Bibi Dong sat quietly across from Jiang Xiaofeng.
The little guy before her had grown up—still just as hardworking as ever.
Even though she didn't know exactly what cultivation method he was practicing, she could tell one thing for certain—he was refining his body.
In Douluo Continent, body refinement was an ancient cultivation technique. Bibi Dong had only stumbled upon it by accident while reading an old book.
Modern strength-type soul masters bore some similarities to those early body refiners, but ultimately, the methods were quite different.
Strength-type soul masters mainly focused on enhancing their strength and defense through soul rings. They chose soul beasts with immense power, and by absorbing their rings, their own bodies would strengthen and become bulkier.
But Jiang Xiaofeng was different. She had just tested him, and his physique could already withstand attacks from a Soul King—something regular strength-type soul masters could never dream of.
Looking at Jiang Xiaofeng's pained, pale face, Bibi Dong sighed and shook her head.
Don't be fooled by Bibi Dong's usual aloof and untouchable demeanor—it was all an act. Before everything that happened, she wasn't like this at all.
As the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, she had once been gentle, sweet, beautiful, and kind to everyone. Unlike now, where it seemed as though she'd become someone else entirely.
But whenever Bibi Dong faced Jiang Xiaofeng, that cold front completely vanished. Even she didn't understand why.
Back when she first saw Jiang Xiaofeng on the roadside in Soto City, he looked like a pitiful little beggar. But on closer inspection, she realized there was something unusual about him—a feeling that perhaps, this little guy might be able to help her someday.
What she didn't expect was that he not only possessed innate full soul power, but was also a twin martial soul wielder. And not just that—his martial souls were of even higher quality than her own.
She also had a strong hunch there was some secret about Jiang Xiaofeng. But after investigating his background, all she found was that he had been orphaned and begging on the streets until she took him in.
Still, Bibi Dong trusted her instincts. And clearly, Jiang Xiaofeng had things about him even she didn't know.
Bibi Dong sat cross-legged in front of Jiang Xiaofeng.
Her delicate jade-like finger touched his forehead.
While Jiang Xiaofeng was in the throes of pain, he suddenly felt a familiar soul power enter his body, gently nourishing him from within.
His pale and tortured face gradually returned to normal, his complexion growing rosier by the second.
Bibi Dong withdrew her hand.
"The rest is up to you."
As she looked at Jiang Xiaofeng's face, she couldn't resist brushing her fingers across it.
"Little guy, just what kind of charm do you have? Why is it that I just can't get mad at you?"
At that moment, Jiang Xiaofeng had reached the most critical phase of his breakthrough. If he succeeded, it would mark the completion of the second minor body-refinement stage.
Just then, a faint golden glow began to spread across Jiang Xiaofeng's body. But right after that, his once rosy face twisted again in agony.
"AHHHHH!!!"
Jiang Xiaofeng screamed. This final layer of body refinement was the most crucial—and only Jiang Xiaofeng could endure it on his own.
As the golden light fully enveloped his body, Jiang Xiaofeng, who had been sitting upright, collapsed.
He fell—right into Bibi Dong's embrace.
She looked down at Jiang Xiaofeng, gently caressing his face with affection.
Bibi Dong knew he had completed his breakthrough. His body had grown noticeably sturdier. Now the question was—could he withstand a Soul King's attack?
She sat still, holding Jiang Xiaofeng, watching over him in silence.
Lying on Bibi Dong's lap, inhaling the soothing scent from her body, Jiang Xiaofeng drifted into a dream.
In that dream, Jiang Xiaofeng had grown up. He confessed his feelings to Bibi Dong, and she accepted. Though the world disapproved of their relationship, they lived happily together. The sweetness of that dream brought a smile to Jiang Xiaofeng's face.
Watching him smile, Bibi Dong couldn't help but mutter:
"This kid... still dreaming. I wonder what he's thinking about—did he dream of his teacher?"
Who knows how much time passed before Jiang Xiaofeng slowly opened his eyes.
Suddenly, he felt a warm stream flowing from his nose.
Seeing his dazed expression, Bibi Dong lightly smacked his forehead.
"Peeking again, huh?"
"Alright, stop the bleeding. How did your cultivation go?"
Jiang Xiaofeng channeled his soul power to his nose, and the bleeding quickly stopped.
"Teacher, you're so beautiful!"
"You little rascal! I asked about your cultivation, and you're out here complimenting me instead. Though… I am flattered," she said while pinching his cheek.
Rubbing his pinched face with a grin, Jiang Xiaofeng said:
"I meant it! Thank you for helping me earlier, Teacher. If not for you, that would've hurt for quite a while. I've made a breakthrough."
Bibi Dong asked:
"Really? How's your physical strength now?"
Jiang Xiaofeng thought for a moment:
"I should be able to handle a Soul Exalt now."
Soul Exalt? She figured the little guy meant that he wasn't confident against one before—but now he was. That made sense.
"Alright then, you're good to go. Head back and rest."
Jiang Xiaofeng glanced longingly at Bibi Dong's lap.
"Can I sleep a little longer?"
Bibi Dong knocked on his head again:
"Little perv! Still trying to sneak peeks? If you're not careful, Teacher's going to gouge your eyes out. Now get going—and take time to reflect on your breakthrough properly."
Jiang Xiaofeng stared longingly at her legs, gulped, and walked off, looking utterly reluctant.
Bibi Dong shook her head helplessly.
This little pervert was getting bolder by the day. Too bad... by the time he's grown, I'll be too old. Sigh...
"Ah, let him be. I still have debts left to settle."
"Qian Daoliu, haha! You've underestimated me. After returning from the Rakshasa Secret Realm, you can no longer see through me. Angel Clan... one day, I'll destroy your foundation and wipe your bloodline from the Douluo Continent."
"HAHAHAHA!!!"
Bibi Dong laughed maniacally—finally, she had begun taking control of her own fate.
Wanna see what happens next?
(End of Chapter)