Chapter 23: Alone in the Room

Bibi Dong, clutching her purple-gold scepter, swept her indifferent gaze across Xu Sheng’s face, attempting to discern something behind those handsome yet slightly naive features.

Talking to Xu Sheng was often like conversing with an adult, even though he was a mere nine-year-old child.

After a long pause, she spoke expressionlessly, "Rest assured, it is very quiet there. I am usually the only one who stays there, so there is no question of being disturbed."

Although no one was ever permitted to enter her private quarters within Spirit Hall, save for Hu Liena, she felt an inexplicable lack of resistance toward Xu Sheng. It was likely that the boy carried a faint trace of *his* aura, which fostered a sense of affinity within her.

Seeing that his dear teacher, Bibi Dong, had spoken, Xu Sheng knew that refusing would only risk angering her. Still, the thought was undeniably thrilling; few people on the entire continent had ever set foot in Bibi Dong’s private quarters. This would be enough to brag about to other transmigrators for a year!

Xu Sheng lowered his head slightly. "Then I shall trouble you to guard me tonight, Teacher!"

...

After following Bibi Dong for a distance that was neither too long nor too short, a hall that appeared remarkably shabby—or rather, plain—finally came into view.

From the outside, one could sense that the building had not been graced by sunlight for a long time. The surrounding atmosphere felt stifling and oppressive.

Bibi Dong came to a halt, a look of nostalgia flashing through her eyes as she gazed up at the humble structure—a place that, in her heart, ranked second only to Spirit Hall itself. Had things gone according to their original agreement, she should have spent those leisurely days living here with that man.

But fate had been cruel. He had left, and only this empty, desolate hall remained.

Beside her, Xu Sheng looked up and scrutinized the building. After a brief scan, he found nothing particularly unique about it, standing in stark contrast to the opulent Pope’s Palace. While one side featured walls adorned with crystal and diamonds, the other was built of common brick and tile.

The disparity was so great that Xu Sheng could hardly believe there wasn't a story behind it. However, he dared not ask. How long had he been close to Bibi Dong? He was not foolish enough to believe that she trusted him completely yet.

Bibi Dong naturally noticed the curiosity flickering across Xu Sheng’s face. Her brows relaxed, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she murmured, "Xiao Sheng, are you wondering why this place is so shabby, and why even the gates are covered in rust?"

Seeing that Bibi Dong had read his thoughts, a flustered Xu Sheng chose to remain silent. In such moments, silence was the safest path. Bibi Dong’s temperament was mercurial; one moment she could be smiling, and the next, her expression could turn as cold as if she were about to kill.

However, after a long silence, Bibi Dong did not speak again. Xu Sheng glanced at her sideways, only to find that she had already noticed his small movement and was staring at him with a fixed gaze, seemingly waiting for his response.

Xu Sheng gave a light cough to mask his embarrassment. He had foolishly assumed she was reminiscing about her past, not expecting her to be waiting for his answer. *Truly, it is impossible to understand her...*

How could he possibly know these secrets, whether they concerned Yu Xiaogang or Bibi Dong herself? All he knew was that the ruthlessness and decisiveness she displayed to the outside world were merely veils used to hide another side of herself.

He asked cautiously, "With the resources of Spirit Hall, it is impossible that this small place could not be maintained. I fear this hall is something of great importance to you, Teacher—perhaps something that must not be tainted."

Bibi Dong gazed at him with profound meaning. "Your guess is correct. As you say, this place holds the happiest moments of my life... But enough of that. Let us go inside."

She did not want to dwell on memories that evoked such pain. Especially regarding Qian Xunji—that piece of human filth who wore the skin of her teacher!

...

Bibi Dong pushed the door open, and the two walked inside.

As soon as he stepped in, Xu Sheng felt a sensation similar to sound wave dampening; he assumed it must be a soul guidance device. In the center of the room, a single, weak candle flame flickered, barely providing a sliver of light to the dim chamber.

Bibi Dong set aside her scepter and sat down on a chair. Looking at Xu Sheng, she instructed softly, "Xu Sheng, sit down and absorb the soul bones now. The surrounding soul guidance devices will mask any disturbance caused by your breakthrough in cultivation, so you need not worry about drawing unwanted attention."

She had brought him here for two reasons. First, soul guidance devices were incredibly difficult to craft, even for Spirit Hall. Second, the devices installed here were the most advanced currently in development; they could suppress even the aura of a Titled Douluo.

Otherwise, breaking through within Spirit Hall would create a massive disturbance that might attract the attention of the Elder Hall and other hostile factions. She did not want to reveal Xu Sheng, her trump card capable of overturning the continent, too early.

Feeling the tension of being alone in a room with Bibi Dong, Xu Sheng sat cross-legged on the floor with gentle movements. He took out the three soul bones she had bestowed upon him. They hovered silently before him, each emitting a distinct glow.

They were the Wisdom Skull of Mental Cohesion, the Burning Arm of Explosive Flame, and the Left Leg of Chasing Wind.

Xu Sheng’s mouth twitched as he stared at the floating bones, momentarily at a loss for how to choose.

Bibi Dong rested her chin on her hand, her captivating eyes seemingly seeing through everything. "Xiao Sheng, start with the skull; it is the most dangerous."

Xu Sheng cast a grateful look at her. "Yes, Teacher."

While others struggled to obtain even a single soul bone, he was troubled by having three and not knowing which to absorb first. It was enough to make others die of envy; if this were seen by the Titled Douluo of the world, they would likely be driven to madness.

Xu Sheng shook his head, calmed his restless heart, and grasped the Wisdom Skull of Mental Cohesion, placing it against his chest. He channeled his soul power into threads to wrap around the bone and closed his eyes.

Seeing that he had begun, Bibi Dong reminded him, "Xiao Sheng, feel the presence of the soul bone with your heart. Do not try to resist it."

Once a soul bone is absorbed by a soul master, it becomes like a part of their own body. Therefore, one must relax the body and mind to achieve perfect fusion.

With his eyes closed, Xu Sheng could sense that he was in the middle of an azure ocean, even without looking. He surveyed this incredibly tranquil sea, feeling as though he were its master, capable of commanding everything within it.

Xu Sheng couldn't help but lick his lips in awe. "Is this what it feels like to absorb a soul bone? How beautiful..."