NOVEL NEXT Chapter 101: Chapter 101
**Chapter 101: From Surprise to Disappointment**
When Qian Daoliu heard Bo Saixi's voice, his heart skipped a beat. The woman he had pursued for so long had come to him on her own accord. Unable to sit still, he rose abruptly and rushed out of the Pope's Palace, heading toward the massive square.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ling, who was in the middle of his engagement ceremony with Bibi Dong and Ah Yin, frowned in confusion. He had heard the woman's shout as well. Her melodious voice, graceful like a mountain stream, suggested that she was no ordinary individual—certainly not unattractive.
However, what caught his attention most was her claim of being an "old friend" of Qian Daoliu. Zhao Ling couldn't help but wonder about her identity.
For a brief moment, he speculated that the woman might be Bo Saixi. After all, there weren't many women who could be considered old friends of Qian Daoliu. But the thought was quickly dismissed.
'What a joke!' Zhao Ling mused. 'Bo Saixi is the High Priest of Sea God Island. Why would she leave her post so casually? Doesn't she have to protect the island's safety?'
Leaving Sea God Island could potentially endanger it. If the Sea God learned of her absence, she would undoubtedly face severe consequences, no matter her rank.
Moreover, Zhao Ling recalled that in the original story, Bo Saixi harbored feelings for Tang Chen, not Qian Daoliu. What reason could she have to come here?
Shaking off his curiosity, Zhao Ling refocused on the engagement ceremony. When the formalities were completed, Qian Xunji officially announced Bibi Dong as the Saint of the Spirit Hall. Under Qian Xunji's guidance, Zhao Ling and his wives descended to greet the guests.
---
In the square, Qian Daoliu's eyes lit up as he finally saw the woman he had dreamed of for years.
"Bo Saixi, it's really you! I never expected you to come find me. This is the happiest moment of my life," he said, his voice filled with uncharacteristic excitement.
Ghost Leopard Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo, standing nearby, exchanged surprised glances.
'What's going on?'
The Great Priest, usually a figure of absolute authority and composure, now appeared as nervous and eager as a lovestruck youth. The reverence and admiration in his eyes as he looked at Bo Saixi were undeniable.
The crowd in the square, many of whom had been watching the engagement ceremony, now shifted their attention to this unexpected interaction. They couldn't help but wonder about the relationship between this striking woman and the Great Priest.
Bo Saixi, however, remained calm and spoke coldly.
"Qian Daoliu, don't get the wrong idea. I didn't come here to find you. I came to—"
Before she could finish, her voice abruptly failed. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. Frowning, she tried again, but no matter how she opened and closed her mouth, she couldn't say the words 'Zhao Ling'.
Confusion clouded her expression. 'What's happening? Why can't I explain why I'm here?'
Seeing her struggle, Qian Daoliu misinterpreted her hesitation as shyness. His heart softened. 'She's here for me but is too embarrassed to say it outright,' he thought.
Smiling warmly, he stepped forward, intending to take her hand and ease her discomfort.
Bo Saixi immediately stepped back, her expression turning frosty. "Don't come any closer! I didn't come to find you. I came to find—"
Again, her voice was silenced. Frustration bubbled within her. 'Why does this keep happening? Why can't I say I'm looking for Zhao Ling?'
She paused, taking a deep breath. 'Could this be the will of the Sea God? Does Lord Poseidon not want me to mention Zhao Ling's name here?'
Determined to communicate her purpose, she tried a different approach. "Qian Daoliu, do you know…"
She intended to bring up the diary, Tang Chen, and the Rakshasa God's schemes. But once again, her voice was muted.
Bo Saixi's frustration reached its peak. She felt utterly helpless.
'What is going on?' she thought bitterly. 'Why can't I speak about Zhao Ling or the diary?'
After some reflection, she tried a more indirect question. "Qian Daoliu, do you know where Tang Chen is? He hasn't returned to Sea God Island for a long time, and I feel uneasy about his absence."
This time, her voice came out smoothly. Relieved, Bo Saixi finally let out a quiet sigh. 'At least I can still mention Tang Chen's name.'
But for Qian Daoliu, her words were a devastating blow. The excitement on his face faded, replaced by a bitter smile. He took a step back, his shoulders slumping.
"So… you came all this way just to ask me about Tang Chen's whereabouts?" His voice was hollow, tinged with self-mockery. "I should have known. I was foolish to think you came for me."
Pausing briefly, he added, "I'm sorry, Bo Saixi. I haven't seen Tang Chen in decades. I have no idea where he is now. I'm sorry to disappoint you."
Without waiting for her response, Qian Daoliu turned and walked away, his dejection palpable.
---
At that moment, Zhao Ling entered the square with Bibi Dong and Ah Yin. His eyes quickly landed on the stunning woman standing a short distance away.
Though he hadn't yet heard her name, her presence and aura left no doubt in his mind. 'It's Bo Saixi!'
Excited at the prospect of uncovering more drama, Zhao Ling hurried forward. 'This looks like a juicy situation. I can't miss out on this! If you're not active in eating melons, there's something wrong with your brain.'
As the trio reached Qian Daoliu's side, they took in the scene with curiosity. Bo Saixi stood poised yet conflicted, while Qian Daoliu's retreating figure exuded heartbreak.
"So you really came here to ask about Tang Chen…" Qian Daoliu muttered under his breath before disappearing into the crowd.
Zhao Ling watched the scene unfold, his thoughts racing. 'Tang Chen? Oh, I see. Bo Saixi must have come to investigate the events in the diary. But why can't she just say it outright?'
Glancing at Bo Saixi, Zhao Ling couldn't help but admire her beauty, which rivaled that of the women by his side. Still, the strange circumstances piqued his curiosity even more.
Without hesitation, he summoned his diary panel. 'This is too good not to write about."
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[T/N: I'll upload only one chapter per day till 25 Dec due to my exams]
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PS: Read +20 advance chapters on my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331]
(End of this chapter)