Su Yu detected the hint of complaint in Bibi Dong's voice and softened his touch even more, gently massaging her shoulders:
"Teacher, you're more important to me than anyone. Besides, how could you possibly be old?"
"Teacher is currently in the prime of life, far more captivating than those young girls."
His words were clearly flattery, yet Bibi Dong seemed to appreciate them, the corners of her lips curling almost imperceptibly as she said calmly:
"You and your sweet talk. I sense a change in your aura—did you gain something from this trip?"
"Yes, by chance I obtained a Soul Bone. After absorbing it, my Soul Power broke through."
"With Poison Douluo and Crimson Flame's help, I acquired my fifth spirit ring. Now my strength has reached level fifty-six."
Hearing this, Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on him a moment longer:
"A Soul Bone? You are fortunate indeed." Her tone then shifted, becoming serious.
"But you must not absorb Soul Bones so casually from now on. You should know that aside from External Spirit Bones, each spirit master has six key Soul Bones."
"These six bones can only be absorbed once in a lifetime, and each one affects your future foundation. How can you be so careless?"
She looked at Su Yu with earnest eyes: "I will keep an eye out for suitable Soul Bones for you. They must be perfectly compatible to help you advance further."
"Without my permission, you are not to absorb any Soul Bones other than External Spirit Bones from now on. Understood?"
Seeing her solemn expression, Su Yu quickly nodded in agreement: "I understand, disciple. Thank you for your concern."
"This time was special—that Soul Bone happened to match my Soul Power attribute, and the opportunity was too rare to pass up, so I took the risk to absorb it."
"Even rare opportunities must be approached with caution," Bibi Dong softened her tone.
"You are the Spirit Hall's Holy Child, my pride. Your path is long, and each step must be taken steadily."
"Those six key Soul Bones determine your ultimate achievements—there is no room for carelessness."
"Disciple will remember."
Su Yu replied respectfully, understanding that Bibi Dong genuinely had his best interests at heart.
Satisfied, Bibi Dong nodded slightly, took a sip of tea from the table, and then inquired about the details of his fifth spirit ring acquisition.
Su Yu recounted everything meticulously, making sure to express gratitude for the assistance from Poison Douluo and Crimson Flame.
"Very well, I understand. You must be tired from your journey—go rest now." Bibi Dong rubbed her temples, her tone gentler.
"In a few days, that girl Nana will be back. Speaking of which, in her letters to me, eight out of ten sentences mention you."
A faint, teasing smile played on her lips:
"Honestly, I wonder if those letters are truly for me or if she's using me as an excuse to write to you."
As soon as she finished speaking, as if suddenly remembering something, she glanced at Su Yu and said more casually:
"Oh, and come give me a massage tonight. I've been reviewing documents these past few days, and my shoulders and neck have been stiff."
Su Yu paused for a moment, then replied: "Of course, disciple will remember."
Stepping out of the hall, a cool breeze brushed past, carrying a slight chill.
Su Yu raised his hand to touch the tip of his nose, recalling Bibi Dong's earlier words, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved upward.
Tonight's massage... He cleared his throat softly and quickened his pace toward his residence. He needed to prepare properly first.
As night fell, after lulling Xue Na to sleep, Su Yu made his way alone to Bibi Dong's quarters.
"Teacher, I'm here," he called softly outside the door.
Bibi Dong's voice came from within the room, tinged with a hint of laziness:
"Mhm, come in. The door isn't locked."
Su Yu pushed the door open and was greeted by an elegant, fragrant scent, like a blend of flower petals and incense.
A few wall lamps illuminated the room, their light as soft as a thin veil.
Bibi Dong sat before her dressing mirror, her long hair slightly damp, clearly having just bathed.
She wore loose purple sleepwear, the lines of her shoulders faintly visible beneath the fabric.
Carrying a faint mist of moisture and fragrance, she had shed the Pope's sharp authority, appearing more gentle and serene.
"Come here."
She lifted a hand to adjust the strands of hair falling over her shoulder, glancing at Su Yu through the mirror and signaling for him to approach.
Su Yu obeyed, stepping forward and standing behind her. His gaze fell on her cascading hair as he took a deep breath and gently reached out to take it.
He picked up a wooden comb nearby and began combing her hair with delicate motions, the teeth gliding through the strands with a soft rustling sound.
Bibi Dong closed her eyes slightly, allowing him to continue. Her reflection in the mirror appeared even softer under the gentle light.
After about ten minutes, she straightened her back slightly, gathered her hair, and tied it up simply.
"Xiao Yu, your skills have improved again."
She turned around, her tone carrying a note of praise, then walked toward the bed.
"Come, help your teacher with a massage. I've been rather tired from handling those reports these past few days."
As she spoke, she lay face down on the bed, her posture much more relaxed.
Su Yu approached and sat at the edge of the bed, placing his hands on her shoulders and back.
His fingertips felt the tension in the muscles beneath her clothing as he began to knead slowly, applying just the right amount of pressure to ease the fatigue.
"Mhm, that feels much better already. Come up here!"
Su Yu removed his shoes and climbed onto the bed, sitting on Bibi Dong's thighs as he massaged her lower back.
"Ah! A bit lighter, it's a little sore!"
"Yes, Teacher!"
Su Yu lightened his touch and continued for about ten minutes before moving to the foot of the bed.
He grasped Bibi Dong's calves, gently pressing on the acupoints along them.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly, feeling the precise pressure on the sore spots, as if a warm current was slowly spreading through her meridians.
She relaxed against the soft pillow, watching Su Yu's focused profile.
The young man's skilled movements gradually eased her tense nerves.
"Xiao Yu, your skills haven't declined!"
Bibi Dong's voice held a trace of laziness as her gaze fell on his hands, attentively pressing the acupoints.
Those hands, with their distinct knuckles, were now gently kneading the muscles of her calves.
"Mhm, as long as it makes Teacher feel comfortable!"
Su Yu spoke while adjusting the pressure, his fingertips lightly rotating and pressing on the Zusanli point.
"Teacher, does it feel sore here?"
Bibi Dong nodded slightly. "Yes, be gentler."
Su Yu followed her instruction, lightening his touch as his fingertips glided slowly along her calf.
From below the knee all the way to the ankle, he gradually kneaded away the tension in her muscles.
After about another quarter of an hour, Su Yu stopped and said softly,
"Teacher, that should be enough. Would you like to try moving it?"
Bibi Dong moved her ankle as suggested, and indeed the soreness had mostly faded. She looked up at Su Yu.
"Xiao Yu, you're too excellent. Whoever becomes your woman in the future will be truly fortunate."