As Tang San, Yu Xiaogang, Dai Mubai, and the others left the arena in utter dejection, the Arena's thunderous cheers continued unabated.
It took a full quarter-hour—and repeated gestures from the referee—before the noise finally subsided.
Dai Chengfeng was then led away from the center by staff.
Hu Liena, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu still glowed with excitement.
"We won! We really won!" Ning Rongrong clapped her hands joyfully.
Hu Liena was more reserved, but her bewitching eyes held Dai Chengfeng deeply, lips curved in proud delight. "That final strike was… exquisite."
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing, simply offering him a handkerchief.
Dai Chengfeng took it, wiping away the blood Tang San had left on his hand.
"Let's go. Leave this place first."
He tucked the handkerchief away and surveyed their surroundings. Countless eyes still fixed on them from the stands. Dai Chengfeng disliked being watched.
They exited through the exclusive passage, but crowds still thronged outside.
Spirit Hall guards had already formed a cordon, holding back the fervent masses.
Dai Chengfeng maintained a gentle smile, waving to both sides—drawing another wave of cheers.
Only when they boarded the carriage back to the Spirit Hall, the door closing out the world's clamor, did he finally exhale softly, sinking into the plush seat.
"Tired?"
Hu Liena sensed his fatigue instantly.
"A little."
Dai Chengfeng closed his eyes. "Tang San was trickier than I expected. But mostly… too many people. Annoying."
"Forget him!" Ning Rongrong chirped. "We won so brilliantly—we should celebrate!"
Xiao Wu immediately agreed: "Yes! I heard there's a new barbecue spot in the East District—supposedly amazing!"
Zhu Zhuqing rarely spoke up, but now added: "You've expended much today. You should replenish yourself."
Seeing Dai Chengfeng didn't object, Hu Liena decided: "Then let's go. I know the place—their technique is exceptional."
The carriage turned toward the East District.
The restaurant, "Zhi Hun Xuan," was small but elegantly decorated.
An elderly, silver-haired owner greeted them, bowing respectfully as he ushered them into the innermost private room.
"Holy Son, Holy Daughter, and honored ladies—your presence graces my humble shop!"
He personally presented the menu. "Today we have fresh Blazing Fire Bull ribs and Icefield Snow Deer tenderloin—just delivered this morning."
"Arrange as you see fit," Dai Chengfeng smiled. "Bring your best."
"Of course! I'll ensure Your Highness is satisfied."
Once the owner left, only the five remained.
Xiao Wu curiously glanced around. Bamboo curtains partitioned the room; landscape paintings adorned the walls; delicate incense burned in the corner—a stark contrast to a "barbecue joint."
"I never knew Spirit Hall City had such a place," Ning Rongrong marveled.
Hu Liena poured tea. "This retired archbishop couldn't stay idle. His two passions? Studying soul beasts and culinary arts. His techniques here are unique—you won't find this elsewhere."
Soon, dishes arrived.
As Hu Liena promised, the barbecue was extraordinary.
Blazing Fire Bull ribs, sliced thin, sizzled on heated black stone slabs, curling and browning rapidly, releasing rich aromas. Faint red motes of fire-element energy shimmered within the meat—locked in by special preparation.
"This meat…" Dai Chengfeng sampled a piece, eyes lighting up.
Tender, juicy, melting on the tongue—then a gentle surge of fire energy flowed down his throat, nourishing meridians and soul power.
"Delicious!" Xiao Wu devoured her portion eagerly.
Zhu Zhuqing ate delicately, a flicker of satisfaction in her cool eyes.
Ning Rongrong sighed between bites: "If Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone knew about this, they'd camp here daily!"
Laughter filled the room, light and carefree.
The meal lasted nearly an hour.
Finally, Dai Chengfeng set down his chopsticks, dabbed his mouth, and addressed them: "You guys head back first. I have some matters to attend to."
"Hm?" Xiao Wu looked up, sauce still on her lips. "So late? What could it be?"
Hu Liena's eyes flickered—she guessed—but stayed silent.
Ning Rongrong asked, "Need help?"
"No. Personal business." Dai Chengfeng stood, smile warm but firm. "Return to the Spirit Hall. Rest early. You've all worked hard today."
Zhu Zhuqing watched him quietly, then nodded. "Alright."
Hu Liena rose too. "I'll take them back. Be careful."
The four girls settled the bill—the owner refused payment, but Hu Liena insisted on leaving a pouch of gold soul coins.
Dai Chengfeng stood at Zhi Hun Xuan's entrance, watching the carriage vanish around the corner. His smile faded.
He turned and walked—not toward the Spirit Hall, but the opposite direction.
Night deepened. Streets emptied.
Dai Chengfeng strolled leisurely, as if post-dinner strolling.
He passed the East District's bustle, crossed quiet residential lanes, and reached a grove near the city wall.
Here, far from the center, only a few soul-guided lamps cast dim light on the forest path.
He stopped.
Wind rustled leaves. Moonlight dappled the ground through branches.
"If you've come, Elder, no need to hide," Dai Chengfeng said calmly.
From the woods' depths, a shadow emerged.
Tall, cloaked in wide black robes, hood pulled low—hiding most of his face.
But Dai Chengfeng recognized him instantly. That aura—deep as the ocean, heavy as mountains—few in the world possessed it.
Tang Hao.
Hao Tian Douluo. Tang San's father.
"You knew I'd come," Tang Hao's voice rumbled, hoarse as if unused to speech.
Dai Chengfeng faced him, smiling faintly. "You honor your bets. I keep my promises. Did I fulfill my end?"
Tang Hao was silent, then nodded slowly.
Before the match, they'd struck a deal: if Dai Chengfeng defeated Tang San, Tang Hao would grant him one request.
Dai Chengfeng's request: to learn the Hao Tian Sect's forbidden secret—Ring Detonation.
"Bibi Dong still doesn't know Xiao San's identity," Tang Hao said, his hidden gaze sharp as blades. "You kept your word."
"I always do," Dai Chengfeng replied.
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