While Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong clashed in secret high above…
The boy at the center of their storm—Subei—was knee-deep in his own battlefield.
Hu Liena had only just reunited with him. Her heart was ecstatic, like a long-lost treasure suddenly recovered. Joy bloomed across her face, her eyes bending like crescents as though she had been given back her world.
But her happiness was quickly crushed by Xiaowu's hostile, ice-cold glare. Those pink eyes sharpened like blades, burning with protective fury.
For an instant, Hu Liena nearly stumbled. That glare… it wasn't simply anger. It was suffocating, overwhelming—like being locked onto by a ferocious hundred-thousand-year soul beast.
What is this girl made of?! Is this a beast protecting her food? A mother guarding her calf? Or maybe… just ridiculously strong jealousy?
But no amount of killing intent could stop the feelings Hu Liena had buried deep for years. She was a girl in pursuit of true love. And when it came to chasing her heart, she would not retreat.
At that tense moment, Subei's system chimed:
[System: Congratulations to the host. Hu Liena has been re-encountered—Saintess of Martial Soul Hall successfully marked.]
[Initial conquest value: 20]
[Total conquest value: 30]
[System evaluation: Target Hu Liena has dreamed of the host, longed for intimate acts, and suffered insomnia from constant yearning. Affection locked in place.]
[Rewards unlocked:]
① Enchanting Torso Bone (note: its aura increases charm unnaturally. If the host wears it, it may attract men instead. Recommended to gift it to a goddess for stronger bonds—and unlock new options).
② Top-tier spiritual art – "Soul-Moving Method." (An advanced persuasion technique akin to hypnotism. Highly effective against those with great martial power but weaker mental fortitude.)
③ Spirit Upgrade – host's mental strength enhanced. Eyes evolve into tricolored starlight, allowing more delicate perception.
Subei blinked. His vision suddenly sharpened, strange lights flickering across his pupils. His mind felt clearer, nerves buzzing with focus. As he glanced sideways…
Through Hu Liena's gauzy robes, he faintly glimpsed the pure white bindings beneath. His heart stuttered.
"…Soul-Moving Method, huh?" He muttered reluctantly. The timing couldn't have been more troublesome.
In front of him stood two girls locked in silent battle, neither willing to back down. A Shura Field—a bloodbath of affection.
He knew this rhythm too well. In his past life, he'd also been popular. Girls liked him, but he had always refused politely, stayed loyal to a single girlfriend. The reward? Estrangement, heartbreak, and ending up wandering the great "prairies of betrayal."
He sighed inwardly. This time… I'll handle things differently.
His tricolored eyes flashed faintly. Tenderly rubbing Xiaowu's soft rabbit ears, he whispered, "Xiaowu, be friendly to your sisters, alright? Otherwise… you'll look bad."
Under the influence of the soul-moving method, Xiaowu's stubborn fierceness faded. Her cheeks flushed, and her hostility melted away into confusion—then soft submission. She obediently lowered her head and leaned against Subei, no longer bristling like a feral rabbit.
Crisis: temporarily defused.
Just then, Liu Erlong returned, her face still a little weary from her balcony clash with Bibi Dong.
Subei put on his most careful voice. "Xiaowu, go with Mom to choose the house, okay? Don't let her be alone."
"Mm! Okay!" Though a little dazed, Xiaowu happily ran to Liu Erlong's side, clinging to her arm.
Liu Erlong's mood softened instantly as she looked at the boy's gentle smile. Her heart warmed with maternal pride. Yet deep in her chest, a sigh lingered—she knew the ties between Xiaobei and Spirit Hall, between Xiaobei and Bibi Dong, were now irreversible.
This was the real battlefield. Not a clash of soul skills, but a long war of affections.
Bibi Dong would never accept another woman's claim over Subei. Not maternal love, not elderhood, not anything. She would allow no rivals.
But Liu Erlong was not a woman who bowed her head. Not to titles. Not to thrones. Not even to the Pope herself.
