Douluo: Martial Soul White Tiger, I am the White Emperor of Heaven

Chapter 478 Hu Liena: Why does this scent smell so familiar?

Just as Dai Chengfeng left, the soft 'click' sound of the door to Bibi Dong's sleeping quarters closing rang out...

On the bed, Bibi Dong, who should have been asleep, slowly opened her eyes.

There was no trace of sleepiness in those phoenix eyes, only a complex expression as clear as water.

She had actually been awake for a while.

Or rather, the moment Dai Chengfeng got up, she was completely awakened from that half-dreaming, half-awake state of being nestled together.

However, she didn't know how to face this inevitable moment of parting, so she simply continued to pretend to be asleep.

At this moment, she was the only one left in the bedchamber. The air seemed to still carry the lingering scent of their passionate night and his unique, comforting warmth.

Just now, through her slightly closed eyelashes, she watched his cautious movements...

Looking at the tenderness in his eyes as he gazed at her, and at the hint of reluctance in his tall figure as he finally turned and left, a reluctance that even he himself might not have noticed.

For a moment, an indescribable emptiness filled the spacious and magnificent bedroom with Dai Chengfeng's departure, and also filled Bibi Dong's heart, which suddenly felt empty.

As the Pope of the Spirit Hall, she was already used to being decisive in killing, used to strategizing, and used to burying her personal emotions deep beneath a mask of majesty.

But when faced with this disciple who was younger than her but had barged into her closed heart with an overbearing attitude, she broke her rules time and time again and lost control time and time again.

The "Dark Star" ring from last night was less a protective gift bestowed upon her disciple, and more a manifestation of her unspoken worries and anxieties.

Her identity dictated that she could not cry and beg like an ordinary woman, nor could she often utter soft words like "come back safely."

This is the only way I can send my heartfelt wishes and strength to accompany him on his journey.

Bibi Dong gently turned to the side and buried her cheek in the pillow that Dai Chengfeng had just used.

His scent still lingered on the pillow, a clean, sun-kissed fragrance—a scent she was already familiar with and…craved.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if that would lock his presence firmly beside her for a moment.

The majestic Pope, at this moment, resembled an ordinary woman lacking security, seeking a little illusory comfort in such an almost childish way.

"Please stay safe..."

A very soft murmur finally escaped from her lips and blended into the silent air.

Sleepiness gradually crept in again, not because my body was so tired, but because my mind was weary after experiencing such highs and lows.

Holding the pillow that still carried Dai Chengfeng's scent, as if he were protecting her in an invisible way, Bibi Dong's tense heartstrings relaxed slightly, her consciousness gradually blurred, and she sank into sleep once again.

This time, however, her brow was still slightly furrowed, as if she were worrying about the person who was going on a long journey, even in her dream.

…………

…………

Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng had already returned to the courtyard where he lived.

He forcefully suppressed the sorrow of parting, and his face had returned to its usual composure, though a subtle tremor remained deep in his eyes.

He had just entered the courtyard when he noticed that the area in front of the gate was already quite lively.

A spacious carriage, seemingly simple yet clearly made with high-quality materials and crafted with exquisite workmanship, was parked there. It was pulled by two magnificent spirit beasts with horned scales, which appeared understated yet imposing.

Mother Zhu Hongxiu was already there, watching them with a smile.

Qiu'er was curled up lazily in Zhu Hongxiu's warm embrace, her bright eyes darting around curiously as she looked at her surroundings.

Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing are also ready.

Hu Liena wore a neat white and pink long dress, her charming face carrying a hint of anticipation.

Zhu Zhuqing, on the other hand, was dressed in her usual cool and aloof style. Her black clothes accentuated her slender and upright figure, and her expression was calm.

High Priestess Zhu Hongye stood silently by. But the only thing that surprised Dai Chengfeng was…

The girl standing beside the carriage, dressed in a light blue dress, looked fresh and lovely, and was fiddling with the hem of her dress somewhat awkwardly—Ning Rongrong.

And this time.

Upon seeing Dai Chengfeng return, Qiu'er, who had been lazily lying in Zhu Hongxiu's arms, suddenly transformed into a streak of light and accurately pounced into Dai Chengfeng's embrace.

The little head nuzzled affectionately against his neck.

A doting smile immediately appeared on Dai Chengfeng's face. He temporarily put aside his distracting thoughts and reached out to steadily catch the warm little body.

He rubbed his cheek against Qiu'er's soft, smooth fur and teased her:
"It's only been a day, and my Qiu'er already misses me this much?"

Qiu'er nodded immediately, her eyes full of obedience.

At this moment, Hu Liena gracefully stepped forward, her almond-shaped eyes sweeping over Dai Chengfeng. Her delicate nose twitched almost imperceptibly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. Then, with a touch of skepticism, she spoke:

"Dai Chengfeng, where have you been so early in the morning? We've been waiting for you."

"besides……"

"You seem to have a very special fragrance... It's light and cool, with a hint of orchid..."

"And this scent... it seems kind of familiar to me?"

Dai Chengfeng's heart skipped a beat.

Although he tidied his clothes before leaving this morning, he inevitably picked up her unique scent, a mixture of her cool, noble, and serene body fragrance and incense, after spending the night intimately with Bibi Dong.

As Bibi Dong's personal disciple, Hu Liena was naturally very familiar with Bibi Dong's aura, so it was not surprising that she could smell the familiar feeling.

If this gets exposed, it'll truly be a scene of carnage.

Dai Chengfeng remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he felt a pang of guilt and quickly chuckled, trying to bluff his way out:

"Oh? Really? Maybe I just went for a walk around the Papal Palace and picked up some of the fragrance of flowers from there."

"I saw that it was almost time, so I hurried back."

As he spoke, he subtly shifted his body slightly to avoid Hu Liena's overly keen scrutiny.

He then immediately changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he said in a relaxed tone, "Since everyone is ready, let's not delay any longer and set off as soon as possible."

"We should try to reach the next town before dark."

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Dai Chengfeng with a cold look, then looked at the puzzled Hu Liena beside her, and nodded lightly.

Seeing that Dai Chengfeng was deliberately avoiding the topic, Hu Liena, though even more curious, knew this wasn't the time to delve deeper, so she went along with him and said coquettishly:
"Mysterious."

Then, he stopped asking questions.

Zhu Hongxiu observed the subtle interactions between the young people, a knowing yet kind smile on her face. She stepped forward, carefully straightened Dai Chengfeng's collar—which wasn't actually disheveled—and softly instructed him:

"Chengfeng, be careful on this trip."

"Acquiring a spirit ring is important, but safety comes first."

"Think things through carefully and don't act recklessly. Your mother is in Wuhun City, waiting for you to return safely."

Her words were filled with a mother's concern for her son.

Dai Chengfeng instantly dropped his joking expression and nodded solemnly: "Mother, don't worry, I will be careful. You should also take good care of yourself."

After saying this, Dai Chengfeng prepared to get into the carriage.

But just then, Dai Chengfeng caught a glimpse of a dog sneaking around, slowly inching towards the carriage door, and couldn't help but find it amusing.

(End of this chapter)