In an instant, the Golden Generation's gazes all fell on Su Linfeng. Judging from his expression, he wasn't joking.
They had never truly known the full extent of Su Linfeng's strength. Just as Spirit Hall carefully concealed the powers of the seven Golden Generation members, Su Linfeng's abilities were hidden the deepest.
They knew he was strong, but they had never imagined he might be strong enough to face the entire Elephant Armored Academy team alone—especially since Hu Yanli also possessed a soul bone.
But then again…
Since the age of six, Su Linfeng had been able to take on the Golden Generation at full strength. All these years later, they had still never defeated him. Who knew how terrifyingly strong he had become now?
"Brother Su…"
Hu Liena looked worried. "Tomorrow, the individual matches come first, then the team battles. If you're unlucky enough to draw that Qin Ming…"
"Pah, pah, pah! What a crow's mouth!"
Before she could finish, Zhang Ping cut in. "Brother Linfeng's luck would never be that bad!"
Though she said that, even Zhang Ping couldn't fully dismiss the possibility.
According to the tournament rules, the individual matches would indeed take place first. With the top eight already decided, there would be no pre-arranged brackets. Instead, the draw would be made live on stage, to ensure fairness.
That meant Su Linfeng had a one-in-four chance of facing Qin Ming.
"How about this?"
Xie Yue analyzed, "If Linfeng does draw Qin Ming, the fight will be exhausting. In that case, I'll go in with Nana for the team battle, while the others prepare for Star Luo."
"Linfeng, what do you think?"
As he spoke, Xie Yue turned his gaze to Su Linfeng.
Even Yan, usually the slowest among them, managed to think it through this time. Before Linfeng could answer, Yan said, "But then your true strength would be exposed. Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun would definitely prepare countermeasures in advance."
"Better that I go with Sun Chuantao and Li Kai. That way, at least you and Nana keep your trump cards hidden—so when the finals come, we can catch them completely off guard."
When Yan finished, the Golden Generation all looked at each other. His idea wasn't unreasonable.
But in the end, they all turned to Su Linfeng. After all, he was their team leader, personally appointed by the Pope.
"Enough."
Su Linfeng finished his meal, stood, and smiled lightly at them. "Whatever happens, you don't need to worry. Eat, then go back and recover your strength. By tomorrow's matches, I want all of you at peak condition."
"It's getting late. I'm heading back to rest."
"Uh…"
Hu Liena and Zhang Ping opened their mouths, wanting to say something, but in the end said nothing.
Getting late? The sun was still up!
Why did it feel like he'd been acting strangely these past few days?
He disappeared at night, turned up out of nowhere, and no one knew what he was doing.
Especially Hu Liena and Zhang Ping—they had been hoping to sneak out with him to wander Spirit City under the moonlight. But there hadn't been a single chance.
Now, there would be none at all.
Because Su Linfeng's thoughts were filled with Qian Renxue. For the first time, he felt how quickly time passed.
By his count, she would return to the Heaven Dou Empire in only three days. Once gone, he might not see her again for at least five years. That was why he treasured every moment now.
On the ninth floor of the hotel.
Inside the crown prince's room.
Qian Renxue had just stepped out of the bath, wrapped in a thin nightgown, her golden hair still damp and clinging to her shoulders.
"The Elite Spirit Master Tournament has already begun. He should be focused entirely on competition. Linfeng probably won't come tonight… right?"
Her eyes flickered as she glanced at the dimming sky outside. She couldn't tell if she felt relieved or disappointed.
After a long pause, her delicate cheeks flushed, and she muttered under her breath:
"To think that fool is already fifteen years old, and still doesn't understand anything!"
And yet…
He was still so obedient. He had no peers. How had he managed all these years?
No—more precisely, how had a soul beast lived all this time alone, like a castaway growing up on a deserted island?
He must have been so lonely.
He was in adolescence now. Didn't that woman teach him anything about such things?
Truly irresponsible.
Shaking her head, Qian Renxue sat on the edge of the bed, tossing her damp hair until it dried. Then she flopped down spread-eagled across the sheets.
Closing her eyes, she found herself completely awake.
Her mind was filled with Su Linfeng.
But… had he been dreaming last night?
Dreaming while holding her?
How could that be!
"Huff…"
Her face grew hot as she whispered, "It's my own fault. I thought of him like he was still a child… huff…"
"Qian Renxue, what are you thinking! He's the little brother you raised yourself…"
With a sigh, she reached back and turned off the lamp.
She didn't know how long had passed.
Spirit City had quieted, and her room was utterly silent.
Restless, she rolled over, pulling the cool blanket closer.
For some reason, she just couldn't fall asleep.
Surely Linfeng wouldn't—
Creak—
Suddenly, the familiar sound of a window opening startled her.
Her eyes flew open, shocked, as she stared toward the window.
"Who's there?!" she demanded, though she already knew the answer.
Bathed in faint starlight, a familiar figure appeared.
"Little Sis," Su Linfeng whispered, tiptoeing inside. He shut the window with practiced ease and padded toward her bed. "I can't sleep on my own…"
"…"
Qian Renxue was speechless.
This sly boy.
Why did it feel like his words carried a hint of mischief?
Did he really not understand?
Should she say no? Drive him out?
But the thought of it made her heart ache. After all, as a child, he had been just as clingy, always sticking to her no matter how she tried to shoo him away.
Before she could react, he was already beside her, not even giving her a chance to speak.
"Then… then go to sleep quickly!"
Flustered, she rolled to face away from him. "Tomorrow is match day. I'll be watching from the stands."
Linfeng was already exhausted.
Even as she spoke, he had lain down beside her.
No snores, just the steady, even rhythm of sleep.
"Asleep?"
Qian Renxue didn't dare move. For some reason, she was intensely nervous with him by her side—so nervous she couldn't sleep at all.
It was nothing like when they were children. Back then, she had raised him single-handedly—feeding him, bathing him, sometimes even tossing him straight into the river to let nature wash him clean.
The corners of her lips lifted as warm memories filled her heart.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but drowsiness finally crept over her.
Suddenly.
Just as she hovered between waking and sleep, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
"Mmm… so warm… so comfortable…" Linfeng mumbled in his sleep.
Qian Renxue froze, her eyes snapping open.
Talking in his sleep?
He… he was dreaming again!
Feeling the shift of breath at her back, she swallowed nervously. It should be fine… right?
After all, she was still fully clothed.