Meow!
Qiu'erseemed to understand and lifted her head from Dai Chengfeng's embrace, meowing softly toward Hu Liena. Then, without hesitation, she buried her head back into the crook of Dai Chengfeng's neck, even batting at him with her tiny claws. Clearly, she was unwilling.
She had no intention of being held by this unfamiliar human woman.
Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but laugh. He shrugged at Hu Liena. "See? Qiu'er is a bit shy."
"And… I'm not exactly her master yet. This little one has quite the pride."
"Aww, Brother Chengfeng~"
Hu Liena wasn't about to give up. She lightly tugged at Dai Chengfeng's sleeve, shaking his arm while batting her large amber eyes flirtatiously, drawing out her words in a playful whine.
"Qiu'er looks so smart. You should be able to communicate with her, right? Just talk to her nicely, and let me hold her for a moment—just a little while!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at the coquettish Hu Liena. She was already a 'fox' by nature, and when she acted cute, her charm became irresistible.
But still, Dai Chengfeng shook his head. "Sorry, this really isn't possible."
He gave her an apologetic look. "Even if you pout, it won't work."
"If Qiu'er doesn't want to, I can't force her."
Meow
Upon hearing Dai Chengfeng's words, Qiu'erimmediately rubbed her head against his large hand, her expression conveying, "We're the best of friends."
The earlier slight irritation at being called a pet came and went quickly.
Hu Liena pouted slightly, clearly disappointed. But there was nothing she could do about the golden ball of fluff nestled in Dai Chengfeng's neck. She reluctantly gave up on the idea of holding Qiu'erbut continued to gaze at her with clear affection.
As they spoke, the carriage soon arrived at the Pope's Palace.
Dai Chengfeng's room was halfway up the mountain, so the carriage passed by his private courtyard first.
Seeing the familiar building ahead, Dai Chengfeng straightened his slightly disheveled clothes. He turned to Bibi Dong, who sat regally in her seat, her expression calm and seemingly deliberately ignoring him as she closed her eyes slightly. With rare respect, he bowed deeply:
"Teacher, I'll take my leave now."
With that, Dai Chengfeng stepped down from the carriage.
At this moment, Bibi Dong's cold gaze fell on Dai Chengfeng, who stood ready to leave. She seemed to suddenly recall something and spoke sternly:
"Chengfeng, though you've had extraordinary encounters recently, leading to your rapid soul power growth, you must not slack off."
"Now that you've reached level 49, focus all your efforts on breaking through to the 50th level and becoming a Soul King."
"On the first day of next month, you will face off against Shrek Academy in an exchange match. This competition…"
Here, Bibi Dong's voice deepened slightly, and a sharp glint flashed in her purple eyes.
"Remember my words: you may lose to anyone else, but never to Shrek Academy!"
"You must win. Failure is not an option!"
"Do you understand?"
Upon hearing Bibi Dong's instructions, Dai Chengfeng's expression grew serious, and he responded firmly:
"Yes! I will remember! I will not disappoint your expectations, Teacher!"
He could sense the unyielding resolve in Bibi Dong's words, along with her complex emotions toward Shrek Academy—an indescribable mix of disdain and hatred.
"Hiss! Level 49?!"
However, just as Dai Chengfeng finished speaking, gasps of disbelief erupted from those around him.
Hu Liena's eyes widened, her beautiful fox-like eyes brimming with shock. She instinctively covered her slightly open mouth.
"You…"
Her voice trembled, unable to form the question stuck in her throat. For a moment, she didn't know how to express the storm of emotions raging inside her.
Yan was even more dramatic, his mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg, as if seeing Dai Chengfeng for the first time.
His eyes were glued to Dai Chengfeng, his expression one of utter disbelief.
Even Xie Yue, who was usually calm and composed, couldn't hide his astonishment.
And as for Yue Guan and Gui Mei, the two Title Douluo, their faces were filled with sheer amazement.
After all, just two months ago, when Dai Chengfeng left the Spirit Hall, he was obtaining his fourth spirit ring!
At that time, he had barely broken through to level 40, and his soul power was three levels lower than Hu Liena's!
Yet in just two months…
Dai Chengfeng's soul power had skyrocketed from level 40 to level 49!
A leap of nine whole levels? Surpassing Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan—the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall.
This was no longer simply a matter of being a genius; it was a shocking feat that defied everyone's understanding of cultivation. It was earth-shattering, enough to overturn all common knowledge of soul power advancement!
What kind of terrifying opportunity and potential did this require?!
However, Dai Chengfeng didn't give them time to ask. Right now, all he wanted was some rest.
Thus, under the astonished, puzzled, probing, and even slightly reverent gazes of the others, he bowed once more to Bibi Dong and took his leave without delay.
Carrying Qiu'eron his shoulder, he strode purposefully into his own small courtyard.
The door closed softly behind him, shutting out the noise of the outside world.
Hu Liena stared at the direction where Dai Chengfeng had disappeared, her lips pouting in frustration. "I must find out how he advanced so quickly!"
---
Dai Chengfeng returned to his room and pushed open the door.
The room hadn't gathered dust from months of vacancy. Instead, a familiar warmth and fragrance greeted him.
Zhu Hongxiu, the Empress of the Star Luo Empire and mother of Dai Chengfeng, had been waiting in the room since learning of her son's return a day earlier.
When she saw Dai Chengfeng's figure appear, her exquisite face—bearing a striking resemblance to his—lit up with a gentle smile. Her elegance radiated maternal love and longing.
"Chengfeng!"
Zhu Hongxiu hurried forward, cupping Dai Chengfeng's face in her hands as she carefully examined him, her eyes glistening with emotion.
"You've finally come back!"
"Let Mother see—are you thinner? Did you suffer much while you were away?"
Feeling the warmth of his mother's palms, a wave of comfort washed over Dai Chengfeng, dispelling much of his travel fatigue.
He gently held her hands and smiled reassuringly. "Mother, I'm fine. Nothing happened, just a bit tired from traveling."
"Did you wait long for me here?"
"Silly child, Mother would gladly wait for you no matter how long."
Zhu Hongxiu playfully tapped Dai Chengfeng's forehead, her eyes full of affection.
Then, her expression suddenly turned mysterious and eager. She lightly patted Dai Chengfeng's arm and gestured toward the lounge area inside the small hall, lowering her voice slightly.
With an indescribable smile that mixed familial responsibility with a certain anticipation, she said:
"Chengfeng, don't just focus on me. Look who's here?"
"Who's here?"
Dai Chengfeng was slightly curious upon hearing this. After all, if his mother mentioned it specifically, it definitely wasn't Grand Priestess Zhu Hongye.
But aside from Zhu Hongye, who else could have come to Spirit City?
Could it be someone who arrived while he was away?
Could it be his father, the Emperor?
But the next second, as a young girl emerged from the side hall, Dai Chengfeng's pupils contracted.
"It's… her?!"
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