At the mention of Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue’s tone returned to its habitual distance and indifference.
Hearing this, the kindness on Qian Daoliu’s face faded slightly as he fell into deep thought.
Regarding this granddaughter of peerless talent, who carried all his expectations, he did not wish to hide too much—especially matters involving the safety of Spirit Hall and Bibi Dong’s abnormal actions.
He walked slowly to the main seat, sat down, and spoke: “Your perception is correct.
The Hall has indeed…
not been peaceful lately.
From what I understand, Bibi Dong seems to have encountered some kind of inexplicable intrusion.”
“Intrusion?” A light flashed in Qian Renxue’s golden eyes.
“She has been secretive about the specifics and hasn’t explained it to anyone, including the Elder Palace.”
Qian Daoliu said slowly, “But judging by her subsequent series of reactions, this matter is no small thing.
She has increased her personal protection Rank to the limit, mobilizing more than two Titled Douluos to rotate on secret surveillance, and ordered a thorough investigation covering all personnel in the Inner City…
Various signs indicate that there is an existence capable of approaching her without her noticing, and perhaps even…
exerting a certain influence on her.”
Qian Daoliu’s words were cautious and subtle, but the information revealed was already shocking enough.
For Bibi Dong to make such a fuss and stand in such strict readiness, yet be unable to clearly voice the ‘intrusion,’ its nature was definitely extraordinary.
“More importantly,” Qian Daoliu continued, his gaze becoming deep, “she seems to be directing her suspicions toward some kind of ability related to ‘time’ or’stasis.'”
“It is said she secretly investigated the details of Yue Guan and Gui Mei’s Spirit Fusion Ability.
She is clearly suspicious, yet seems unable to be certain.” Qian Renxue listened quietly, her heart surging with waves.
Even Grandfather used vague and serious words like ‘intrusion’ and ‘influence,’ showing that the matter was definitely not simple.
What could it be that caused Bibi Dong to suffer a loss, or perhaps even sustain some substantial yet unspeakable injury?
An assault?
Poisoning?
Or…
some kind of mental manipulation or humiliation?
Thinking of this, instead of worry for her mother, a nameless, almost icy pleasure rose in Qian Renxue’s heart.
That woman who was always high and mighty, controlling everything, and as cold as ice toward her—she also had a day like this?
A time when she was secretly plotted against and left helpless?
This emotion was not clearly shown on her exquisite face, but what kind of figure was Qian Daoliu?
From his granddaughter’s suddenly brightened eyes and slightly tightened lips, he could catch a glimpse of it.
He sighed secretly in his heart.
He could only hope this resentment would not affect Xue’er’s Heart-Nature and her future path.
“This matter is bizarre; that hidden existence has special abilities and unknown motives.”
Qian Daoliu warned solemnly, “Xue’er, although your strength is extraordinary, you must be extremely careful during this return.
If even Bibi Dong could fall victim, their methods are surely impossible to guard against.
Remember, no matter when or where, you must never relax your vigilance, especially against any situation involving abnormal time perception or memory gaps.”
Qian Renxue restrained that strange emotion in her heart and nodded seriously: “Grandfather, rest assured.
I understand the weight of this and will be careful.”
She was quite confident in her own strength and the perception of her Angel Spirit, but Grandfather’s warning was not without reason.
Someone who could make Bibi Dong suffer was definitely no ordinary character.
She spoke with Qian Daoliu for a while longer.
After asking about the recent situation of the Enshrinement Hall and some insights into her own Cultivation, Qian Renxue stood up to take her leave.
Looking at the palace standing behind and to the side of the Supreme Pontiff Palace—slightly smaller but equally exquisite and magnificent—a trace of complexity and coldness flickered in Qian Renxue’s golden eyes.
This used to be her palace.
She was the rightful and unique Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall.
However, since she was sent to the Heaven Dou Empire for an undercover mission, this place had changed owners.
That woman named Hu Liena, relying on Bibi Dong’s favor and cultivation, had not only replaced her status as ‘Holy Maiden’ but had also moved into this palace that originally belonged to her.
Although she didn’t care much for the empty title of ‘Holy Maiden,’ this feeling of being replaced and occupied still made her unhappy.
Now that she was back, even if she couldn’t take everything back immediately, it was only natural to cause some trouble for this ‘current Holy Maiden’ and declare her presence.
Inside the Saintess Hall.
As Bibi Dong’s Personal Disciple, she had a considerable understanding of this ‘former Holy Maiden’ and daughter of the Supreme Pontiff, who had a special identity and powerful strength.
She also knew well the icy relationship between the other party and her teacher.
She didn’t know why Qian Renxue had suddenly returned, but she was already on guard.
At this time, Hu Liena was in the palace study flipping through dossiers, trying to find any clues related to ‘time abilities’ from recent personnel transfers and resource flow records in Spirit Hall.
This was an investigation she was conducting secretly on her own.
Suddenly, she sensed a powerful and unfamiliar Aura coming toward the Saintess Hall without any concealment.
Hu Liena’s heart stirred.
She put down the dossiers, straightened her dress, walked out of the study, and arrived at the main hall.
Just as she stood still in the hall, the light at the entrance dimmed, and a tall white figure stepped in slowly.
Golden long hair flowed with a holy luster under the light of the pearls in the hall.
Her perfect face carried an innate nobility and distance.
Those purple eyes looked over calmly, yet seemed to carry invisible pressure.
It was precisely Qian Renxue.
A perfectly measured, dignified smile belonging to her status as Holy Maiden appeared on her face as she nodded slightly: “Young Miss Qian Renxue, I have long heard of you.
I wonder what advice you have for visiting the Saintess Hall today?”
She did not call the other party ‘Holy Maiden’ or any closer title, but used the somewhat formal ‘Young Miss.’ Qian Renxue stopped her pace and stood in the hall, her gaze calmly sizing up Hu Liena before her.
Hmm, she is indeed a beauty.
Her eyes naturally carry a hint of Charm; no wonder she could win that woman’s favor.
As for her strength…
only a Spirit Ancestor?
That’s decent for her age, but still far from enough.
“I wouldn’t call it advice,” Qian Renxue spoke, her voice cold and clear.
“I just haven’t been back to Spirit City for a long time.
I remembered the scenery of this Saintess Hall was quite nice, so I came to take a look.
I didn’t expect you would be the one presiding over it now.”
Her tone was flat, but the word ‘presiding’ carried a faint, distinct meaning.
Hu Liena’s smile didn’t change, but her heart sank.
The visitor was not friendly.
“Thanks to teacher’s kindness and the support of our colleagues in the Hall, I am acting as the Holy Maiden for the time being to manage the hall’s affairs.
Young Miss Qian Renxue was once the owner here; if you wish to revisit your old haunts, Liena will naturally accompany you.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Qian Renxue’s gaze swept over the familiar furnishings in the hall.
A trace of almost imperceptible emotion flashed deep in her eyes before returning to calm.
“I might stay for a while after returning this time.
My residence in the Inner City hasn’t been arranged yet.
I think this Saintess Hall is quite good.
I wonder if Acting Holy Maiden Hu Liena could make it convenient?”
These words were said lightly, as if asking about a trivial matter.
But the meaning contained within made Hu Liena’s heart shake.
This former Holy Maiden not only wanted to return but wanted to move directly into the Saintess Hall?
This was no different from a direct provocation and a declaration of sovereignty!
The smile on Hu Liena’s face froze slightly.
Looking into Qian Renxue’s calm yet unquestionable eyes, she knew the other party was definitely not joking.