Chapter 20: Liu Erlong

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**Tiandou City, Lanba Academy**

"That's right, everyone. The man behind me is a close friend of your dean, one of the Golden Iron Triangle, the Flying Horn, and the Four-Eyed Cat Owl, Flanders."

Li Luochen addressed the guard at the entrance of the academy as he introduced Flanders.

"Who knows if that's true? Our dean is very busy, and we get people like you all the time, claiming to know her. I don't recognize you. Just look at that guy behind you, all dressed up like he's here to woo our dean. Do us a favor and leave before I have to get rough."

The guard at the door clenched his fists, ready to kick them out if necessary.

Li Luochen mused, *I didn't expect Liu Erlong to be so popular.*

"Ahem, Dean, why don't you show this country bumpkin your spirit rings?"

Li Luochen turned to Flanders. Indeed, Flanders was looking quite dapper today, with the image of a refined middle-aged nobleman.

Without saying a word, Flanders stepped forward, and with a light stomp, seven soul rings materialized beneath him—two yellow, two purple, and three black. His Cat Owl Martial Spirit manifested behind him, and the aura of a Soul Saint radiated from him. The doorman, terrified, fell to the ground.

"Didn't I check the almanac today? What a disaster! I actually insulted a Soul Saint? I'm done for. Please, Dean, have mercy on me."

"Who dares to cause trouble at my academy?"

A clear and pleasant voice rang out. The speaker was a woman in her thirties, wearing a simple green dress. Her hair was held up by a cloth scarf, and her delicate features were framed by picturesque eyebrows. Her large, dark eyes were captivating, and her figure was stunning, even under the modest clothing.

"Pretty boy! Don't think you can throw your weight around here just because you have a Soul Saint with you. If you've got the guts, come over here!"

The woman's Martial Spirit activated, and six soul rings appeared—two yellow, two purple, and two black. A towering fire dragon emerged behind her.

It was Liu Erlong. She had been in a good mood and decided to personally check on her students today. When she sensed the presence of a Soul Saint at the gate, she rushed over. Seeing that the visitor was Li Luochen, she immediately began to scold him. She noticed the seven soul rings but didn't recognize Flanders' Martial Spirit. Glancing quickly at the well-dressed middle-aged man, she assumed he was Li Luochen's guard and dismissed him.

Liu Erlong despised these aristocratic gigolos, believing they dreamed of courting her to win her favor and body.

"Um... Sister Erlong, there's no need to jump to conclusions. Dean Flanders and I traveled all the way from Soto City to see you."

Despite his handsome appearance and fair skin, being called a pretty boy stung Li Luochen. He was here to play matchmaker for the dean, not to be scolded.

"Ahem, Erlongmei, even after five years, you're still as fiery as ever."

Flanders coughed lightly and stepped forward.

"Hmm? Boss Fu? Is that really you, Boss Fu? Why are you dressed like this today? Oh, I'm sorry, that was my mistake. Is this the genius student you mentioned before? Come on in, and we'll talk inside."

Liu Erlong was surprised at how different Flanders looked. In her mind, he was a man with no taste in clothes who liked to sport an unsightly beard. But today, Flanders looked scholarly, and Liu Erlong found herself unexpectedly attracted to this new image.

Her cheeks flushed as she thought, *Boss Fu looks quite good today—handsome, strong, with a scholarly air.*

"Ah? You think I look good? Xiaochen said my fashion sense was terrible, so he picked out this outfit for me. I wasn't sure it would suit me."

In truth, Flanders was a bit nervous. It felt like the old days when he wanted to confess his love to Liu Erlong.

"No! Absolutely not! Boss Fu, you look really good in this outfit—really! Very handsome!"

Liu Erlong responded quickly, her ears turning a shade of red.

"Let's not talk about this here. Boss Fu, it's rare for you to visit me. Come inside the academy, and I'll entertain you."

Liu Erlong quickly changed the subject, leading Flanders to her cabin, with Li Luochen following behind.

As they walked, Flanders quietly glanced at Li Luochen, who noticed and gave him a thumbs-up. Li Luochen had seen Liu Erlong's face and ears turn red, something Flanders, in his nervousness, had missed.

Seeing Li Luochen's gesture, Flanders felt reassured. Liu Erlong's reaction suggested that she might still have feelings for him.

Meanwhile, Liu Erlong's thoughts were in turmoil: *Why didn't I realize before that Boss Fu could dress like this? His scholarly aura and gentle tone are so comforting. Why didn't I see how handsome he was before? If I had...*

*Bah, bah, bah, Liu Erlong, what are you thinking? You're Xiaogang's 'wife'. How can you be having feelings for Boss Fu?*

But then doubt crept in: *Am I really Xiaogang's wife? My father would never approve. Xiaogang and I are cousins, and he disappeared after that incident. He hasn't even written to me. Does he care more about his dignity than me? But Boss Fu... He saved me that time in the Soul Beast Forest and has always been there for me. He suggested I start this academy to cultivate my character. Isn't he just as good as Xiaogang? What makes Xiaogang better?*

Liu Erlong's heart was deeply conflicted.

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