Resting his chin on Bibi Dong's shoulder, Wang Zhong gently pressed against her soft profile. A faint warmth emanated from her, and a peculiar, intoxicating fragrance seeped into his heart.
Wang Zhong remained silent, embracing Bibi Dong tenderly, cherishing this maternal affection he craved.
Sunlight streamed down from the sky, cloaking the two in a sacred, dazzling golden raiment, bringing infinite beauty and warmth.
"Mom, I want to go out for a walk, to see the world beyond the Spirit Hall Academy."
A soft voice, filled with longing, sounded in Bibi Dong's ear. She released Wang Zhong from her embrace, her slender brows furrowing, confusion clouding her wine-red eyes.
"Why?"
Wang Zhong raised his hand, using his fingers to wipe away the lingering tear tracks on Bibi Dong's face. His voice was tinged with emotion and bitterness, "Because I have seen my own weakness and helplessness."
Her wine-red eyes surveyed Wang Zhong's expression, then swept over the ruins around them and the soul bone radiating brilliant light. Only then did she speak softly, "That person was very strong?"
"That person" naturally referred to the being Wang Zhong and Qian Renxue had eliminated together.
The existence of a twelve-winged angel had not only shocked Qian Daoliu but also surprised her.
If it were in the past, before Bibi Dong had considered Wang Zhong her child, he would have been killed on the spot.
The combined might of Qian Daoliu and the entire Angel family had forced her to suppress her murderous intent and madness, to endure for countless years. Now, with a twelve-winged angel's spirit fusion skill that could harness solar power, Bibi Dong would have truly gone mad.
It could be said that even though Wang Zhong was now her acknowledged child, if the other participant in the spirit fusion had not been Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong would have struck him down upon arriving, executing that person on the spot!
Even if Wang Zhong harbored resentment and distance towards her because of it, even if he hated her for it, she still wouldn't have shown any mercy!
Qian Daoliu himself couldn't have stopped her then!
"Yes, he was very strong."
"So strong that he almost drove me to despair!"
"I used every means at my disposal, yet I couldn't even wound him! My pride in my physical condition, my strength, even using my two self-created spirit abilities simultaneously, all my might, was useless."
"Instead, I was struck to the brink of death with a single punch."
Recalling the powerlessness and the crushing feeling from before, Wang Zhong's face grew even more bitter.
"If Sister Xue hadn't desperately protected me, I would be dead now."
A slender, jade-like palm gently stroked Wang Zhong's face, wiping away the bitterness. Bibi Dong sighed, "So, you want to leave Spirit Hall, to see the world and understand your own position, is that it?"
Wang Zhong nodded, "Yes, that's one reason."
"But I want to see what other powerful beings exist in this world."
"To feel the gap, to understand the gap, to bridge the gap, and in this gradual progress, to become stronger!"
"I will never again allow this feeling of helplessness to appear at any moment in the future."
His voice was firm, like a roar from his soul.
Wang Zhong had vowed to protect everyone important to him, but in that situation, what could he have protected!
If not for the spirit fusion and the power of the twelve-winged angel, and their combined effect against the large man, allowing them to narrowly win, not only would Wang Zhong have died, but Qian Renxue would have perished before his eyes.
Wang Zhong, who cherished Qian Renxue as one of his important people, was almost driven to madness and soul dispersion by that scene.
He had promised to protect, yet he watched the person he cherished die before him. Wang Zhong could not bear such pain; he would have gone mad, truly gone mad.
His voice, firm and persistent, carried an indestructible belief. The emerald green eyes now blazed with a fierce fire, threatening to burn through everything.
"A small sapling can only become a towering tree by enduring wind and rain. A fledgling hidden beneath the protective wings of its parents can never truly soar in the sky."
"Neither my identity as your mother, nor my duty as your teacher, nor even the expectations of the Pope, gives me any reason to stop you!"
"When you are fully prepared, then go!"
Bibi Dong expressed her most definitive and unwavering support for Wang Zhong's thoughts and goals.
While Spirit Hall was vast, it was not invincible.
Putting aside the Holy Spirit Cult for now, even a Sea God Island located overseas presented a challenge they could barely handle.
Just as reading ten thousand books is important, so is traveling ten thousand miles. Only those who have experienced the changes of the world and stood firm can become true powerhouses.
Wang Zhong possessed talent, wit, and a pride and diligence that refused to yield. His future was far more brilliant and radiant than anyone could imagine.
The encouragement in Bibi Dong's eyes brought a happy smile to Wang Zhong's face. "Thank you, Your Excellency!"
Bibi Dong playfully chided him with a glance, calling her "Mom" with a spoiled tone when seeking something, and "Your Excellency" once her goal was achieved – he was quite the little trickster.
Her delicate hand opened, and a surge of powerful suction drew the soul bone left behind into her grasp. Bibi Dong handed it to Wang Zhong.
"This is your spoil of war; I'll give it to you."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Wang Zhong nodded heavily. The two skills of this soul bone, while not possessing extremely destructive power, were incredibly potent in their functional effects.
Sky Seal: Nullified all flying abilities, even those of external spirit bones.
Spatial Isolation: Separated heaven and earth, creating a space undetectable by outsiders. Unless the spirit ability was interrupted, any fierce battle within this space would remain unknown to anyone.
These were skills perfectly suited for combat arenas, and Wang Zhong greatly favored them.
"Let's go, we should head back."
"The king in the depths of the Star Dou Forest should be arriving soon."
Bibi Dong gazed into the distance at the startled birds and trembling trees, her voice calm.
Although the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Blue Bull Python had always been among Bibi Dong's secondary choices for her second spirit ring, it was not yet time to acquire them.
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
Ghost and Yue Guan responded simultaneously. A thick black mist enveloped them, and when it dissipated, they had vanished.
Only a few breaths later, a terrifying giant ape descended upon the area.
Its blood-red eyes scanned the ravaged forest, finding no trace of life. It roared towards the sky.
The sonic waves, like thunder, rolled out, shaking the heavens and earth.
Returning outside the academy, Wang Zhong and Bibi Dong, along with the other two, parted ways.
Wang Zhong headed back to his apartment, while Bibi Dong and the other two returned to the Pope's office.
"Regarding today's events, I do not wish for a fifth person to know!"
Bibi Dong's voice was chilling, filled with an endless coldness and authority.
While not much had transpired today, each piece of information revealed was astonishing: the twelve-winged angel spirit fusion skill, the relationship between Wang Zhong and Qian Renxue, the tacit approval of Grand Elder Qian Daoliu, the connection between Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, and finally...
The Pope shedding tears!
Who would dare to speak of such a matter carelessly?
"Please rest assured, Your Excellency the Pope, should a fifth person learn of this, we shall take our own lives before you!"