Night had fallen over Spirit City. Most streets lay quiet—except for a modest inn in the western district, where lights still glowed in several rooms.
In the top-floor suite, the atmosphere was tense.
Yu Xiaogang stood by the window, his back turned to the others.
Moonlight traced his silhouette—a frame so slender it seemed almost fragile.
Beneath his deep blue robe, his waist was cinched tightly, the once-sharp lines of his body now softened by subtle changes.
When he reached up to tuck stray strands behind his ear, his fingers moved with an unconscious delicacy—the lingering effect of the Great Rejuvenation Pill, a transformation he hadn't yet fully accepted himself.
"Master," Tang San's voice broke the silence—clearer than before, less boyish rasp, more refined warmth. "Is there anything we should adjust in tomorrow's strategy?"
He sat at the table, dressed in simple white robes, black hair cascading like ink to his waist. His face was porcelain-perfect—his heroic spirit undiminished, yet harmonized now with delicate features into something strangely captivating.
Yu Xiaogang turned. The sharp angles of his face had softened; his skin was pale and smooth. Were it not for the depth of wisdom and weariness in his eyes, one might mistake him for a uniquely cold, ethereal beauty.
"We've rehearsed the tactics repeatedly," he said, voice steady yet carrying a new chill. "Xiao San, your sole objective tomorrow is this: defeat Dai Chengfeng as quickly as possible."
"Your hidden weapons, poisons, and Soul Saint-level spiritual power should theoretically overwhelm him completely."
"But…" Yu Xiaogang's brow furrowed slightly. "Dai Chengfeng… isn't someone to underestimate. I can't read him."
"He's shown strength far beyond his peers—and always holds back in battle."
"Most importantly," he added, "his composure in controlling a fight… doesn't belong to a mere youth."
In the corner's shadow, a tall figure in a black cloak shifted slightly.
The hood concealed his face, but the mountainous aura radiating from him was unmistakable—Tang Hao, hidden in plain sight.
"Master Xiaogang is right," Tang Hao rumbled, voice low and gravelly from beneath the hood. "That boy isn't simple. Xiao San, don't underestimate him."
Tang San nodded—but a flicker of unshakable confidence gleamed in his eyes.
"Father, Master—I've improved my 'King Yama's Invitation.' Its speed has increased by thirty percent. One scratch, and it seals the throat."
"Combined with Silent Sleeve Arrows, Sand Concealment, and the soul-guided artifact 'Soul-Calming Jade' that suppresses spiritual interference…"
His fingers brushed the unassuming gray pendant at his waist. A faint smile curved his lips.
"Tomorrow, I'll let him taste the agony of spiritual backlash."
Dai Mubai sat nearby, brows knotted in thought.
His golden hair shimmered under the lamplight, but his handsome face was clouded with gloom.
Though half-brothers by blood, his relationship with Dai Chengfeng was tangled—bound by lineage, divided by loyalty, and poisoned by jealousy and resentment.
"Xiao San, if you're confident, that's good," Dai Mubai said grimly. "But don't overlook the women around Dai Chengfeng."
"Hu Liena's charm, Zhu Zhuqing's speed, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's support… together, they're formidable."
Flender pushed up his glasses, the ever-dignified principal unable to hide the worry in his eyes. "Mubai's right."
"Even though it's 4v4—and they didn't choose Xiao Wu—their trio alone is terrifying."
"Not to mention Dai Chengfeng himself…"
"No need to worry, Principal Flender," Tang San interrupted with a light laugh—surprisingly radiant. "Dai Chengfeng is strong, yes—but his greatest weakness is overconfidence."
"He thinks he controls everything… unaware that some things lie beyond his calculations."
Beside Tang San, Ma Hongjun kept glancing sideways at his profile.
He swallowed hard, then subtly slid his hand under the table—fingertips brushing the back of Tang San's hand resting on his thigh.
Tang San stiffened almost imperceptibly—but didn't pull away.
Ma Hongjun's heart leapt. His round face beamed. "Exactly! Brother San's been reborn! What even is Dai Chengfeng? He's not fit to compare!"
As he spoke, his fingers gently stroked Tang San's hand.
A faint blush rose to Tang San's ears. He lowered his lashes—long and fluttering like butterfly wings.
"That's enough for tonight," Yu Xiaogang cleared his throat. "Go rest well. Conserve your strength."
"Tomorrow's match isn't just about personal victory—it's about Shrek's honor… and…" He paused, gaze flickering toward Tang Hao. "…something far more important."
They rose to leave.
Dai Mubai exited first—back straight, yet radiating solitude.
Flender patted Yu Xiaogang's shoulder, hesitated, then sighed and walked out.
Tang Hao stood. From beneath his hood came a low command: "Xiao San, come with me."
Tang San nodded, following his father to the next room.
Ma Hongjun watched him go, scratching his head—then hurried after Yu Xiaogang. "Master, I've got some tactical questions…"
Yu Xiaogang shot him a knowing glance—saw through his ulterior motive—but said nothing. "Come."
...
In the adjacent room, Tang Hao removed his hood, revealing a weathered yet resolute face.
He studied his son, eyes swirling with pride, worry, and awkwardness.
Tang San had changed too much.
Not just in appearance—but in presence. Softer… more captivating.
"Father?" Tang San prompted softly.
Tang Hao snapped back. "How confident are you for tomorrow?"
"Ninety percent," Tang San replied without hesitation. "Dai Chengfeng's spiritual power is at most Soul Douluo level. With my Soul Saint-tier spiritual force and the Soul-Calming Jade, I hold an innate advantage."
"I've tested the upgraded King Yama's Invitation seventeen times—all successful."
"For poison, I've prepared three types—targeting nerves, soul power, and blood. If he's hit by any one, he's finished."
Watching the fire in his son's eyes, Tang Hao felt both pride and dread.
Finally, he placed a rough hand on Tang San's shoulder. "Remember—no matter the outcome, come back alive. Your mother… wouldn't want you hurt."
At the mention of his mother, Tang San's eyes glistened. He nodded firmly. "I will, Father."
Meanwhile, in Yu Xiaogang's room—
Ma Hongjun hadn't asked a single tactical question. Instead, he rubbed his hands together, eyes sparkling as he stared at Yu Xiaogang.
"Master… now that Brother San's so… beautiful, won't he attract a lot of admirers later?"
Yu Xiaogang gave him a frosty look. "Hongjun. Now is not the time for such thoughts."
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