Yu Xiaogang grinned, thrilled to be recognized, and looked at Liu Erlong. "If you work hard, anything's possible. My secret weapon made the reverse soul guide tech happen. I'll tell you later—hope it doesn't scare you!"
Liu Erlong huffed, annoyed by his secrecy. Old and new grudges flared, and she snapped at him. "Xiaogang, you've changed! Keeping secrets from me now? Fine, I won't beg you to spill. Let's go, Boss Flender. We need to reach the hotel by the Star Dou Great Forest before dark."
Yu Xiaogang brushed off her sharp tone as a tantrum and didn't mind. As Flender led Liu Erlong and the others out, he called back. "Boss Flender, check the first slot in the storage soul guide I gave you. There's a surprise inside. Take it out on the main street—it's big!"
Flender laughed, turning to tease Yu Xiaogang. "Alright, Xiaogang, keeping your boss in suspense? I'm heading to the street now to see this gift from Master Yu Xiaogang! Come on, Sister Erlong, let's check it out!"
Flender strode out of the room. Liu Erlong softened, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. She glanced at Yu Xiaogang. "Xiaogang, I shouldn't call you brother. Maybe you and my father were right—our relationship started wrong. I'll adjust to who I am now. I hope we both find peace, my dear brother."
As she left, golden tears slid down her cheeks.
Yu Xiaogang felt a pang of guilt but believed this was best for her. It was better than the Liu Erlong in the original story, who suffered for over twenty years. He couldn't give her love, so clarity was kinder for both. He sighed, hoping Flender could truly win her heart and help her move on. That was all he could do—after all, tangled family ties weren't worth it.
Sisi and Su Yuntao bowed to Yu Xiaogang and Bibi Dong, saying goodbye. "Thank you for your training, Master! Sisi and I will join Sister Erlong and Uncle Flender to hunt souls. We won't let you down. Goodbye, Master and Madam!"
Yu Xiaogang nodded, pleased. Su Yuntao was a grateful kid. He reassured them. "Alright, Su Yuntao, don't get all sappy. Yunlan will protect you secretly but only step in if you're in real danger. For your first soul hunt, I want you to fight yourselves. Greenhouse flowers need storms to grow. Go with confidence—your teacher's waiting for your victory!"
Su Yuntao bowed again, took Sisi's hand, and left to join Flender and Liu Erlong. Sisi blushed, staying quiet. Being caught holding hands with Su Yuntao was embarrassing.
Bibi Dong stayed silent during Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong's talk. As a woman, she knew not to interfere when her man handled something important, especially about their future.
But when Liu Erlong left in tears, Bibi Dong noticed the glint in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. Even a Soul Douluo like her couldn't miss it. Fuming, she stepped in front of Xiao Zhan and Wang Dachui, blocking their view, and pinched the soft flesh on Yu Xiaogang's waist. Leaning close, she whispered so only he could hear. "What's this? Can't let go of your Sister Erlong? If you're so brave, don't climb into my bed tonight. And where's my gift? It better be better than hers—just a little!"
Not satisfied, she pinched harder, giving him the same pain Su Yuntao felt. Master and apprentice shared the same fate today.
Yu Xiaogang gasped quietly, his face twitching as he held back a yelp to save face in front of his apprentice. He lowered his head and pleaded. "Dong'er, let go! I'm sorry! After the soul hunt, I'll work overtime to craft you the best soul guide. If you keep pinching, I'll bruise!"
Satisfied, Bibi Dong released him. Blocking Xiao Zhan and Wang Dachui's view, she quickly kissed his cheek and turned with a smirk. "Smart move. Otherwise, you're sleeping on the sofa next time."
Her mood shifted fast. Smiling kindly, she walked to Xiao Zhan and Wang Dachui. "Come here, let your master's wife check your strength. For safety, I'll see what soul ring years suit you. Absorbing rings beyond the limit is risky."
She placed her hands on their shoulders, sending soul power to test their bodies. After a moment, she released them and looked at Yu Xiaogang, amazed. "Xiaogang, you're incredible. How did you train such talented apprentices? You'll have to help when I take my own students."
Xiao Zhan and Wang Dachui sighed in relief. A Soul Douluo's soul power felt oppressive, like a snake crawling inside them. Even now, their bodies tingled.
Yu Xiaogang frowned at Bibi Dong's mention of teaching Hu Liena. With the plot so different now, would fate follow the original story? No matter. In this real Douluo Continent, the original was just a guide, not gospel. He, Yu Xiaogang, would change everything. The old plot could burn.
Lost in his bold thoughts, he was snapped back by exclamations outside. Bibi Dong, curious, stepped onto the balcony to look.
Yu Xiaogang followed, smiling. "What's so interesting?"
Bibi Dong pointed at a sleek off-road soul guide vehicle on the street. "Xiaogang, did you invent this? A carriage without horses? It looks nice! After your apprentices' soul rings, tell me about your soul guide tech progress. You keep surprising me."
Yu Xiaogang wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Alright, Dong'er. I'll tell you anything you want. Since you like the soul guide vehicle, I'll make one for you soon."
Bibi Dong beamed, but Xiao Zhan, trailing behind, felt awkward watching their affection. He decided he needed a girlfriend too. Su Yuntao and Sisi were together, yet he, the leader, was single. Embarrassing. As for Wang Dachui? That guy was clueless.
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(End of this chapter)