At this moment, Hu Liena walked over gracefully. The pink glow around her body had already faded, and her enchanting eyes flitted between Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing.
Especially when she saw the trace of blood still lingering at the corner of Dai Chengfeng's mouth and Zhu Zhuqing's rare expression of concern, she couldn't help but purse her lips.
Her tone carried a hint of jealousy even she hadn't noticed: "Don't forget, our goal is the Triple Spirit Fusion Technique!"
"The incomplete Netherworld White Tiger, even if successful, is just the first step toward that goal."
Zhu Zhuqing turned her head, her icy gaze meeting Hu Liena's alluring eyes. She seemed to sense something, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her tone was calm but struck at the heart of the matter:
"Big Fox, are you… jealous?"
"Huh?"
Hu Liena was like a fox whose tail had been stepped on. A subtle look of panic flashed across her face, but she quickly masked it with a cold snort, feigning composure as she retorted: "Who would be jealous?!"
"I'm just reminding you two—who… who has time to be jealous of you!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at the two women who were perfectly coordinated in battle but now subtly at odds with each other, and couldn't help but chuckle.
He reached out his hand, intending to comfort Hu Liena by patting her head.
However, Hu Liena seemed to have anticipated this and dodged his large hand, continuing to pout: "Who do you think you're underestimating? I'm Hu Liena—I don't need your comfort!"
"If you have the energy, take care of those guys down there first."
She pointed to the area below the arena where the members of the Imperial Battle Team lay sprawled chaotically. "You got so excited you forgot everything, even summoning the Netherworld White Tiger. Don't accidentally kill them."
"If the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire wipes out the entire Imperial Battle Team of the Tian Dou Empire in Spirit City, that would be quite the spectacle."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of guilt passed through Dai Chengfeng's mind.
He had indeed lost control of his power while focusing on mastering and unleashing the fusion technique, especially during the final roar, which was mainly to vent the uncontrollable surge of energy. He hadn't expected its power to exceed expectations.
He turned toward the side of the arena. "Uh… everyone, I kind of lost control."
Dai Chengfeng quickly walked to the edge of the arena. "Are you… alright?"
With Oslo's help, Yu Tianheng managed to sit up.
His injuries were relatively minor—mainly internal damage from the shock—but his face was pale, and he gazed at Dai Chengfeng with a complex expression, forcing a wry smile.
"We're… still alive, thank you… for holding back."
Yu Tianheng deliberately emphasized the words "holding back," clearly aware that if the Netherworld White Tiger hadn't been just a projection and focused more on venting power than precision attacks, they might not have escaped with just injuries.
Meanwhile, Yu Feng grimaced as he rubbed his chest, unable to resist muttering: "Boss, you call that holding back?"
"You said we were sparring! And you hit us with the Netherworld White Tiger!"
"Our little Imperial Battle Team doesn't deserve this kind of treatment, does it? You're giving us too much credit!"
Though he complained, there was no real resentment in his tone—only lingering fear and awe.
"That's right! We can't handle your Spirit Fusion Technique, Boss…"
Oslo and the Shi brothers nodded in agreement after hearing this.
Seeing that they still had the energy to complain, Dai Chengfeng knew their injuries must be within a manageable range. His mind eased slightly, and a hearty smile spread across his face:
"This one's my fault."
"How about this—I'll treat everyone to dinner at the best restaurant in Spirit City. How's that sound? Unlimited wine and drinks, and you can order whatever dishes you want!"
At the mention of Dai Chengfeng treating them, Oslo and the Shi brothers' eyes immediately lit up.
Yu Feng's demeanor changed instantly, as if his injuries no longer hurt. He grinned mischievously: "Hah! That's exactly what I wanted to hear! It was worth getting hit just to witness the legendary Netherworld White Tiger! This feast is a must!"
"Yeah! Worth it! Boss is generous!" Shi Mo also laughed heartily.
Their excitement wasn't just about the meal.
After all, they were all nobles and soul masters—none of them lacked for food or drink.
What truly mattered was Dai Chengfeng's gesture of treating them. It meant that after this "all-out" battle, they were genuinely regarded by this prestigious, exceptionally talented prince of the Star Luo Empire as friends worthy of interaction and banter.
And gaining Dai Chengfeng's friendship was undoubtedly a tremendous honor and opportunity for them—and for their families behind them.
After all, despite being carefully selected geniuses of the Tian Dou Empire with impressive backgrounds, compared to Dai Chengfeng's incredibly illustrious status, they still paled in comparison…
The fourth prince of the most powerful empire on the Douluo Continent—the Star Luo Empire.
The direct disciple of Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Spirit Hall—the strongest force on the continent.
Add to that his unparalleled innate full-soul power talent… any one of these identities alone commanded respect.
To befriend someone like him was undoubtedly an immense honor and opportunity.
As the atmosphere became lively and harmonious, Dai Chengfeng smiled as well.
For him, befriending these outstanding and good-natured peers was something worth celebrating.
...
In the private room on the top floor of Zui Xian Ju, one of the most renowned restaurants in Spirit City.
Exquisite and expensive dishes were served one after another, and fine wine filled the glasses.
True to his word, Dai Chengfeng ordered only the signature and most expensive dishes of Zui Xian Ju, sparing no expense.
After some rest and basic treatment, the members of the Imperial Battle Team looked much better. Though they still felt some lingering pain, the presence of delicious food and wine—more importantly, the joy of drawing closer to Dai Chengfeng—made the atmosphere lively and warm.
Yu Feng, Oslo, and the others had long shed their battered appearances from the arena and began to liven things up.
As glasses were raised and several rounds of drinks consumed, the young people grew less reserved.
Until Yu Feng's eyes darted around, his gaze sweeping over Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena on either side of Dai Chengfeng. A mischievous smile appeared on his face.
He nudged Oslo beside him and deliberately raised his voice:
"Hey, Boss, these two… Miss Zhu Zhuqing and Miss Hu Liena—we keep calling them 'Miss' and 'Miss,' which feels a bit too formal, doesn't it?"
"After all, we've become acquainted through battle."
As soon as he said this, the table fell silent. Everyone's gazes subtly drifted toward Dai Chengfeng and the two stunning women beside him.
Zhu Zhuqing remained aloof, though her hand holding the teacup paused slightly, her eyelashes lowered as if she hadn't heard.
Hu Liena shot Yu Feng a flirtatious glance, her lips curled into an ambiguous smile, making it impossible to discern her thoughts.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled and naturally placed his hands on the backs of the chairs of the two beauties beside him.
Before he could speak, Oslo interjected with a grin: "What's there to ask? In my opinion, both of them are obviously our sisters-in-law!"
"Huh????"
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