"Prepare yourself. We move soon."
Bibi Dong's voice, usually colder than marble, lingered unusually warm as her gaze fell once more upon the unfurled scroll.
Even as Pope, even as the most resplendent power in Spirit Hall, she could not deny the truth clawing at her heart: across countless lifetimes, she had never seen a boy's face so unearthly. That child—Subei—radiated not merely beauty, but something ineffable, something that pried at the very depths of her long-frozen spirit.
It was not desire. Not entirely maternal, either. It was something more confusing, more dangerous.
He should have been mine, she thought with a bitter curl of lips. If I had birthed this child instead of Renxue, what regrets would I have then? What resentments against Chihiro Ji would remain? None at all…
Qian Renxue, standing rigid with her golden hair gleaming, noticed the shift in her mother's eyes and suppressed a smirk. She had her answer: the Pope herself would go to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Later, behind the Pope's Hall, she donned her angelic disguise once more. Silver light from her spirit bone rippled around her frame, rebuilding her body and face back into that of Prince Xue Qinghe. In an instant, the cold pride of the Tiandou Crown Prince masked the worry and fierce longing of the angelic Saint.
Two faces. Two roles. And only one truth in her heart: if Subei came into Spirit Hall's walls, none could keep him from her reach. Not her mother, not even her grandfather.
Then I could approach him as Qian Renxue, not Xue Qinghe. Then he would be mine, under sunlight, without masks.
Ambition flickered in her golden eyes.
—
Meanwhile, in the territory of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan…
The Thunder Academy loomed like a citadel of steel and storm. Gigantic statues of lightning dragons coiled over the gates, arcs of soul energy buzzing faintly like thunder caught mid-breath.
Within the clan's main ancestral hall, lanterns the color of molten gold flickered over carved beams. Between its towering pillars, the boy causing storms across the continent lay sprawled on a cushioned couch, chin resting on one palm, expression halfway between boredom and sleep.
Subei.
Three Soul Emperors stood like statues on one side, two Soul Saints on the other. Each had been assigned by Yu Yuanzhen himself, ordered to ensure the jewel of Lanba's gossip could not so much as sneeze without them knowing.
To the guards' bewilderment, Subei had shown no panic, no wild attempts at escape. He simply lazed like a caged swan, perfect features highlighted under the lights, so dazzling that it even unsettled battle-hardened men.
Unbelievable… is this truly a human child? one of the Saints thought, fighting the heat rising in his ears. Gritting teeth, he tamed his mind. No. Focus. Don't be fooled by his charms.
But such discipline felt weaker with each languid glance Subei flicked toward them.
At his side, Xiao Wu perched on his lap, feeding him grapes one by one, her expression stormy.
"Brother…" she whispered, half in anger, half in helplessness. "Are we just going to sit here? Can't we fight them? I hate this place. I hate being locked away."
Subei brushed her pink ears softly, smiling faintly. "Sometimes, Xiao Wu… when you can't resist, you enjoy the scenery. Sit tight. Godmother won't abandon us. And if she storms in breathing fire, then perhaps your Prince Brother in disguise might follow. For now… let's eat the grapes."
Xiao Wu pouted, pressing closer against his chest with a muffled, "Hmm!"
Subei's hand lingered gently between her ears. His eyes drifted toward the doors, the hint of a smirk playing at his lips. Let them think they're keeping me. In truth, the cage is their own. When the right moment comes, this entire sect will dance to my tune.
—
The doors creaked open. Tang San stumbled in, his face damp with sweat, hair matted. His "ordinary" looks only made the dazzling beauty of the boy he called Teacher all the more striking in contrast.
Dropping to one knee, eyes burning fiercely, he declared, "Teacher! I've completed 500 rounds of Blue Silver Grass hardening. My endurance has doubled. I… I'm lasting longer than ever."
Subei blinked. Then coughed delicately, trying not to laugh at the unfortunate phrasing. "Very good, Xiao San. A disciple must last long to protect those around him, after all."
Tang San's cheeks burned red, misunderstanding the glint in his teacher's eyes. His admiration rose to worshipful levels. Truly, even in captivity, Teacher Subei's poise was undiminished!
For a moment, Tang San imagined plucking Xiao Wu from Teacher's arms and taking her place, resting against that chest, being praised so warmly… but the Su Sect rules reminded him sharply. Distance. Respect. Restraint. His heart ached, but his devotion deepened.
—
Meanwhile, outside Thunder Academy's gates, gossip bloomed like wildfire.
"Have you heard? Principal Liu of Lanba burned half our deans' sleeves off chasing after her stolen son!"
"It's scary—even our Emperors avoided her flames. But why fight so madly? Isn't she herself the Blue Lightning clan's blood?"
"Don't you know? They say they abducted her precious child. Apparently the boy is beyond imagination, so beautiful even painters die trying to capture him. Some say his image has already spread to Tiandou capital."
"I heard it too. A friend in Tiandou got a portrait just yesterday. They said if such a child is 'ordinary,' then every other man in the world is ugly!"
"That crazy? Maybe I should sneak a peek…"
"Hah. Good luck. They've barricaded him behind Soul Saints. But tell me—if even Spirit Hall hears of him, what then? They'll come swooping like hawks."
The whispers spread.
—
Back inside, Subei yawned, tilting his head against the cushion. Soul Saints guarded. Sect Masters schemed. Emperors and Popes shifted pieces across the board.
Yet the boy only murmured lazily, lips curving:
"System… don't tell me you'll let me be dragged about like some shiny hostage. You'd better queue up a miracle."
Somewhere deep within, the gears of his fate began to stir again.
--
Unlock 50 exclusive advanced chapters for just $10 – don't miss out! Check the synopsis/description for the link! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: Ten Thousand Years Early System!" & "Douluo Dalu: The Godly Drunkard System" — don't miss out!