275. Flirty

Liu Erlong walked gracefully, following the direction of the Seven Treasure disciples towards the banquet area.

Under the warm sunlight, her beautiful face appeared even more radiant, glowing with a soft pink hue.

Her look carried the charm of youth, yet the maturity of time.

Her figure, wrapped in a black dress, was voluptuous yet maintained elegant curves, like ripe autumn fruit with an allure of its own.

Her posture was graceful, and each step she took was light and dignified, drawing glances from many guests.

However, those who sensed the terrifying soul power she intentionally exuded dared not stare for too long, fearing potential trouble.

Despite her gentle and graceful appearance, her eyes were filled with tenderness that now belonged to someone, leaving others with only the threat of her fiery temper.

Her gaze, soft like water, silently scanned the crowd, looking for a flash of gold.

“Dean Liu!”

A gentle voice called from behind, causing Liu Erlong to pause and turn around.

It was a dignified and elegant woman, dressed in a pale yellow gown, her flawless face free of makeup and without a trace of wrinkles. Her face radiated the joy of reuniting after a long time.

“Dean Liu, it really is you. It's been such a long time since we last met.”

“Director Ye?”

Liu Erlong's eyes softened with gratitude as she stood waiting.

In her younger days, when she often fought and got injured, she frequently visited the medical center run by the Nine-Heart Begonia family, and through those visits, she became acquainted with Ye Qinshui.

“Dean Liu, ever since settling in Heaven Dou, you've only gotten more beautiful.”

Ye Qinshui walked up and took Liu Erlong’s arm, her face full of bright smiles.

Liu Erlong shook her head slightly, her voice calm.

“Director Ye, you're the one who looks like you've gotten younger.”

Ye Qinshui chuckled, “I have children now; where would the youth come from?”

Liu Erlong didn’t respond to that, instead studying Ye Qinshui's smile, noticing how much lighter it seemed compared to before.

“Has your heart ailment finally been cured?”

“Yes, my greatest worry is gone, though new concerns have arisen.”

Ye Qinshui smiled contentedly.

The flaw of the Nine-Heart Begonia had been resolved, and her daughter's marriage was also settled, leaving her feeling much more at ease than before.

“Congratulations.”

Liu Erlong sincerely offered her congratulations, understanding the pain Ye Qinshui had endured over the years.

“Thank you.”

Ye Qinshui laughed softly, noticing the lingering sorrow in Liu Erlong’s expression, she gently asked, “Dean Liu, are you still searching?”

“Yes, still searching,” Liu Erlong nodded. Years ago, she had confided some of her emotions to Ye Qinshui.

“Don’t worry, you’ll find him.”

Ye Qinshui held Liu Erlong’s arm, glancing at her beautiful yet melancholic face, silently wondering which heartless man could possibly waste such a woman.

Liu Erlong nodded without saying more, her eyes once again sweeping the crowd.

“Director Ye, let's go.”

“Alright.”

Ye Qinshui nodded slightly. She too was here to find someone—or rather, to see what her future son-in-law looked like. Her daughter hadn’t even brought him home yet, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.


---

The banquet was held behind a tower-like building in a large manor. Stone lions adorned with seven-colored gems stood at the entrance.

The courtyard was filled with tables and chairs, where guests gathered in small groups, chatting, discussing cooperation, and planning future developments. Around the garden and hedges, many stood with drinks in hand, talking and mingling.

The commotion from outside could not reach inside, where only the top forces with Soul Douluo-level spirit masters were seated. The guest list here was very exclusive.

After checking the area, Liu Erlong left and wandered around the outer part of the manor, pacing the corridors and changing positions frequently.

Though the golden figure she sought was conspicuous, she wasn’t going to miss any corner.

Inside the wide hall, Salas was sitting in his seat, dealing with nobles trying to curry favor.

Xue Qinghe entered from outside.

“Teacher, it’s almost time. I’ve already sent someone to invite the Holy Son.”

“Good. I’ll take you outside to meet the forces.”

Ning Fengzhi smiled, leaning on his cane as he stood and led Xue Qinghe outside to introduce him to the influential powers.


Salas also stood, following behind, knowing he had to make a good impression by personally greeting the Holy Son at the door.


---

At the base of the tower, Qian Renjue emerged from the hall, carrying the petite Ning Rongrong in his arms.

“Go this way!” Ning Rongrong pointed, her voice muffled, no longer crisp, with a hint of frustration. She glared at Qian Renjue, her round eyes filled with indignation.

“Still angry?” Qian Renjue couldn't help but laugh.

“Hmph! I’ll stop being mad when my mouth stops burning,” Ning Rongrong pouted, her swollen red lips showing her stubborn defiance as she held onto Qian Renjue’s neck.

“Didn’t you say you’d forgive me if I carried you?” Qian Renjue asked in confusion.

“Brother Holy Son, you’re so dumb,” Ning Rongrong pouted, justifying her stance. “Forgiving you is one thing, but being mad is another. You can't mix them up!”

“Haha…” Ling Yuan Douluo, walking beside them, couldn’t hold back her laughter, earning a glare from Qian Renjue.

“Who taught you all this?” Qian Renjue asked as he carried her toward the manor behind them.

“Being smart is natural, no need for teaching,” Ning Rongrong said, cupping Qian Renjue’s face and gently caressing it, clearly reluctant to let go.

“Alright, alright.”

Qian Renjue relented, unwilling to argue with a child.

“Hmph!” Ning Rongrong hummed proudly like a victorious rooster.

“Don’t treat me like a child! I know a lot of things…”

“Oh? Like what?” Qian Renjue asked casually as he walked.

“Like now!” Ning Rongrong patted his shoulder proudly. “With you holding me, you can’t go flirting with other girls, hehe!”

“And who taught you that?”

Qian Renjue's face was filled with amusement. Could she even understand what it meant to flirt at her age?

Ning Rongrong replied in a playful voice, “I learned that from my sisters-in-law.”

“You’d better spend more time cultivating in the future,” Qian Renjue advised, feeling a bit of a headache.

“But cultivating is so boring,” Ning Rongrong pouted, her small face scrunching up at the thought of sitting still and training.

Qian Renjue frowned. “If you don’t cultivate properly now, you'll waste your talent and have a harder time later.”

“Fine, fine. You're just as naggy as my dad,” Ning Rongrong muttered, hugging Qian Renjue tighter and resting her head on his face. “Rongrong will try her best.”