Yu Xiaogang felt a headache brewing as he watched Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong activate their martial souls, poised for a fight. He shot a glance at Flender, who stood nearby looking lost, and sent a mental message: Boss Flender, hold off. I'll stop this from escalating. Just keep Liu Erlong from losing her temper again.
After signaling Flender, Yu Xiaogang faced the clash of Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong's spiritual power. With a surge of his own vast mental energy, he shattered their standoff. Taking Bibi Dong's slender hand, he said, "Enough, Dong'er. Don't be stubborn. Liu Erlong is still my cousin. Give me some face and don't make this awkward. I owe her an apology.
Then, turning to Liu Erlong, he continued, "Erlong, stop this. We're not suited for each other, and we can't keep making mistakes. I have to consider your reputation. Back then, you chose me over Flender out of affection, but you know martial soul fusion skills only occur between siblings or spouses. What you felt was familial warmth, not love. We didn't know our true connection at the time."Liu Erlong staggered back, shaken by his words. Flender darted to her side, gently supporting her. "Erlong, are you okay?
he asked with concern.She turned to Flender, her mind reeling. Yu Xiaogang's explanation echoed in her head, and it seemed to make sense. When both men had confessed their feelings, Yu Xiaogang's presence had drawn her in, filling the void of her lonely childhood with a sense of closeness. But even so, she couldn't accept his rejection. Why should she bear all the pain alone? She wanted answers. And seeing Bibi Dong's smug face only fueled her anger.
Though calmer now, Liu Erlong's resentment flared at Bibi Dong's arrogant demeanor. Shoving Flender aside, she pointed at her rival. "Hmph! Even if Xiaogang and I are done, I'll never accept you being with him! Haven't you hurt him enough already?
How dare you come back to him!"Bibi Dong, unused to such defiance, bristled. As the revered Saint of the Spirit Hall, she could've lashed out, but instead, she laced her fingers with Yu Xiaogang's and, before he could react, lightly kissed his cheek.
With a casual smirk, she taunted, My business with Xiaogang is none of your concern. You'd better call me sister-in-law from now on. You're welcome to our wedding—invitation's on the way.Liu Erlong's fury nearly burst. Bibi Dong was deliberately provoking her, flaunting her claim on Xiaogang. "You!" she roared. "Bibi Dong, I'll fight you!"Flender, seeing her about to unleash her power, grabbed her arm. "Erlong, calm down! This won't help you!"His words steadied her. With the younger generation watching, she couldn't lose control. Pushing Flender's hand away, she crossed her arms and sulked. Flender hovered nearby, soothing her. Yu Xiaogang's clarification had given him an opening to grow closer to her, and he was energized, like a man renewed.Noticing Sisi and the other young soul masters nearby, Liu Erlong recalled why Yu Xiaogang had called Flender here. Pointing at Bibi Dong, she gritted her teeth. "Fine! Xiaogang asked Flender to help his apprentice get their first soul ring. Let's make it a contest—who can hunt the best soul the fastest. Only then will I acknowledge you!"She turned to Sisi and Su Yuntao, who were casually observing the drama. "Sisi, Su Yuntao, you two lovebirds, come here. I'll take you to the Star Dou Forest to hunt souls later."Sisi and Su Yuntao, caught off guard, blushed and exchanged shy glances. Liu Erlong, ever perceptive, had sensed Sisi's feelings for Su Yuntao during their earlier chat. She saw this as a chance to play matchmaker while channeling her own unresolved emotions.Emboldened, Su Yuntao took Sisi's hand for the first time and led her toward Liu Erlong. Sisi, dizzy with shyness, didn't resist, which thrilled him.Bibi Dong shrugged off Liu Erlong's challenge. "Trying to make things difficult for me? Fine, sister-in-law will play along. Xiao Zhan, Wang Dachui, I'll take you soul hunting after dinner. Xiaogang, want to join? They're your disciples, after all."Xiao Zhan gave a wry smile and tugged Wang Dachui to stand behind Bibi Dong. Her commanding aura was intimidating, her tone leaving no room for refusal. Wang Dachui, less fazed, obediently followed and chirped, "Alright, Master's Wife! Thanks for helping with my first soul ring!"Bibi Dong's lips curved into a charming smile at the title. She pulled the martial soul files of Su Yuntao, Sisi, Xiao Zhan, and Wang Dachui from her storage soul guide, then used her soul power to send Sisi and Su Yuntao's files to Liu Erlong. "Here's Xiaogang's plan for their martial soul development. Study it carefully—don't mess it up. And don't say I didn't warn you: his disciples aren't ordinary."Liu Erlong snatched the files, her irritation flaring. As she skimmed them, her eyes widened. She looked at Yu Xiaogang in disbelief. "Xiaogang, are you serious? A 700-year-old first soul ring? And why must the soul beasts be dead? Can't we just hunt suitable ones?Flender, curious, took the files from her. After reading, he stared at Yu Xiaogang skeptically. "Yeah, Xiaogang, this is absurd.
No one on the Douluo Continent has a first soul ring over 430 years. And Sisi and Su Yuntao's innate soul power and cultivation talent aren't exceptional. Aren't your expectations too high?"Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, hands behind his back, ready to clarify. "This is my latest research, blending theory and practice.
Talent can be shaped through effort, and a soul master's potential isn't fixed by birth. Check Sisi and Su Yuntao's physical condition with your soul power—you'll see I'm not exaggerating."Gazing at the sunlight streaming through the window, his eyes deepened with conviction.
He spoke words that echoed a lifelong belief: "There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters.
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