If it was a contest of love, of care, of devotion—she was prepared to fight to the very end.
For Xiaobei's sake, she would rather die than retreat.
Kneeling slightly, she hugged Subei tight and pressed his head against her chest possessively. Her voice gentle, yet heavy.
"Xiaobei, listen to me. Mom and Xiaowu will settle near the Martial Soul Hall. Don't be fooled by Bibi Dong's facade—her heart is full of control. But you don't need to be afraid. For those she truly loves, she won't harm them. Just remember this: no matter what, your godmother and Xiaowu will always be with you."
She held him a moment longer before finally rising and walking away, bringing Xiaowu with her.
From the high balcony, Bibi Dong watched.
The sight of Liu Erlong pressing Subei to her chest… made her knuckles tighten around her scepter. Her face darkened. "Toast not drunk, preferring punishment… damn woman!"
At her side, a platinum female bishop bowed, speaking cautiously. "Your Holiness, if you distrust her, why give her freedom in Spirit Hall at all? Why not ban Liu Erlong and her girl from entering? That way, His Highness Subei will gradually drift from them—until he depends on you alone."
The bishop added slyly, "Besides, he isn't truly her son. I've heard he was just discovered by her by chance before she claimed him. It's likely a selfish bid to bind him as her godchild. We owe her no courtesy."
Bibi Dong's eyes glinted cold. "Fool. Do that, and Xiaobei will hate me forever. It's not worth such a crude trick."
The bishop fell silent for a moment before lowering her voice darker still. She traced a finger across her neck in the classic gesture. "Then… secretly. Remove Liu Erlong and her girl quietly. His Highness will never know."
The air froze.
Bibi Dong's scepter slammed hard against the marble. Her gaze burned with scorn. "Pathetic. The Spirit Hall is vast and mighty—our ambition spans the continent. And you would drag us into petty assassination? To murder in the shadows like cowards? If I do such things… how could I ever face Xiaobei again?"
Her rejection was absolute, furious.
The bishop blanched, dropping to her knees. "Your Holiness! I was foolish, forgive me! Spare my life!"
"Do not let me hear such stupidity again," Bibi Dong snapped.
…
Meanwhile, Subei exhaled with relief.
If not for my new soul-moving skill, Xiaowu might've flown into a rage, attacking Hu Liena right on the spot. That Shura Field would've ended in blood—and not Hu Liena's. Xiaowu would've been beaten down. Then she'd cry at me, accuse me of not loving her. If I helped, I'd hurt Hu Liena. Either way—headache!
For now, at least, the war was avoided.
But the battlefield of love was just beginning.
Most men might despair at being trapped in such chaos. But secretly, Subei couldn't deny…
Five wives rotating attention… maybe it isn't so bad…
Hu Liena's face glowed with radiant joy. She threw her soft body against him, eyes sparkling like peach blossoms.
"My lover… I finally found you again!"
Subei blinked. "L-lover? What do you mean by that?"
Her voice was pure adoration. "It doesn't matter anymore. Now that I can see you every day… that's enough."
He scratched his head. What kind of Zixia Fairy moment is this supposed to be?
Hu Liena leaned forward, pink cheeks glistening faintly. "Tell me… who are those two? That woman and that girl just now—are they yours?"
Subei smiled faintly. "My mother… and my sister."
"Your… sister?" Hu Liena tilted her head. "You don't really look alike."
Her peach petal eyes locked onto him with searing affection.
Subei grinned cryptically. "Not blood-related. But I can kiss my sister."
"What… what do you mean?" Hu Liena blinked, confused.
"You can think about it. I won't say it directly." His mischievous smile deepened.
Hu Liena bit her lip. She didn't chase the meaning. Instead, her eyes softened, curling with hope.
"…Then, may I at least hold you? My fated one?"
Subei spread his arms readily, smirking as he wrapped her in a warm embrace. "Of course."
Her body sank into his chest. And just like that, the Shura Field of love shifted once again…