Chapter 91: No, You Came at the Perfect Time

Lin Feng frowned slightly.

Bibi Dong chuckled softly. Soul power flowed gently as she handed two cups of tea to Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu.

She descended from the high platform with graceful steps and personally poured a cup of tea for Lin Feng.

"Xiaofeng, you're someone I hold in high regard. If the position of Pope doesn't belong to you, who else could it belong to?

You have the temperament, the ability, and the talent. You're the best candidate here."

Bibi Dong casually pulled over a chair and sat beside Lin Feng.

"Besides, I've already released the news. If we retract it now, how could the people of the world accept it?

If you were unknown, that might be one thing. But with your current reputation, casually revoking your position as Holy Son would cause too much turmoil.

It would greatly affect the Spirit Hall."

Lin Feng took a deep breath. This is just forcing the title on me! It's clearly a power play—like a bandit claiming a wife!

Qian Renxue looked at how close Bibi Dong was to Lin Feng and felt that the atmosphere was... off.

She pulled her own seat between them, physically placing herself between Bibi Dong and Lin Feng.

"Even though I'm happy that you're willing to pass the Holy Son position to Xiaofeng, you shouldn't have released the news without our consent."

Bibi Dong, whose line of sight was now blocked, looked a bit disappointed. She glanced at Qian Renxue and spoke gently:

"Didn't you always hope I would change?

Consider this a surprise—and an apology. Did I really do something wrong?"

"You—"

Qian Renxue was silent for a while before shaking her head.

"I don't know. I think this is a case of poor communication on all our parts. It was something that could have been avoided."

Bibi Dong smiled slightly.

"Yes, poor communication. We'll need to understand each other better from now on."

She shifted slightly, now speaking to Lin Feng behind Qian Renxue.

"So, Xiaofeng, how do you think this should be resolved? If we simply retract the order, it would be a huge blow to both your and Spirit Hall's credibility."

Lin Feng's eyes flickered. Sometimes, I really can't tell what Bibi Dong is thinking. To just hand over such an important position like this?

What is this, a dowry?

He shook his head and lowered his gaze in thought.

Just then, a familiar graceful figure appeared from behind the Pope's throne.

Her voice was soft and sultry:

"Teacher? Did you call Nana for something?

Did I come at a bad time?"

Seeing the four people gathered in the hall, Hu Liena could feel the tension in the air. Her voice even softened instinctively.

Lin Feng's eyes lit up.

"No, you came at the perfect time. Come here, Nana."

Hearing Lin Feng's voice, Hu Liena walked over with small, careful steps to stand in front of him.

"Greetings to the Grand Worship, Teacher, Brother Lin Feng, and Sister Xue."

"Mhm."

Qian Daoliu responded with a nod, narrowing his eyes slightly. He hadn't paid much attention to Bibi Dong's personal disciple before, but now she seemed to have quite good potential.

Bibi Dong feigned annoyance. "Nana, didn't I tell you to wait a little while longer in the back? Why did you come out on your own?"

"I'm sorry, Teacher."

Lin Feng waved his hand.

"Your Holiness, no need to scold Nana. Actually, I just thought of a good solution. Spirit Hall has a Holy Son—and also a Holy Maiden, doesn't it?

Since my identity can no longer be withdrawn publicly, why not cultivate a Holy Maiden to take on the Pope's responsibilities?

After all, to truly lead as the Pope, it's more about administrative skill and insight into people than brute strength.

And I believe Nana's spirit has great potential. Isn't she already a candidate for Holy Maiden—and your personal disciple as well?"

Hu Liena's eyes widened.

"M-me? I can't possibly…"

A flash of barely concealed excitement passed through Bibi Dong's eyes.

"But Lin Feng, look at Nana now. Her mentality isn't even close to how composed you were at her age. How can that work?"

Lin Feng shook his head.

"Ability can be cultivated. With the Pope guiding her, I'm sure Nana will grow quickly."

Bibi Dong looked at Hu Liena.

"If it's just me, I might not be able to do as good a job. I'm still new to being a teacher, after all."

Qian Renxue frowned.

"Then let Xiaofeng mentor her. What's Hu Liena's current soul power level?"

Hu Liena swallowed nervously, her voice soft:

"Sister Xue, Nana is ten years old now, a level 26 Grand Soul Master, with a millennium second ring."

"Oh?"

Qian Renxue glanced at Bibi Dong.

"Nana has excellent talent. She naturally deserves the best resources," Bibi Dong said with a smile.

Qian Renxue nodded.

"I have no strong desire for the position of Pope, and neither does Xiaofeng. So, Nana, you'll be the Holy Maiden.

Just don't let—"

Halfway through, she paused. Maybe she thought changing the tone would be more motivating.

"—don't let your Brother Lin Feng down, okay~?"

Hu Liena's heart raced. Brother Lin Feng is now the Holy Son, and she'll soon become the Holy Maiden?

Holy Son and Holy Maiden… ehehe~

Her fox ears turned red at the base as she responded with a soft "Mhm."

Bibi Dong chuckled.

"Alright then, we'll go with that. But Nana's current cultivation and ability are still lacking. She also lacks achievements and reputation.

Even if she's appointed in advance, she'll still need to work hard."

