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Yu Xiaogang, Yu Xiaogang… I hope you can truly "benefit" from this "precious gift" of mine…
A cold smirk flickered across Dai Chengfeng's mind.
Soon after, Dai Chengfeng finally spoke, his voice returning to its initial calm. "Fine."
"The experience you mentioned does have some value, and I cannot refuse."
"I agree!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Erlong felt a wave of relief wash over her, as if a massive boulder had been lifted from her heart. A surge of immense joy and accomplishment followed.
It's done!
Xiaogang might still have a chance!
For a moment, both Dai Chengfeng and Liu Erlong harbored their own thoughts, yet they reached an agreement in apparent harmony.
However, though the deal was struck, the details still needed to be finalized.
Dai Chengfeng looked at Liu Erlong and began asking, "Principal Liu, how do you plan to teach me the experience you've described?"
"Surely you don't expect me to rely solely on a few verbal insights?"
"I need complete, systematic records that ensure I grasp the essence of it, and I also need to verify its authenticity and effectiveness."
Liu Erlong clearly had anticipated this question. She immediately responded, "Over the years, I've already compiled these experiences into scrolls."
"They include the core principles, the flow of soul power during our fusion process, key analyses of martial soul resonance, and reflections on our initial failures."
She paused briefly, meeting Dai Chengfeng's scrutinizing gaze. "Of course, certain deep secrets and critical techniques involving myself, Flender, and Yu Xiaogang will remain undisclosed."
"But I guarantee that what I provide will be sufficient for any 'genius' soul master with understanding in this field to grasp the core concept of trinity soul fusion."
"As for authenticity… I can swear upon my martial soul."
Dai Chengfeng nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with this response.
Liu Erlong continued, "Moreover, I will stay in Spirit City for a month. During this time, Your Highness can come to me anytime to study or discuss anything you don't understand."
At this point, she added with a hint of probing, "A month should be enough for Prince Dai Chengfeng to refine the Soul-Shaping Pill, right?"
"Enough."
Dai Chengfeng nodded. After all, he already possessed the main ingredient, the Soul-Shaping Grass, and the formula, needing only some supplementary materials.
Finding a larger pharmacy would likely suffice to gather all the necessary ingredients. Thus, even a week would be more than enough, let alone a month.
"Then, shall we say our cooperation is pleasant?"
Liu Erlong stood up, extending her hand with a smile, inwardly smug.
A month is enough?
And you didn't even haggle?
No matter how clever you are, facing such profound and complex trinity soul fusion experience, grasping the surface-level concepts will be your limit.
Wait until a month later—I'll see how you regret it. By then, you'll be begging me.
Arrogant brat!
On the other side, Dai Chengfeng, unaware of Liu Erlong's thoughts, extended his hand as well, saying, "Pleasant cooperation."
After speaking, he released Liu Erlong's delicate hand, and his figure quickly disappeared around the corner of the stairs.
The empty first floor of the inn left Liu Erlong standing alone. She stared at the vacant staircase…
"Why do I feel that, although the deal is done, the real confrontation seems to have just begun?"
Liu Erlong felt the lingering warmth of Dai Chengfeng's palm on her hand and subtly furrowed her brows.
But soon, she shook her head. "I'm a Soul Sage. What threat could a mere Soul Ancestor like Dai Chengfeng pose to me?"
"I'm not someone who can be easily pushed around!"
---
Inn, second floor.
After leaving Liu Erlong, Dai Chengfeng had returned to the room he shared with Bibi Dong.
The moment he entered, a fragrant scent mixed with moisture and faint rose fragrance wafted toward him.
Inside the room.
What greeted Dai Chengfeng's eyes caused his mind to involuntarily waver for a moment.
At the wooden chair by the window, a graceful figure was lazily reclining.
Bibi Dong had already changed out of her daytime attire, now wearing a loose silk nightgown.
Under the moonlight, the purple fabric accentuated her exposed skin, smooth and flawless like cold jade.
Clearly having just bathed, her damp hair was left unbound, casually draped over her shoulders and the soft cushion behind her. A few mischievous strands clung to her smooth neck and collarbone, trailing downward, evoking imagination.
Occasionally, droplets of water slid from the ends of her hair, spreading deeper purple imprints on the thin fabric.
The silk gown was incredibly soft and flowing, outlining her upper body's exquisite curves but loosening around her waist and abdomen due to her relaxed posture…
The loose skirt cascaded down the edge of the chair, almost reaching the floor, covering most of her long legs.
However, not everything was concealed.
One leg, as white as snow, was bent and resting on a low stool in front of her.
Her bare feet were delicate, her ankles slender, and the arch of her foot beautifully curved. Each toe was exquisitely shaped, as if carved from jade.
Her calf's lines were taut and smooth, her skin flawless, appearing blindingly white under the dim light and against the backdrop of the deep purple silk, breathtakingly beautiful.
And at this moment.
Hearing the door open, Bibi Dong slightly turned her head. "Why did you take so long?"
Her voice was much softer than during the day, carrying a slight hoarseness from her bath.
"It's just handling a small matter, yet it delayed you this much?"
Her red lips parted lightly, her tone seemingly casual, but the slightly raised inflection at the end revealed her curiosity.
Dai Chengfeng did not answer directly. Instead, he closed the door and slowly approached, stopping in front of her.
The fresh scent after her bath made him inhale deeply.
For a moment, Dai Chengfeng's gaze unconsciously lingered on her exposed feet and the smooth outline of her nightgown before finally pulling back to meet Bibi Dong's eyes.
"I met someone, which delayed me a bit," Dai Chengfeng explained with a smile.
"Oh?"
Bibi Dong's elegant eyebrows arched slightly, a flicker of surprise and curiosity passing through her eyes. She set down the strand of hair she was holding and leaned forward slightly. "In such a remote inn, who could make you stop?"
Dai Chengfeng uttered three words: "Liu Erlong."
"Liu Erlong?"
These three words were like a stone tossed into a tranquil lake, instantly stirring ripples in Bibi Dong's eyes.
She repeated the name, her previously languid expression suddenly replaced by icy composure.
A complex glimmer flashed in her deep purple eyes—sudden realization, indescribable scrutiny, and even a fleeting, barely perceptible… sharp emotion.
Evidently, the name Liu Erlong and the past it represented, tied to another person, were things she understood very well.
However, this chill came and went swiftly.
Bibi Dong's gaze quickly returned to calmness, even adopting a hint of detached emptiness.
She gently shook her head.
For some reason, Bibi Dong realized that the people and events that once felt deeply etched in her heart were now rapidly fading and losing color in her memory, becoming…
Not as important anymore?
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