Though his mind wandered with fanciful thoughts, Dai Chengfeng's expression remained utterly calm.
He looked at Tang San and sneered. "Indeed, we meet again."
With that, Dai Chengfeng didn't waste time on pleasantries. He flicked his finger, tossing a white jade vial toward Yu Xiaogang.
Inside the vial was the specially "customized" Soul-Forming Pill he had painstakingly prepared the day before.
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang fumbled to catch the vial. Through the transparent glass, he examined it carefully, then quickly turned his gaze back to Dai Chengfeng, his face showing surprise.
"Dai Chengfeng, you… you're just giving me the Soul-Forming Pill like this?"
"You're not afraid I'll change my mind after receiving the pill?"
"Heh, change your mind?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng let out a derisive snort, slowly clenching his fist. An oppressive aura that made one's heart race instantly spread through the air. "Am I supposed to be afraid of you changing your mind?"
"If you want to renege, feel free to try. Let's see if you can leave here today with the Soul-Forming Pill in hand."
Yu Xiaogang felt the overwhelming presence emanating from Dai Chengfeng and instinctively recalled the humiliating experience of being manhandled like a chicken by him in the past. A flicker of shame passed through his eyes.
At the same time, his face turned pale, and he nervously shrank back.
Beside him, Tang San also felt a chill run down his spine.
Although he believed that after more than two months of intensive training under the guidance of that 'mysterious person,' his strength had greatly improved compared to the last time he faced Dai Chengfeng.
However, the memory of being utterly crushed by Dai Chengfeng still left a deep psychological scar.
Thus, he dared not provoke him.
After a long while, Tang San finally forced down the slight fear rising in his heart. "This is what they call the heart's demon? It seems Dai Chengfeng has already taken the path to his own destruction!"
Thinking this, Tang San stepped forward and said gravely, "Dai Chengfeng, don't get cocky!"
"In ten days, who will prevail remains to be seen!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow, his smile dripping with undisguised contempt for Tang San. "You say that? Then I'm truly looking forward to our rematch in ten days. Let's see what kind of 'surprises' you and my foolish brother can bring me."
"I hope your strength doesn't disappoint me too much!"
Hearing this, Tang San thought about the new Soul Bone, Soul Skills, and even his hidden weapon he had recently acquired.
His eyes grew sharp, filled with killing intent and determination.
"We'll see!"
With that, he turned to Yu Xiaogang and gave a barely perceptible nod.
Yu Xiaogang understood and carefully handed the jade vial to Tang San.
Tang San took the vial, slowly opened it, and began inspecting it with intense focus.
He even employed the detection methods of the Purple Extreme Demon Eye and Xuan Tian Technique, verifying the authenticity of the Soul-Forming Pill and checking for any traces of poison…
After a moment, Tang San raised his head and nodded affirmatively at Yu Xiaogang:
"Teacher, the pill is genuine, no issues."
Even though Tang San was a top expert in the use of poisons, unfortunately…
What Dai Chengfeng had added wasn't poison.
Thus, despite Tang San's meticulous inspection, he failed to detect any abnormalities in this Soul-Forming Pill.
"Is that so?"
Yu Xiaogang trusted Tang San's judgment and exhaled deeply, finally feeling completely at ease.
On the other side, seeing that Tang San hadn't found any problems, Dai Chengfeng's lips curled into a faint smile. His anticipation grew even stronger for the day when Tang San might "marry" Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, or even Oscar.
Outwardly, however, he calmly turned to Yu Xiaogang, his voice flat yet carrying an undeniable authority:
"Since the pill is confirmed to be fine, Yu Xiaogang, it's time for you to fulfill your promise from yesterday, isn't it?"
"This…"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang thought about how he would have to completely push Liu Erlong into Dai Chengfeng's arms.
Even though they had already parted ways, his heart still ached as if pierced by needles. An indescribable sense of bitterness and humiliation welled up inside him.
He did have feelings for Liu Erlong; otherwise, he wouldn't have fled in such anguish years ago.
But now, he had to personally hand her over to another man—especially someone like Dai Mubai's younger brother. How could he bear it?
But…
In the end, thinking of Tang Hao, the awe-inspiring Heavenly Dou Battle God whose icy eyes might reveal disappointment, Yu Xiaogang gritted his teeth.
"…I understand."
Then, he glanced at Tang San, not wanting his disciple to know about this matter. Struggling to maintain his composure, he said to Dai Chengfeng:
"Dai Chengfeng, since I promised you, could you let Xiao San leave first?"
"Don't worry, I… I'll keep my promise. But this matter… after all, it involves me and Liu Erlong. Look…"
Dai Chengfeng watched with amusement as Yu Xiaogang struggled to appear calm while inwardly conflicted. He fully understood his intentions—to save face while secretly acting dishonorably, fearing his disciple would see him lose dignity.
Dai Chengfeng shrugged indifferently. "Fine."
"But Yu Xiaogang, remember your words."
"If you try anything tricky, the consequences will be far beyond what you can handle."
Yu Xiaogang's face paled slightly as he took a deep breath. "Rest assured, I, Yu Xiaogang… always keep my promises."
With that, Yu Xiaogang turned to Tang San, who looked puzzled, trying to keep his tone steady. "Xiao San, go back first."
"The teacher has… some matters to discuss privately with Dai Chengfeng."
Tang San frowned slightly, sensing something odd in the atmosphere between Dai Chengfeng and Yu Xiaogang.
Why does Teacher suddenly want to send me away?
And why does he want to stay alone with Dai Chengfeng, our enemy?
"Teacher, perhaps I should stay. Maybe…"
Driven by curiosity, Tang San spoke, wanting to remain.
"Go back!"
Yu Xiaogang's tone grew firmer, leaving no room for argument. "Listen to me, Xiao San! This is the teacher's order!"
"Some things… you don't need to know."
Tang San had never heard Yu Xiaogang speak to him in such a stern, almost impatient tone. He was momentarily stunned.
Looking at Yu Xiaogang's pale, tense face and glancing at Dai Chengfeng, who stood composed with a mocking smirk, Tang San's suspicions deepened.
But orders were orders. In the end, Tang San suppressed his doubts.
"…Yes, Teacher."
Tang San reluctantly replied, casting a worried glance at Yu Xiaogang. Clutching the jade vial tightly, he turned and hurried away, his figure soon disappearing beyond the courtyard gate.
Only after confirming that Tang San had gone far did Yu Xiaogang seem to collapse, his shoulders sagging slightly.
Turning to Dai Chengfeng, his eyes were filled with complex emotions—struggle, shame, and a resigned weariness.
In a low voice, he said, "Dai Chengfeng, you… go into Erlong's room first. I'll… I'll knock on the door later, then… then, as agreed, I'll make her completely lose hope in me. You… just watch."
Dai Chengfeng nodded in satisfaction. "I hope you keep your promise and act convincingly."
"Don't forget—you won't get a second chance."
With that, Dai Chengfeng ignored Yu Xiaogang's dispirited state and strode directly toward the small house where Liu Erlong resided.
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