"It must be the Pope's arrival."
Looking at the carriage, Yue Guan explained.
Dai Chengfeng nodded and watched as the carriage slowly approached. As the sound of the wheels grinding against the ground gradually ceased, the carriage came to a steady stop.
The door slowly opened, and the first person to appear was a woman dressed in an elegant purple gown.
Her exquisite face was cold as frost, exuding sharpness and pride, with rosy yet slightly icy thin lips…
Every movement radiated the authority and dominance of someone in power, as if the entire world should bow at her feet.
It was none other than Bibi Dong.
Following her, Hu Liena stepped down from the carriage.
She wore a silver-gold battle skirt embroidered with intricate patterns. Her chestnut hair was casually draped over her shoulders, her eyes narrow and slanted upward at the corners, exuding seductive charm.
Afterward, two more youths descended from the carriage.
One had striking red-and-white short hair, clad in red-black armor, his lips curled into a slight smirk, exuding an air of rebellion.
He was like a blazing flame, full of vitality and aggression.
The other had crimson eyes and silver short hair, with a streak of gradient red. He bore a resemblance to Hu Liena, with red markings under his eyes, and carried a calm and composed demeanor.
Looking at these four individuals, Dai Chengfeng recognized the first two immediately.
As for the latter two youths, though he had never met them before, his deep familiarity with the original work allowed him to instantly identify them…
They were Yan and Xie Yue, the remaining members of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation aside from Hu Liena.
At this moment, Bibi Dong walked gracefully toward the guard post at the entrance of Death Canyon. Her crimson lips parted slightly as she issued quiet instructions.
Soon, the guards nodded.
With a creaking sound, the massive black iron gate slowly opened.
Meanwhile, after stepping out of the carriage, Hu Liena's gaze immediately swept around. When her eyes landed on Dai Chengfeng, she instantly pursed her lips.
Yesterday, I only lost because I was momentarily careless and got countered by him. Otherwise, with my strength, how could I possibly lose to some random newcomer!
Today, I'll make sure he understands my true power!
Thinking this, Hu Liena strode directly toward Dai Chengfeng.
Standing before him, flames of resentment burned in her eyes. "Dai Chengfeng, yesterday I lost to you…"
Dai Chengfeng didn't respond, merely nodding slightly, his expression tinged with indifference.
It was as if he were saying: You're just a defeated opponent, so what?
This dismissive attitude instantly made Hu Liena's face flush with anger. She stomped her foot and exclaimed loudly, "I lost simply because I wasn't familiar with you, which allowed you to counter me!"
"And you definitely knew about me beforehand, since I'm part of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation."
Dai Chengfeng didn't refute her. Although his victory over Hu Liena hadn't been due to any supposed counters, he had indeed known her abilities in advance, giving him an advantage.
Moreover, he was curious about what Hu Liena planned to do today.
Seeing that Dai Chengfeng didn't refute her, Hu Liena grew even more confident: So it's true!
The reason I lost yesterday was simply because I was overconfident, and my abilities were exploited after being studied beforehand.
Thinking this, Hu Liena clenched her small fists and bit her lip. "Dai Chengfeng, I refuse to accept my loss!"
"Today, are you willing to make a bet with me?"
"A bet?"
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? What kind of bet?"
"We'll wager on who can kill more or stronger soul beasts and evil soul masters in Death Canyon!"
"What do you say?"
As she spoke, Hu Liena's lips curved into a challenging smile.
"You, dare to take me on?!"
---
Dai Chengfeng looked at the defiant Hu Liena, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He countered, "A bet is fine, but what's the wager?"
"If there's no sufficiently enticing stake, this bet won't be interesting."
"If I win, you must greet me respectfully whenever you see me."
"As for if I lose, you can set any condition you want. How's that?"
The terms were highly unequal, but Hu Liena didn't care. She was confident she would never lose.
"I've been to Death Canyon once before and know it well. The soul beasts and evil soul masters in the outer areas are no match for me."
"This bet is mine to win!"
"I'll show you just how powerful I am, Hu Liena!"
Thinking this, Hu Liena looked at Dai Chengfeng, narrowing her eyes slightly, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"Dai Chengfeng, yesterday you caught me off guard using information disparity, but don't blame me for not warning you—I've already been to Death Canyon..."
Just then, Xie Yue and Yan, who had been standing nearby, also walked over.
They had heard every word of the exchange between Hu Liena and Dai Chengfeng.
"Nana, making such a bet puts you at a disadvantage!"
"If you win, there's nothing much to gain, but if you lose, this guy might exploit the situation to impose some unfair conditions on you…"
Before Xie Yue could speak, Yan, as one of Hu Liena's suitors, frowned deeply, looking at her with concern and blurting out his thoughts.
However, before Yan could finish, Hu Liena interrupted him.
"Do you think I'll lose?"
Hu Liena looked at Yan, her eyes narrowing slightly, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
Meeting her gaze, Yan quickly shook his head vigorously and carefully explained, "Nana, that's not what I meant. I'm just worried about you."
Hu Liena waved her hand dismissively, her tone firm. "Don't worry about me. I have my own plans."
With that, she turned her gaze back to Dai Chengfeng, her eyes filled with provocation. "Dai Chengfeng, do you dare to accept?"
Seeing that he couldn't dissuade Hu Liena, Yan sighed helplessly and also turned his gaze to Dai Chengfeng, his eyes carrying both scrutiny and warning.
"Boy, you're the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Chengfeng, right?"
"Although you managed to narrowly defeat Nana yesterday and were taken in as Teacher's disciple, you need to know your place."
"You're just a mere Soul Elder. I advise you not to entertain any inappropriate thoughts about Nana through this opportunity."
"Otherwise… hrmph!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at Yan, recalling the original work where Yan harbored unrequited love for Hu Liena.
No wonder, after knowing Hu Liena for so many years, you still haven't even tasted her salt—you're such a pathetic simp…
Dai Chengfeng lightly shook his head, having no intention of enlightening Yan on how to win Hu Liena's heart.
Instead, he addressed both Yan and Xie Yue. "I can tell you two are also unhappy that I defeated Hu Liena…"
Yan and Xie Yue immediately nodded.
After all, they had no idea about the specifics of the fight between Dai Chengfeng and Hu Liena the previous day. They only heard Hu Liena describe how her charm ability had been countered, leading to her loss.
Naturally, they didn't take someone like Dai Chengfeng, who was merely a Soul Elder, seriously.
Seeing their expressions, Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly. "How about this!"
"Hu Liena just proposed a competition. Why don't the two of you join as well?"
"If I lose, I'll let you deal with me however you wish. How's that?"
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)