NOVEL NEXT Chapter 87: Chapter 87
Chapter 87: How Could the Teacher Blame You?
At some point, the carriage came to a sudden stop.
Ju Douluo approached the carriage where Zhao Ling, Ah Yin, and Bibi Dong were seated and spoke in a cautious tone.
"Demon Suppression Douluo, I'm afraid you and Miss Yin will need to stay at a hotel tonight. I will escort Miss Dong'er and the others to meet His Holiness the Pope.
Rest assured, His Holiness will summon you tomorrow. Does that sound acceptable to you?"
Zhao Ling turned to Bibi Dong. "Dong'er, what do you think? Should I accompany you to the Spirit Hall now, or wait for the summons tomorrow?"
Bibi Dong pressed her lips together, falling silent. Of course, she wished Zhao Ling could go with her. She was anxious and unsure about facing her teacher alone.
However, it was evident that the instructions for Zhao Ling to wait were from her teacher. As much as she wanted his presence, she could not defy her teacher's wishes.
After a moment of thought, she replied hesitantly, "Perhaps it's better for you to stay at the hotel for now. I'll go back and inform my teacher first."
Zhao Ling studied her expression for a moment before nodding. "That works. It's best not to intrude on the Pope unexpectedly. It might seem disrespectful."
With that, he bid Bibi Dong farewell, took Ah Yin's hand, and followed Qian Hu to a lavishly decorated hotel.
---
As they stopped in front of the building, Zhao Ling frowned slightly at the sign overhead. The words *Rose Hotel* were etched in elegant script.
"This name seems familiar," Zhao Ling muttered. "Wasn't the first hotel Tang San and Xiao Wu visited in the original story also called the Rose Hotel? Could this be a chain?"
Ah Yin looked up at him in confusion. "What's wrong? Is there something strange about it?"
Zhao Ling raised an eyebrow and pointed at the sign. "I've seen Rose Hotels in other places. I didn't expect there to be one here in Spirit City."
Qian Hu chuckled. "Indeed, Rose Hotels can be found throughout the Douluo Continent. They're in many cities of the Heaven Dou Empire, Spirit City, and even the Star Luo Empire."
---
With Qian Hu's help, Zhao Ling and Ah Yin easily checked into the Rose Hotel. As a married couple, they were given a couple's suite.
After arranging the room, Qian Hu departed, leaving the two to be escorted by a hotel attendant. When the suite door opened, they were greeted by the heady scent of roses.
The room was decorated in a sultry red palette. Rose patterns adorned the furniture, carpets, and walls. In the center of the room was a massive heart-shaped bed, its luxurious design radiating a romantic ambiance.
Zhao Ling immediately recognized the layout—it was identical to the room described in the original story when Tang San and Xiao Wu stayed at the Rose Hotel.
His eyes lingered on the oversized, plush bed. The thought of lying on it, especially with someone he loved, was distracting, to say the least.
Even someone as upright as Liu Xiahui might falter in such an atmosphere. For Zhao Ling, resistance was futile.
Ah Yin seemed to sense the danger and turned to the hotel attendant. "Um, do you have single rooms available? I think—"
Before she could finish, Zhao Ling quickly covered her mouth and smiled awkwardly at the attendant. "That won't be necessary. Thank you, you may leave. If we need anything, we'll call."
The attendant, fully understanding Zhao Ling's intentions, nodded knowingly and left. With Ah Yin in his arms, Zhao Ling ignored her protests and carried her toward the heart-shaped bed.
---
**Inside the Pope's Palace**
Qianxunji sat regally on his throne, with Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo standing respectfully nearby.
Bibi Dong knelt on one knee before him, accompanied by the top warriors of the Spirit Hall. Her expression was respectful as she reported, "Teacher, the Spirit Team has successfully completed its mission and returned safely from Soto City."
Qianxunji's gaze swept over them, calm yet piercing. He nodded approvingly.
"Rise. Elder Ju has already informed me of your performance during this mission. You've all done well—especially you, Dong'er. The teacher is very pleased with your efforts."
With his permission, the group rose to their feet, listening attentively as Qianxunji continued his teachings.
His tone was full of praise, and when his gaze landed on Bibi Dong, it carried a hint of fatherly affection.
Previously, Bibi Dong had found such looks comforting. But after learning from Zhao Ling's diary what her teacher might do, she felt a creeping unease.
She barely registered what Qianxunji was saying, her mind preoccupied with the diary's ominous predictions.
After an uncomfortable ten minutes, the other Spirit Hall elites were dismissed, leaving only Qianxunji, Ju Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Bibi Dong in the hall.
---
Qianxunji stood and approached Bibi Dong. His gaze softened, brimming with paternal warmth.
"Dong'er, I've heard that during your trip to Soto City, you met a man you liked. You even threw yourself into his arms. Is that true?"
Although Bibi Dong had braced herself for this moment, her body still trembled when the question came.
"Teacher… I…" she stammered, lowering her head. "I'm sorry. He's… he's too remarkable. I couldn't help but be drawn to him."
Qianxunji's expression remained calm, his tone inquisitive. "Oh? Remarkable, you say? Dong'er, I don't recall you ever expressing admiration for anyone before. For you to describe someone like this… I must admit, I'm curious.
But don't be afraid. You've grown up now—nearly eighteen. Falling in love is natural. How could the teacher blame you?"
Bibi Dong froze, startled by his gentle response.
Seeing her reaction, Qianxunji raised a hand and gently patted her head, his touch kind and fatherly.
"You've matured, Dong'er. You have your own thoughts and feelings now. How could I fault you for that?"
Bibi Dong looked up, her voice trembling. "Teacher… you really don't blame me?"
Qianxunji smiled reassuringly. "Of course not. Why would I? You're my disciple, Dong'er. Your happiness is what matters most."
His warmth left Bibi Dong utterly confused. Where was the monster described in the diary? Why didn't he act as it had foretold?
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(End of chapter)