Chapter 28: Return to the Spirit Hall

Ling Xiao sat upon his sword, soaring toward the Martial Soul Hall. He had spent nearly half a year at the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. Although he had returned to the Martial Soul Hall during this period, the last time had been half a month ago.

Before heading back, however, he made a detour to Notting City, where he gave some low-grade Life Waters to both Tu Rou and Xiao Wu. After spending some time with them and sharing a meal, he rested for a while before finally setting off again toward the Martial Soul Hall.

Soon, Ling Xiao spotted the towering Angelic Divine Statue and the magnificent Martial Soul Hall not far ahead.

“It’s been so long; I wonder how Master is doing?” Ling Xiao pondered as he entered the Martial Soul Hall, riding his sword at such speed that no one noticed his return.

Arriving at the entrance of the Pope’s Hall, he dismounted and entered, immediately seeing Bi Bidong seated in the Pope’s seat, resting her head on one hand, eyes closed as she recuperated.

“Master!” Ling Xiao called out instantly, appearing before her.

Hearing his voice, Bi Bidong opened her eyes and, seeing Ling Xiao standing before her, her eyes glistened with a subtle red hue as she embraced him tightly.

“Xiao’er, why haven’t you come back for a whole month? I thought you had abandoned me!” Bi Bidong inhaled the familiar scent on Ling Xiao and knew for certain he had truly returned.

Throughout that past month, she had been thinking of Ling Xiao constantly. Never before had a month felt so interminable. His figure haunted her dreams, sometimes even manifesting as hallucinations, depriving her of restful sleep. Exhaustion was etched deeply into her features.

Though Ling Xiao was incredibly powerful, and she was technically his master, she had never formally taught him. Instead, she had always been cared for by him. This made her anxious, fearing he might think her useless and leave her.

“How could that be? You are such a wonderful master; I would never abandon you!” Ling Xiao smiled warmly.

Bi Bidong nodded, then suddenly dropped the scepter in her hand. With Ling Xiao, she vanished from the Pope’s Hall in an instant. Moments later, the two of them tumbled onto a bed in a private chamber. Ling Xiao was puzzled.

“Xiao’er, don’t move. I’ve been too tired lately and want to rest properly now,” Bi Bidong said. She kicked off her shoes carelessly, embraced Ling Xiao, closed her eyes, and soon drifted into sleep with a faint smile on her lips.

Seeing this, Ling Xiao remained still, quietly removing his shoes and socks with chains and placing them on the floor before also falling asleep.

As the sun set and night descended, Bi Bidong awoke from her slumber. Gazing down at Ling Xiao, who slept soundly in her arms, her eyes softened. Leaning forward, she gently kissed his forehead.

She held him quietly, her gaze serene. Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing them both in a soft, ethereal glow.

After an indeterminate time, Ling Xiao gradually awoke. Opening his eyes, he saw Bi Bidong watching him.

“Master, how long have I been asleep?” he asked, sitting up and glancing at the night sky outside.

---

“Not long—about three hours,” Bi Bidong replied, sitting up and tidying her disheveled clothes. She noticed Ling Xiao rubbing his stomach.

“Xiao’er, are you hungry? I’ll have someone prepare something right away!” she said, putting on her shoes and crown as she headed outside.

Ling Xiao stretched lazily, dressed, washed his face, and stepped out of the Pope’s Hall. At that moment, a figure rushed over and embraced him tightly.

“Sister Na’er, what are you doing here?” Ling Xiao patted Hulena’s shoulder.

“Xiao’er, you’ve been away from home so long this time, and you didn’t even come to find me when you returned. Do you know how much I missed you?” Hulena exclaimed, tightening her hold.

Feeling her trembling, Ling Xiao gently patted her shoulder. Looking up, he noticed Xie Yue with his mouth agape watching them nearby, and Yan standing there dazed.

Seeing Ling Xiao’s gaze, Xie Yue immediately snapped out of his daze, shuddered violently, and hastily dragged the seemingly petrified Yan away without daring to look back.

Once at a safe distance, Xie Yue stopped and breathed a sigh of relief.

He glanced at Yan, who was clearly on the verge of collapse, and patted his shoulder with a sigh.

“Yan, brother, it’s not that I don’t support you pursuing my sister. But you’ve seen for yourself—Nana already has someone special in her heart, and he’s the Holy Son. You simply can’t compare with him.”

“Everyone in the Martial Soul Hall knows the Holy Son’s status. If you dare to oppose him, brother might respect you, but you’d almost certainly not survive.”

Though Hulena was his sister, Xie Yue could never force her feelings.

Moreover, the Martial Soul Hall’s Holy Son was a formidable figure. To make an enemy of him was to stand against the entire Martial Soul Hall, inviting the pursuit of dozens of Title Douluos, many Soul Douluos, and Soul Saints!

Yan came to his senses and reflected on the consequences of opposing the Holy Son, his body trembling. Such a fate was far worse than death—something even gods could not save one from.

His eyes hollow, he sighed: “Brother Xie Yue, I understand. Don’t worry; I won’t be foolish enough to provoke the Holy Son. I want to live.”

Xie Yue exhaled deeply. Having known Yan since childhood, he truly feared Yan might recklessly challenge Ling Xiao and be killed.

“Good, I’m glad you understand. But don’t lose hope. The world is vast; are you really worried you won’t find someone you like?” Xie Yue said, patting Yan’s shoulder.

Yan nodded. “Brother Xie Yue, come with me for a drink.”

---

“All right, to help you forget today’s troubles, I’ll drink with you until we’re drunk and won’t go home tonight!”

The two walked arm in arm toward the outside of the Martial Soul Hall.

“Na’er, sister, put me down. I still have to eat!” Ling Xiao said.

“Xiao’er hasn’t eaten yet?” Hulena set him down.

“No. I fell asleep with Master as soon as I got back and have been asleep ever since,” Ling Xiao shook his head.

“Xiao’er, dinner is ready!” At that moment, Bi Bidong returned, followed by several maids carrying dishes.

“You may leave now,” she said.

After setting the meal down, Bi Bidong dismissed the maids. Ling Xiao immediately sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat. Bi Bidong had not eaten that evening, and although Hulena had, she stayed to keep company.

By the time they finished, it was late. Bi Bidong and Hulena then escorted Ling Xiao to wash and bathe.

Ling Xiao removed his clothes, revealing skin as smooth and radiant as jade, a slender waist, a flat abdomen free of any excess flesh—his entire body like the most exquisite work of art, flawless in every detail.

Bi Bidong and Hulena watched in awe.

It had been so long since they last saw him; Xiao’er was truly becoming more beautiful by the day! Hulena thought, blushing as she stepped into the bath.

Bi Bidong also entered the water, gazing at Ling Xiao with thoughts: “Nana’s allure comes from her martial soul. But if we judge purely by appearance, Xiao’er is far more beautiful. It’s unimaginable how stunning he will be when fully grown.”

After half an hour of bathing, the three dressed and lay down on the bed, quickly falling asleep.