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Upon hearing this, Liu Erlong forcefully suppressed the heat that had stirred deep within her body. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm.
"Cough… I'm fine."
"It's just… the soul power guidance took more mental energy than expected, and I'm feeling a bit drained… Mmm~"
But the slight quiver at the end of her sentence betrayed a hint of something unusual.
Then, she quickly stepped back half a pace, deliberately increasing the distance between herself and Dai Chengfeng. "That's enough for today. Go home and digest what I taught you earlier, and remember those critical turning points in the soul power flow…"
Dai Chengfeng nodded, looking at Liu Erlong with curiosity about what had just happened to her.
Drained?
But that sound…
And Dai Chengfeng couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen this state in someone else before.
But he didn't dwell on it further and simply nodded. "Yes, Principal Liu."
Seeing that Dai Chengfeng didn't press further, Liu Erlong felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
"I won't see you out. Make sure to focus on the Soul-Shaping Pill, and I'll get the records of Yu Xiaogang and Flender's techniques to you as soon as possible."
"Then I'll take my leave. I'll come back tomorrow for more guidance."
Dai Chengfeng gave a slight bow and turned to leave with long strides.
The door closed softly, separating the inside from the outside.
However, Liu Erlong's gaze remained fixed on the direction Dai Chengfeng had departed. Her eyes unconsciously glanced down at her right hand, where the lingering sensation of his touch and the unspoken heat still coursing through her body lingered.
"What… just happened to me?"
Liu Erlong stood there for a long time, her usually sharp brows furrowed with heavy confusion, a trace of hidden fear, and an indescribable curiosity.
"What was that feeling?"
Liu Erlong muttered to herself, her voice carrying a lingering hoarseness. Her mind replayed the fleeting sensation when their soul powers were connected: a killing intent so cold it nearly froze her soul? Followed by a chilling, malevolent force that seemed to stir the deepest desires of one's heart…
Just a trace of it seeping into her body and flowing back had nearly caused her, a Soul Sage, to lose control?!
Soon, recalling the two uncontrollable moans that now made her cheeks flush with embarrassment, Liu Erlong clenched her fists slightly…
"This Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Chengfeng, whose spirit is the White Tiger, harbors such shocking, incomprehensible power within him?"
"Where did these powers come from?"
"How does he control them without causing his own destruction?"
For a moment, Liu Erlong instinctively recalled the terrifying force that even she, a Soul Sage, feared. A sudden surge of curiosity toward Dai Chengfeng filled her heart.
"This little tiger… is quite interesting!"
---
On the other hand, Dai Chengfeng had no idea what Liu Erlong was thinking, and even if he did, he wouldn't have cared.
At this moment, after leaving Liu Erlong's courtyard, his thoughts were still preoccupied with the brief interaction and separation of the Asura and Rakshasa powers within him.
"The 'peaceful coexistence' of these two divine powers, and even the subtle 'resonance' they produced… Spirit Fusion Techniques involve merging two people's soul power and spirit. Could these two forces also have the potential to merge?"
A flicker of excitement flashed in Dai Chengfeng's eyes. "I should give it a try!"
Lost in thought, Dai Chengfeng returned to his room in the Spirit Hall and pushed open the door. "Qiu'er, did you miss me… Hmm?"
Before he could finish, he was surprised to find a cold, elegant figure quietly sitting in his room.
It was Zhu Zhuqing.
She wore a form-fitting black outfit that accentuated her graceful yet powerful curves. Her exquisite face bore no expression, as serene and still as a statue carved from black jade.
Hearing the door open, she raised her cat-like eyes and looked at Dai Chengfeng.
Dai Chengfeng was momentarily startled but then smiled. "Zhuqing?"
"What a coincidence, finding you here?"
Zhu Zhuqing's calm gaze fell on Dai Chengfeng. Her voice was icy but not distant. "Not really a coincidence. I came specifically to wait for you."
"Wait for me?"
Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
After all, he wasn't particularly close to this nominal fiancée of his. Given her personality, it wasn't like her to come early in the morning just to wait for him.
"Mm," Zhu Zhuqing nodded and explained, "Half an hour ago, Her Majesty the Empress sent me to fetch you for breakfast. When I arrived, you weren't here, so I decided to wait."
Dai Chengfeng suddenly understood. He glanced at the time and smiled. "I went out early this morning. It shouldn't be too late to go now."
Dai Chengfeng had left early, and his lesson with Liu Erlong had been interrupted due to the disturbance of the Asura power. By the time he returned, it was only around 7 or 8 in the morning.
As he spoke, he walked over to the coat rack, casually picking up his jacket. "Shall we go?"
"Yes."
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing more and stood up.
Soon, Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing arrived side by side at the dining hall.
At this time, his mother, Empress Zhu Hongxiu of the Star Luo Empire, and the High Priestess Zhu Hongye, were already seated in their places.
The two regal women exchanged a glance upon seeing Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing arrive together, slightly later than usual. A faint, satisfied smile appeared in their eyes.
In their view, it was clear that the young couple had lost track of time while "bonding".
"Young people, indeed… they get along quickly…"
Empress Zhu Hongxiu chuckled inwardly, but aloud she said:
"Chengfeng, Zhuqing, now that you're here, let's begin the meal."
Empress Zhu Hongxiu smiled warmly, her tone gentle. "Try some of today's pastries—they were prepared by a new chef from the Spirit Hall. They're supposed to have a unique flavor."
"We've kept Mother and the High Priestess waiting."
Dai Chengfeng spoke as he and Zhu Zhuqing took their seats.
Soon, breakfast was served.
During the meal, Empress Zhu Hongxiu continued her efforts to bring Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing closer together.
Whenever a delicate dish was passed around, she casually reminded Dai Chengfeng: "Chengfeng, this crystal shrimp dumpling is excellent. Why don't you serve one to Zhuqing?"
"This phoenix tail puff might suit Zhuqing's taste. Why don't you try it?"
Dai Chengfeng complied willingly, and Zhu Zhuqing didn't refuse. Each time, she nodded slightly in acknowledgment, gracefully eating the food he served her.
After finishing the harmonious breakfast, the maids cleared away the dishes.
Dai Chengfeng was about to find an excuse to leave and continue studying the Asura power and the soul power paths Liu Erlong had taught him for the Trinity Spirit Fusion Technique when Empress Zhu Hongxiu suddenly spoke.
"Chengfeng," she set down her silk handkerchief and looked at Dai Chengfeng. "The weather is lovely today. I hear the dueling arena in Spirit City is bustling with activity, living up to its reputation."
"You don't seem busy. Why don't you take Zhuqing to see it?"
"Take Zhu Zhuqing to the dueling arena?" Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow in surprise.
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