As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng sat down next to Hu Liena. "Nana, you know..."
"My fusion with Zhuqing still hasn't succeeded. Although Senior Liu Erlong pointed out it might be an issue with my soul power's attributes, she didn't offer any solutions."
"I'm feeling frustrated and thought that since Teacher has seen much in her life, she might have some different advice..."
"Maybe there's a way to guide or control the exclusive primordial energy in my soul power."
Dai Chengfeng's explanation was reasonable, and his expression convincing. Hu Liena was successfully sidetracked, her delicate brows furrowing.
"This is indeed a difficult problem."
"Ah, the essence of power is mysterious; controlling it isn't easy. It's good to ask Teacher, perhaps she really has a solution."
"After all, Teacher's strength is so formidable."
As she spoke, she glanced at Dai Chengfeng. "Then wait here for Teacher. I'll leave the incense here and go back."
Dai Chengfeng was secretly pleased but kept his composure. "Alright, you've had a long day, rest early."
"I'll wait for Teacher. If she doesn't return soon, I'll head back too."
Hu Liena nodded, gently placing the jade bottle on the dressing table. She glanced once more at the door leading to the bathroom and study deep within the inner chamber before turning to leave the hall.
Just as Hu Liena's hand was about to touch the door...
The door leading to the bathroom deep within the inner chamber was gently pushed open.
Steamy mist wafted out first, followed by a graceful figure wrapped in a light purple silk robe, barefoot on the snowy white marble floor, slowly emerging.
Bibi Dong had just finished bathing; her wet purple hair loosely draped over her shoulders, making her skin appear even more lustrous like jade.
Her exquisite face carried a faint blush from the bath, her eyes seemingly less stern than usual, exuding a sense of languor and... a barely perceptible anticipation.
She clearly hadn't expected more than one person in the outer hall. When her gaze swept over Dai Chengfeng standing in the hall with an instantly colorful expression, and then saw Hu Liena, who was also frozen in place with astonishment, her deep purple eyes narrowed slightly, and the air seemed to solidify at this moment.
Dai Chengfeng's heart leapt into his throat!
Damn!
The worst-case scenario had occurred!
At this moment, Hu Liena looked at her freshly bathed teacher, clad in a robe, and then at the obviously purposeful visitor, Dai Chengfeng, whose expression was now stiff and tense. A ridiculous and shocking thought flashed through her mind like lightning!
Teacher's attire... Dai Chengfeng's timing of arrival... and his earlier excuse of "seeking advice"...
Could it be...?!
However, Bibi Dong was still Bibi Dong.
After a brief silence, she quickly regained her composure. Her gaze first landed on Hu Liena, her voice betraying no emotion:
"Nana? What brings you here so late?"
Hu Liena snapped back to reality, quickly collecting herself and suppressing the tumultuous waves in her heart, respectfully replying: "Tea-Teacher, I brought some calming incense for you."
She pointed to the jade bottle on the dressing table.
"Thoughtful of you."
Bibi Dong nodded lightly, her gaze then shifting to Dai Chengfeng, her tone flat and emotionless. "Chengfeng, what about you? What is the matter?"
Dai Chengfeng felt cold sweat instantly drench his back. He steeled himself, repeating the same explanation he gave to Hu Liena, though his voice was dry due to nervousness:
"Disciple... disciple came to seek your advice because I am troubled by obstacles in my spirit fusion technique training."
Bibi Dong listened silently, her penetrating purple eyes lingering on Dai Chengfeng's face for a moment, making him feel a chill run down his spine.
Then, she softly "Mm"ed, revealing no emotion: "Being eager to solve problems in cultivation is a good thing."
"However, it's already late today. Coming without prior notice is quite abrupt!"
Her words were directed at Dai Chengfeng, but her peripheral vision casually swept over Hu Liena as she continued:
"This matter won't be resolved in a short time. Come again tomorrow to discuss it further."
This response sounded reasonable, fitting the normal interaction between a master and disciple.
Listening to her teacher's reply, Hu Liena's doubts instantly dissipated.
Yes, how could Teacher possibly... She stole a glance at Dai Chengfeng, seeing him nervously sweating on his forehead, looking fearful of displeasing the teacher with his respectful demeanor.
Recalling his earlier, perfectly reasonable explanation about the bottleneck in the spirit fusion technique...
Hu Liena, you've lost your mind, how could you entertain such absurd thoughts?
Who is Teacher?
She is the supreme Pope of the Spirit Hall, a top-tier powerhouse on the continent, usually dignified and awe-inspiring.
And Dai Chengfeng, although a talented partner, is ultimately just a young disciple under Teacher.
How could there be anything between these two?
It seems I let my imagination run wild. Teacher had just finished bathing and was preparing for bed; wearing a robe is perfectly normal.
Dai Chengfeng's unannounced visit, without prior notification, was indeed his oversight. No wonder Teacher called him "abrupt."
Everything seemed perfectly reasonable. In contrast, her own momentary association appeared overly bizarre and... disrespectful.
Realizing this, Hu Liena even felt a twinge of guilt towards her teacher.
She quickly composed herself, dispelling those distracting thoughts, and resumed her usual obedient and respectful demeanor, lowering her head slightly:
"Teacher is right. Then… I will not disturb your rest."
Bibi Dong remained calm, lightly "Mm"ing in acknowledgment.
Hu Liena didn't linger, bowing once more to Bibi Dong before turning to push the hall door open and stepping out.
Outside the Pope's Hall, the night breeze hit her face, and she found the previous moments of tension and absurdity amusing. Shaking her head, she dismissed the incident.
Meanwhile, inside the palace chambers, Dai Chengfeng watched Hu Liena leave and the door close, finally exhaling deeply as if he had fought a tough battle.
He turned his head, feeling somewhat guilty yet filled with infinite anticipation, looking at Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong still stood there, having shed some of her papal majesty after the bath, exuding more feminine charm.
Seeing Dai Chengfeng's relieved yet expectant look, her lips seemed to twitch slightly, but she quickly resumed her calm demeanor.
"The person has left, why are you still standing there foolishly?"
Bibi Dong's voice still carried a hint of languor, but no longer the previous aloofness...
She turned and walked towards the luxurious bed deep within the inner chamber, the hem of her purple robe trailing behind, outlining an infinitely beautiful silhouette.
Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng was overjoyed, knowing this meant the invitation was still valid.
He quickly responded, hastening his steps to follow.
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