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Chapter 421.

Wang Feng's situation was dire—surrounded, with no chance of survival.

Yet, through sheer ingenuity, Wang Feng had used his [Teleportation] soul ability to vanish from the Supreme Pontiff Palace without a trace.

Bibi Dong, calculating as ever, had carefully crafted her alibi. Her explanations seemed flawless, each supported by her own testimony of what she had "seen with her own eyes. She left no room for doubt.

As the White Pontiff, Wang Feng's identity was shrouded in mystery. No one had seen his face, save for the Pontiff herself, Hu Liena, and the seven Titled –Douluo of the Soul Hall. These were all her trusted allies—people who were privy to her schemes. With such tight control over information, there was no risk of leaks.

Wang Feng's appearance was known only to them.

"Also your aura it's far too unique. You'll need to suppress it when the time comes," Bibi Dong cautioned, her meticulous nature evident in every word. Her gaze was sharp, her voice unwavering. 

"But you're clever enough to realize this. That Tang Yin, the so-called Shura King in the Killing City, is undoubtedly Tang San himself. You spent two years with him there. He'll recognize your aura in an instant."

Indeed, Wang Feng's aura was distinct, almost impossible to conceal without effort.

Bibi Dong's foresight was remarkable—almost unnervingly so.

"No problem," Wang Feng replied, his tone calm but firm. "I can control my aura."

What a terrifying woman, he thought to himself.

"There are only a handful of people aware of this plan. Rest assured, it's secure," Bibi Dong said, stamping the ground lightly with her foot. "Now, there's another matter I need to discuss with you. Come in!"

Wang Feng nodded, his heart steady but his mind sharp.

'Bring it on, Bibi Dong. Let's see how many schemes you've got up your sleeve.'

For over a year, he had been lying in wait, biding his time. This was the moment he had been preparing for.

However, the person who entered wasn't who he expected. It was Hu Liena.

Dressed in the elegant garb of the Soul Hall's Saintess, Hu Liena was breathtaking. The pale red silk fabric of her robe shimmered, adorned with countless precious stones. A silver crown graced her head, enhancing her regal beauty. Her cheeks flushed as she stepped forward, her movements graceful yet deliberate.

"This is Hu Liena, my disciple," Bibi Dong began, her voice carrying authority. "Later, during the assembly, I will officially announce her as my successor."

Wang Feng's heart sank. A sense of unease crept over him.

"As you both know each other from the Killing City, you've already shared considerable experiences," Bibi Dong continued, her words deliberate, her gaze piercing.

Wang Feng's instincts screamed at him—something wasn't right.

Sure enough, Hu Liena's eyes locked onto his. Her face remained flushed, but she didn't look away. Instead, her gaze was steady, bold, and filled with an emotion that made Wang Feng uneasy.

"I'm giving you two choices," Bibi Dong declared, her tone final. "First, you assist her in her new role. Or second, I grant her to you, and together you will become the heirs to the Soul Hall's future leadership."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding. The Supreme Pontiff Palace fell into silence.

"Nana has feelings for you," Bibi Dong continued, her expression unreadable. "I've seen it clearly.

"You've lived in isolation in the Extreme North, far from the bonds of affection or the prospect of marriage. Had you held such ties, you would never have considered joining the Soul Hall in the first place."

Bibi Dong's analysis of his character was chillingly precise.

Bibi Dong's thoughts were perfectly aligned with her plan. She wanted to completely bind Wang Feng to the Soul Hall, and the easiest way to do that was to offer Hu Liena to him. If Wang Feng accepted, their marriage would bind him to the Soul Hall permanently. There would be no chance of escape.

"Her identity, status, strength, talent, beauty—everything about her is extraordinary," Bibi Dong said, stepping toward Hu Liena and gently taking her hand. "I've watched her grow since she was a child. I know her well, and I understand her heart. She's in love with you, and it's a love that cannot be changed. With you, she will be content."

Indeed, Hu Liena's talents and potential were unmatched, and Wang Feng, as the White Pontiff, was more than worthy of her.

Bibi Dong's sincerity was undeniable—it was the kind of offer that would be hard to refuse for most.

