50: Chapter 50: Wang Dong'er's Analysis

Lu Jing returned and pushed open his door, carrying with him the lingering faint fragrance from the depths of the Supreme Pontiff Palace and an unshakable sense of doubt.

He closed the door behind him; only a single soft light was lit in the room, casting faint shadows across his young yet overly calm face.

He walked to the window and cast his gaze toward the deep night outside, attempting to unravel the hidden meaning behind Bibi Dong's bizarre "show of goodwill."

However, his thoughts were like a tangled mess; Bibi Dong's inscrutable gaze under the flickering candlelight in the study of the Supreme Pontiff Palace, Yan's desperate gasps on the floor, that gentle phrase "I just wanted to see you"... all these images intertwined, causing his brows to knit tightly.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The light knocking sound was exceptionally clear in the silent night, interrupting Lu Jing's contemplation.

So late? Lu Jing was somewhat surprised, but he still turned and walked to the door, pulling it open.

Standing outside the door was none other than Wang Donger.

The bright corridor light outlined her slender figure.

She had clearly just bathed, having changed into a soft, moon-white silk nightdress; the fabric was thin and form-fitting, outlining the girl's nascent, graceful curves.

Her long, powder-blue hair was damp and draped behind her shoulders, with tiny, crystalline water droplets still slowly dripping from the tips, sparkling like crushed diamonds under the light.

The lingering steam gave her already jade-white skin a seductive flush of pink.

Her clear, powder-blue eyes were fixed directly on Lu Jing, carrying undisguised concern and inquiry.

"Xiao Jing?"

Her voice carried the gentle warmth of one who had just bathed as she softly asked, "Why are you back so late? Did Bibi Dong… did something happen when she looked for you?"

Lu Jing stepped aside to clear the doorway, "Come in and talk."

Wang Donger stepped inside.

Lu Jing closed the door behind him; as the barrier blocking the view closed, it felt as if only the two of them remained in the room, along with the tranquil moonlight filtering in from the window.

She did not immediately walk toward a chair but instead stood before Lu Jing, her powder-blue eyes locking onto him like searchlights, clearly reflecting his still-furrowed brow as she repeated, "What exactly did Bibi Dong want with you? Was it because of Yan's matter during the day?"

Lu Jing looked at the unfeigned worry in her eyes, and his heart warmed slightly.

In this strange era ten thousand years in the past, Wang Donger was the only companion he could communicate with and truly trust.

He shook his head, walked to the table to pour himself a glass of water, and then sat down in the chair opposite her, recounting everything that had just happened in the study of the Supreme Pontiff Palace without holding anything back.

From the moment he pushed open that heavy, carved wooden door to Bibi Dong's elegant posture in her casual purple dress.

From her asking about the future direction of the Spirit Hall to him pointing out her strategic intent to use the Heaven Dou Empire's army to make up for her shortcomings, to which Bibi Dong clapped her hands in praise, "Smart!"

To her suddenly bringing up the conflict with Yan during the day and saying, "On the contrary, I will help you."

Then to Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan tossing the bloodied, fearful, and desperate Yan onto the floor like cargo, followed by Bibi Dong's cold decree— "As long as you nod, I can kill him right now"... and his refusal on the grounds of the Spirit Hall's losses and giving face to Hu Liena, leading to Bibi Dong finally having Yue Guan drag the heavily injured Yan away, and ending with that perplexing phrase, "I just wanted to see you, and also let you see my sincerity and attitude in handling this matter."

Lu Jing's voice was calm and his narration clear, presenting every detail to Wang Donger—including Bibi Dong's seemingly gentle yet oppressive demeanor, Yan's wretched state, and his own internal confusion and vigilance.

"And then, I came back. Even now, I haven't figured out what all this maneuvering was for."

After finishing, Lu Jing picked up his glass and took a sip, looking at Wang Donger and asking, "Sister Donger, what do you think? What is she after by doing this?"

Wang Donger listened quietly, her powder-blue eyes occasionally narrowing, then flashing with the light of contemplation.

When she heard that Bibi Dong had actually proposed killing Yan to help Lu Jing, her brows also knitted tightly together.

After Lu Jing finished, she was silent for a moment, appearing to digest this inconceivable sequence of events.

"Bibi Dong…" Wang Donger softly murmured the name, her fingertips unconsciously tracing lightly across the smooth tabletop.

