Neuvillette was fooled

Observing the blushing Focalors, Neuvillette was suddenly taken aback, a flicker of confusion crossing his gaze.

"What's happening here?"

After surveying the room, realization dawned upon him.

At this moment, it appeared as though he had entered a sea of flowers.

Indeed, these flowers were crafted from pure water. It would be more accurate to say he had stumbled into a sea of floods.

Bubbles of varying sizes danced through the air, their "petals" rendered even more vibrant and dazzling by the light.

"Are you decorating a bridal chamber?" Neuvillette inquired, almost instinctively.

Upon hearing this, the smile on Focalors' face solidified, then slowly faded, her expression reverting to its usual state.

'This fool is truly clueless.

He knows, yet he still inquires!'

"No!" Focalors retorted, her denial laced with duplicity.

"Oh?" Neuvillette's eyes narrowed, a knowing smile playing on his lips, exuding a sense of disdain.

"You..."

Time flew, and before they knew it, a new day had dawned.

The annual meeting had concluded. The clan leader from the "Star Luo Region" bid farewell first, as they had distant matters to attend to and needed to depart.

Despite the distribution of valuable treasures and even family wealth at this gathering, they left with contented smiles.

Rong and Ye, hailing from the "Heaven Dou Region," had their own affairs to manage upon their return, though their journey was not as lengthy as those from the "Star Luo Area."

Ultimately, only the group from Suotuo City, including Lexius, Neuvillette, and others, remained in Heaven Dou City.

"Brother Lex, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," Moffett approached Lexius, a smile gracing his features.

Lexius, observing Moffett's demeanor, sensed that the matter at hand was likely troublesome.

Decades of brotherhood had afforded Lexius a deep understanding of Moffett.

As he was about to decline, Moffett's imploring gaze caught him, and the refusal died on his lips.

"Go on," Lexius prompted.

"Ah, I knew you wouldn't turn me down, Brother Lex," Moffett beamed, then continued, "The qualifiers are still over two years away."

"Brother Lex, why not let Neuv and Dou Dou acclimate to Heaven Dou City's hosting style in the meantime?"

Hearing this, Lexius's expression soured, a visible twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Moffett's intentions were as clear as day, even from five meters away.

Was there truly a need to rush with more than two years remaining until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition qualifiers?

"You sly old fox!" Lexius exclaimed.

"Did you forget that little Neuv and Doudou are stars in the Suotuo City Spirit Fighting Arena?"

Before Lexius could finish, Moffett interjected, "I'll compensate; I promise!"

After all, the distribution of gold soul coins among everyone, performance, and other factors were significant but not paramount.

In an arena with stellar performance, those under your command reap greater rewards.

Conversely, in an arena with lackluster results, the rewards diminish accordingly.

For the eight major families, these differences were negligible.

Upon hearing Moffett's proposal, Lexius paused, a realization dawning upon him, his expression turning serious.

"Out with it, what are you scheming, old man?" Lexius demanded.

Moffett's rueful smile confirmed Lexius's suspicions; nothing could be concealed from this seasoned soul.

No, that one bone remained hidden!

"Why..."

Moffett exhaled deeply and confessed, "To be honest, brother, you're aware of Momo's situation, aren't you?"

Lexius nodded, his knowledge of Momo's situation both extensive and nuanced, yet there were details he could not openly share.

Contrary to popular belief, Momo was not timid nor prone to avoiding trouble. His bravery was the very reason for his current stature.

"When Momo ascended to the rank of a Soul Grand, my son and daughter-in-law..." Moffett began, a shadow of sorrow passing fleetingly across his eyes. The years had not dulled the pain of the past, nor the weight of the loss.

How could one simply 'let go' of such a thing?

Lexius approached Moffett, offering a comforting pat on the shoulder. Moffett had never anticipated that the hunt for a second soul ring would end in tragedy.

"It was from that time that Momo changed..." Lexius mused.

"So, you've asked Doudou and little Neuv to stay and familiarize themselves with the spirit fighting arena, and for little Neuv to assist your grandson?" Lexius's acumen left little room for Moffett's plans to remain concealed.

"Is that so?"

Moffett responded candidly, "Momo's talent is undeniable, but his temperament makes it unlikely for him to succeed as the next clan leader."

"For the clan's future, it's essential that I prepare him to take over."

"Little Neuc, at his young age, has achieved feats beyond our imagination. I hope he might influence Momo to overcome his past."

Lexius reflected on the complexities each family faces, their unique challenges akin to difficult scriptures.

"You should speak with Little Neuv about this. If he agrees to stay, then so be it."

"This boy has been a source of pride since his youth."

"Hey, didn't I tell you beforehand? Just to prepare you mentally," Moffett said, his expression shifting back to a smile.

He was aware that the final decision would rest with Neuvillette, and informing Lexius beforehand was a gesture of respect.

Lexius remained silent, contemplative.

After some time, Neuvillette entered the living room, accompanied by a slightly flushed Focalors.

"Grandpa Mo, we're..." Neuvillette began, intending to bid farewell to Moffett and depart.

However, Moffett launched into his well-rehearsed appeal before Neuvillette could finish.

Caught off guard by Moffett's sorrowful demeanor and poignant words, Neuvillette found himself agreeing in a daze.

In the end, Doudou, Neuvillette, and Focalors all decided to extend their stay in Heaven Dou City.

Neuvillette couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, though he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Focalors, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter, remained silent.

While Moffett's intent to deceive Neuvillette was clear, the genuine emotion behind his actions was undeniable, albeit somewhat overstated.

"Even without memories of the past, little Neuv's kindness shines through," Focalors thought, observing the still-bewildered Neuvillette.

That day, Heaven Dou City's Great Fighting Arena welcomed a gold medal host and a Supreme Referee.

Rumors circulated that the presence of this Referee had attracted a significant increase in female soul masters and fighters to the arena.

As for Focalors, it seemed she had taken a keen interest in the art of commentary...