Hu Liena stood tall, her eyes burning as she looked at Lin Feng.

"I won't let you down. I'll work hard!"

Lin Feng nodded.

"We'll be heading out for some travel and training soon, so teaching Nana will have to wait."

There was a strange glimmer in Bibi Dong's eyes. She chuckled softly.

"No problem. As long as you're willing to come, that's all that matters."

As long as I can tie you to the Pope's Hall and to Hu Liena, I'll have plenty of excuses to stay close to you.

Even if you're just the Holy Son for now, I can always find reasons to be alone with you—like having you inspect the Knights.

A little external travel? That's fine. I'm in no rush… heh. I will never let you go. You can only belong to me.

Bibi Dong pulled Hu Liena closer.

"Nana, pay respects to your teacher Lin Feng."

"Huh?"

Hu Liena froze. A teacher?

How could this be?! If I become his disciple, how am I supposed to compete with Sister Xue? I'd have no chance left! Not even a chance to flirt!

How could a student and teacher end up together? If we were together after that, the relationship would…

Why do I feel a little excited? Nana, what are you thinking?! Must be those romance novels Leafy Xin gave me!

"Teacher, this isn't right. I already have you as my master."

Lin Feng also looked at Bibi Dong in surprise.

"Your Holiness, isn't this unnecessary? Just a bit of guidance—it doesn't need to go that far."

Bibi Dong shook her head. Unnecessary? It's very necessary!

In the Douluo Continent, the teacher-disciple bond is sacred. If Lin Feng formally acknowledges Nana as half a disciple, he'll be responsible for her.

That means he'll be visiting the Pope's Hall regularly to guide her—and I'll never miss such an opportunity.

"You're the top theoretical expert among spirit masters. Your insight and understanding of origin laws far exceed your peers.

In some aspects, you're even more suited to teach Nana than I am."

Hu Liena looked at Bibi Dong with pleading eyes.

"Teacher, can't we just skip the formal apprenticeship?"

Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes, full of warning.

"Nana?"

Qian Renxue tugged Lin Feng's hand and gave him a slight nod.

Lin Feng sighed.

"Alright, I'll be Nana's theoretical teacher. Let's distinguish that from Your Holiness's role as her combat mentor."

"Excellent. Nana?"

Bibi Dong smiled in satisfaction.

"G-Greetings, Teacher Lin Feng…"

"Mhm."

Hu Liena felt a weight lift from her heart. Though she had been reluctant to accept the apprenticeship, now that she had said it…

She felt something had subtly shifted in her relationship with Brother Lin Feng. Something odd, but not unpleasant.

If Sister Xue allows it, like Lingyuan did… maybe I could stay with Brother Lin Feng too. Then he'd go from teacher to…

Such a weird feeling! Think it again!

Hu Liena's face turned red, her gaze dreamy as she slipped into her thoughts.

Qian Daoliu, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke:

"Looks like everything's more or less settled. Let's leave now. Xue'er, Xiaofeng, come with me. I have something to explain."

Qian Renxue exhaled and pressed her lips together.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how you grow. Give me some time—I'll figure it all out."

Bibi Dong nodded with a smile.

Yes, look forward to it. I certainly am…

Qian Daoliu led the three of them back to the Douluo Hall.

He motioned for Lin Feng and Qian Renxue to sit, while he stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky. His eyes shimmered with complex emotions.

"Xiaofeng, Xue'er, what do you think about today's events?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Lin Feng thought for a moment.

"Grandfather, Her Holiness's decision clearly has her reasoning.

But being suddenly named Holy Son... I was caught completely off guard."

Qian Renxue added, "Grandfather, I also didn't expect things to go this far. But the plan we settled on is quite good. Letting Hu Liena become Holy Maiden is a solid choice."

Qian Daoliu turned to face them. His eyes scanned the two before settling on Lin Feng.

"Xiaofeng, do you know why I value you so much?"

His voice was steady.

"Your talent, your character, your insight—they show endless potential.

More importantly, your pursuit of strength isn't for yourself, but to protect others. That spirit shows me the future of Spirit Hall."

Lin Feng was touched.

"Grandfather, are you saying…?"

Qian Daoliu smiled.

"I don't mind using the Holy Maiden as a stand-in. But I believe there's nothing wrong with you being the Holy Son.

One day, you and Xue'er—one leading Douluo Hall, one leading the Pope's Hall—that's what I'd like to see.

Wandering the world is fine, but eventually you'll tire of it. It's good to try different paths. Leaving Spirit Hall in your hands would put me at ease."

Lin Feng exchanged a look with Qian Renxue.

"Grandfather, if the day comes where I'm truly needed, I'll step forward.

But as for the Pope's position… for now, I really don't have that kind of ambition."

Qian Daoliu waved a hand.

"Follow your heart. Oh, and leave a few bottles of your seasoning for Qingluan?

He's mentioned it to me more than once. That guy barely speaks, and this is the first time he's ever brought up something so trivial."

Lin Feng and Qian Renxue burst into laughter.

Looks like Qingluan Douluo's cool persona is starting to crack a little.

T/N: For twenty chapters ahead on all my fics become a P@tron at P@treon.com/LordHipposApostle