But Wang Feng, ever unmoved, responded with a detached calmness.

"I don't like women, nor men," he said flatly. "I only seek to grow stronger. I don't experience emotions. I am someone without feelings. She won't be happy by my side. I choose the first option—I will assist her in her role as the successor."

Bibi Dong's eyes flashed with a knowing look.

This had been a test, and Wang Feng had passed it in the most unexpected way.

Hu Liena, her gaze growing dim, understood the situation immediately–. She had known that Wang Feng would never choose the second option—not with his temperament.

"Very well," Bibi Dong said, her rare smile softening her usual stern expression. "But I will give Nana to you in the future. She will be the next Supreme Pontiff of the Soul Hall."

From the meaning behind these words, Wang Feng understood Bibi Dong's true ambition.

The next Supreme Pontiff was meant to be Hu Liena—but what about Bibi Dong?

Bibi Dong's plans were far-reaching, aiming to rule not just the Soul Hall, but the entire continent.

"You two can talk," Bibi Dong continued, her voice unwavering. "Join me in the conference hall later."

She placed Hu Liena's hand into Wang Feng's before turning and walking toward the conference hall.

"Wang Wu..."

Hu Liena's voice wavered as she held onto his hand, her words soft yet filled with emotion. "I know you won't choose the second option. But even if I become the Supreme Pontiff, my feelings for you won't change... May I... may I hug you?"

In the Killing City, Hu Liena's heart had been stirred for the first time. The moment Wang Feng had saved her, something inside her had shifted, but that alone hadn't been enough to change everything.

But over time, as they journeyed through the Hell Road together, Hu Liena's feelings deepened. Her admiration turned into worship, trust, and a genuine affection for Wang Feng.

Especially after she revealed the defect in her soul bone to him, the bond between them grew even stronger, and her feelings for him blossomed further.

If Hu Liena had not shared such a personal secret about herself, she wouldn't have been able to reveal the flaws so openly. Yet, her feelings of love weren't strong enough to change the inevitable. She knew, deep down, that Wang Wu would never join the Soul Hall, and that understanding made her realize that their relationship would never come to fruition.

However, a subsequent change gave Hu Liena a flicker of hope.

After a decisive victory, White Death had secured the loyalty of everyone in the Supreme Pontiff Palace and ascended as the White Pontiff.

From there, she traveled with Wang Feng across the mainland, visiting the major martial Soul Halls, the two imperial families, the two upper sects, and the lower four sects. In less than half a year, they either formed alliances or had their enemies surrender. This series of triumphs, combined with the ever-present bond between them, slowly transformed into something deeper—true love.

Three years of shared experiences had brought Hu Liena to the point where her feelings for Wang Feng had fully blossomed.

Wang Feng, however, suddenly felt an unexpected dryness in his throat. Hu Liena's feelings, he knew was genuine and intense, had taken him by surprise.

Logically, Wang Feng knew he shouldn't accept her affections. Even a simple hug would give her hope, and that hope would ultimately lead to pain. If he were to be exposed, it would devastate her.

In that moment, he remembered the original version of events, the person Hu Liena had once been. She had changed completely.

"If you don't regret it, then I won't stop you," Wang Feng said, his voice calm but distant. "But I can't feel your emotions. I'm sorry."

Before he could say more, Hu Liena suddenly threw herself into his arms.

Her warm body, the girl now in her early twenties, pressed against him, leaving Wang Feng with a tumult of conflicting emotions.

Hu Liena wrapped her arms around his back, as though trying to absorb his scent, savoring every moment of it.

Wang Feng gently placed his hands on her shoulders, pushing her back slightly, though he couldn't completely distance himself from her.

"You don't need to apologize. This was all my choice," she whispered, her voice soft and tender. "I won't regret it."

Hu Liena continued, her voice almost a murmur. "The time we spent on the Hell Road was the most unforgettable of my life. These past six months have been the happiest time I've ever had. I know I can never forget you, and I understand you can never love anyone. But I still don't regret it."

With those words, she clung to him one last time before slowly pulling away.

...

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