After hearing the whole story, Qian Renxue was stunned. In a trembling voice, she asked, "Xiao Tian, your story...my father's disciple, and the girl born from that violation...are you saying...?"
She had already guessed the truth but couldn't believe her father, whom she'd always admired and who'd been so gentle to her, could be such a monster.
She hoped Tian Lin would deny it.
But Tian Lin nodded firmly. "Yes, the female disciple was your mother, Bibi Dong. The useless soul master was Yu Xiaogang. And the daughter born...was you!"
"Impossible! I don't believe it!" Qian Renxue roared. "My father died at Tang Hao's hands. That's common knowledge. How could Bibi Dong have killed him herself?"
"And they must have loved each other. It was just because of the master-disciple taboo that their relationship had to be kept secret. That's why my relationship with Bibi Dong couldn't be made public!"
She clung to her explanations. She'd rather believe what she'd always known because the real truth was too much to bear.
"Sister Xue, as far as I know, only you, Bibi Dong, and Qian Daoliu know your relationship, maybe also Golden Crocodile Douluo. Since I know this secret, I clearly have access to the truth. But since we are enemies, don't ask how I know. I won't say."
"Also, if your parents really loved each other, why has Bibi Dong treated you this way for so many years? You can ask your grandfather Qian Daoliu for proof."
At this point, Qian Renxue could no longer deny it. With Qian Daoliu as a witness, there was no way Tian Lin would lie so recklessly.
"Why? Why does it have to be this way?" Qian Renxue collapsed to her knees, sobbing. Even when her soul hunt and infiltration plans failed, she'd always shrugged it off.
She knew that as long as she survived, she could always make new plans. But this time, her long-held strength crumbled instantly.
Tian Lin walked over and gently embraced her. "Sister Xue, I didn't tell you this to hurt you but to help resolve the rift between you and Bibi Dong. After all, you're her daughter."
"Bibi Dong killed your father, but she wasn't wrong—your father deserved to die. She once wanted to leave Spirit Hall for Yu Xiaogang. Her life and cultivation were all given by Spirit Hall, so as Pope, Qian Xunji had every right to take them back, even to cripple or kill her. But there was one thing that belonged only to her—her chastity. No one had the right to take that from her against her will."
"Qian Xunji could have crippled or killed her, but what he did was unforgivable. For such a beastly act, death was too good for him."
"But you are innocent. You carry Qian Xunji's blood, and you're the only one who can apologize to Bibi Dong in his stead."
"Apologize? Is an apology enough for such hurt?" Leaning against Tian Lin, Qian Renxue gradually calmed down, choking out the words.
"No, it isn't. But your family owes her that much. Bibi Dong already avenged herself by killing Qian Xunji. The past is past, and no one should suffer for it anymore. But Bibi Dong clearly hasn't moved on. She's getting more and more unstable. One day, she might bring disaster to the continent," Tian Lin gently wiped away Qian Renxue's tears. "Sister Xue, remember that girl who was violated to death by Xue Beng at Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Compared to her, do you think Bibi Dong is more miserable?"
Qian Renxue paused to think. Was Bibi Dong pitiful? Yes—violated by her revered teacher, forced to part from her love. But at least she could take revenge herself and even had a supportive grandfather who understood the main fault lay with his son. Even after Bibi Dong killed Qian Xunji, he allowed her to become Pope, giving her power and status as compensation.
If it weren't for Qian Daoliu, Bibi Dong would not have survived.
Her great revenge was accomplished. Now, it was Bibi Dong's own heart that held her back. By contrast, the countless civilian girls abused to death by nobles and soul masters were far more miserable—unable to take revenge, having lost their lives without justice.
Qian Renxue was clever; Tian Lin's words woke her up. "You're right. She's miserable, but not the most miserable. Many women on the continent suffered worse. With my father's death, that story is over. She shouldn't take it out on others. As her daughter, I must pull her away from hate."
"And I must seek justice for more women like her and that civilian girl. As for Xue Beng, I will tear him limb from limb someday!"
"Well said. That's my Sister Xue!" Tian Lin smiled. Seeing that Qian Renxue had calmed down, he suddenly realized how close they were, "Um, Sister Xue, could you let go? My clothes are soaked with your tears."
"No! I have more to ask." Qian Renxue refused to leave his embrace. "Why are you so intent on reconciling me and my mother? If you won't submit to Spirit Hall, that makes us enemies. Wouldn't it be better for you if the Worship Hall and the Pope Hall were at odds?"
Tian Lin, seeing he couldn't push her away, let her be. "Why? Because, as I said, I want a promise from you. I think my secret is weighty enough."
Qian Renxue raised her tear-stained eyes. "What promise?"
"No massacring cities!" Tian Lin's face was serious. "Future wars should be battles between soul masters, nobles, royals, and armies. Even if I lose and my sect is slaughtered, that's life. But war shouldn't target civilians. They already suffer enough from chaos. Massacring cities is against the heavenly way."
"What do you mean? Do you think I, Qian Renxue, would do something so heartless?" Qian Renxue left his embrace, glaring at him.
"Of course you wouldn't. But Bibi Dong might," Tian Lin had noticed that this world leaned more toward the anime, and Bibi Dong here seemed even more unhinged than in the original.
For example, in the original, Gengxin City was massacred for helping the Tang Sect. Here, though they hadn't helped the Tang Sect, they had helped the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The result would likely be the same.
If Tian Lin were a true saint, he'd abandon the Blacksmiths' Association and warn them not to get involved. But he was not. He couldn't give up such a valuable resource.
Even so, he couldn't just take benefits and leave others to die. He had to find a way to ensure Gengxin City's safety.