Qian Renxue elegantly sat opposite Bibi Dong and spoke calmly, but her opening words immediately made Bibi Dong's expression turn ugly:
"What does it have to do with you? Teacher Xin and I call this 'getting to know each other through conflict' and 'seeing true feelings in adversity'. As for you, your years of careful planning were shattered just like that, causing a sensation throughout the Empire, and yet you yourself ran to Teacher Xin to seek knowledge. It's truly a cause for emotion."
Her tone was controlled, but every sentence carried a precise edge, like a blade hidden beneath silk. The cherry blossoms drifting between them seemed almost hesitant to fall, as if sensing the tension in the air.
"What years of careful planning? Wasn't all of this your doing? If you hadn't suggested it back then, why would I have endured for so many years, even being told by Teacher that I missed the best Cultivate age?"
Speaking of this matter, Qian Renxue's face also turned cold, and she slapped the stone table, making the tea tremble.
The sound echoed sharply through the quiet courtyard. Ripples formed in the tea cups, and a few droplets spilled onto the stone surface. Even the surrounding air seemed to tighten for a moment, as if reacting to the sudden burst of emotion.
Those who dared to slap the table in front of Bibi Dong could probably be counted on one's fingers across the entire continent, and Qian Renxue happened to be among them.
Bibi Dong smiled faintly, unconcerned:
"Pope merely offered a possible suggestion. The old man in the Offering Hall couldn't protect you himself and adopted this unreliable strategy. How can you blame me?"
Her smile was calm, almost indifferent, but there was a subtle pressure behind it—like still water hiding deep currents. She did not deny responsibility outright, nor did she fully accept it, instead shifting the weight of the matter elsewhere with practiced ease.
"You!"
Qian Renxue's gaze sharpened instantly, her aura fluctuating for a brief moment before she forced it back under control.
"…"
Hu Liena, next to Bibi Dong, felt the back-and-forth, tense atmosphere between the two and was already on pins and needles. What they were saying made even less sense to her.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the teapot as she carefully observed both sides, unsure where to even insert herself. The conversation carried too many layers of past events and hidden meanings, leaving her caught in an uncomfortable silence.
She tentatively spoke to ease the atmosphere:
"Teacher, Holy Maiden, please have some cherry blossom tea to calm down. This is Heart of Fire Academy, after all, don't disturb Teacher Xin's peace."
Her voice was soft, carefully measured, as though afraid of making the situation worse. The mention of "Teacher Xin" subtly shifted the focus of the conversation, reminding both sides of where they currently were.
"Teacher, I heard this cherry blossom tea was personally brewed by Teacher Xin, and the flowers and herbs inside are very precious. Please taste more and see if it's true?"
Hu Liena poured a cup of tea for both Teacher Bibi Dong and Holy Maiden Qian Renxue.
The tea's aroma drifted upward immediately, light and calming, carrying the faint sweetness of cherry blossoms mixed with herbal undertones. Despite the tense atmosphere, the fragrance created a brief moment of stillness.
Upon hearing that it was personally brewed by Xin, both picked up their cups and took a large sip to calm their minds.
For a moment, neither spoke. The warmth of the tea spread slowly, easing the sharp edges of their emotions. Even Qian Renxue's rigid expression softened slightly, while Bibi Dong's gaze became more contemplative, as though the flavor carried something beyond mere taste.
"Actually, you are all on the same side, why must you love and kill each other? After all, the mistake has already been made, and the true culprit is no longer here."
Just then, from the schoolroom, Xin, with a refreshing and elegant demeanor, finally walked out.