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"Ah?"
Ning Rongrong instantly realized what this position implied…
A wave of shame rushed to her head, turning her entire face, ears, and neck as red as a boiled shrimp.
She struggled desperately, kicking her legs in an attempt to free herself from this embarrassing restraint. But Dai Chengfeng's arms were like iron clamps, unyielding and immovable.
Her feeble strength was no match for him—it was like a tiny insect trying to shake a mighty tree.
"Let me go! Dai Chengfeng, let me go!"
Ning Rongrong cried out softly, her voice filled with tears of embarrassment and anger.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Dai Chengfeng's tone was icy, carrying an undeniable air of authority. With his other hand, he effortlessly restrained her flailing wrists.
"I'll show you who's in charge here!"
"You're still so young, yet your mind is full of nonsense. Instead of focusing on improving your cultivation, all you do is make wild guesses…"
"It seems I've been too lenient with you lately. Today, I'll have to set some rules straight!"
Before she could react, Dai Chengfeng raised his free hand and delivered a firm but controlled slap to her upturned rear, separated only by a thin layer of pajama pants.
The sharp sound echoed clearly in the quiet tent, even carrying a faint reverberation.
"Ah!"
Though the pain wasn't severe—Dai Chengfeng had clearly moderated his strength—the overwhelming sense of shame and psychological impact left Ning Rongrong utterly shattered.
She was the cherished jewel of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, pampered and protected by Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and her father since childhood. They feared dropping her or melting her with their care.
Other than with Dai Chengfeng, when had she ever been treated like this?
She rarely heard harsh words, let alone being humiliated in such a posture and spanked!
Even though it wasn't the first time, Ning Rongrong still felt…
This was absolutely humiliating!
In an instant, a burning sensation spread from the spot that had been struck, but more than that, it scorched her heart with shame and indignation.
"You… you bastard! Dai Chengfeng, let me go!"
"This time you're dead! I'm telling Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone! Let them punish you!"
Ning Rongrong, both ashamed and furious, threatened through tearful sobs, her legs resuming another round of futile kicks.
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng didn't stop. Instead, he delivered two more slaps, "Smack, smack," each strike carefully controlled to maximize humiliation rather than pain.
"Go ahead and tattle. Feel free."
He sneered, his tone confident, as if he already saw through everything. "Do you really think those two seniors will reprimand me, a prince of the Star Luo Empire and the future hope, just because of your petty jealousy?"
"They'll only think you're immature and in need of discipline!"
These words hit her like cold water, instantly extinguishing most of her fiery indignation.
She wasn't stupid; she knew Dai Chengfeng was right.
With the terrifying talent, immense strength, and the strategic importance of the Star Dou Great Forest alliance and the Star Luo Empire that Dai Chengfeng represented, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would bend over backward to win his favor. How could they possibly offend him over such a trivial "bedroom spat"?
Even if Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo doted on her, they would undoubtedly side with Dai Chengfeng, at most offering mild criticism.
Realizing this, a profound sense of helplessness washed over her. Her angry cries turned into pitiful sobs, and her struggles weakened significantly.
Her body went limp, reduced to slight trembling.
Seeing that she had stopped thrashing violently and was now quietly sobbing on his lap like a helpless bird caught in the rain, Dai Chengfeng knew he had reached the right moment.
He stopped his actions but kept her pinned down, softening his tone slightly while maintaining his dominance:
"Remember this: I act according to my own judgment and considerations."
Ning Rongrong bit her lower lip, her emotions a tangled mess.
Shame, grievance, anger—but strangely, there was also a… peculiar sense of security.
Dai Chengfeng's almost brutal way of disciplining her, though humiliating to the extreme, paradoxically proved to her in a strange way that he cared about her.
If he didn't care, he wouldn't bother with her petty emotions or take the time to "educate" her in this almost parental manner.
This sense of being firmly governed actually eased her earlier unease caused by Xiao Wu's appearance.
Seeing that she was crying but not responding, Dai Chengfeng tightened his grip and lifted her up.
Ning Rongrong's cheeks were still flushed, her teary eyes shimmering, and her hair disheveled, clinging to her cheeks and neck. She looked both pitiful and disheveled.
She glared at Dai Chengfeng, wanting to scold him but holding back, her red-rimmed eyes brimming with accusation. All she could do was sniffle heavily, her shoulders trembling.
Dai Chengfeng reached out, his movements far from gentle, and roughly wiped away her tears with his thumb. He looked into her eyes, his tone softening further but retaining its core message:
"That Xiao Wu—you don't need to think about her anymore."
"In the future, focus more on your cultivation. The future of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower depends on you, understand?"
"Don't make me waste my energy on such trivial matters."
Ning Rongrong bit her lip, feeling the firmness in his fingertips and the unwavering certainty in his words.
Finally, with great reluctance, she nodded, her voice barely audible through her heavy nasal tone, "…I understand."
Only then did Dai Chengfeng fully soften his demeanor, gently pulling her into his arms. He patted her back to comfort her, his voice now much gentler and deeper.
"There, there. Stop crying. You won't look pretty with a tear-streaked face."
"I promise you, there's nothing between me and Xiao Wu. I simply happened to save her."
"When we leave the Great Star Dou Forest and reach a safe place, I'll spend more time with you…"
"I'll take you to the most famous dessert shop in Spirit Hall City and buy you some beautiful jewelry, alright?"
After this strategy of alternating firmness and tenderness—giving her a slap followed by a sweet treat—
Though Ning Rongrong's bottom still throbbed faintly, reminding her of the earlier "humiliation," much of the bitterness and unease in her heart had dissipated. In its place was a strange sense of dependence and security born from being conquered.
She leaned against Dai Chengfeng's strong, warm embrace, gradually calming her sobs.
She even began to crave this fleeting warmth, tinged with dominance. Unconsciously, her small hands clutched the fabric of his shirt.
Having soothed the last and most emotionally expressive little princess, Dai Chengfeng felt mentally and physically drained, more exhausted than after battling a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast.
He gently laid the now drowsy Ning Rongrong down on the bed, carefully tucking her in with a blanket.
Even in her half-asleep state, she instinctively clung to the hem of his clothes. He patiently waited a moment before gently prying her fingers loose and slipping away.
Stepping out of Ning Rongrong's tent, the cool morning breeze hit him, invigorating his senses.
The eastern horizon was beginning to lighten with a faint glow, the night slowly retreating.
"Whew!"
Dai Chengfeng exhaled deeply. This night had been nothing short of a grueling mental battle.
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