"I know, I know!"
Ma Hongjun waved his hands hastily. "It's just… Xiao San's changed so much. He was always pretty before, but now he looks like he stepped straight out of a painting. And you too, Master—you're getting more… refined."
The words were tactful, but Yu Xiaogang caught the implication.
His expression darkened slightly. "It's just a side effect of the Great Rejuvenation Pill. Once the medicine fully integrates, things may revert somewhat."
"But I think it's great like this," Ma Hongjun muttered under his breath. "Looks way better than before…"
Yu Xiaogang ignored him, turning to tidy the tactical diagrams on the table. "If there's nothing else, go back. I'm resting."
Ma Hongjun stood awkwardly, then turned at the door. "Master… Xiao San will definitely win tomorrow, right?"
Yu Xiaogang paused—but didn't turn. "Trust him."
"Yeah!" Ma Hongjun nodded firmly and finally left.
In the corridor, he bumped into Tang San just exiting Tang Hao's room.
Moonlight from the far window bathed Tang San in silver—his white robes seemed to glow, his ink-black hair making his skin appear even more translucent and fair.
"Xiao San…" Ma Hongjun stared, spellbound.
Tang San, flustered by the gaze, hurried toward his room. "Hongjun, good night."
"Wait!" Ma Hongjun rushed after him. "Xiao San, let me walk you back."
Tang San didn't refuse. At the door, he stepped inside—but Ma Hongjun slipped in like an eel.
"Hongjun?" Tang San turned, puzzled.
Ma Hongjun shut the door, grinning sheepishly. "Xiao San, I'm just… nervous. Can't sleep. Can we talk for a bit?"
Tang San sighed but didn't shoo him away. "Sit. But not long—we rise early tomorrow."
They sat by the window. Ma Hongjun poured tea but didn't drink, just cradled the cup, eyes fixed on Tang San.
"Xiao San, you're really beautiful," he blurted.
Tang San's hand jerked—the tea nearly spilling. He set the cup down, voice stern. "Hongjun, don't say such things."
"I'm not lying!" Ma Hongjun insisted. "You're prettier than most girls! And your aura—it's captivating. I can't look away."
"Hongjun, we're brothers," Tang San tried to steer things back to normalcy. "Don't say weird stuff."
"I know we're brothers!" Ma Hongjun leaned closer, lowering his voice. "But can't brothers think each other handsome? Boss Dai's hot—I never compliment him like this!"
Tang San was speechless.
Seizing the moment, Ma Hongjun grabbed his hand. "Xiao San, be careful tomorrow. Dai Chengfeng's sneaky—you can't fall for his tricks."
"Mm." Tang San nodded, trying to pull his hand back—but Ma Hongjun held tighter.
"Xiao San…" Ma Hongjun's voice grew husky. "Let me kiss you. Just once. On the forehead."
Tang San's eyes widened. "Wh-what?"
"Just once! Please, Xiao San. I just… really want to."
"No… don't."
...
Dawn broke. The first sliver of sunlight tore through the night.
In Dai Chengfeng's bedroom—
He opened his eyes to the sight of a naked figure curled in his arms, her violet hair spilling like a waterfall across his forearm and pillow.
Bibi Dong slept peacefully, her daytime authority and distance melted away, leaving only softness.
He watched her quietly, then bent to kiss her forehead.
Her lashes fluttered. She opened her eyes—violet orbs hazy with sleep, clearing only when she recognized him.
"Awake?" Her voice was lazy, rough with morning.
"Mm." Dai Chengfeng tightened his arm. "Did Teacher sleep well?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she reached up to touch his cheek.
"Be careful in today's match."
"I know." He kissed her palm. "I'll wear the Amethyst Soft Armor you gave me last night."
Bibi Dong nodded. After a pause, she added firmly: "Win or lose—return safely. That's an order."
Dai Chengfeng smiled. "Is Teacher worried about me?"
"It's an order." She schooled her features—but her ears flushed pink.
"Yes, Your Holiness." He laughed, kissing her lips.
After a long moment, they parted.
Bibi Dong rose, her hair cascading to hide her curves. She donned her robe and glanced back. "I'll be watching."
Then she left—spine straight, already the untouchable Pope once more.
Dai Chengfeng sat on the bed, smiling at her retreating form.
He dressed and washed up.
Just as he finished, a knock came at the door.
"Chengfeng, are you awake?" Hu Liena's voice called.
"Come in."
Hu Liena entered, her fiery red training outfit hugging every curve. Her fox-like eyes shimmered—breathtakingly alluring.
She stepped close, tilting her head up at him, worry clear in her gaze.
"Are you confident today?"
Dai Chengfeng didn't answer. Instead, he pulled her into a kiss.
Hu Liena gasped—then melted against him, arms circling his neck, responding fervently.
This kiss was fiercer than the one with Bibi Dong—possessive, almost defiant.
When he finally pulled back, he brushed her swollen lips with his thumb. "Believe me now?"
Hu Liena's cheeks burned. She playfully punched his chest. "Annoying! I was being serious!"
"So was I."
Dai Chengfeng grinned, giving her backside a light smack. "Lack of faith deserves punishment."
Hu Liena squeaked, going limp in his arms. "You only know how to bully me," she pouted—but her eyes sparkled with laughter.
Just then, footsteps approached outside—more than one pair.
Dai Chengfeng released Hu Liena, who quickly smoothed her clothes and hair.
The door swung open before they'd finished.
Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong entered together.
Zhu Zhuqing wore black form-fitting attire, her cold beauty momentarily faltering at the sight of Dai Chengfeng and Hu Liena—before she composed herself.
Xiao Wu bounced in, ponytail swinging, radiating cheerful energy.
Ning Rongrong followed in a serene aqua-blue gown, grace personified.
"All here, I see." Dai Chengfeng spread his arms with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward—not into his embrace, but close enough to meet his eyes. "Ready?"
"Always."
He tweaked her nose. "Zhuqing's stunning today."
She blushed, turning away.
Xiao Wu latched onto his arm, bouncing. "Brother Chengfeng, you have to win!"
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