With Tianlin there, Qian Renxue's mood improved. Ning Rongrong was right—at a time like this, only Tianlin could comfort her.
"Xiao Tian, what do you plan to do with my mother? According to you, she only became like this because of that evil pearl, right? So, killing wasn't her true intent." Qian Renxue looked at Tianlin with hope. She knew Tianlin was the only one capable of saving Bibi Dong.
But Tianlin poured cold water on her hopes. "No, killing was her own intent. The Evil Spirit Pearl only drew out the hatred in her heart. If you ask what I plan to do with her, my answer is the same—kill her!"
"But she's my mother! Isn't there any other way to help her?" Qian Renxue knew how grave Bibi Dong's crimes were, but her feelings as a daughter clouded her sense of justice.
Tianlin placed a hand on her shoulder and said seriously, "Sister Xue, if Bibi Dong killed the Heaven Dou Empire, Star Luo Empire armies, or even our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, even if she killed a million, it would be understandable. We're on opposing sides in a continental war—on the battlefield, morality and justice don't apply."
"But now she's killing innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the war. Such crime must be atoned for with her life."
Qian Renxue bowed her head in pain. Luckily, Bibi Dong committed her atrocities only after Qian Renxue completed her eighth trial—otherwise, her trial might have been to kill Bibi Dong herself as retribution.
Seeing her pain, Tianlin said, "However, I do have a way for you to reunite with your mother in the future—but it's up to you both to accept it."
"What way?" Qian Renxue's eyes lit up. She was willing to do anything to save Bibi Dong.
"Let me show you something." A light flashed on Tianlin's forehead as he switched from the Asura Mark to the Holy Emperor Mark, pulling Qian Renxue over. Their foreheads touched, and they activated the power of Heavenly Snow Power.
In this state, they could sense each other's thoughts without speaking. After a long while, they separated. Qian Renxue looked at Tianlin with complex emotions. "I can't believe you're inheriting another god position as strong as the Asura God's."
She was now certain Spirit Empire was no match for Tianlin. Surrendering in this situation to minimize bloodshed was indeed the right choice.
"Xiao Tian, I already know your method. But with this, my mother will suffer greatly."
"Sister Xue, do you agree? Bibi Dong can't be easily forgiven—this is the only way I can think of." Tianlin consoled her.
Qian Renxue leaned on Tianlin's chest and nodded. "I agree. If we can save my mother in the future, I'll persuade her too. She deserves to suffer for her crimes, and as her daughter, I'll bear it with her."
She was at peace now. She didn't fear her mother suffering—only that she'd never have the chance to atone.
Tianlin gently stroked her golden hair. As her mood improved, he felt more at ease.
"Xiao Tian, thank you. Lying here, listening to your heartbeat, I feel much calmer. Rongrong must love this too, right?" Qian Renxue asked.
Tianlin smiled. "Yes, but she's a bit naughtier. When she leans on me, she likes to draw circles on my chest."
"Is that so?" Qian Renxue traced circles on his chest with her finger jealously. "Sure enough, among those who can listen to your heartbeat, I can only be second."
"Uh, actually, you're third," Tianlin admitted honestly.
Qian Renxue frowned. "Third? I'm only third? Jun Tianlin, I can't believe you've secretly hidden another one! Who is it? I'll go kill her now!"
Tianlin and Ning Rongrong were childhood friends; she could accept losing to her, but being third was unacceptable for the proud Qian Renxue.
"The second is Oslo. Go ahead and kill him," a grumpy female voice said. Ning Rongrong walked over, glaring at the two, "That guy pesters my Sword Brother all day. Killing him would do me a favor."
"And Qian Renxue, shouldn't you let go of my husband already? I only let him comfort you a bit because you were pitiful, but now I'm here. How long are you going to keep hogging him?"
Hearing that the second was Oslo, Qian Renxue stopped being angry. Among the Emperor Battle Team, Tianlin was serious, Oslo mischievous. Since they were kids, Oslo loved teasing Tianlin, almost getting himself chopped a few times. Qian Renxue was used to it.
Qian Renxue smiled angelically at Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, is it because we haven't seen each other in a while? You seem so distant now. Remember, I used to be very good to you. When I visited the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I always brought you gifts and palace snacks. And when I used to share a room with Xiao Tian, you never minded."
"You were a man then! Who knew you were deceiving me all along?" Ning Rongrong was sulking. Back then, she'd been fooled due to lack of information.
"Anyway, let go of my Sword Brother, or I won't be polite!" Angry, Ning Rongrong summoned the Seagod Trident.
"Oh! The Seagod Trident! Rongrong, you've really changed. I can't believe you're the Seagod's successor now. That second martial soul, Ice Heaven Snow Maiden, was given by Xiao Tian, right? He really favors you over me." Qian Renxue drew her Angelic Holy Sword. "Still, I'm not afraid. Bring it on."
"Rongrong, beat her up! How dare she steal your man? Freeze her for me!" The Ice Empress and Snow Empress egged her on in Ning Rongrong's soul.
"Hey, Xiao Tian, aren't you going to intervene?" Skydream Ice Silkworm asked.
Tianlin smiled. "No need. They're just sparring, not trying to hurt each other. Rongrong has always wanted to test herself against Qian Renxue since she got her second martial soul. This is a good chance. And after yesterday, Sister Xue needs to vent too."
"Though Sister Xue's cultivation is stronger, the Angelic Sword is of lower grade than the Seagod Trident. Plus, Rongrong has the Seagod's Heart. Neither can hurt the other. Let them communicate with their weapons."
"You're really laid-back. Want me to teach you some tricks for handling wives?" said a deep male voice behind Tianlin. Di Tian floated in mid-air.
"Senior Di Tian, you're the dignified Black Dragon King—when did you stoop to eavesdropping like my brother Skydream?" Tianlin said helplessly.
Di Tian waved his hand. "Who's eavesdropping? I have no interest in your human squabbles. I just want to know if we can leave tomorrow since you've already comforted this little angel."
Tianlin nodded. "Alright, Senior Di Tian. After the Spirit Empire and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's unification ceremony tomorrow, we'll head to the Star Dou Forest."