Past Events in the Secret Chamber

The hot spring at the back of the farm's hill.

Ye Tian, feeling refreshed after a comfortable bath, had just stepped out of the changing room when Hu Liena, wearing hot pants that showcased her long legs, ran up to him with a radiant smile. In her hands, she held a robe woven with golden silk. 

Her crescent-shaped eyes sparkled as she handed it to Ye Tian, saying, "Brother, put on the Holy Robe. 

This is the exclusive attire for the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. I personally made it for you. Originally, I planned to give it to you on our wedding day. But since everything is clear now, I decided to bring it out early."

Ye Tian looked helpless and said with a shrug, "Holy Son? You're really making all the arrangements for me, aren't you? I never agreed to be any Holy Son."

"Ah!" Hu Liena looked embarrassed, tugging at Ye Tian's arm. "But Teacher already told me that after we get married, we'll be titled the Holy Son and Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall."

"No." Ye Tian shook his head firmly. "That title will only bring me unnecessary attention and trouble. It offers me no benefits—on the contrary, it's a burden."

"Looks like I need to discuss this with your sister."

"What are you discussing?" A graceful voice interrupted them. Bibi Dong approached, her steps elegant.

Ye Tian looked up at the sound and saw Bibi Dong emerging from the hot spring. Her long purple hair was damp, cascading over her shoulders and back. She was wrapped only in a bath towel, her proud figure accentuated, with long, fair legs even more striking than Hu Liena's.

"You're acting strange," Hu Liena muttered, covering Ye Tian's eyes.

Ye Tian gently pried Hu Liena's soft hands away and sighed. "Sister is so beautiful—what's wrong with admiring her for a moment?"

Bibi Dong's lips curled into a faint smile, her calm face as serene as ever. She didn't seem to mind.

"You see, Sister didn't say anything," Ye Tian pointed out, gesturing toward Bibi Dong in defense.

"Hmph!" Hu Liena pouted, crossing her arms and ignoring him. This guy was way too blatant.

Turning to Bibi Dong, Ye Tian smiled. "I was just discussing with Nana about you planning to make me the Holy Son."

"Forget about that," Bibi Dong replied, her gaze steady. "I don't want to force you into the spotlight."

Bibi Dong stared at him for a moment before nodding. "It was just an idea. If you don't wish for it, we can cancel it anytime."

For Ye Tian, Bibi Dong was now willing to accommodate him as much as possible, trying to mend the rift caused by hiding her identity.

After this exchange, Bibi Dong walked over to Hu Liena and patted her shoulder gently. "Nana, go rest in the bedroom. I need to discuss something with Xiao Tian."

"What is it? Why can't I know?" Hu Liena pouted but obediently left after a moment, following Bibi Dong's instructions.

Once Hu Liena was gone, Bibi Dong sat on a wooden chair by the hot spring and patted the seat beside her, signaling Ye Tian to sit down.

"Just a moment." Ye Tian stepped into a small cabin nearby and returned with a teapot and two cups. Sitting beside Bibi Dong, he chuckled. "It's so warm by the hot spring; let's talk while drinking tea."

Bibi Dong smiled gently and began, "I assume Xiao Xue told you the Spirit Hall's main goals when recruiting you?"

"She did," Ye Tian nodded. Even without Qian Renxue explaining, he knew their ambition boiled down to one thing—unifying the continent. He poured tea and handed a cup to Bibi Dong.

Bibi Dong took a sip, her eyes fixed on Ye Tian. "I recall you saying that the conflicts on this continent are manipulated by divine powers behind the scenes."

"Yes, I did say that," Ye Tian confirmed.

"Are you content with this?" Bibi Dong asked, taking another sip of tea but keeping her focus on him.

Ye Tian smiled wryly. "What can I do if I'm not? The gods are too powerful for mortals to defy."

Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's not what you said before. You once claimed faith can be contested, and even gods can be defeated."

"You also mentioned that the unification of the Douluo Continent could be achieved without force."

Ye Tian looked a little embarrassed, scratching his head. "Did I really say that?"

Bibi Dong's expression turned serious. "You did. My memory is excellent. I know you just prefer a peaceful life and dislike being dragged into conflicts."

Ye Tian chuckled awkwardly. "I do want an exciting life, but this kind of path wouldn't make me happy. Life is short—why trouble myself unnecessarily?"

"If you're an ordinary person, what would that make everyone else?" Bibi Dong countered, her eyes locking onto his.

Her words struck a chord. Ye Tian had always maintained a calm outlook despite knowing her true identity. This unchanged attitude wasn't what Bibi Dong hoped for.

She fell silent, her thoughts drifting to Qian Renxue's promise. For someone as low in desire as Ye Tian, perhaps only such lofty aspirations could stir his spirit.

Bibi Dong stared at her exquisite tea cup, her expression solemn. She sighed softly. "Xiao Tian, maybe your life has already been thrilling enough. That's why you don't feel the need to leave it behind."

"But on this continent, how many people live lives as privileged as yours? Most commoners are still struggling in despair."

She hesitated, her voice lowering. "The belief driving me forward is simple—to ensure the tragedies I endured never happen to others on this continent."

Her tone faltered, revealing deep sadness. Though her words were vague, Ye Tian understood she was referring to the infamous "Secret Chamber Incident"—a haunting memory she could never erase.

Ye Tian didn't know how to comfort her. He wished he could've been born earlier to end that despicable Secret Chamber Douluo with one strike.

Bibi Dong's eyes suddenly became resolute, her hands tightening around her cup. "Xiao Xue's promise—I can give it to you. Even my position as Pope could be yours if you help the Spirit Hall unify the continent."

Her voice rang with determination, filled with an unyielding resolve.

(End of Chapter)

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