Spirit Hall, the unparalleled force on the Douluo Continent, was headquartered in the magnificent Spirit City, a sacred place for all Spirit Masters.
Within her private chambers, Bibi Dong was deep in cultivation when she felt a distinct shift inside her body. It was the unmistakable sign of a new life forming in her womb. Her heart seized. She was pregnant again.
Eight years ago, she had been forced into a relationship with her teacher, Qian Xunji, which resulted in the birth of Qian Renxue. Now, after a similar incident just days prior, she was once more with child. Although the circumstances were nearly identical, Bibi Dong's mindset had undergone a complete transformation. Back then, she had seen the child in her womb as a symbol of her shame, something she desperately wanted to be rid of. But now, she felt a profound sense of wonder.
Her relationship with her first daughter was abysmal. Despite her title as the Holy Maiden, Bibi Dong was utterly alone within the grand halls of Spirit Hall. Where she had once desperately wanted to abort her child, she now desperately wanted to protect this one.
The news quickly reached Qian Xunji. When he heard it, his mind went blank13. The last time had been a coincidence. Could this be one as well?
He confronted Bibi Dong. "Dong'er, I expect you to give birth to this child," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If you insist on trying to abort it, you will face the same consequences as before." The Qian family currently had only one junior: Qian Renxue. As he had no formal wife, another child from Bibi Dong—preferably a boy—would secure the family's lineage.
Bibi Dong snorted coldly. "Giving birth is fine, but on one condition."
"I will be the one to name the child," she declared, her voice unyielding. "And regardless of gender, it will absolutely not carry your Qian surname!"
Qian Xunji was stunned. "Bibi Dong, do you have any idea what you're saying?" he snarled. "A child takes its father's name! It will be a Qian!"
"Impossible!" she retorted. "If you try to force me, my current strength is more than enough to abort this child. I will not be controlled by you like last time!" She gently stroked her lower abdomen. "Since this child will be born in Spirit Hall (Wuhun Dian), it will take the surname Wu!"
Just as Qian Xunji was about to erupt, Qian Daoliu's powerful voice echoed in his mind.
"Do not push her now. The birth of the child is what matters most. For now, agree to whatever she asks."
Qian Xunji swallowed his rage and nodded at Bibi Dong. "Alright. It will be as you say. Spirit Hall will provide you with full assistance to ensure you give birth safely."
This time, without any resistance from Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong experienced the warmth of a pampered pregnancy. The food, clothing, and accommodations were all the finest imaginable. Although the care came from Spirit Hall, she attributed it all to the child growing within her, and her love for it deepened with each passing day. She had already chosen names: Wu Dao if it was a boy, and Wu Xiu if it was a girl.
Qian Xunji and Qian Daoliu also eagerly awaited the child's arrival. Regardless of gender, this was a descendant of the Qian family, and their direct line consisted of only the three of them31. The other six Great Priests of Spirit Hall were also excited at the prospect of a new young master or lady.
And then there was Qian Renxu. Her mother disliked her, and her father, the Supreme Pontiff, was always busy34. Her grandfather had time, but he mostly forced her to cultivate. If she could have a younger sister, she would finally have a companion.
Before it was even born, the child had become the pampered darling of Spirit Hall's entire upper echelon.
Eight months passed in a blur38. "My little darling," Bibi Dong would whisper to her growing belly, "Mama has been waiting for you for so long."
Qian Xunji, Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue, and the other Great Priests of the Elder Palace all waited anxiously outside her chambers. The Seven Great Priests rarely left their silent cultivation, but for this birth, they had been standing guard for a week straight.
Guangling Douluo paced nervously. "I'm dying of anxiety! I wonder how it's going. Hasn't the baby been born yet?"
Gold Crocodile Douluo rolled his eyes. "Fifth Brother, you're over ninety years old. Can you try to be a bit more steady?"
Guangling Douluo snorted. "I ask you, are you anxious?"
"...Yes," Gold Crocodile admitted.
"Then that's that, isn't it? And you're still lecturing me."
Inside the room, the midwife knew the child about to be born could one day influence the entire continent. The offspring of Qian Xunji and Bibi Dong—two of the most talented geniuses in the world—was guaranteed to have incredible power. This was the new blood the aging leadership of Spirit Hall desperately needed.
Suddenly, a baby's cry cut through the tense silence50. "It's born!"
A moment later, the midwife ran out, her face flushed with excitement. "Congratulations, Your Holiness! Congratulations, esteemed Priests! Congratulations, Young Lady! It's a girl!"
The group rushed into the room. Bibi Dong was pale from the ordeal, but her eyes shone with pure joy as she looked at the infant in her arms. Wrapped in swaddling clothes was a tiny, pink-cheeked girl.
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