Lin Feng wanted to use an immortal herb in exchange for some authority within the Pope's Palace, to be used in the future when Qian Renxue ascended to the Elder Hall.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong wanted to get the immortal herb for free. Even if she lost, she could still draw closer to Lin Feng, making it easier to carry out her plans.
Lin Feng smiled, gently kneading Qian Renxue's soft hand, then took out a jade box from his storage ring.
Inside the box was a pale pink flower—no leaves, a three-foot-long stem, and a huge blossom.
Each petal was as clear as crystal, and the stamen was purple, like a gem embedded within.
This was the Fragrant Silk Immortal Herb.
"This flower is called the Fragrant Silk Immortal Herb.While it doesn't detoxify poisons directly, it neutralizes all toxins and is the nemesis of poisons."
As soon as the jade box opened, a delicate fragrance permeated everyone's nostrils.
It was refreshing and uplifting.
Especially Bibi Dong—her eyes went slightly dazed as she stared at the immortal herb in Lin Feng's hand.
When she smelled the fragrance, she actually felt the tormenting mental suppression and the pain from the Rakshasa God's power invading her body ease significantly.
Her gaze turned fiery as she looked at the Fragrant Silk Immortal Herb.
The evil intent of the Rakshasa's power had been tormenting her constantly. Now, something had finally appeared that could suppress it, even just a little—how could she not be excited?
She took the jade box from Lin Feng with trembling hands and inhaled deeply, greedily savoring the aroma.
Even her mind felt much clearer.
Lin Feng silently observed Bibi Dong's expression and nodded inwardly. As expected, the Fragrant Silk Immortal Herb could somewhat suppress the Rakshasa's evil influence.
Though it wasn't much, it was enough. This way, Bibi Dong wouldn't go completely mad so quickly.
It bought him time to come up with further plans.
Didn't expect that, did you, Bibi Dong? This immortal herb I gave you is also part of my plan.
Bibi Dong let out a long sigh of relief after putting the Fragrant Silk Immortal Herb away.
She looked at Lin Feng with an unreadable expression.
(I didn't expect it, Lin Feng. You've surprised me again...)
Her desire grew even stronger.
Bibi Dong sat back down, resuming her earlier graceful demeanor.
"Little Feng, tell me, how much whale gelatin should Nana take? How much can it increase the age of her second spirit ring?"
Qian Renxue suddenly furrowed her brows and stood up sharply:
"You dare call him Little Feng!?"
Bibi Dong smirked:
"What, you can call him that and I can't?I'm older than him, that's a fact. So what if I call him Little Feng?"
Qian Renxue glared fiercely at Bibi Dong:
"You're not allowed to call him that!"
Bibi Dong rested her chin on her hand and watched Qian Renxue's flare-up with amusement.
"I insist on calling him that. What can you do?"
"You… You got what you wanted, now get lost!"
Smack!
Qian Renxue slammed her palm on the table, glaring at Bibi Dong.
("Get lost"... This is the first time I've heard my precious daughter say such words. She must really like Lin Feng...)
Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes slightly and stood up.
Ling Yuan immediately stepped between Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
"Why are you so afraid? I won't do anything to you.On the contrary, I'm quite grateful to Little Feng for giving me the immortal herb."
Qian Renxue took a deep breath. For some reason, every time she heard Bibi Dong say "Little Feng," it made her furious.
Lin Feng stood up and glanced at Hu Liena, who looked clearly panicked and confused.
He stood in front of Qian Renxue, blocking Bibi Dong from her view.
"If you use millennium-grade whale gelatin, the spirit ring can be increased to 1,100 years.If it's ten-thousand-year-grade, it can reach around 1,700 years.She should only absorb one piece for now—any more would be ineffective.And there's a limit to how much benefit she can get from it. The effect will taper off over time.The exact results depend on her condition. I believe Her Holiness has ways to determine Hu Liena's tolerance."
Bibi Dong nodded and gently held Hu Liena's hand.
She walked a few steps to the side, smiled at Qian Renxue behind Lin Feng, and said:
"See? Little Feng is the one who truly understands the bigger picture."
With that, she left with Hu Liena.
Qian Renxue stepped out from behind Lin Feng, her gaze fixed on the hands Bibi Dong and Hu Liena were holding.
A flash of anger passed through her eyes—since childhood, she had never once held Bibi Dong's hand.
Why did this so-called personal disciple who came from nowhere get such treatment?
Qian Renxue snorted and angrily smashed the teacup Bibi Dong had used.
"Why does she get to call him Little Feng? Why does she get to act so shamelessly?"
She took a fierce gulp of tea and glared at Lin Feng.
"Little Feng, why must we take back part of the Knight Order's authority?If she wants to be that damn Pope, let her!That boring life—day in and day out—I wouldn't want it even if you gave it to me.Giving her an immortal herb was such a loss!"
Lin Feng shrugged. She still wanted to build the Spirit Empire, annex the other two empires, subjugate the duchies, and unify the continent.
If all the military power were handed to her, things would become uncontrollable later.
"She has grand ambitions. Letting one person reign supreme is never a good idea.Better to create checks and balances early.And she would've found out about the immortal herbs eventually. Better to explain it now than have trouble later."
Qian Renxue pouted but nodded reluctantly.
"Fine… but it still pisses me off."
Ling Yuan finally relaxed after Bibi Dong disappeared from view.
"Little Feng, don't let your guard down.There's something about her presence that makes me deeply uncomfortable.I don't know why her attitude changed so much today, but if she lashes out like last time, it could be dangerous."
Lin Feng nodded:
"No need to worry too much. We'll be leaving soon, and we won't return to Spirit City often.The title of Pope doesn't only bring power—it also demands time and energy."
Qian Renxue sighed:
"Little Feng, let's quickly finish shaping my first spirit vein and then leave.Except for this little house, there's nothing here I find interesting. It's even duller than Heaven Dou City."
Lin Feng teased her:
"I wonder what Grandpa would say if he heard that?"
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow:
"He'd probably sigh in regret to the heavens, right?"
The three of them laughed.
Little did they know, Qian Daoliu, hiding nearby, felt a tinge of bitterness.
Of course, he had sensed Bibi Dong arriving at the cabin, and had been watching them the whole time.
Although he didn't know why her attitude toward Lin Feng had suddenly improved, it was still a good thing.
Trading one immortal herb for the authority over the Knight Order was worth it.
At least after his death, Xue'er wouldn't be under Bibi Dong's thumb.
Even if he passed the Elder Hall to Qian Renxue, the Douluo Palace and the Pope's Palace operated separately. A balance of power was good.
Giving her an immortal herb to make her back off was the right move.
As for Lin Feng saying he only had two immortal herbs left—that was a lie. Qian Daoliu knew there were still three more.
Hearing the trio laugh weirdly, he grew irritated.
A voice transmission shot straight into Lin Feng's ear:
"Brat! Time for you to come get your combat training from this old man!"
Lin Feng's smile froze. Crap, he thought. He caught me teasing him.
T/N: For up to twelve chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle