I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
------------------------------------------------------
The next morning, a gentle breeze stirred the purple gauze curtains of the bedroom. The soft light of dawn pierced through the clouds, like the finest grains of golden sand, seeping through the gaps in the curtains and casting ethereal beams of light into the air. Within those beams, tiny motes of dust danced silently, dreamlike and surreal.
Some of those rays gently fell upon the grand bed at the center of the chamber.
It seemed that Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Spirit Hall, had sensed the warmth of the morning sun. Her butterfly-like lashes fluttered faintly, and then slowly opened.
Her violet eyes still carried a trace of sleepy haze, like flower petals glistening with morning dew.
"Mmm~"
Still not fully awake, she instinctively stretched and let out a soft yawn, her voice laced with a lazy nasal tone. She then propped herself up and sat slowly.
The silk blanket slid silently down to her waist as she moved.
The morning light perfectly outlined the flawless curves of her upper body.
That bare expanse of skin was revealed in the dim light, every inch resembling the finest white jade carved from moonlight—smooth, flawless, and radiant.
The rounded lines of her shoulders flowed gracefully like a meticulously crafted sculpture. Her delicate collarbones dipped inward, forming two alluring crescents. And further down…
It was breathtaking, almost suffocating in its beauty.
At this moment, sensing Bibi Dong's movements, Dai Chengfeng also began to stir from his slumber.
He was lying on his side, propping his head up with one hand. His gaze was deep and intense, unabashedly admiring the stunning view before him, a lazy and satisfied smile playing on his lips.
"Good morning, Teacher."
Hearing Dai Chengfeng's words, Bibi Dong froze for a moment, then instantly became fully awake as memories of the previous night flooded her mind…
She looked around at the familiar surroundings of the Pope's chambers, and a wave of shame washed over her like a tide.
But she didn't cry out, only letting out a low hum of frustration and complex emotions.
It was as if she were blaming herself for letting this little troublemaker, Dai Chengfeng, have his way.
With that thought, Bibi Dong grabbed the fallen blanket and hastily wrapped it around herself, leaving only her blushing shoulders and slender neck exposed.
She pursed her lips, turning her back to Dai Chengfeng. Her voice, still slightly hoarse from sleep, struggled to maintain the dignity befitting the Pope:
"Dai… Dai Chengfeng… It's late. You… hurry up and leave."
Dai Chengfeng, however, acted as if he hadn't heard her. He leaned closer, pressing his warm chest against her. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arm around her slim yet supple waist from behind, resting his chin on her cool shoulder.
His warm breath brushed against her neck.
"Teacher…"
Dai Chengfeng's voice was low and languid. "Are you in such a hurry to send your student away? Can I stay just a little longer?"
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng gently nibbled on Bibi Dong's earlobe.
Bibi Dong's body stiffened slightly, clearly feeling the warmth of Dai Chengfeng's chest against her bare back.
She tried to struggle, but failed to break free. Instead, Dai Chengfeng only held her tighter.
"Dai Chengfeng!"
Bibi Dong took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Her voice grew firmer, carrying a hint of severity: "I said, leave immediately! If you dawdle any longer, I'll 'escort' you out!"
Despite her words, she made no move to summon her soul power.
Dai Chengfeng detected the concern hidden beneath her tone and realized that pushing further might truly anger the Pope.
Thus, his eyes flickered thoughtfully. He leaned even closer, whispering softly into Bibi Dong's ear in a low, husky voice that only the two of them could hear: "Teacher is so heartless… Fine, I won't overstay my welcome."
"However…"
"Could Teacher… perhaps grant me a small 'reward' to motivate me to leave obediently?"
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng lowered his voice even more, murmuring a few words into Bibi Dong's ear.
"Impossible!"
Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong's ears instantly flushed red, the skin behind them turning a tempting shade of pink.
She turned her head, her beautiful eyes filled with a mix of embarrassment and anger: "You're dreaming!"
"Dai Chengfeng! I can't believe the nonsense that constantly fills your head! Know your limits! Get out! Before I truly lose my temper!"
Dai Chengfeng met Bibi Dong's fiery gaze, knowing this attempt was futile. A fleeting trace of regret flashed in his eyes, but he slowly loosened his arms around her.
Sitting up, he leisurely began to put on his slightly disheveled clothes.
"Your disciple obeys."
"Teacher truly is… using me and discarding me without a second thought. So heartless."
Bibi Dong remained wrapped in the blanket, presenting only a cold, hard profile to him: "Get out! Disappear from my sight immediately!"
"Yes, yes, yes…"
Dai Chengfeng cast one last glance at Bibi Dong's back, shook his head helplessly, and muttered under his breath: "Tsk, it seems the road to fully devouring this most tempting delicacy will be long indeed."
On the bed…
Only after confirming that Dai Chengfeng had truly left, his footsteps fading into silence, did Bibi Dong finally relax.
She leaned back against the soft headboard, her cheeks still flushed. Unable to resist, she spat softly toward the door and muttered to herself: "Pfft!"
"This insolent disciple, always thinking about such absurd things… and his mouth… his mouth…"
---
The Spirit Hall.
By now, Dai Chengfeng had returned to his private quarters within the Spirit Hall.
Outside, the sky was still early, and the hall was quiet.
He removed his outer robe once again, still drowsy, and collapsed into his soft bed.
The movement of the blankets disturbed a fluffy, round golden creature, which emitted a few disgruntled "meows" of complaint.
Dai Chengfeng affectionately looked at Qiu'er, skillfully pulling the soft "ball of fur" into his arms. He nuzzled her warm fur with his chin.
Qiu'er, disturbed in her sleep, let out another couple of "meows," but finding the familiar embrace too comfortable and warm, she only wriggled symbolically before curling back into a ball. She nestled deeper into his chest, finding an even cozier spot.
The tiny body soon resumed its steady, rhythmic breathing, falling back into a deep sleep.
Dai Chengfeng cradled this warm "ball of fur," closed his eyes, and prepared to catch a few more moments of sleep.
However, peace didn't last long.
Not long after, a series of clear, rhythmic knocks—"knock, knock, knock"—sounded, breaking the tranquility of the room and disturbing Dai Chengfeng's drowsiness.
The furry-eared Qiu'er in his arms seemed to be disturbed again, her ears twitching as she let out a soft, disgruntled "meow."
Dai Chengfeng frowned irritably, not even bothering to open his eyes. With a heavy, sleepy tone, he lazily raised his voice toward the door:
"Who is it?"
His voice carried obvious annoyance at being woken from his dream and confusion about who would disturb him so early in the morning.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)