"Uh..." Zhao Ling looked at Qian Xunji's disapproving expression and immediately understood that his teacher was unhappy with how he had been relentlessly "harassing" Dong'er.
After all, Qian Xunji had poured a lot of effort into cultivating Dong'er. If she got too wrapped up in romance and her cultivation progress slowed, that would be unacceptable to him. That's why he had come personally to speak with Zhao Ling.
After thinking for a while, Zhao Ling asked in a tentative tone,"Then, Teacher, how do you think I should handle this?"
Qian Xunji paused briefly before replying seriously,"How about this—leave Spirit City in two days. Don't misunderstand me; I just want both you and Dong'er to focus on your cultivation right now.
Of course, I'm not someone who enjoys breaking up couples. In the future, you may return once a month to spend a few days with her. Once she reaches the strength of a Title Douluo, I won't interfere in your relationship anymore."
"Only a few days a month? Teacher, isn't that a bit cruel for me and Dong'er?"
Zhao Ling frowned in protest. They had only just confirmed their relationship, and now this old man wanted to kick him out of Spirit City.
Even if his teacher meant well, Zhao Ling still felt quite displeased.
Qian Xunji's brows furrowed and his voice deepened:"Zhao Ling, both you and Dong'er have exceptional talent. You each have the potential to become gods—existences with near-infinite lifespans. When that day comes, you can be together endlessly, and no one will stop you.
But if Dong'er spends all her time with you and neglects her cultivation, she might slow down or even lose the chance to ascend. If she fails to become a god and dies in front of you, would you be okay with that?"
Zhao Ling fell silent. He knew full well that Bibi Dong had the potential to become a god. But if she were constantly distracted by him and her cultivation lagged, losing that opportunity wasn't impossible.
In the original story, Bibi Dong had pushed herself hard out of hatred and a thirst for revenge—becoming a Title Douluo in her thirties.
Some might argue that Tang San became a god earlier, but don't forget: Tang San had taken multiple immortal herbs, which boosted his spirit power and improved his constitution.
If Bibi Dong had consumed those same herbs, her growth might have been just as fast.
Thinking this through, Zhao Ling nodded and agreed,"Alright, I'll leave Spirit City in two days. You're right, Teacher—Dong'er should prioritize her cultivation. We can't afford to be lost in love right now."
"Good, very good..." Qian Xunji nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased that Zhao Ling could face reality rationally.
After bidding Qian Xunji farewell, Zhao Ling hurried to the kitchen and ordered dinner for the three of them. Then he returned to Bibi Dong's private quarters.
As soon as he entered, Ah Yin noticed something off in his expression and asked cautiously:"Honey, what's wrong? You look troubled. Did something happen?"
Bibi Dong also looked at Zhao Ling and, noticing his strange demeanor, asked with a slight frown,"Did Teacher say something to you?"
Zhao Ling nodded without hesitation,"Yeah, he did talk to me about something..."
He proceeded to recount what Qian Xunji had said. The room fell into a heavy silence.
After about two minutes, Bibi Dong gently held Zhao Ling's hands and said softly,"Honey, if you don't want to leave, it's okay. I'll always stand by your side. Teacher can't separate us."
Zhao Ling leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead.
"Silly girl, your teacher is right. Your talent is outstanding—reaching Title Douluo will be easy for you, and even reaching Grand Worshipper level isn't out of the question.
But to become a god, you don't have much time to waste. For the sake of our future, we can't be too caught up in love right now. Once we become gods, we'll have nearly infinite time to be together sweetly. You understand, right?"
His heartfelt words moved Bibi Dong deeply. She raised her head, kissed him on the cheek, and nodded,"You're right. We shouldn't be limited by the present. Once we become gods, we'll have as much time as we want."
Ah Yin, however, frowned slightly at their dramatic exchange and muttered,"Tsk... Sister Dong'er, if you and hubby can only see each other a few days a month, doesn't that mean he'll have tons of time to torment me? Isn't that a bit unfair?"
"Uhh..." Zhao Ling and Bibi Dong were both speechless. They had just been having a touching, emotional moment, and this girl just had to jump in and stir the pot.
Meanwhile, Bo Saixi was sitting by the hotel room window, eyes fixed on the main gate of Spirit Hall.
She had been sitting there since early morning, hoping to catch sight of Zhao Ling exiting the gates.
She had been watching for an entire day—it was already around four or five in the afternoon—but there was still no sign of Zhao Ling.
With her powerful spiritual sense, she could've scanned the Spirit Hall interior easily. But if she did that, Qian Daoliu might notice.
Maybe he wouldn't say anything since they knew each other, but if he misunderstood her intentions—thinking she was spying on him or something—it would be awkward.
So she didn't use spiritual power to investigate. Instead, she just quietly waited and watched...
Over the next few days, Zhao Ling stayed by Bibi Dong's side until, finally, he boarded a carriage and left the city—his heart aching as he looked into her reluctant, tearful eyes.
He truly wanted to stay. But he knew he couldn't.
Qian Xunji had been giving him increasingly unfriendly looks. If he kept lingering, Zhao Ling had a feeling that Qian Xunji might team up with Qian Daoliu and the other elders to physically throw him out.
What Zhao Ling didn't know, though, was that the moment he left, Bibi Dong—who had looked tearfully reluctant—turned around and walked cheerfully back into Spirit Hall.
"Yay! I finally get a long vacation. Time to rest properly! Hmph, a few days ago, Sister Ah Yin told hubby she didn't want to share his affection with me.
And that made him torment me for several days straight. Now that he and she have both left, she's the one who has to suffer. Serves her right! Ow..."
But before she could enjoy her gloating for even half a minute, Bibi Dong suddenly grimaced—her body sore and aching from the past few days…