Dai Chengfeng felt the delicate body beneath his palm slightly tense.
He continued, his voice deep and magnetic: "Not to mention that my life was spared by you, Teacher. If you wanted to kill me, there would no longer be a Dai Chengfeng."
"Simply being able to assist you, to help you achieve your goals faster, is already more than enough for me."
"No matter how great the power, how can it compare to you, Teacher?"
Dai Chengfeng's words were profound and fervent. "Let alone this bit of power; even if you needed all of my soul power, cultivation, or even my life, as long as it's for you, Teacher, I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest. I'd give it willingly, without regret."
"To sacrifice for you, Teacher, is my greatest wish and honor."
"You..."
Bibi Dong's pupils contracted sharply, her body trembling violently as she stood frozen in disbelief.
In the Douluo Continent, where strength reigned supreme, soul masters would fight to the death over a single level of soul power or a piece of soul bone. Cases of fathers turning against sons, or teachers becoming enemies with their disciples, were not uncommon.
Strength was everything—the foundation of survival, the ladder of ambition.
How could anyone... how could anyone so easily say they would give up all their power, even their life, without regret?
She had firmly believed that Dai Chengfeng's current infatuation with her might be due to youthful passion clouding his judgment or an excessive attachment stemming from his identity.
Deep down, however, she thought he couldn't possibly have no qualms about having his power drained.
She had even prepared arguments to deal with potential resentment and doubts that might arise in the future.
But she had never expected... such a response.
So thorough, so unconditional. Could it be that he truly...
An indescribable flood of complex emotions instantly overwhelmed Bibi Dong.
She remained silent, her body trembling slightly, as an unprecedented internal struggle raged within her.
Past wounds and the deeply ingrained theory of "exploitation" clashed violently with the utmost care and tenderness she had experienced last night and even now.
She suddenly recalled the intense and ardent gaze he always gave her, his careful touches, his restraint even at the height of passion, prioritizing her comfort, and the adoration in his eyes when he woke up this morning...
And now, the tender way he was washing her back—so natural, so full of affection.
Could all of this really be dismissed lightly with the word "exploitation"?
Perhaps... he was truly different?
Bibi Dong remained silent for a long, long time.
Dai Chengfeng also said nothing, patiently and gently continuing his actions as if the words he had just spoken were the most ordinary love talk.
Finally, Bibi Dong seemed to make a decision.
Slowly, very slowly, she turned around.
The steam blurred her features but made her deep purple eyes even more captivating, swirling with emotions Dai Chengfeng had never seen before—waves of gratitude, confusion, and a hint of... affection.
Without a word, she extended her wet, jade-like arms, trembling ever so slightly, and wrapped them around Dai Chengfeng's neck.
Then she nestled herself into his warm, firm chest, resting her head gently on his shoulder.
The warm pool water lapped over their shoulders, skin touching, heartbeats audible.
Dai Chengfeng was momentarily stunned, then instinctively reached out to embrace the delicate body that had willingly entered his arms.
However, the next moment, a slight sharp pain suddenly erupted on his shoulder.
"Hiss!"
Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but let out a soft hiss.
It was Bibi Dong. She opened her mouth, using her neat white teeth to bite him gently on the shoulder—not too hard, not too soft.
The sensation wasn't painful; instead, it carried a strange sense of intimacy and flirtation.
What followed made his blood boil even more: the spot she had bitten was then lightly, apologetically, and provocatively licked, as if soothing a non-existent wound.
Dai Chengfeng's body instantly tensed, his breathing becoming heavy.
Then, he heard the person resting on his shoulder whisper in a voice barely audible, trembling despite her attempt to suppress it:
"If you want… then… tonight… come find me again…"
After saying this, it was as if she had used up all her courage, her arms around his neck trembling slightly.
Dai Chengfeng was struck as if by lightning, his entire body freezing, almost doubting he had imagined it!
He quickly grabbed Bibi Dong's shoulders, gently pushing her back a little, staring incredulously into her glistening, embarrassed purple eyes that almost couldn't meet his, his voice hoarse with extreme joy:
"Teacher... you... what did you say? Say it again?!"
Seeing Dai Chengfeng's utterly delighted expression, the last traces of hesitation and indignation in Bibi Dong's heart strangely dissipated, replaced by an indescribable warmth and... a hint of pride.
She quickly lowered her eyelids, her long lashes trembling like injured butterfly wings, but her tone deliberately feigned annoyance and embarrassment:
"If you didn't hear clearly, then forget it! Fool... we're done bathing, you... hurry up and leave!"
But this was undoubtedly another confirmation.
Dai Chengfeng's heart leapt with joy, almost making him jump for joy.
But he restrained himself, knowing he shouldn't push too hard, lest she change her mind.
He struggled to calm his racing heart, his face unable to hide a radiant smile, and nodded emphatically:
"Alright! I'll leave! Teacher, I'll come again tonight! Definitely!"
Looking at his ecstatic expression, a faint, gentle curve involuntarily formed at the corner of Bibi Dong's lips, though she quickly suppressed it. However, the warm glint in her eyes couldn't be entirely hidden.
She turned around, facing away from him, leaning back against the pool wall, closing her eyes, and softly humming an almost inaudible "Mm."
It seemed like an unconscious murmur, but the faint blush on her earlobes betrayed her inner turmoil.
Dai Chengfeng knew this was her greatest concession and tacit approval.
He didn't linger further, suppressing his excitement, quickly got out of the pool, dried off, and dressed.
"Teacher, I'll take my leave now."
He stood by the pool, looking at her smooth, white back facing him, his voice still brimming with uncontrollable excitement.
"...Mm." Another extremely soft response.
Dai Chengfeng took one last deep look at her silhouette, as if etching this moment into his memory, then turned and strode away.
His steps were light and eager.
Listening to his gradually fading footsteps until they disappeared outside the bedchamber door, Bibi Dong finally exhaled the breath she had been holding.
She still leaned against the pool wall, not turning around, not moving.
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