After spending three days in deep communion with Bibi Dong, Li Chang’an returned to the Pope’s Palace carrying the completely exhausted Bibi Dong in his arms and gently laid her on the bed.

He tenderly brushed a hand across her cheek, then slipped off her embroidered cloud boots, revealing a pair of soft, fair feet—slender and elegant, with nails painted a dignified violet that matched her temperament.

"No more looking. I’m not a foot enthusiast," he muttered to himself—though he still lightly tapped her toes, drawing a sleepy, faint murmur of protest from Bibi Dong.

"Rest well. I have matters to attend to," he whispered. With that, he stepped forward and vanished from her chamber.

Only after he disappeared did Bibi Dong slowly open her brilliant eyes. Gazing at the place where he had stood, she smiled with quiet satisfaction. Contentment suited her. She rolled onto her side, her silhouette graceful beneath the sheets, and drifted back to sleep.

Li Chang’an reappeared near Spirit Hall Academy. Rubbing his waist, he headed for the main gate. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Since pledging themselves to Spirit Hall, Huo Wu and the others had joined the academy’s faculty. Li Chang’an had come to see Huo Wu.

He was now a Titled Douluo, and the Abyssal invasion was only two months away. After that, the Gods’ War would likely begin. Time was tight. His feelings for Huo Wu and Shui Bing’er already had a firm foundation; now was the right moment to speak plainly.

At present, his strength had reached a subtle and towering realm. Even an peerless Douluo would not last ten moves against him. If one needed a comparison, the Beast God Di Tian was perhaps a barely adequate opponent.

The Sea God Island "resources" were almost fully tapped. From here on, he could only break through by his own efforts—again and again.

"If I have no rival among men, whom shall I battle but the heavens?"

He raised his head and spoke each word slowly. The air itself hushed, as if some unseen gaze tried to erase him from this world.

"Hmph." Li Chang’an snorted, two ancient, primal auras unfurling from him. The pressure dissolved at once. Shaking his head, he strode toward the academy.

He did not make a spectacle of seeking Huo Wu; with his current notoriety, that would be tantamount to announcing to the world that the man who had publicly confessed to the Pope three days ago was now "out and about" again.

He stepped once—and appeared directly in Huo Wu’s office.

It was not large, perhaps thirty to forty square meters, decorated mainly in fiery reds. A faint, distinct fragrance—hers—lingered in the room. He had breathed that same scent when he once kissed her.

Huo Wu had not yet returned from class. Li Chang’an sat in her chair, spinning idly while considering how best to speak. Strangely...he felt a twinge of shyness.

The door opened. Huo Wu, dressed in a scarlet faculty uniform, stepped inside—and saw him.

"You—you’re here?" Joy flashed in her eyes, then cooled. Three days ago you confessed to the Pope for all to see.

Compared to a year ago, Huo Wu’s figure had grown more mature—fierier, truly—and the cascade of crimson hair sharpened that irresistible edge.

"I’m here to see you," he said with an easy smile, gaze clear.

"See me for what? Shouldn’t you be with your Supreme Pontiff?" She puffed her cheeks—the very image of a girlfriend sulking from jealousy.

Li Chang’an chuckled, placing his hands lightly on her shoulders—only for her to brush them off without mercy.

"Master Li, we are not acquainted so intimately. Please show some restraint," Huo Wu said coolly, taking her seat and reaching for paperwork.

"Very well. I’d hoped to be honest with you today...but if you’re resolute, then pretend I was never here." He sighed. "I’m about to leave on a mission and may not return. You are my last regret. Take care."

He waved and turned away, a lonely figure framed by the door.

Seated, Huo Wu watched his back and remembered—the kiss he stole, the matches where he overwhelmed her, the moment he stood between her and mortal danger...

Her hand tightened into a fist. "Wait."

Li Chang’an looked back, expression somber. "Yes?"

"What mission? Why might you not return?"

"In the near future, another world will invade Douluo Continent. I’m the chosen one who must stand and fight." His voice was even. "You saw what happened with Yu Xiaogang—that abyssal lord possessed him. When the demon lord himself descends, he will come for me. I cannot promise I’ll come back. But for all of you, I will fight."

"C-could you...hold me again?" Huo Wu’s voice trembled. She knew he spoke no lie; the terror of that possession remained vivid. She did not believe anyone could match the Abyssal Lord in a single year—not even Li Chang’an. Her heart clenched.

Without a word, Li Chang’an opened his arms. Huo Wu huffed once, then smiled and stepped into his embrace.

"Last time you kissed me; this time I’m returning it," she declared, still proudly domineering—then drew him down into a fierce, burning kiss.

It was the first time a woman had ever "wall-pinned" Li Chang’an.

...

A day later, he stood outside Heaven Dou City’s Skywater Academy. Extending his spiritual sense, he failed to find Shui Bing’er; with another step, he appeared at her door.

"Who is it?" came a soft, slightly sleepy voice—it was indeed Shui Bing’er.

"It’s me—Li Chang’an."

Footsteps quickened on the other side. The door opened to reveal Shui Bing’er in a pale blue nightdress, long azure hair draped over her shoulders, eyes still hazy with sleep—adorably so.

"Chang’an? What brings you here?"

"I came to make amends for my last regret. I..."

...

Three minutes later, he was holding her hand as they entered the room. He gently lifted her in a bridal carry and walked toward her bedroom.

...

A Titled Douluo’s stamina, paired with spirit bones, is...decidedly reliable.