Hehe, Brother Yuan Longxuan, what would you like to eat? I can have the kitchen prepare it for you right away," she said eagerly, her tone bright and youthful.
All around, the staff exchanged knowing smiles....Liu Erlong's feelings for Yuan Longxuan were barely concealed, though she thought she masked them well.
"Well, hand these to the old masters inside to process," Yuan Longxuan instructed, passing her a small bag.
The contents were deceptively light, yet carried the weight of his careful planning and discerning taste.
"Yes! I'll take care of it immediately!" Liu Erlong exclaimed, dashing off toward the kitchen with unrestrained energy.
Yuan Longxuan simply found a spacious spot nearby and seated himself, his calm demeanor a sharp contrast to the bustling staff.
A short while later, Liu Erlong returned, accompanied by Little Lizi, carrying a carefully prepared tray.
The breakfast was exquisite yet simple: 3,000-year-old bluefin tuna oil, deep-sea ruby shrimp, and blanched thousand-year-old bamboo shoots.
Yuan Longxuan's careful selection reflected not only his refined taste but also his attention to the staff's cultivation needs.
After placing the dishes down, Liu Erlong moved to resume her duties, but Yuan Longxuan stopped her.
"Take half of the bluefin tuna oil and one ruby shrimp for yourself," he said kindly. The nutrients would enhance her cultivation, bringing her closer to breaking through to Soul King level.
"Ah? That's… not necessary."
"It's fine. You need to eat. Didn't you skip breakfast earlier?"
"Thank you, Brother Yuan Longxuan!" she said, immediately sitting across from him, a flush of gratitude and embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
The morning unfolded quietly, yet beneath the calm surface, the seeds of growth, ambition, and loyalty continued to take root. Three years had passed, but the world of Yuan Longxuan, Ah Wu, Ah Yin, and Tang Yuehua remained as dynamic and potent as evera delicate balance of power, love, and strategy, waiting for the next wave of challenges to arrive.
After a carefully prepared breakfast, Yuan Longxuan leaned back, feeling the warmth and energy flowing through his body.
Despite his cultivation level allowing him to endure prolonged fasting, he had grown accustomed to the simple pleasures of eating and resting.
Even when sleep did not beckon naturally, he still forced himself to take a short nap of half an hour
a ritual to maintain both mind and body in perfect harmony.
"Ah, I'm completely full," he murmured softly, setting aside the last bite of food.
Liu Erlong, the red-haired prodigy, sat across from him, flushed and overwhelmed after consuming only half a portion of the thousand-year-old bluefin tuna oil.
She could not even bring herself to touch the ruby prawns, her cheeks glowing as the energy coursed through her.
A subtle, almost inaudible hum resonated from her abdomen as her cultivation shifted in response to the potent nutrients.
Her aura pulsed, growing more concentrated, yet a mix of surprise and hesitation colored her expression.
"Level 50 Soul King," Yuan Longxuan remarked, a soft smile playing on his lips. He held a radiant red orb before her, its inner light flickering with latent power.
"Go to your room and absorb the spirit ring. Nothing here will go wrong. Trust me."
Liu Erlong's eyes widened in astonishment, her words faltering. "B-But… this… I—"
Before she could continue, her hesitation melted away, replaced by an impulsive surge of emotion.
With a decisive motion, she stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Yuan Longxuan, and pressed her lips to his in a bold kiss.
Pulling back slightly, she whispered, "Thank you, Brother Yuan Longxuan!" Her heart raced, leaving her flushed and trembling.
Below, the staff silently observed the scene, exchanging whispered commentary:
Employee A: "Wow! The overbearing deputy manager actually kissed the boss!"
Employee B: "I envy the boss's day…"
Employee C: "She's incredible—one move and she takes the boss by surprise!"
Employee D: "Go on, deputy manager! We're cheering for you!"
Though none understood the exact circumstances, it was impossible not to enjoy such drama from the safety of the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Liu Erlong's favorability rating surged to 95%, a subtle numerical reflection of the bond forming between student and master.
Yuan Longxuan allowed himself a faint smile, noting her spirited personality and fiery will.
He reflected briefly on the lessons from past challenges: any attempt to provoke him came with consequences, as Ah Wu and Ah Yin had learned when they dared to defy his authority.
Their defiance had cost them three days of rest in bed, a price Yuan Longxuan considered a firm but fair reminder.
Liu Erlong, youthful and energetic, would soon learn the boundaries of her audacity as well, though today he chose to tolerate her enthusiasm.
The energy in the red orb signaled that Liu Erlong's spirit ring contained roughly sixty to seventy thousand years of power.
Unlike rings from ordinary soul beasts, this one radiated stability, making absorption relatively safe and efficient.
Yuan Longxuan observed her carefully, ensuring she remained confident and steady throughout the process.
"Brother Yuan Longxuan, long time no see," Chen Xin greeted respectfully, stepping forward as Yuan Longxuan prepared to leave.
Despite his previous defeat at Yuan Longxuan's hands two years prior, Chen Xin had retained a deep respect for him, tempered by caution.
"Indeed, long time no see," Yuan Longxuan replied, his voice calm, measured. "How has life been here?"
"Quite good, very fulfilling. I appreciate your guidance," Chen Xin responded sincerely. Pleasantries exchanged,
Yuan Longxuan rose gracefully, ready to continue his journey.
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