Chapter 118: Chapter 118: The Scheming Fox, Inviting Bibi Dong, and Qian Renxue
Before long, Lu Yunzhou, Qian Renxue, Gu Yuena, and Qian Daoliu arrived at the grand gates of the Spirit Hall in Spirit City.
At this moment, Bibi Dong was just finishing preparations to depart by carriage.
When she saw Lu Yunzhou's sudden arrival, Bibi Dong immediately set aside her plans to visit the Ethereal Sanctuary and approached Lu Yunzhou with a warm smile. She greeted him courteously,
"Upon hearing of your return from the Heaven Dou Empire, Mr. Lu, I had intended to visit the Ethereal Sanctuary to pay my respects. I did not expect you to grace Spirit Hall with your presence instead. I apologize for not welcoming you earlier—please forgive me."
Once Bibi Dong had finished her pleasantries, a curvaceous woman with a charming smile, Hu Liena, followed up with her own greeting,
"Hu Liena greets Mr. Lu. It's an honor."
She bowed slightly as she spoke. This subtle movement emphasized her most striking features, drawing Lu Yunzhou's attention.
Qian Renxue's expression darkened as she noticed Hu Liena's blatant display. Her eyes flashed with disdain and irritation. Openly seducing her man? Did Hu Liena think she, Qian Renxue, was an easy target?
Qian Renxue clenched her fists. If Hu Liena wanted to provoke her, she would ensure the fox paid the price.
Faced with the respectful greetings from Bibi Dong and Hu Liena, Lu Yunzhou responded politely, "Your Holiness, and your esteemed disciple, you are too kind. How could Yunzhou deserve such praise?"
As Lu Yunzhou spoke, Qian Daoliu stepped forward, offering an explanation for their visit,
"Mr. Lu is here to visit the Angel Shrine. Your Holiness, do you happen to have an interest in joining us? Perhaps we could share some tea and converse along the way."
Qian Daoliu's tone was calm and measured, reflecting his complicated feelings toward Bibi Dong. He harbored hatred for her for killing his son, yet guilt gnawed at him because of what his son had done to her. These conflicting emotions left Qian Daoliu neither warm nor cold in his demeanor toward her.
Upon hearing Qian Daoliu's words, Bibi Dong quickly deduced that Lu Yunzhou's visit to Spirit Hall and the Angel Shrine must serve a purpose. He would hardly waste his time otherwise.
Recognizing this, Bibi Dong wisely refrained from interfering with his plans. However, she wasn't about to let the opportunity to align herself with Lu Yunzhou slip away. Smiling faintly, she replied,
"Thank you for the invitation, Great Consecration. Unfortunately, I have pressing matters to attend to. However, if Mr. Lu requires my company, I would be more than willing to oblige."
By leaving the decision to Lu Yunzhou, Bibi Dong tactfully avoided overstepping while also leaving room for further collaboration.
Standing behind Lu Yunzhou, Qian Renxue tugged discreetly at his sleeve, her intentions unmistakable—she wanted him to decline Bibi Dong's company.
Yet Lu Yunzhou responded in a manner that defied her expectations. Smiling, he said, "Then, Your Holiness, would you accompany me to the Angel Shrine?"
He glanced at the dimming sky before adding, "It's already late today. Why don't we wait until tomorrow to visit? What does Your Holiness think?"
Bibi Dong, momentarily stunned by his agreement, quickly composed herself. A trace of astonishment flickered across her flawless face before she bowed slightly, answering with enthusiasm,
"Your wish is my command, Mr. Lu. I will accompany you tomorrow as you see fit."
Her delight was evident. She seemed worried Lu Yunzhou might change his mind, her excitement palpable as she confirmed her agreement.
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue's expression soured further. Watching her mother eagerly seize the chance to join Lu Yunzhou only fueled her displeasure.
"That scoundrel! Why would he bring that woman along? Doesn't he know I can't stand her?"
Under the starry night sky, with a luminous moon hanging high, Qian Renxue sat in her bedchamber.
Although it was late, she remained at her dressing table, refusing to sleep.
Suddenly, the window creaked open, and Lu Yunzhou slipped inside silently.
"What are you doing?" he asked with a grin. "Were you waiting for me?"
Qian Renxue shot him a glare. "Waiting for you? Dream on!"
Despite her sharp words, she couldn't resist questioning him, "Why are you bringing my mother to the Angel Shrine tomorrow? You're well aware of the… strained relationship between us, aren't you?"
Her voice carried a mix of curiosity and accusation.
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