After briefly discussing some strategies with Chrysanthemum Douluo, Li Chang'an departed. After all, matters involving Immortal herbs weren't his area of expertise. In the end, the proposal and findings would primarily be presented by Chrysanthemum Douluo—Li Chang'an's role was just to offer the suggestion.
The value of a place like the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well wasn't something that could be measured in a day—it was all about long-term planning. Of course, even in the short term, some of the immortal herbs it produced could yield astonishing results.
Upon returning to Spirit Hall, Li Chang'an went straight to see Bibi Dong. Since he was planning to leave soon, he wanted to spend as much time as possible with his beloved teacher.
When he arrived at the Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong was having lunch. Hu Liena wasn't around today, and Bibi Dong was dining alone.
As the Pope, Bibi Dong's life, though interesting in its own right, was quite monotonous. Her position demanded restraint—she couldn't act on a whim, and every move she made represented the immense institution of Spirit Hall.
Still, despite her high status, Bibi Dong's meals remained simple. Even her lunch consisted of just one meat dish and one vegetable dish—though the ingredients used were nothing short of the best.
"Chang'an, you're back so soon? Xiao Yue, go fetch another set of utensils. I have plenty of food left—it's enough for both of us," Bibi Dong instructed the maid nearby.
Li Chang'an had always known that Bibi Dong had a mild cleanliness obsession. The fact that she was willing to share food from the same dishes said a lot already.
Without hesitation, Li Chang'an looked at her with deep affection and softly said, "Thank you, Teacher," before naturally pulling out a chair and sitting beside her.
Ever since the incident at the Rakshasa Tower, Bibi Dong had noticed a shift in her feelings toward this disciple. That brief look from Li Chang'an just now had made her heart race—a feeling she had never experienced before.
"How was the trip with Elder Chrysanthemum?" Bibi Dong asked gently as she picked up some food and placed it in Li Chang'an's bowl, trying to cover up her momentary awkwardness.
Li Chang'an nodded slightly, then retrieved a small white flower from his storage soul tool. The flower emitted a soft white glow—appearing ordinary at first glance, but with a hint of something extraordinary beneath the surface.
"Teacher, this White Whisper is one of the things I found during the trip. I picked it out especially for you. It's over three thousand years old. While it can't help someone transform into a soul beast, its medicinal properties are excellent—it preserves youth, beautifies the skin, and even purifies martial spirits!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo had told Li Chang'an that someone at Bibi Dong's level could no longer improve their cultivation through immortal herbs, so he focused on aspects like skincare and appearance—something no woman could ignore.
Sure enough, even Bibi Dong—with her immense cultivation—was visibly pleased and surprised by the flower's effects. She even felt a flutter in her heart, though she kept her composure and replied grandly:
"A flower to preserve youth? Teacher has no use for such things. Why don't you give it to Nana instead?"
Li Chang'an shook his head firmly. "Teacher, there is only one White Whisper, and I picked it just for you. Please, I insist you accept it—it represents my heartfelt feelings."
Bibi Dong was silent for a moment before she gave a helpless smile. Looking into his eyes, she gently accepted the flower.
"Very well, I'll accept it. And your sincerity—I won't forget it."
She knew Li Chang'an had just returned to Spirit City and had come to see her first. Though she said nothing, her heart was truly touched. Not to mention—he brought her an immortal herb.
Only now did Li Chang'an finally smile. As he ate the food she had placed in his bowl, he casually recounted the events of their trip to the Sunset Forest.
At first, Bibi Dong thought Li Chang'an was just fooling around, but after hearing the full story, she realized the terrifying potential of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. With such a treasure in hand, and as long as Qian Daoliu didn't interfere, she could completely suppress the entire Worship Hall within ten years!
"You're right, this proposal is a sound one. Having the Elephant Armored Clan take the lead is indeed much better than us doing it directly. I'll call an emergency meeting this afternoon and have Elder Chrysanthemum explain the matter—we'll arrange everything as soon as possible. As for Poison Douluo, I have my own ways to deal with him, so don't worry about that," Bibi Dong decided decisively, not hesitating in the slightest.
Although Poison Douluo was affiliated with the Heaven Dou Empire, he still held an official title under Spirit Hall. Getting him to hand over that location wouldn't be too difficult. In any case, it was a waste for a place like that to be in Dugu Bo's hands.
Once they finished discussing the matter, Bibi Dong shifted the topic to Li Chang'an's departure.
"Chang'an, I know you want to go out and train, and I understand you're not one to sit still. I won't stop you—but I have one condition: once a month, you must report back through Spirit Hall's channels to let me know you're safe!"
"Of course, Teacher. You can count on me." Li Chang'an nodded earnestly. After all, he still had his girlfriends in Spirit City—there was no way he wouldn't keep in touch. He could write letters every two weeks, even have the girls send them at the same time. And if he ever wanted to come back urgently, he could use the Donghuang Bell to teleport back without hesitation.
"Oh right, Teacher—I have one more request. When I leave this time, could you not assign me any bodyguards? Not even in secret. You know I don't like that sort of thing. Besides, I'm strong enough to protect myself. And worst-case scenario, I can always teleport away."
Since Li Chang'an had already said this much, Bibi Dong couldn't insist any further. Truly, having such a powerful disciple could be a bit of a headache—especially one as headstrong as Li Chang'an.
"Very well. Remember to carry your Holy Son token at all times. I'll also issue an official decree—if needed, even branch halls of the main cities will fall under your command," Bibi Dong added. That was the greatest show of support she could give him.
One had to understand—the hall masters of main city Spirit Halls held considerable authority and strength. Even as the Holy Son, Li Chang'an normally didn't have the power to mobilize them at will.
"Mhm! Don't worry, Teacher. I'll come back when I get tired of wandering—and I'll miss you every day," Li Chang'an replied, even giving her hand a playful pat.
Bibi Dong trembled slightly but didn't pull her hand away…
---
After leaving the Pope's Hall, Li Chang'an sprinted straight to Hu Liena's residence. He didn't use any soul power, intentionally making himself look out of breath. Before knocking, he even released his spiritual energy to confirm that Xie Yue wasn't home.
Knock knock knock!
"Who is it?" Hu Liena's voice called from inside.
"It's me, Nana. I'm back," Li Chang'an replied, gasping for breath.
"Chang'an!" Hu Liena excitedly opened the door, and there he was—the man she had missed day and night.
She already knew he had returned, and that he had gone to the Pope's Hall first. But she hadn't expected him to come see her so soon.
"Yep, I reported to Teacher first, then ran straight over," Li Chang'an said seriously she reached to pull him inside.
"Wait—Nana, look what I brought for you this time!" Li Chang'an said mysteriously, before revealing a white flower.
"This is called White Whisper. It's about two thousand years old and the only one of its kind in the world. It purifies martial spirits and enhances beauty. The moment I found it, I thought of you!"
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