Chapter 317: Let's Live Together

"Speaking of which, you people from the Elder Palace are also blinded by greed; in fact, even if you killed me, no one could withstand the infusion of a Million-Year Soul Ring..."

Qin Jian said: "No matter who it is, as long as I don't actively suppress it, anyone who tries to absorb a Million-Year Soul Ring will be blown to pieces."

"With a supreme treasure right in front of them, how many people can still think calmly?"

Bibi Dong shook her head and said: "Not to mention the temptation of the soul bone..."

Qin Jian revealed a strange expression.

He suddenly thought that, in fact, Bibi Dong was the only one who might possibly absorb his soul ring.

Because if he died, although the Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring on her body would disappear, if she replaced it with a Million-Year Soul Ring of the same origin, it might actually succeed...

Of course, he would never say these words out loud; otherwise, given this woman's big-shot temperament, the outcome would really be hard to say.

"Is this... your main palace?"

As Qin Jian walked, he felt something was not quite right.

Because the place Bibi Dong led him into was, shockingly, the largest and most luxurious main palace on the top floor, which was her own residence.

"Why did you bring me here?" Qin Jian asked curiously.

Bibi Dong waved her hand, signaling the few Maids who had come out to greet them to withdraw, then turned around and said: "It is still too dangerous for you to live in the side palace alone. My main palace is divided into inner and outer chambers; you shall live here with me."

Looking at her calm and indifferent demeanor, it was as if she were saying something of no consequence.

But the Maids standing solemnly behind her could not help but reveal expressions of extreme astonishment.

"This... is this really okay?"

Qin Jian always felt like he was a Sheep entering a tiger's den...

"What is wrong with it?"

Bibi Dong said very casually: "The Guard Captain naturally has the duty of close protection; you can better protect me by living in the outer chamber."

Who is protecting whom, exactly...

Not to mention Qin Jian's strange expression, even those Maids, who should have been like wooden statues, could barely control their facial expressions.

This so-called close protection by a Guard Captain is just talk; the Pope's own strength is already there, and even if protection were needed, only a Title Douluo would be qualified to do it.

Can a mere little level 62 Soul Emperor protect a Title Douluo? Isn't that a joke...

"Have you had dinner yet?" Bibi Dong suddenly asked.

Qin Jian shook his head and spread his hands: "I just went straight to sleep, intending to talk about it after waking up, but then I ran into this matter."

Bibi Dong nodded and instructed the Maid nearby: "Prepare dinner, make it sumptuous."

"Yes, Your Holiness."

The Maid responded, but then thinking of something, she carefully looked up and asked: "Your Holiness, where do you intend to hold the banquet?"

Bibi Dong's expression shifted, and she waved her hand: "The terrace."

"Yes."

The Maid was just about to withdraw.

"Wait."

Bibi Dong suddenly called the Maid back and added indifferently: "Go to the wine cellar and get two bottles of Jacob's."

The Maid's expression clearly showed uncontrollable surprise, but she quickly lowered her head: "Yes, Your Holiness."

Qin Jian: "..."

I didn't expect there to be wine here, and it's even a famous brand; my apologies, my apologies... It's a pity there's no '82 Lafite.

"Looking at your expression, you seem to know what this is?" Bibi Dong said with some curiosity.

"It's wine, I've actually had quite a bit of it in the past... um..."

Qin Jian paused before saying: "That was a long, long time ago..."

"Then that is truly a coincidence. This wine is from a Spirit Master named Jacob in my Wuhun City. His martial soul is very unique; he is naturally able to make grapes ferment and brew delicious wine."

Bibi Dong seemed to be thinking of the wine, and unconsciously stuck out the tip of her pink tongue to lick her lips.

Qin Jian was slightly stunned at the sight, as a sign of respect.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Bibi Dong probably hadn't noticed her own small gesture and even tilted her head, looking a bit puzzled.

Qin Jian was almost overwhelmed by her contrast-cuteness...

