Awkward. Silent. So quiet you could hear a pin drop…
That was the atmosphere in the elite class at the moment. As for the man of the hour, Xie Yue—his expression was nothing short of spectacular… the kind you'd see on someone severely constipated.
[Ding! Xie Yue Points +3.
Yan Points +3.
…....]
Although Li Chang'an was speechless at the situation, he couldn't exactly embarrass his future brother-in-law, could he? So, his reaction time was sharp and precise.
In a flash, Li Chang'an withdrew donghuang Bell Martial Soul back into his body. He then took a few steps back, feigning shock as he looked at Xie Yue.
"Senior's fifty-percent power is truly impressive. My martial soul retracted on its own!"
Xie Yue was left completely speechless. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond—he had never met someone this shameless.
Everyone here wasn't stupid. His surge of soul power just now had been unmistakable—he'd gone all out. There was no doubt about it. And now? His face… was thoroughly lost.
---
The afternoon classes ended amidst this awkward tension. But regardless of what Xie Yue or anyone else thought, everyone now had a preliminary impression of Li Chang'an's strength.
Twin Martial Souls—Terrifying Beyond Measure!
Of course, Xie Yue didn't actually think he couldn't beat Li Chang'an. After all, he hadn't even unleashed either of his soul skills. What had happened was merely a clash of martial souls.
The afternoon lesson wasn't particularly long. After class, Hu Liena stopped Li Chang'an, and the two began walking toward the Hall of the Pope together.
The Spirit Hall Academy wasn't far from the Pope's residence, and since both of them were Soul Masters, the walk wasn't strenuous. Along the way, Hu Liena couldn't help but tease her little junior brother.
"Junior Brother, you almost made it impossible for my brother to save face today. What do you have to say for yourself?" Hu Liena's eyes sparkled with mischief as she glanced playfully at Li Chang'an.
Li Chang'an wasn't flustered in the slightest. He maintained his harmless, innocent expression and replied, "Senior Sister, you're falsely accusing me. Even I didn't know my martial soul was this powerful before today."
"Besides, the stronger my martial soul is, the better I can protect you in the future, right?"
Hu Liena's cheeks flushed slightly at that, and she reached out to poke his forehead. Trying her best to sound like an adult, she scolded, "You little rascal. Since when does your Senior Sister need protecting? I'll be the one protecting you, got it? Now hurry up, or our teacher will get angry if we're late."
As Li Chang'an walked beside Hu Liena, he could feel the soft, sweet aura radiating from her. When she reached out to poke his forehead, he even stole a few quick glances at her—further strengthening his resolve:
'I must win over this little fox!'
---
Thanks to the personal tokens granted by Bibi Dong, they had no trouble entering the Pope's Hall. Once inside, Hu Liena led Li Chang'an toward the Pope's residential quarters while explaining:
"Unless there's official business, Teacher usually doesn't show up in the main hall. For lessons, we just go to her residence."
Li Chang'an listened quietly, all while observing the surroundings. After passing through the grand hall, they entered a large courtyard, and from there, stepped into what looked like a cozy sitting room.
The room wasn't extravagantly decorated—in fact, it felt warm and homey, though not especially tidy. It had the feeling of a lived-in space. A real home.
As soon as they stepped inside, Bibi Dong descended from the second floor. Clearly, she had sensed them coming.
Today, Bibi Dong wasn't wearing her usual ornate papal robes. Instead, she was dressed in a light lavender gown, her long hair flowing freely behind her. But that delicate face and flawless figure still made Li Chang'an's heart skip a beat.
'So this is the Pope… she's even more beautiful like this.'
"Chang'an, Liena, have a seat," Bibi Dong said casually, gesturing toward a few chairs nearby.
"Thank you, Teacher!" the two said in unison before obediently sitting down. They couldn't help it—despite the warmth she radiated, her aura as the Pope commanded deep respect. Even Hu Liena wasn't exempt.
"A lot of what you need to learn will be taught by your instructors at the academy. I won't repeat that here," Bibi Dong began, her tone warm but steady. "What I'll teach you will focus on martial soul applications and cultivation insights—things that'll broaden your path moving forward."
These words were directed at Li Chang'an. As a Titled Douluo and a twin martial soul genius, Bibi Dong's cultivation insights were beyond unique—things that couldn't be learned through standard academy curriculum.
Li Chang'an sat up straight, his expression serious, nodding solemnly in acknowledgment.
Bibi Dong chuckled softly at his posture. "You don't have to be so formal, Chang'an. You're both my personal disciples. Try to get used to that dynamic."
Her tone was gentle. At that moment, she wasn't the awe-inspiring Pope—just a regular teacher.
Li Chang'an looked at Hu Liena, then back at Bibi Dong, before slightly relaxing in his seat. With a sheepish grin, he said:
"Teacher, you're so kind. Oh right—how were the cookies today?"
Bibi Dong was a little surprised by his easy familiarity, but then she remembered those lopsided cookies from this morning and couldn't help but smile with genuine warmth.
"You really put your heart into it. They were delicious. I enjoyed them very much."
Li Chang'an's heart leapt with joy—the first step had been a success!
"I'm glad you liked them, Teacher. I've been working on a new dessert called 'cake.' I'll bring you some tomorrow to try!"
Bibi Dong's tone grew slightly more serious, though her face remained gentle. "I appreciate the thought, but your top priority right now is cultivation. Don't waste your talent."
She wasn't truly scolding him—it was more a reminder from a concerned teacher, and her expression remained warm throughout.
"Yes, Teacher! Don't worry, I'll study hard and improve every day!" Li Chang'an thumped his chest in mock seriousness—but in his mind, he was already planning tomorrow's cake recipe.
After all, he was a student who truly loved his teacher.
"Oh, by the way, Teacher," he added slyly, "It's about time I added a spirit ring to my martial soul. Will you be free in the next few days? I'd love for you to take me hunting."
Of course, it was all for the spirit ring… not at all about wanting more alone time with the Teacher.
Bibi Dong thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Sooner is better. Meet me outside the Pope's Hall tomorrow morning—I'll take you to hunt a soul beast."
Watching her teacher chat so much with Li Chang'an—and even agreeing to take him to hunt a soul beast—Hu Liena, who had been completely sidelined the whole time, started to feel a little sour.
'Why do I feel like Junior Brother is competing with me for our teacher's attention?!'
_____
T/N:
Hello everyone! my Patreon is $3 — a perfect opportunity to access advanced chapters and support the translation. (10+ chapters)
patreon.com/user?u=79514336
Or just search Translator-Sama on patreon