---
After recalling Luna, Lin Fan let out a sigh of relief.
He had seen in the system that after Daji died, it would take seven days to revive her. Fortunately, Luna wasn't dead, and she hadn't lost much blood. He could summon her again in just one day.
"Good..."
Lin Fan had barely spoken when a sudden surge of murderous intent sent shivers down his spine.
"Good what?"
A cold, commanding voice cut through the air. Lin Fan turned around and found himself face-to-face with Bibi Dong. Her noble and stunning face was as captivating as it was intimidating. Her proud figure, slender legs, and flowing long hair made her look exactly like the queen she was meant to be. But what caught his attention most were her eyes—cold, distant, and full of unspoken emotions.
Before he could react, Bibi Dong lunged at him. In an instant, her delicate but powerful fingers wrapped around his throat, lifting him effortlessly off the ground.
Damn it, she's not actually going to murder her husband, is she?
"Bibi Dong, listen to me!" Lin Fan gasped, struggling against her grip. "They're just my summons! Just like how you summon spiders! They're not real people from this world. They're like spirit beasts—summoned from another realm!"
Bibi Dong's gaze flickered slightly. She glanced at the spot where Luna had disappeared, a hint of curiosity flashing in her cold eyes. But her expression remained as indifferent as ever.
"You certainly have many tricks up your sleeve," she said flatly.
With a swift motion, she pulled Lin Fan closer, their faces mere inches apart. Her voice was a whisper of danger.
"Now that all your teammates have fallen, you're the only one left. Do you still want to win the championship for the Haotian Sect? If you defeat me, you'll claim the highest honor of this Soul Master Elite Competition."
Lin Fan's heartbeat quickened—not just from fear but from something else entirely. Bibi Dong's eyes, though cold, held something deeper. Was it despair? A hidden plea?
But more importantly, Lin Fan could feel that she wasn't truly trying to kill him. Though her fingers gripped his neck, she wasn't using full force. And yet, the threat of death loomed over him like a razor's edge.
"I don't care about the championship, Dong'er," Lin Fan said sincerely. "I came here for you. I know you want to leave the Spirit Hall. I know you have a plan. Please… tell me. Right now, no one can hear us. This might be the only chance we have."
Bibi Dong's expression darkened. Her fingers tightened slightly, making Lin Fan struggle to breathe.
"You talk too much," she murmured.
Lin Fan grimaced. Damn it, this woman is unreasonable! It wasn't my fault! You were the one who forced yourself on me! I couldn't resist!
But he knew saying that out loud would be a death sentence.
Instead, he softened his voice. "Dong'er, I can help you. You saw how I defeated those nine-tailed fox girls just now. I may not be stronger than you, but together, we can accomplish more. With the two of us, we can—"
Before he could finish, Bibi Dong suddenly released him. Lin Fan fell to the ground with a heavy thud, coughing.
A dark green spider spear emerged from her back, pressing against his chest. Her voice was filled with suppressed emotions.
"What did you just call me?" she asked, her tone dangerous.
Lin Fan looked up at her and smiled slightly.
"Sister Dong'er," he repeated, feigning innocence. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of you."
Bibi Dong's expression flickered. She hesitated for a moment, then quickly masked her emotions.
"There's no way we have a martial soul fusion technique," she said, as if trying to convince herself.
"But we do," Lin Fan said confidently. "As long as you agree to be my lover."
Bibi Dong's cheeks turned red.
"You—what nonsense are you saying?!" she stammered, taking a step back.
Smirking, Lin Fan pulled out twenty beautiful red roses from his system inventory. With a gentle smile, he extended them toward her.
"These are for you, Dong'er. There are only twenty left. Take them."
Bibi Dong stared at the flowers in disbelief. Her fingers trembled slightly as she hesitantly took them into her arms.
"You… you idiot," she muttered, avoiding his gaze. "This is a life-and-death arena. Do you even understand what's at stake?"
Lin Fan stepped closer, his voice tender.
"I know," he whispered. "But even if we die, we die together. You're not alone anymore, Dong'er. I promise—I'll protect you. And our child."
Bibi Dong's breath hitched. She turned even redder.
"You—what child?! What nonsense are you saying?!" she exclaimed, stepping backward in panic.
Lin Fan chuckled. "There's no need to be shy, Dong'er. I know everything."
Before she could react, he reached out and gently embraced her from behind.
Bibi Dong froze.
She felt his warmth, his steady heartbeat against her back. It was so foreign yet… comforting.
"Stop… we'll both die if you keep this up," she whispered, though there was little resistance in her voice.
Lin Fan placed the roses into her arms, watching as she hesitated, then clutched them tightly.
For the first time, Bibi Dong seemed vulnerable. She was no longer the powerful Pope, no longer the merciless warrior. She was just a woman—one who had endured too much pain and betrayal.
And in that moment, despite everything, Lin Fan knew—this was real.
---