your strength really is impressive—it's on par with a regular soul master with two rings. I'll allow your choice… for now."
"But if I find that you're unable to absorb it, I will intervene and stop you."
"Understood! Thank you, Teacher!" Li Chang'an nodded excitedly. With Bibi Dong's permission, he knew things were solid this time!
Compared to those transmigrators who started with ten-thousand-year soul rings, Li Chang'an's first ring being only around nine hundred years wasn't anything too extraordinary. But what made him special was that he had a way to continuously increase the age of his rings—this was his true advantage!
With such a rare chance to be alone with her, Li Chang'an had no intention of quietly cultivating. Casually bringing up a cultivation topic, he began asking Bibi Dong for guidance. As time went on, their conversation gradually drifted toward everyday life…
———
Time always flies when you're enjoying yourself. At least, that's what Li Chang'an felt. Just as the two were deep in conversation, the carriage driver called out—they had arrived at the Heaven Soul Forest.
"We're here, Chang'an. Let's get off."
Naturally, Bibi Dong reached out and took Li Chang'an's hand as she stepped out of the carriage with him. Before this trip, she likely wouldn't have been so gentle, but after chatting the whole way, Bibi Dong found herself genuinely liking this boy.
He was talented, could make her laugh from time to time, was filial, and—most importantly—he was good-looking. With such a disciple, how could she not grow fond of him?
After all, Bibi Dong was a mother. But the rift between her and Qian Renxue ran deep. With Li Chang'an, she was beginning to rediscover that feeling of being a mother again.
After giving a few instructions to the driver, Bibi Dong led Li Chang'an straight toward the forest ahead. Neither of them took any special precautions—that was the aura of a Pope!
"Teacher, why does this forest feel so… wild?"
Li Chang'an enjoyed the warmth from her hand as he looked around curiously.
No kidding. From the moment they entered, the air was filled with the crisp scent of nature. The surrounding trees were lush and untouched, clearly not planted by humans.
"Wild? You could say that. This forest formed naturally, yes—but the number and types of soul beasts within it are largely under the control of the Spirit Hall. That's why I call it the Spirit Hall's soul beast forest."
As Bibi Dong explained, she scanned the area and extended her spiritual sense—not for defense, but to search for a suitable soul beast for Li Chang'an.
"Chang'an, let's add your first ring to the Pangu Axe. It's an offensive-type martial soul, and since you're aiming for a nine-hundred-year beast, we'll focus on attack-type soul beasts."
"Teacher, you're so good to me." Li Chang'an shamelessly flattered her, then obediently followed her deeper into the forest.
There were quite a few soul beasts in the outer area, but most were only ten years old. Even hundred-year beasts were rare. So Bibi Dong kept moving further inward with him.
She didn't release her Title Douluo pressure—otherwise the entire forest would've been thrown into chaos. Even so, very few soul beasts dared approach them.
"Chang'an, let's make a fire and eat something. It's getting late."
When they reached a relatively open area, Bibi Dong glanced at the sky and spoke.
They were already close to the inner parts of the forest, where the soul beasts were mostly five hundred years old or more—though the numbers were fewer.
"Chang'an, remember this: when hunting soul beasts, never light a fire in the forest unless you're absolutely confident you can handle everything that comes your way."
While giving him this practical advice, Bibi Dong began lighting a fire using the wood she'd already prepared.
After the fire was lit, she let out a faint trace of her soul pressure. The surrounding soul beasts immediately quieted down. None dared test their luck near the firelight.
"Teacher, do you like grilled meat?"
Li Chang'an sat down by the fire. With the flames flickering on Bibi Dong's face, she looked even more beautiful in this light. He simply sat there, silently admiring this rare and intimate scene.
"Grilled meat? Uh, Chang'an… Teacher's not really good at cooking. Why don't we just eat some dry rations?" Bibi Dong said, a little embarrassed.
To her surprise, Li Chang'an suddenly began pulling things out of his storage soul device like a magician—jars and bottles, at least six or seven of them, plus skewers and a portable grill.
"The grill goes here, this is chili powder, this one's salt, and this one's cumin…" Li Chang'an began seriously explaining the equipment, looking every bit like a professional.
After hearing his full rundown, Bibi Dong's heart was already moved. And as soon as he mentioned what dishes he could make, she vanished in a fragrant gust of wind.
By the time Li Chang'an blinked in confusion, Bibi Dong had already returned—carrying two mountain pheasants and a rabbit, all cleaned and ready.
"These three should be enough, right?" she smiled as she handed them over, her expression filled with anticipation.
At this moment, the mighty Pope no longer had any of her usual imposing aura. Instead, she looked like an eager young girl waiting for her favorite meal.
"More than enough! Just wait and see, Teacher!" Li Chang'an replied confidently as he set up the grill and skewered the meat.
Ten minutes later, the sizzling sounds of meat grilling filled the air. The scent of roasting chicken wafted out, rich and irresistible. Li Chang'an flipped the meat, added cumin, chili, and a special sauce from their hotel…
Bibi Dong sat under a large tree, hugging her knees and watching him with gentle eyes. Her thoughts drifted back more than a decade…
How long had it been since she'd felt this relaxed and at peace?
"Teacher, the chicken's ready. Try it?"
Li Chang'an's voice pulled her back to the present. She looked down to see his small hand holding out a skewer of golden-brown chicken, glistening with juicy oil and fragrant spices.
"Thank you, Chang'an."
She accepted the skewer, opened her delicate lips, took a small bite, and even sucked the flavorful juices off it.
"Mmm~ Chang'an, this chicken is delicious…"
"I'm glad you like it, Teacher. I'll go roast the rabbit next." Li Chang'an beamed with joy. After all, if you want to win a woman's heart, you start by winning her stomach.
______
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