A small, dimly lit room reeked of despair and sweat.
Yu Xiaogang lay bound to the cold iron frame of the bed, his body bruised and battered from years of relentless torture.
Four burly men, their faces shadowed and stern, stood vigil over him, each exuding a silent threat that made the air itself heavy.
Time had lost all meaning for Yu Xiaogang. Days, weeks, perhaps even months, blurred together.
He could no longer recall the last time he had truly rested or eaten without fear.
His spirit had been chipped away, piece by piece, until all hope seemed like a distant memory.
"Brother," one of the men grunted, his voice harsh yet tinged with excitement, "it looks like today is our last day on the job."
Yu Xiaogang lifted his head slightly, squinting at him. "Huh? The last day?"
"Yes," another replied, voice firm. "Two hours left, to be precise. The final operation is about to commence."
The tension in the room was palpable. Commands were barked, armor adjusted, weapons checked. "
Third brother, fourth brother, stay alert! Prepare for the final assault!"
"Yes, sir!" the men chorused in unison, their faces hard with anticipation and determination.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes darted around the room, registering the imposing figures surrounding him.
Even in his weakened state, a flicker of defiance sparked within him.
He had endured countless storms over these past three and a half years, from unrelenting interrogations to backbreaking labor.
And yet, despite all the pain and humiliation, a part of him refused to yield entirely.
Tears welled up, but he quickly blinked them away.
He would not give these men the satisfaction of seeing him completely broken.
Elsewhere, in a room suffused with soft morning light, Yuan Longxuan had already risen from bed. His movements were measured, deliberate, reflecting both the strength of his cultivation and the calm authority he carried effortlessly. Tang Yuehua lay nestled against him, the small rise and fall of her chest signaling her still-sleeping form.
Their bond had matured over the past three years.....they were, in many ways, an old married couple, though their affection retained the fire of youth and passion.
The topic of children had long since been resolved.
Yuan Longxuan, still young and aware of the responsibilities yet to come, had explained his reasoning.
He had no intention of fathering children yet, and with the subtle powers of his cheat, he had ensured that intimacy would not result in unintended pregnancies.
Ah Wu had smiled and said it didn't matter, Ah Yin expressed indifference, and Tang Yuehua simply cherished that his love remained unwavering.
Yuan Longxuan chuckled softly, brushing a lock of hair from Yuehua's face. "With wives like these," he murmured, "what more could a husband ask for?"
Ah Wu's cultivation had advanced significantly during this time.
Consuming the legendary Purple Jade Sky-High Grass gifted by Yuan Longxuan, her martial spirit evolved from the Soft Bone Rabbit to the Phantom Rabbit, reaching the formidable level of 73 as a Soul Sage.
Ah Yin had progressed even further, now at level 79, standing on the threshold of becoming a Soul Douluo.
Tang Yuehua, who had been spending her days training and refining her abilities, had soared in strength as well, approaching the tier of a High-level Soul King.
Despite their respective training, Yuan Longxuan maintained a delicate balance, dividing his attention between Tang Yuehua, Ah Yin, and Ah Wu. Each received guidance suited to their personality and strength, and yet he remained a vigilant observer of the broader world, rarely visiting Juxiang Pavilion himself.
In matters of spirit rings, Yuan Longxuan had kept a keen eye on developments.
Chen Xin, after much effort, had successfully absorbed a 100,000-year super-level spirit ring, a remarkable feat, and further acquired a 150,000-year super-level ring, solidifying his status.
Ning Fengzhi, the crafty old fox, had attempted to purchase the divinely bestowed spirit ring Yuan Longxuan possessed.
Ultimately, Yuan Longxuan, ever strategic, agreed on one condition: that Ning Fengzhi assist in expanding the Juxiang Pavilion's empire. The ring was later entrusted to Bone Douluo Gu Rong, whose martial spirit....Bone Dragon...allowed him to absorb a 170,000-year super-level spirit ring, exceeding even Chen Xin's achievement.
Despite Ning Fengzhi's repeated invitations to high-profile banquets, Yuan Longxuan politely declined, preferring to observe and guide from behind the scenes.
His interest lay not in frivolous social events, but in fostering growth and ensuring the prosperity of Juxiang Pavilion.
Three years of careful planning and strategic management had transformed Juxiang Pavilion. Its territory had more than doubled, and Ning Fengzhi's plans for expansion....starting from Tiandou Imperial City and gradually extending to surrounding regions....were being meticulously implemented.
The main store had been renovated, incorporating both beauty and efficiency, while future branches remained under careful consideration.
From a distance, the striking architecture of Juxiang Pavilion now dominated the cityscape, a testament to its rapid growth and Yuan Longxuan's meticulous oversight.
Inside the pavilion, activity buzzed with disciplined energy. Staff moved with purpose, preparing for the day ahead.
At the center of this organized chaos stood Liu Erlong, a red-haired prodigy who had arrived three years prior.
Today, she held the position of Deputy Front-of-House Manager, an impressive rise for someone only nineteen.
Her cultivation had reached the forty-ninth level of the High Soul Sect, positioning her just shy of attaining Soul King status.
Her keen eyes missed nothing, coordinating the staff with efficiency and authority that belied her age.
"Manager Erlong is busy," Yuan Longxuan remarked, approaching her with his signature calm smile.
"Huh? Brother Yuan Longxuan!" Liu Erlong's eyes sparkled upon seeing him.
Her excitement, though tempered by professionalism, betrayed a hint of admiration.
"Well, I haven't had much to do lately, so I thought I'd check on the store and see how things are progressing," he said, patting her head lightly, a gesture that carried both approval and gentle teasing.
[Liu Erlong's Current Favorability Rating: 93%; Hidden Crush]
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