"Hoo..."

He took a deep breath and turned his head away: "It's nothing."

After a moment, a Maid came over and said: "Your Holiness, dinner is ready."

Bibi Dong nodded and led Qin Jian toward the terrace.

As soon as he stepped out, Qin Jian was dazzled by the expansive night view before him.

The Pope Palace was itself a building situated on a high mountain, sufficient to overlook the entire Wuhun City.

And Bibi Dong's main palace was located on the very top floor of the Pope Palace; standing on the terrace now and looking down, one could truly see the vast mountains and rivers at a single glance.

"What a beautiful view."

Qin Jian walked to the railing and gazed at the entire world.

At night, Wuhun City had only scattered lights, which shone in harmony with the twinkling stars in the sky.

A cool breeze blew, brushing against his face with a hint of chill, yet it did not make one feel cold, only comfortable.

Under this night sky, the Pope Palace remained brightly lit and visible from far and near.

Even at night, there were gazes fixed here from time to time, carrying devout faith and loyalty.

The Spirit Hall, a force that integrated a Spirit Master organization and a religious faith, actually had more power to unify the Dalu than the two great empires.

It was just that the Popes of successive generations were most concerned with the extraordinary power of Spirit Masters, and rarely focused their attention on proselytizing to ordinary people.

This meant losing a great advantage, the advantage of brainwashing...

"Do you like the scenery here?"

Bibi Dong had walked to Qin Jian's side at some point, interrupting his messy thoughts.

Qin Jian came back to his senses, stretched his arms out in a yawn, and said, "Climbing high to gaze into the distance can broaden one's mind; living in a place like this is truly enviable."

"In the future, you will also live here."

Bibi Dong said indifferently, suddenly slowly extending her hand and covering the Wuhun City below, looking as if she wanted to grasp the entire city in her palm.

"Do you know... what I think about every time I stand here?" she suddenly said slowly.

Qin Jian glanced at her and said, "I imagine it's probably not about the lights of ten thousand homes or how the happiness of ordinary people is enviable."

"How could I possibly be interested in that sort of thing."

Bibi Dong let out a soft laugh, her slender palm slowly clenching: "What I think is, if I could grasp this entire world in my hand, how delightful that would be..."

Qin Jian's expression was strange: "Do you know that your expression right now has the temperament of a great villain?"

"A great villain?"

A trace of mockery seemed to flash across the corners of Bibi Dong's mouth, not directed at Qin Jian, but at the world: "If the stance is different, how can one speak of righteous or villainous? It is merely a matter of the victor being king and the loser being the bandit."

"That is also true..."

Qin Jian crossed his arms: "If you succeed, you are the righteous one; the only difference is whether everything you have done, from the perspective of fair value, is ultimately good or bad."

"Fair value? What is that?" Bibi Dong asked curiously.

Qin Jian smiled and said, "Fair value is looking at it from the most impartial perspective; in other words, it is whether you are beneficial or harmful to the development of this world. If it is harmful, then even if you win, future generations will not acknowledge you."

Bibi Dong's expression stirred, and she asked seriously, "Then, what must one do to be beneficial?"

Qin Jian looked at the endless lights below and said slowly, "In the end, it is enough to still harbor a heart of compassion for those in low positions while standing in a high position."

"Just like how you sympathized with those two Maids just now?" Bibi Dong tilted her head and said.

Qin Jian nodded lightly and said, "This is not me standing on the moral high ground talking about everyone being equal, nor is it some heart of a saint; I am also very selfish. If innocent people suffer because of my mistakes, I will feel uneasy, which is why I harbor a heart of compassion for them."

"The higher one is in position, the more likely a single decision can affect the life and death of thousands upon thousands of people..."

Qin Jian smiled at Bibi Dong and said, "If you can, please always harbor a heart of compassion for those in low positions; not to appear noble, but simply to let us have peace of mind."

(End of this chapter)