: Can this also be considered a kind of master-disciple inheritance?

Bibi Dong's gaze slowly shifted and landed on Xiao Wu, who was standing to the side.

She merely exuded a faint, almost imperceptible, papal pressure, and Xiao Wu trembled violently, instinctively shaking. Her petite body huddled tightly behind Fang Yuan, her bright, watery eyes filled with fear, yet stubbornly revealing undisguised hatred as she stared intently at Bibi Dong.

"I knew it! I searched the whole of Soto City and couldn't find this little rabbit." Bibi Dong chuckled lightly, her tone calm yet carrying a sense of pressure. "So it was you, A Yuan, who secretly took it away."

She paused, her gaze returning to Fang Yuan, her eyes softening, yet making one's heart tighten even more: "So, you were also in Soto City back then... We were actually so close."

"It's a pity I didn't meet you sooner, and you suffered so much outside, Yuan."

The tone of their voices made it seem as if the two had known each other for many years and had a very good relationship.

Fang Yuan felt uncomfortable under her gaze, which was sometimes soft and sometimes hard and full of possessiveness. He frowned slightly but remained silent.

It's no use saying anything.

If speaking out had any effect, I wouldn't have been betrayed and imprisoned...

····························

Behind Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged a glance, both seeing intense curiosity in each other's eyes.

It is inconceivable enough that His Holiness the Pope, who is high above, cold and ruthless, would order a search for a boy all over the world.

Seeing Fang Yuan in person, he was just a young and inexperienced boy with a tragic past and no one to rely on. He had absolutely no connection with the Pope of the Spirit Hall.

What place could possibly warrant such a grand gesture from the Pope?

Just as he was wondering, a sudden inspiration flashed in Chrysanthemum Douluo's mind—

Over at the Hall of Offerings, the young master, Qian Renxue, has also been frantically searching for someone lately.

A thought suddenly popped into his mind, and Chrysanthemum Douluo's heart skipped a beat, instantly giving rise to an extremely ominous premonition.

The Pope is searching, and so is the young master...

Could it be the same person they're looking for?

If this equally stubborn and domineering mother and daughter were to actually clash with this boy...

That's really ridiculous!

····························

Fang Yuan was eventually brought back to Spirit City, the city that symbolized the supreme power of the Spirit Hall.

Without any setbacks or opportunities for him to struggle, Bibi Dong personally guarded him the entire way, never leaving his side.

He was taken directly into the depths of the Papal Palace, a secret chamber that had left an indelible mark on him during the numerous simulations.

The heavy stone door slowly closed, completely isolating all light and sound from the outside world, leaving only an extremely oppressive silence.

From the moment she was brought back to Wuhun City to the moment she stepped into this secret room, Bibi Dong did everything herself, without relying on anyone else.

She personally led the way, personally guarded him, and even took care of his food, clothing, and lodging.

That overly meticulous and focused attitude sent a chill down Fang Yuan's spine, making him feel a cold shiver run through his heart.

At this moment, Bibi Dong's long, purplish-red hair cascaded down her back like silk, losing some of the Pope's usual sharp and cold demeanor and gaining a touch of languid elegance. She wore a light purple, luxurious robe, made of fine, shimmering fabric, with intricate and solemn gold patterns embroidered on the cuffs and hem, elaborate and magnificent, exuding an unassailable nobility.

Fang Yuan was also wearing a white robe with gold trim, which was exceptionally luxurious and very similar to the one worn by Bibi Dong.

Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been watching the whole thing from the sidelines, had an extremely strange expression on his face. He couldn't help but keep glancing at Fang Yuan, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

As an elder of the Spirit Hall, having held a high position for many years, he was very familiar with the dress code within the Spirit Hall.

The white-gold robe Fang Yuan was wearing was no ordinary garment—it was a holy son's robe that only the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall was qualified to wear on major ceremonies, sacrifices, and important occasions.

It symbolizes status, inheritance, and the prestige of being above all others, second only to the Pope.

But now, His Holiness the Pope himself has placed robes of such high quality on a boy who has just been captured.

Chrysanthemum Douluo stood in the corner, his heart pounding, the more he thought about it, the more terrified he became.

He dared not ask any more questions or say any more words. He could only lower his head and forcefully suppress all his shock and doubts in his heart.

This holy robe, coupled with Bibi Dong's extremely abnormal attitude...

····························

Chrysanthemum Douluo desperately tried to comfort himself and give a reasonable explanation.

Perhaps... His Holiness the Pope recognized the child's talent and wanted to make an exception to appoint him as the next Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, which is why he bestowed upon him the Holy Son's robe and granted him such exceptional treatment.

But this thought froze on the spot the moment Bibi Dong led Fang Yuan straight into the Pope's private chamber.

Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression froze completely, his eyes becoming incredibly complex.

He suddenly remembered the deceased former pope, Chihiro.

Is this considered a form of master-apprentice succession?

Ghost Douluo, standing to the side, also frowned and pursed his lips into a straight line, clearly sensing the eerie atmosphere.

Bibi Dong took in the subtle changes in their expressions, her eyes darkened slightly, and a faint, icy aura of soul power instantly emanated from her body.

"You two, remember this."

Her voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority and warning: "Everything you have seen and heard today, everything about Fang Yuan, must be kept to yourself. You are not allowed to divulge a single word to anyone."

A terrifying pressure suddenly descended, causing Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to stiffen. They were suppressed by this power, making it difficult for them to even breathe.

The two dared not show any further unusual behavior, immediately composed themselves, and respectfully bowed their heads in response:

"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope."

Only after Fang Yuan was sent into the secret chamber and the heavy stone door slowly closed, completely isolating her from the outside world, did Bibi Dong's heart, which had been hanging in suspense for so long, finally settle down, and a faint sense of relief washed over her.

This is Wuhun City, the Papal Palace, and the secret chamber she controls.

It's all her territory, absolutely safe.

For the next few days, Bibi Dong stayed by Fang Yuan's side almost every step of the way.

She kept a close watch on the person as if they were the most precious treasure, as if only in this way could she be sure that the other person would not disappear into thin air again as before.

Several days later, overwhelmed by a mountain of official business and incoming messages, Bibi Dong had no choice but to leave temporarily.

She is the Pope of the Spirit Hall, ruling over the entire Spirit Hall, and her affairs are numerous and complex.

Furthermore, he bears the divine test of the Rakshasa god, and has an inescapable divine trial.

She could be willful for a few days, but she couldn't abandon everything forever and just stay with Fang Yuan trapped in this secret room.

Before leaving, she took one last deep look at the boy in the secret room, her fingertips gently tracing the door.

"Be a good girl and wait for me to come back."

She murmured to herself, her tone filled with reluctance and determination.

"This time, I won't let you escape again."