Douluo Continent: The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda? A Soul Beast Pagoda!

After sitting alone by the lake for a while, until the night breeze grew cool, Jiang Bai got up and prepared to go to the cafeteria for his late dinner.

However, just as he turned around, preparing to step onto the path leading to the cafeteria, he suddenly stopped.

Not far ahead, a figure stood silently, seemingly out of nowhere.

The man appeared to be around thirty or forty years old, with an extremely handsome appearance and a unique charm bestowed upon him by the years and wisdom between his brows.

He had a very faint smile on his face.

He was tall, but did not appear robust or strong; instead, he was rather slender.

She wore a simple gray robe, and her long black hair was neatly draped behind her head.

A thousand streams?!

A name flashed through Jiang Bai's mind like lightning.

Considering that Qian Renxue had just left, and this person's extraordinary appearance, which vaguely resembled Qian Renxue's, the answer was almost obvious.

But he suppressed the turmoil in his heart, tried his best to maintain a calm expression, and bowed with just the right amount of doubt and vigilance.

"And you are, sir?"

"I am Qian Daoliu, Xue'er's grandfather," Qian Daoliu said.

It really was him!

Jiang Bai felt a chill run down his spine, but dared not be negligent on the surface. He bowed again and said, "Junior Jiang Bai greets the Grand Elder!"

"No need for such formalities."

Qian Daoliu casually waved his hand, his gaze falling on Jiang Bai as he calmly examined him.

"Jiang Bai," Qian Daoliu began, his tone still calm, "As a grandfather, I am very grateful that you were able to comfort and guide Xue'er tonight. She... is a thoughtful person, and it's not easy for her to listen to you."

His words did not contain any condescending scrutiny, but rather carried a hint of an elder's approval of a younger generation, as well as a deep and undisguised affection when talking about his granddaughter.

As he spoke, he slightly raised his left hand, and a card shimmering with a pale golden luster appeared in his palm.

"There are 100,000 gold soul coins here, as a small token of my gratitude."

Qian Daoliu handed the card to Jiang Bai.

100,000 Gold Soul Coins!

Jiang Bai's pupils contracted slightly. This was an astronomical sum! He only had a few dozen gold soul coins left of his entire fortune.

Qian Daoliu's move was indeed extraordinary.

Without much hesitation, Jiang Bai accepted the heavy gold card with both hands, bowed, and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Great Elder."

He did not feign reluctance but readily accepted this "gift of gratitude".

A barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes.

This kid is unpretentious, knows when to advance and retreat, and seems to have no ill intentions towards Xue'er.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the dark lake behind Jiang Bai. His voice remained calm, yet it seemed to carry a subtle, profound meaning.

"This is what you deserve. Jiang Bai, you are a smart boy, and I... have high hopes for you too."

He paused, seemingly considering his words, before continuing.

"Xue'er's childhood... wasn't easy. She needs friends, and she also needs... proper guidance. I hope you can continue to accompany her through this time and be a good... playmate."

He emphasized the last two words slightly, and his gaze returned to Jiang Bai's face, his eyes filled with a complex meaning.

After saying that, he left without waiting for Jiang Bai's response.

Jiang Bai stood there, looking in the direction where Qian Daoliu had disappeared, then looked down at the gold card in his hand, somewhat bewildered.

What was this old man saying besides spewing out gold coins?

He scratched his head.

"Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. The money is in my hands, that's for sure!"

Jiang Bai shook his head and carefully put the gold card into his storage bracelet.

100,000 Gold Soul Coins! Hehe (๑•ω•๑)

My stomach started growling in protest again.

Jiang Bai stopped worrying and strode quickly toward the brightly lit cafeteria.

……

The following day, at the Papal Palace.

Deep within the solemn and majestic hall, beneath a high-hanging relief of a six-winged angel, the newly appointed Pope Bibidon sat upon a throne symbolizing supreme power.

She was dressed in a magnificent papal robe, wearing a purple-gold crown and holding a scepter. Her face was cold and beautiful, exuding an imposing aura. The entire hall was enveloped in her powerful presence.

The palace doors opened, and a slender yet upright golden figure slowly entered—it was Qian Renxue.

Today, she also changed into a more formal light gold dress, her long hair was neatly tied up, her small face was tense, and her purple eyes were filled with unprecedented determination. She walked step by step to the center of the hall and stopped a few feet away from the throne.

She raised her head and looked up at Bibi Dong, who was high above her, her lips moving slightly.

The word "Mom," which she had rehearsed countless times in her heart, froze the moment it reached her lips when she met those cold, even disgusted, purple eyes.

She took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and used the most formal form of address, her voice clear but with a hint of barely perceptible dryness.

"...Your Holiness the Pope."

Bibi Dong, seated on her throne, curled her red lips into a half-smile, her eyes coldly looking down at Qian Renxue below.

She had anticipated Qian Renxue's arrival and believed she had complete control over the little girl's heart, who longed for maternal love.

"What? Have you made up your mind?"

Bibi Dong's voice was not loud, but it resonated clearly in the empty hall, carrying an unquestionable majesty and a hint of expected certainty.

In her view, Qian Renxue would inevitably succumb to the elusive "recognition" and choose the thorny path she had carefully laid out.

That little bitch can never escape her control.

Qian Renxue straightened her back, her hands clenched slightly at her sides, her nails almost digging into her palms.

She took two deep breaths, as if to expel all hesitation and timidity from her chest, and with renewed courage, said clearly and firmly:

"I've made up my mind."

She paused, her gaze meeting Bibi Dong's suddenly sharp stare without flinching, and uttered her decision, word by word:

"I'm not going!"

"Alright, since you've chosen to go, then..."

Bibi Dong spoke almost reflexively, preparing to give the follow-up instructions, but she suddenly stopped halfway through her sentence!

A clear look of astonishment appeared on that stunningly beautiful face, which was quickly replaced by a surge of anger!

Her beautiful eyes narrowed instantly, a dangerous glint gathering within them, as she stared intently at Qian Renxue below. Her voice suddenly rose, carrying an unbelievable chill:

"What did you say?!"

She simply couldn't believe her ears!

This little bitch, who always cowered in her presence and craved her attention, actually dared to defy her will?!

Qian Renxue felt the terrifying pressure and rage that was almost tangible as it rushed towards her, and her body trembled slightly involuntarily.

But she bit her lower lip hard, forcing herself to stand firm, and repeated herself, her voice even louder and clearer than before.

"I said, I'm not going! Are you deaf?!"