She recalled the historical records' evaluation of this Supreme Pontiff—inscrutable and deeply calculating.

Suddenly, she looked up at Lu Jing, a glimmer of realization flashing in her eyes as she tentatively asked, "Is there a possibility… that she is trying to recruit you?"

"Recruit me?"

Lu Jing raised an eyebrow; he was not surprised by this conclusion, having considered the possibility while at the Supreme Pontiff Palace during the day.

He set down the water glass, his tone carrying a hint of confusion and skepticism, "I thought about that too. But just because of this incident? Using Yan's life as a prop, even willing to sacrifice a core member of the Golden Generation? The cost is too high, isn't it? Moreover, Yan is one of her own in the Supreme Pontiff Palace, loyal to her; what kind of recruitment is this? It doesn't make sense logically. Does she think that this would make me grateful and turn toward her side?"

Lu Jing's doubts were very realistic.

Bibi Dong's actions were too abrupt, too extreme, and completely defied common sense.

Upon hearing this, the corners of Wang Donger's lips curled into a knowing smile.

She stood up, walked over to Lu Jing, and leaned forward gracefully.

She extended a slender, jade-white finger, carrying the fresh, faint scent of her bath, and lightly tapped Lu Jing on the forehead. The gesture carried a touch of sisterly intimacy and feigned annoyance as she smiled and pointed out, "You're so silly, Xiao Jing!"

Her voice was crisp and melodious, echoing in the quiet room, "Of course she didn't expect that just this one act of killing Yan would immediately win you over! That would be too naive. She is merely laying bait!"

Wang Donger withdrew her finger, her powder-blue eyes flashing with insight as she analyzed, "Think about it. She first talked to you about the grand blueprint of the Spirit Hall unifying the continent, pointing out that you are a smart person who can see the essence of things. This in itself is a form of recognition and importance. Then, in handling Yan's matter, she put on a full show, demonstrating the sincerity and attitude of backing you up, even at the cost of sacrificing her own. What is this called? This is called a 'pledge of allegiance'! Or rather, it is showing you her so-called favoritism and stance."

She paused, looking at Lu Jing's thoughtful expression, and continued, "She wants to use this incident to leave a deep impression on you—that compared to the rigid, high-and-mighty Elder Hall, she, the Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong, views you, Lu Jing, differently and is willing to protect you at all costs. She is planting a seed in your heart that 'she treats me very well, she is very special.' As for the cost? Whether Yan lives or dies, in the eyes of someone like her, he might truly be just a pawn that can be discarded at any time. If sacrificing Yan can win your favor or even shake your sense of belonging to the Elder Hall, she would absolutely do it."

Wang Donger's voice carried a calmness that saw through the human heart, "Her real goal is yet to come! This time is just the groundwork, releasing a strong signal to you. Letting you know that her attitude toward you is different from her attitude toward others in the Elder Hall. Once you have this impression that 'she treats me very specially,' in the future, when she uses access to the Scripture Pavilion, other resources, or even some ambiguous promises to approach you and help you, your acceptance will be much higher, and your guard will be lowered. It's the frog in boiling water, understand?"

Listening to Wang Donger's analysis, Lu Jing's eyes gradually brightened. Yes, he had previously only focused on the abruptness and irrationality of killing Yan itself, neglecting the coherence of Bibi Dong's entire chain of actions—from high-level conversations to establish common topics and recognition, to thunderous methods to demonstrate favoritism and sincerity, all were aimed at creating a special relationship.

She indeed didn't expect success at once, but was laying out a plan, setting the stage.

"So that's it…"

Lu Jing nodded slowly, the fog in his heart seemingly dispersing a little, and he said softly, "She is playing the long game. The so-called sincerity and attitude are just the beginning of that line."

It seems having such a companion is quite good; after all, as long as one is human, the brain will have short circuits, and when that day comes, the importance of a companion becomes apparent.

"Exactly!"

Wang Donger affirmed, "Showing goodwill, and it's proactive, even a bit excessive, to make you remember this favor."

She changed the subject, her tone becoming serious, and asked, "So, Xiao Jing, what do you think we should do?"

Lu Jing looked up, meeting her clear and firm gaze, "Sister Donger, what do you think?"

Wang Donger hardly hesitated, saying decisively, "Naturally, we must continue to stay on the side of the Elder Hall!"

