Zhu Zhuqing slightly turned her face, the moonlight outlining her delicate profile, without refuting.
Hu Liena softly snorted, but her lips couldn't help but curve upward slightly, grumbling: "Always sweet-talking. If you can't pull it off during practice, we'll see how you deal with it."
Though spoken, her tone carried no real doubt, more like a teasing expectation.
Dai Chengfeng laughed heartily and said no more.
The trio continued conversing along the way, mainly guided by Dai Chengfeng, with Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing adding or refuting points. They summarized the gains and losses of today's battle and discussed the direction for future training.
Unknowingly, they had returned to the Spirit Hall.
The majestic buildings appeared even more solemn under the night sky. The guard knights at the entrance saluted respectfully upon seeing the three.
Upon entering the hall, the outside noise was completely shut out.
Dai Chengfeng looked up at the sky. The deep night sky was dotted with stars, and a bright moon had quietly risen to its zenith.
The timing seemed just right.
The anticipation and fervor that had been suppressed since leaving the Pope's Hall could no longer be contained, bubbling like an eager volcano.
"Well, it's been a tiring day. You two go back and rest first."
Dai Chengfeng stopped walking and spoke to Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena, trying his best to keep his tone calm.
Hu Liena glanced at him suspiciously. Her sharp feminine intuition sensed that Dai Chengfeng seemed a bit too "eager."
But she couldn't quite figure it out, only feeling that this guy definitely wasn't thinking about anything "good."
Zhu Zhuqing simply nodded faintly: "Mm."
The two women turned and headed towards their respective quarters.
Dai Chengfeng watched their figures disappear around the corridor corner, then immediately turned and quickened his pace—not heading back to his own room.
Instead, he made his way to the deepest part of the Pope's Hall, towards the most luxurious and heavily guarded independent palace—the residence of Pope Bibi Dong.
His heartbeat involuntarily quickened. The memory of Bibi Dong's barely audible, flustered promise echoed repeatedly in his mind.
"…Alright… but… just once! Tonight… wait until tonight when you come to my room…"
"Tonight… come to my room…"
These words seemed to possess magic, making Dai Chengfeng's blood flow faster, and a smile uncontrollably spread across his lips.
He almost couldn't wait to reach the entrance of Bibi Dong's palace.
The magnificent palace doors were tightly closed, with two beautiful, solemn-faced female soul master guards standing outside.
Upon seeing Dai Chengfeng, they did not stop him but bowed respectfully.
Dai Chengfeng held a special position within the Spirit Hall as the personal disciple of Pope Bibi Dong. Thus, they had already received orders not to hinder his visit.
"Has the teacher returned?" Dai Chengfeng asked softly.
One of the female guards replied respectfully: "Your Highness, Pope Bibi Dong has not yet returned; the meeting seems to be ongoing."
Upon hearing this, instead of feeling disappointed, a gleam flashed in Dai Chengfeng's eyes.
Not back yet? Perfect!
He pushed open the door. Inside the palace, all was quiet, with only the soft glow of pearls illuminating the luxurious yet elegant furnishings.
A faint, cold fragrance unique to Bibi Dong lingered in the air.
Dai Chengfeng gently closed the door behind him, shutting out the outside world entirely.
Standing in the spacious bedchamber, he scanned the surroundings.
He had been here many times, but each time, he felt the majesty and nobility of the Pope. Today, beneath this majesty, it seemed something entirely different was about to unfold.
Dai Chengfeng didn't plan to wait idly.
An idea flashed through his mind, and a mischievous smile crept onto his lips.
He opened the door again and whispered some instructions to one of the female guards.
Surprise flickered across the guard's face, but she quickly obeyed and left.
Dai Chengfeng returned to the room and began examining the setup.
Where needed embellishment, where needed ambiance—his thoughts raced.
After a while, the female guard returned, holding a large bundle of freshly picked flowers in various colors, dew still clinging to them, exuding a rich natural fragrance.
Clearly, they had been carefully selected from the garden.
"Your Highness, the flowers you requested."
"Good, you may leave."
Dai Chengfeng took the bouquet and instructed: "Remember, no matter who asks, especially if the teacher returns and inquires, say you haven't seen me and know nothing about the flowers."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The female guard bowed and withdrew, though puzzled, she dared not ask further.
Dai Chengfeng, holding the large bouquet, began meticulously decorating Bibi Dong's palace.
He placed some elegant flowers in the vase on the bedside table, replacing the original formal decorative flowers.
He adorned a few passionately blooming roses beside the dressing table.
Some fragrant lilies were arranged on the small table by the window, every detail reflecting careful thought.
The colors and scents of the flowers gradually dispelled the slight chill in the palace, adding warmth, romance, and even… a hint of intimacy.
After arranging the flowers, Dai Chengfeng thought for a moment and retrieved some items from his spirit-guiding device.
He took out several exquisite candles—not ordinary candles, but aromatic candles infused with special spices that had calming effects.
He didn't light them but placed them in suitable positions.
Then, he took out a bottle of excellent red wine and two crystal goblets, gently placing them on the round table in the center of the room.
Having done all this, he stroked his chin, feeling something was still missing.
Dinner!
The teacher must not have eaten after the meeting.
If he prepared some exquisite dishes, wouldn't it be perfect?
With that in mind, Dai Chengfeng went out again, this time directly to the Pope's kitchen.
Given his status, naturally, no one dared to stop him, and the head chef personally awaited his instructions.
Dai Chengfeng chose a few dishes that Bibi Dong usually preferred, requesting them to be exceptionally exquisite, and ordered a plate of sweet dried fruit.
Soon, several food boxes were ready.
Dai Chengfeng personally carried the food boxes back to the palace and arranged the steaming delicacies on the round table, perfectly complementing the bottle of red wine.
Finally, he reviewed his "masterpiece."
Flowers adorned, subtle fragrance wafted; fine wine and cuisine tempted the appetite; candle stands stood silent, awaiting ignition…
The entire palace atmosphere had transformed dramatically, from the originally solemn and cold Pope's residence into a place full of anticipation and allure—a 'love nest.'
"Not bad…"
Dai Chengfeng clapped his hands, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
He could almost picture Bibi Dong pushing open the door and seeing all this—her surprise, shyness, and perhaps a touch of gratitude.
Time passed little by little; the sky outside grew completely dark, and the stars shone even brighter.
Dai Chengfeng's inner anticipation grew stronger and stronger.
Until, finally, faint footsteps and the respectful greetings of maids echoed from afar.
Bibi Dong was back!
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)