The clear night sky echoed with cicada songs through the forest. By the crackling campfire, sizzling roasted meat let off bursts of fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
"Big brother, we're back!"
Three figures approached the fire. Yu Keke bounced along at the front, carrying Fire Meow Meow in her arms, with Zhu Zhuqing following close behind.
"Zhuqing-jiejie and I found some really tasty fruit. You all have to try it~"
With practiced ease, Yu Keke pulled out a heap of fruit from the soul tool on her wrist.
"Wow! That much… I'll try one first!"
Paimon tossed aside her bamboo skewer and picked up an orange fruit, sniffing it before taking a bite. Her mouth was instantly filled with refreshing sweetness.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
She nodded furiously—fruit after grilled meat was a perfect way to cleanse the palate.
"Hehe~ Come and eat, everyone. The meat's all done."
Aether took the fruit and set it on a small nearby table, then began handing out portions of roasted meat to the girls—Fire Meow Meow included, of course.
"Mhm!"
Watching everyone dig in with such glee, Aether felt himself relax a little.
After leaving Skywater City, they had traveled eastward, returning once more to the Star Dou Great Forest.
This time, their purpose was to help Yu Keke and Zhu Zhuqing absorb new spirit rings.
Yu Keke had reached Level 34 at Skywater Academy. Now, after spending over half a month in the Star Dou Forest, she had successfully absorbed a spirit ring, her spirit power jumping to Level 37.
On the journey, Zhu Zhuqing had also benefited from one of Aether's elemental light orbs, pushing her to Level 41. After absorbing her fourth ring, she now stood at Level 44—just two levels below Shui Bing'er of Skywater Academy.
And this was with both having undergone the elemental baptism. In terms of natural talent alone, Zhu Zhuqing clearly held the edge.
The next day, Aether packed up all the camping gear into the Serenitea Pot, and the group continued on their journey.
They took their time along the way, enjoying the sights and sounds. Yu Keke and Zhu Zhuqing, especially, found joy in the peaceful travels.
"Traveler, there's a village up ahead~"
Paimon stood atop Fire Meow Meow's head, pointing excitedly at the wisp of smoke rising from the distant settlement.
"Shall we check it out?"
"Of course! I love lively places!" Paimon nodded eagerly.
Just as Aether and Fire Meow Meow were about to lead the group toward the village, Aether suddenly sensed a dangerous aura speeding toward them.
Fire Meow Meow crouched low, claws digging into the ground, head lowered like a lion ready to strike.
"Huh? Fire Meow Meow, why aren't you moving?"
Paimon frowned at the feline's tense, battle-ready posture.
"A strong one's headed this way."
Aether answered calmly, eyes scanning in a specific direction.
Everyone immediately tensed—even Paimon let go of Fire Meow Meow's fur and floated cautiously to Aether's side.
"No need to panic. It's someone we know."
Aether waved it off. The aura was familiar.
Sure enough, moments later, a figure appeared in the sky, rapidly approaching.
When she landed in the clearing before them, everyone immediately understood who Aether meant.
"Your Holiness, the Pope?"
"Isn't that the big sister from before?"
Zhu Zhuqing and Yu Keke spoke up in surprise.
"Greetings, Your Excellency!"
The newcomer was none other than Bibi Dong, Pope of the Spirit Hall. She landed gracefully and gave Aether a slight bow.
Aether dismounted, and the rest followed suit.
"Your Holiness, it's been a while."
Aether returned the gesture with a cupped fist salute.
"Please, don't tease me, Your Excellency. I'm unworthy of the title."
Bibi Dong gave a wry smile.
From anyone else, "Your Holiness" was a rightful address—but from Aether, it just felt… awkward. She sighed and continued,
"Just call me by name, it's more comfortable that way…"
"Very well, Your Holiness~"
Aether teased, noticing the faint worry still lingering between her brows.
"At your pleasure…"
Bibi Dong chuckled softly. Somehow, his light-hearted jab had made her momentarily forget her troubles.
"Hehe~ You've come all this way, Your Holiness. Surely it's not just for tea?"
Aether got straight to the point.
Bibi Dong was no idler. If she'd tracked them down, it had to be for something important.
Their movements hadn't exactly been secret, so he wasn't surprised she'd found them.
"Your Excellency, I have a matter to discuss with you. In private."
Bibi Dong didn't mince words.
"All right."
Aether nodded, then turned to Paimon.
"Paimon, can you take Zhuqing and Keke to that village first and wait for me there?"
"Okay! We'll go ahead—come join us soon, okay?"
Paimon nodded, taking the well-behaved Zhu Zhuqing and Yu Keke with her toward the village.
"Fire Meow Meow, go with them. Keep them safe, understand?"
Aether glanced at the beast, who had been staring intently at Bibi Dong, ready to pounce.
"Grr—"
Fire Meow Meow responded, then shrank its form, gave Aether a parting growl, and trotted after the others.
"Your Excellency, please sit."
Once the others had left, Bibi Dong pulled a small table and two stools from her storage soul tool, setting them up in the clearing. She gestured for Aether to sit.
After he took a seat, she elegantly produced a tea set like a conjuring trick and began brewing tea, occasionally glancing at Aether with a gentle smile but saying nothing.
Aether remained as steady as ever, letting her play out her ceremony. He calmly studied the poised, beautiful woman before him—this tea-brewing, curvaceous pope in the dappled light of the forest made for quite the scenic view.
"Your Excellency, please enjoy some tea."
Bibi Dong completed the process with practiced elegance, offering him a fragrant cup.
Seeing him take a sip, she beamed and asked expectantly,
"Well? How is it, Your Excellency?"
"Excellent tea~"
Aether replied with certainty, meeting her eyes.
"Fufu~"
Bibi Dong chuckled lightly, then refilled his cup.
"Did you know, Your Excellency, that I've only ever made tea for two people in my entire life?"
She handed him the cup again, her voice soft.
"You are the second…"
"…I'm honored."
So?
Aether took the cup again but didn't drink this time. He set it on the table and quietly looked at her.
"Aren't you curious who the first person was?"
Aether shook his head—nope, go on.
"The first was my teacher."
Bibi Dong rested her chin on a delicate hand, lips barely parting.
"Qian Xunji?"
Aether spoke the name without thinking.
"…"
Bibi Dong's eyes grew complex as she looked at him.
"…You truly know everything, don't you, Your Excellency…"
_
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