Her voice was clear and decisive, carrying the decisiveness of a Young Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect, "Don't forget our situation. Qian Daoliu values you quite a bit and has high hopes for you. Although Qian Renxue has gone to Heaven Dou, she is also… quite different toward you. Most importantly, we are new here, and our foundation is in the Elder Hall. And—"

A glimmer of wisdom flashed in the depths of her powder-blue eyes as she pointed out the most critical reason, which was also a result referenced from historical records, "In the end, it wasn't just Bibi Dong alone who became a god! Qian Renxue is also a god!"

Wang Donger's tone grew heavier, carrying a clear sense of weighing the options, "There is no need for us to rashly lean toward the Supreme Pontiff Palace while the situation is unclear and the risks are unknown, thereby gaining the reputation of being a traitor or an opportunist. This would only please neither side and could even make us cannon fodder in their struggle. Staying in the Elder Hall, at least for now, appears safe; we have resources to use and don't need to immediately pick a side."

"You are right."

Lu Jing nodded in deep agreement; Wang Donger's analysis coincided with his previous judgment.

His original vigilance and decision to remain unchanged were reinforced.

"The Elder Hall… at least for now, is still our safest foothold. Improving strength and finding a way home are the fundamentals. As for the Supreme Pontiff Palace—"

A hint of calmness flashed in his eyes as he said, "Keep our distance and wait and see. Take the benefits she gives if we can, but never make easy promises, and certainly don't take the initiative to draw closer."

Although he didn't want to go back either, since Wang Donger was here, he had to appear as though he wanted to return; after all, only with this premise guaranteed would the other party fully help him.

As for later, it would just depend on the situation. If he could change Wang Donger's attitude and thoughts, that would naturally be best, but if not, he would only have to send her back alone, or wait until he successfully created his own God Position and had the capital to contend with Tang San before saying anything else. Otherwise, he wouldn't go back even if it killed him.

"Yes, that's it."

A satisfied smile appeared on Wang Donger's face, like ice melting in spring, bright and moving.

Seeing that Lu Jing had figured it out, she also set aside the worries in her heart.

"Alright, it's very late, and you must be exhausted. Hurry and rest; didn't you say you were going out to play tomorrow? Don't think too much, let nature take its course, and use the unchanging to respond to all changes." She softly urged, her tone returning to her usual gentleness.

"Mm, I know, Sister Donger, you should rest early too," Lu Jing replied.

Wang Donger nodded, said no more, turned, and pulled open the door.

Her moon-white figure stepped lightly into the corridor light, like an Epiphyllum blooming quietly in the dark night.

She closed the door gently behind her, leaving the tranquility to the young man in the room once again.

Lu Jing watched the door close again and let out a long sigh of relief.

Wang Donger's analysis was like parting the clouds to see the sun, giving him a clearer understanding of Bibi Dong's almost magical actions tonight.

Although his doubts were not completely eliminated, at least he had a direction to respond.

He walked to the bed and sat down, extinguishing the light on the table.

Moonlight shone through the window, casting silver frost on the floor.

Lu Jing closed his eyes; the last things to flash through his mind were Bibi Dong's purple eyes, deep as an abyss and filled with indescribable schemes, and… Qian Daoliu's aura, vast as the sea.

"Become stronger, survive…" He whispered silently, repeating the core goal he had long set.

Before drifting off into a dream, only one increasingly firm belief remained in the young man's heart.

Only by being strong enough himself could he truly possess the power to choose and the foundation for self-preservation in this treacherous Spirit Hall ten thousand years in the past.

The bait from the Supreme Pontiff Palace and the regard from the Elder Hall were merely external forces. His true reliance could only be his own strength.

After all, whether it was Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue, or Bibi Dong, what they valued was his talent, and even his Spirit.

One must know that even the Seraphim, as a God-level Spirit, could not suppress the destruction from the World-Destroying Black Lotus, so if he were Qian Daoliu or Qian Renxue, he would also try every means to keep himself by his side and under control; he just didn't know what kind of conditions the three of them would offer to recruit him.

And, later when facing Tang San, how should he face it while with Wang Donger? Furthermore, if he changed the plot of this time period, would the future change?

If it changed, would Wang Donger and Bei Bei still exist? Would he still be able to travel here?

Thinking of this, Lu Jing opened his eyes, his mind full of chaotic thoughts; he did not know if this was a parallel World or a timeline where the future could be easily changed.