Chapter 41: Holy Son of Spirit Hall

"Pfft..."

Bibi Dong froze for three seconds. Then, with a strange expression, she glanced at Li Chang'an's lower body and couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't that she lacked seriousness—it was just that what Li Chang'an had said was far too ridiculous.

"How old are you again? Already talking like that?" she scolded playfully, flicking Li Chang'an's forehead.

"Hmph, well I had to say it!" Li Chang'an turned his head away—only for his face to end up inches away from Bibi Dong's chest. Less than a centimeter apart...

And let me tell you they're huge, smells nice and were also looks soft to touch.

Bibi Dong's cheeks flushed red. She quickly shifted back a bit, then beckoned, summoning Li Chang'an's clothes into her hand.

"Get dressed. I'll talk while you change." She handed him the clothes, tugged at the collar of her robe to straighten it, gave him a sharp look, and then slipped on her shoes and stepped off the bed.

Seeing that Bibi Dong wasn't angry, Li Chang'an let out a breath of relief. Tonight had been a little test on his part, and it seemed the results were promising.

The most important takeaway: Bibi Dong didn't get mad at his slightly over-the-line behavior. At most, she gave a token reprimand, which meant his efforts over the past two months—bringing her pastries and bonding during their excursions—were paying off.

Results mattered. Whatever her current feelings might be, the fact that she wasn't angry meant he still had a foothold.

After dressing, Li Chang'an didn't leave the bed. Instead, he sat cross-legged right there. Bibi Dong didn't object—she simply let him be.

She adjusted her posture in the chair slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "In a few days, the Spirit Hall will begin the selection process for the next Holy Son. Any outstanding youth under the age of ten is eligible to participate."

"The process is simple: a competition. The top three will be chosen as candidates for the title of Holy Son."

"Then, over the course of a year, those three candidates will need to prove themselves. There are many ways to do so—contributing something significant to the Spirit Hall, or achieving a major increase in spirit power. At the end, a dedicated panel will evaluate the results."

"I originally wasn't going to let you take part. Even though the age limit includes you, you only just joined and would be at a disadvantage compared to the others."

"But now that you've broken through to level 20, it's a different story. Most of the other participants are only at the second ring too. In terms of raw power, you might actually outmatch many of them."

"As for what happens after being chosen as a candidate... I have complete faith in you. Your cultivation speed, your intelligence—no one your age can compare. Now that you've formed your soul core, I'm confident you'll win."

"Teacher," Li Chang'an asked bluntly, "what benefits come with becoming the Holy Son?"

Now that was the real question. Sure, the title sounded flashy and would give him plenty of opportunities to show off—but Li Chang'an was after more than just prestige.

Bibi Dong wasn't surprised by his question. With how sharp Li Chang'an was, she expected it.

"Whether it's Holy Son or Holy Maiden, their status is jointly recognized by both the Pope's Palace and the Elder Hall. It's a very prestigious position. Take Nana, for example—her current status is incredibly high."

"Beyond that, the Holy Son and Holy Maiden are allowed to attend all Spirit Hall meetings and offer their opinions. If their proposals are approved by the majority, they can even implement their own policies."

"Also, they're granted access to the vast majority of Spirit Hall's resources and personnel—even the Titled Douluo from the Elder Hall."

That's... a lot of perks!

Li Chang'an nodded to himself. The position of Holy Son offered more than he'd expected. Especially being able to participate in Spirit Hall's internal affairs—that was crucial for him.

If the Spirit Hall wanted to rise to true prominence—or even unify the entire Douluo Continent—they'd need to start laying the groundwork early. Things like soul tool research, better understanding of civilian life...

Li Chang'an didn't consider himself a saint or some great hero. But his origins meant he had to support the Spirit Hall.

"Got it, Teacher. I'll do my best!" Li Chang'an nodded earnestly and gave his solemn promise as a man.

"Just do your best. I expect you'll face some heavy resistance. After all, if both the Holy Son and Holy Maiden come from my side, the Elder Hall won't be pleased. Be careful of whoever they send."

Bibi Dong didn't set any targets for him. More than anything, she hoped her disciple could stay safe and sound.

---

By the time Li Chang'an left the Pope's Palace, it was already dusk. The moment he stepped out, he spotted a familiar figure pacing back and forth outside the main gate—as if anxiously waiting for someone.

"Junior brother! You're finally out!" the figure called, rushing toward him in a flurry of fragrance. Who else could it be but Hu Liena?

Tonight, she was dressed in a form-fitting pink outfit that highlighted her curves, paired with light blue short boots. Her hair cascaded casually over her shoulders. Her allure hadn't diminished one bit.

"Senior sister, what are you doing out here so late?" Li Chang'an feigned ignorance, playing it cool.

When a woman is openly interested in you, don't jump in too eagerly. Act too eager, and you'll seem cheap—not worth her time.

"I heard you were back, so I came to wait for you! C'mon, let's go grab something to eat," Hu Liena said brightly, grabbing his hand without hesitation and pulling him toward the street.

He figured it had been three or four days since he last interacted with Hu Liena. Time to reel her back in a little.

"Sure, senior sister! I won't hold back!"

"Order whatever you like! I'm telling you, this place near the academy has amazing food," she said with a cheerful smile.

For some reason, ever since that last time, she found Li Chang'an more and more handsome. Add to that his kind personality and impressive strength—Hu Liena couldn't help but think about him more and more.

She wasn't sure if this was love, but she admitted one thing—Li Chang'an had taken up permanent residence in her mind. She instinctively wanted to be close to him.

"This place, huh..." Li Chang'an looked at the restaurant and sighed. This was the same place he and Qian Renxue used to go all the time.

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Hu Liena asked.

"It's not that great. Let's go somewhere else, senior sister," he said, shaking his head.

No way was he about to take Hu Liena to that place. What if the owner saw him and let something slip? That would be game over.

_____

T/N:

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