"I'm unreliable? How dare you speak to your elder sister like that? No matter how unreliable your elder sister is, she's still more reliable than some people who don't know proper etiquette."
Bibi Dong's tone carried a sharp edge, but it was still wrapped in a composed elegance. Her gaze swept lightly over Qian Renxue, neither rushing nor losing composure, as though she had already decided the outcome of the exchange.
"To become a Disciple, there must be a Disciple-acceptance ceremony."
Her voice shifted slightly, becoming more formal. The playful tension from earlier faded as she raised her hand, signaling a change in atmosphere.
"Teacher Xin, Nana and I have come with sincerity this time. These are a small token of our appreciation."
Bibi Dong waved her hand, and various exquisitely packaged gifts appeared on the originally empty stone table that only had a pot of tea.
The sudden appearance of neatly arranged offerings contrasted with the natural simplicity of the cherry blossom courtyard. Each item was carefully placed, as though selected not only for value but also for meaning.
"Hundred-year Celery Snow, symbolizing diligence and studiousness."
"Thousand-year Osmanthus Mandarin Fruit, symbolizing a long-standing lineage and Karma Perfection."
"A Venerable Elder Tree, showing respect for teachers and elders, and devotion to seniors."
"Cherry blossom honey, symbolizing deep affection, a Heart of Fire fine brew, returning to the local essence."
Even Demon Subduing Douluo, who stood slightly behind, took a brief look at the items. While none of them were rare enough to shake his level of perception, the intention behind the selection was unmistakable. This was not a casual gesture—it was a deliberately structured ceremonial offering.
Qian Renxue and Demon Subduing Douluo glanced at the gifts. Although they weren't rare treasures, they certainly showed extremely high respect for a Disciple-acceptance ceremony.
But very quickly, a faint smile appeared on Qian Renxue's face. She pointed her slender finger at two of the items and said:
"This Disciple would like to ask, what are these two jars of cherry blossom honey? Is your 'deep affection' just inferior flower honey bought from that swindler at the academy gate?"
Her tone was light, almost teasing, but the implication was sharp enough to immediately disrupt the ceremonial mood.
"Hahaha." Qian Renxue covered her mouth and chuckled.
The laughter was soft but unmistakably pleased, as though she had finally found a point to gently counter the other side's carefully arranged display.
Bibi Dong's expression changed, and she grumbled:
"How did you know?"
The question slipped out before she could fully control her tone. A rare hint of surprise flickered across her usually composed expression.
"Alas, esteemed Pope, I told you you were unreliable, but you didn't believe me. You even believed those two peddlers. What cherry blossom honey? Isn't it just honey with a few cherry blossoms in it? They even sold it for five gold coins a jar, when it's actually only worth one silver coin."
Qian Renxue felt very happy seeing Bibi Dong being deceived.
There was a subtle satisfaction in her expression, not loud or exaggerated, but unmistakably present. The situation, to her, carried a rare sense of reversal that she did not often get to enjoy.
Heh, a woman with a big chest and no brain.
The thought flashed briefly through her mind with a hint of smugness, though she kept her outward demeanor controlled and elegant.
Bibi Dong's face darkened: "Don't talk nonsense, Teacher Xin, this was carefully selected by me. It's definitely not just ordinary honey."
Her tone was firm, but there was a slight tightening around her eyes. Even she could sense the awkwardness of the situation now, though she refused to yield ground.
But Bibi Dong's heart was already in turmoil: Five gold coins? I bought it for one thousand gold coins a jar! The Pope thought that since this cherry blossom honey dared to be sold for so much, it must be very precious, so she bought two jars!
And now you're telling the Pope that I was tricked?
Impossible! What kind of discerning eye does the Pope have?
If it really is just honey, the Pope will definitely kill those two guys!
…