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"Stay in Spirit City?"
Liu Erlong repeated Dai Chengfeng's earlier question, her tone carrying a faint hint of uncertainty.
She shifted her gaze away from Dai Chengfeng and onto the sun-bleached courtyard wall outside the window.
"There are... too many complications here."
"Bibi Dong, that woman, is as deep and cold as a dark pool. She appears courteous on the surface, but who knows what schemes she hides beneath."
"Moreover..."
She paused, leaving the rest unsaid.
Dai Chengfeng stopped stirring and turned his head to look at her.
"Complications exist everywhere; the key lies in whether there are people or things worth staying for."
"Isn't great strength meant to allow us to live more freely?"
"In Spirit City, there are the best cultivation resources and... people who can look out for you."
"Look out for me?"
Liu Erlong seemed to find this amusing, a self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips. "When have I, Liu Erlong, ever needed someone to look after me?"
Dai Chengfeng didn't rise to her bait, merely smiled meaningfully and returned his attention to the pot of porridge.
"The porridge is almost ready; let it simmer for a little while longer."
He covered the pot, removed some firewood from the stove, and reduced the flame.
After finishing these tasks, he didn't move away from the stove but leaned casually against the nearby cupboard, his gaze unapologetically fixed on Liu Erlong.
The kitchen felt even more cramped with his presence.
Liu Erlong could clearly feel his scrutinizing gaze, laced with an indescribable heat, which unsettled her recently calmed emotions.
She shifted uncomfortably, pretending to tidy up the already spotless stove.
"Teacher," Dai Chengfeng suddenly spoke, his voice tinged with lazy amusement, "what are you nervous about?"
"Who's nervous?"
Liu Erlong reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, immediately countering, though her voice involuntarily rose an octave, betraying her lack of confidence.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, the vibrations in his chest making the laughter sound like tiny hooks, tickling the ears.
"I just think that right now, it's good."
He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the humble yet homely little kitchen, finally settling on Liu Erlong's slightly flushed profile...
"Warm."
The word "warm" was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples through Liu Erlong's heart.
She had to admit that, in this afternoon filled with the aroma of food,
In this small yet warm space, having someone bustling around, occasionally exchanging words, or simply offering silent companionship, indeed softened her long-standing loneliness and coldness.
This rare, almost "home-like" feeling made her both resist and yearn for it.
Yet, this longing frightened her.
She had long accustomed herself to armoring herself with irritability and detachment, used to licking her wounds alone.
Dai Chengfeng's intrusion was too sudden, too forceful; he was tearing apart her carefully constructed shell in an almost domineering manner.
Just as Liu Erlong's thoughts wavered, Dai Chengfeng suddenly moved.
Without warning, he took a step forward and closed in behind her.
The tall, sturdy figure of the man instantly brought a strong sense of pressure. Immediately, a pair of strong, muscular arms encircled her, firmly gripping her voluptuous yet resilient waist.
Liu Erlong's entire body stiffened, as if paralyzed, unable to move.
Dai Chengfeng's chest pressed tightly against her back. Through the thin fabric, she could clearly feel the scorching heat and the powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.
His warm breath brushed against her ear and neck, carrying the faint steam from cooking the porridge and his own uniquely aggressive masculine scent.
"Like this..."
Dai Chengfeng gently rested his chin in the crook of Liu Erlong's shoulder, his voice low and magnetic due to their proximity, as if imbued with an enchanting charm.
"It feels even warmer."
For a moment, Liu Erlong's mind went blank.
The man's body heat was so real, his embrace so strong, even carrying an undeniable dominance.
She should push him away immediately, scold him for his impudence, should...
But deep inside, a hidden tremor arose—a kind of instinctive relaxation and craving when enveloped by warmth and protected by strength.
A small voice in her heart whispered: Yes, it's warm, even... endearing.
But this thought flashed by quickly, immediately submerged by overwhelming embarrassment and her long-ingrained defense mechanisms.
When had she, Liu Erlong, become so weak, needing a disciple much younger than her to provide warmth and comfort?
"Let go!"
Liu Erlong spat out the words through gritted teeth, her voice trembling slightly.
She abruptly raised her arm, elbowing him backward with considerable force, hitting him right under the ribs.
"Mmm..."
Dai Chengfeng let out a muffled groan, his arms tightening momentarily before loosening slightly in pain.
But he didn't completely release her. Instead, he leaned even more brazenly on her back, his voice immediately adopting exaggerated pain and grievance.
"Teacher... your heart is so cruel... it hurts so much..."
Feeling the loosened grip behind her, Liu Erlong seized the opportunity to break free from his embrace, taking a step forward and turning to face him.
Her face still flushed, her eyes had regained their usual sharpness, though beneath it lay a hint of panic.
"Serves you right! Who told you to get handsy!"
Dai Chengfeng clutched the spot where he'd been hit, his handsome face contorted in pain...
Looking utterly pitiful, he stared at Liu Erlong with pleading eyes, his peach blossom eyes shimmering with moisture, looking extremely sorry.
"This disciple couldn't help himself for a moment... Teacher, you hit too hard; surely I'm internally injured..."
As he spoke, he covertly observed Liu Erlong's expression.
Seeing his shameless act, Liu Erlong wanted to laugh but forced herself to keep a straight face.
"Stop putting on an act! Do you think I don't know your capabilities?"
She knew this brat's strength well. Though she hadn't held back earlier, there was no way he could be injured like this.
"It really hurts..."
Dai Chengfeng edged closer, pointing to the spot where he'd been hit, whining.
"Teacher, look, it must be bruised... No good, it won't heal..."
Liu Erlong rolled her eyes at him in exasperation, ignoring him. She picked up the spoon, preparing to continue stirring the porridge in the pot, disguising her still somewhat rapid heartbeat.
Seeing Liu Erlong ignore him, Dai Chengfeng's eyes flickered. Suddenly, he leaned close to her ear, whispering teasingly and provocatively:
"Unless... teacher kisses it better. A kiss might make it better."
"Get lost!"
Without thinking, Liu Erlong swung the spoon handle at him. This time, Dai Chengfeng nimbly dodged.
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