At this point, Dai Chengfeng paused, carefully observing Bibi Dong's reaction.
Seeing her still furrowed brows, it was clear that she wasn't entirely satisfied with the explanation. After all, "a significant surge" couldn't justify a leap of fourteen levels.
Dai Chengfeng smiled faintly and decided to drop another bombshell, one that would grab more attention—while also being partially true:
"Later, during subsequent training to consolidate my suddenly increased soul power, I ventured deep into the forest's perilous zones and… encountered a Dark Demon Evil God Tiger."
"A Dark Demon Evil God Tiger?!"
Bibi Dong's voice rose several notches.
As a peak powerhouse on the continent, she naturally understood just how terrifying, rare, and troublesome this spirit beast, imbued with the bloodline of an evil god, could be.
Its strength far surpassed that of spirit beasts at the same level; it was exceptionally cunning and possessed an extremely malevolent attribute capable of unleashing various bizarre abilities. It was practically a nightmare for all soul masters, and even Title Douluo-level experts would rarely provoke it without good reason.
"You actually encountered it? And then what? Are you... are you hurt?"
She anxiously pressed him, her gaze involuntarily scanning his body as if searching for any hidden wounds.
She even neglected the fact that the blanket she had hastily pulled up earlier had slipped again, revealing even more alluring skin.
Bibi Dong estimated that even with her own strength as a Level 98 Super Douluo, subduing the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger wouldn't be easy—it would require considerable effort and might even come at a cost.
Moreover, Bibi Dong guessed that Zhu Hongye, the Grand Priest of the Star Luo Empire, would have an extremely slim chance of victory against the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, and likely face dire consequences.
Could it be… that he killed the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger?
The moment this thought crossed her mind, even Bibi Dong herself found it somewhat mad and unbelievable.
After all, although Dai Chengfeng was extraordinarily gifted, even after receiving the sacrifice, he was still at the Soul King level without the sixth ring. How could he possibly contend with such a formidable foe?
Dai Chengfeng felt Bibi Dong's worried and inquisitive gaze but nodded, maintaining a maddeningly calm tone, as if discussing something as mundane as what he ate for breakfast:
"Mm, luck was on my side. That guy, though powerful, seemed to have sustained some injuries beforehand."
"We sparred for quite some time, and I used every trick I knew—I almost didn't make it back to see you, Teacher."
He appropriately displayed a look of lingering fear before continuing: "In any case, after a grueling battle, I somehow managed to take it down."
"Seeing that its soul ring was of exceptionally high quality, I attempted to absorb it, and surprisingly, I succeeded. That's my sixth soul ring."
"All thanks to your excellent teaching, Teacher!"
Dai Chengfeng casually glossed over the perilous process of absorbing the ten-thousand-year Dark Demon Evil God Tiger soul ring while leaping levels.
And although she had vague suspicions, hearing Dai Chengfeng admit so calmly not only that he had encountered the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger…
But also that he had challenged it beyond his level, slain it, and successfully absorbed its legendary, supremely malevolent soul ring left Bibi Dong stunned, unable to speak for a long while.
She stared blankly at this young disciple before her. His handsome face, clear yet profound eyes, and the faint mischievous smirk tugging at the corners of his lips made her heart race.
Yet it was precisely this person who, in just three short months, achieved a leap that others might spend decades or even a lifetime striving for!
Encountering a spirit beast sacrifice was already a one-in-a-million miracle;
And independently slaying and absorbing the soul ring of a Dark Demon Evil God Tiger was a legendary feat worthy of being recorded in history!
Either of these events, if they happened to an ordinary soul master, would be enough to shake the continent and establish them as a towering figure. Yet he experienced both in quick succession, flawlessly transforming them into his skyrocketing strength!
What kind of heaven-defying luck was required for this?
What kind of unyielding perseverance, extraordinary wisdom, and terrifying strength hidden beneath a calm exterior?
Bibi Dong suddenly realized that she might never truly understand this disciple who sometimes appeared respectful and other times "brazen" in front of her.
He was like a bottomless treasure trove, each discovery bringing her unprecedented shock.
After a long while, Bibi Dong slowly exhaled, her chest rising and falling with her breath, tracing a breathtaking curve.
The astonishment in her beautiful eyes gradually gave way to a complex, indescribable glow—a mix of joy at her disciple's growth, pride in his achievements, lingering fear from the perilous journey…
Perhaps, there was also a faint anticipation, barely perceptible even to herself, for how his presence might drastically alter the future.
Finally, Bibi Dong gently shook her head, a wry smile tinged with reflection and subtle self-deprecation spreading across her exquisite face:
"I… I haven't really taught you anything. Your accomplishments today are entirely due to your own insight, perseverance, and… that heaven-defying opportunity."
She spoke the truth. Dai Chengfeng's growth rate and experiences had long surpassed the scope of what she could teach or plan.
As a teacher, aside from some foundational guidance and advanced knowledge imparted early on, she hadn't provided much direct help during his most critical period of strength advancement. This realization stirred within her an indescribable sense of loss and complexity.
Upon hearing her words, Dai Chengfeng suddenly leaned closer.
Already sitting very near, his movement brought their noses almost touching, his warm breath brushing against Bibi Dong's face.
A mischievous and teasing smile spread across his face as his burning gaze locked onto Bibi Dong's slightly parted, lustrous red lips, which were tinged with surprise and a hint of melancholy.
"Teacher, you're mistaken,"
Dai Chengfeng's voice dropped, speaking deliberately slow and measured. "How could you say you haven't taught me anything?"
"Your teachings have been crucial, benefiting me immensely."
His sudden proximity and scorching gaze flustered Bibi Dong. Especially now, with her body bare under the quilt, his heated presence seemed to seep through the air.
Instinctively, she tried to lean back to create some distance, but he reached out and encircled her slender waist, his palm's warmth making her tremble slightly.
She forced herself to remain composed, ignoring the heart-stopping sensation at her waist and the obvious playful undertone in his words. Following his lead, she asked:
"I… what exactly did I teach you?"
She truly couldn't fathom how the knowledge she had imparted beforehand could have played such a decisive role in his legendary journey.
The amusement in Dai Chengfeng's eyes deepened, resembling rippling spring water, brimming with undisguised aggression.
He lowered his head, his thin lips nearly brushing her earlobe, whispering heatedly into her sensitive ear:
"For instance… Teacher taught me…"
Dai Chengfeng left his sentence unfinished. Before Bibi Dong could react, he dipped his head and captured her enticing, slightly parted red lips, still tinged with confusion.
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