Chapter 70 81. Gangzi Severs Liu Erlong's Opportunity
The mist first cleared between Liu Erlong and Flander.
Above them hovered a blazing Fire Elemental Crystal.
The lofty voice of the trial spoke: "Once more I ask you, do you love Flander?"
Although recent events had left small cracks in Liu Erlong's faith in Yu Xiao Gang, she could not erase the image of that learned man standing with hands clasped behind his back, his brow filled with wisdom. She shook her head resolutely. Glancing apologetically at Flander, she said softly, "No."
"Very well," said the divine voice. "Then as the one Flander loves, the choice of this Fire Element Crystal rests with you. If granted, it will transform his spirit, refine his bloodline, and give him the potential to achieve the rank of Title Douluo. Do you consent to bestow this gift?"
"I consent," she answered without hesitation.
To her, Flander was not a lover but a brother‑figure, the dearest of companions. She would never deny him this fate.
At her decision, the crimson crystal floated toward Flander. His Cat Eagle spirit appeared and merged with the glowing shard. The feathers turned scarlet, fire wreathed its body—the Cat Eagle had evolved into the Flame Owl, a superior beast spirit.
When the fusion ended, Flander felt his very bloodline renewed. He bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Erlong."
She smiled faintly. "Don't thank me, Brother Flander. This is what you deserve."
The fog closed again, and when it parted, only the final treasure remained—a radiant Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower.
Liu Erlong stared up at it, sensing her spirit's hunger. If she could absorb such a heavenly herb, her Fire Dragon could surely evolve—perhaps even surpass the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.
She remembered how the rules worked and concluded confidently, The next decision should fall to Xiao Gang. He'll grant it to me—there's no problem there.
Then she sighed, thinking of the lost Golden Dragon Fruit. When we marry and travel together, I'll help him search for another one.
The mist rolled away again, revealing Yu Xiao Gang across from her.
"Yu Xiao Gang," spoke the divine voice, "I ask you again—do you love Liu Erlong?"
He hesitated. To lie risked punishment; to admit the truth might shatter his long‑planned revenge against Yu Luomian.
"This round does not deliver punishment," the voice prompted.
Relieved, he straightened and replied warmly, "I love her."
"Then hear this," said the voice. "Before you lies the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a peerless immortal herb. It strengthens soul power, refines flame, evolves spirit, and renews both body and meridians. If Liu Erlong consumes it, her innate power will reach the limit itself. Her Fire Dragon will ascend to the realm of ultimate flame. Without it, she may never touch the gate of Title Douluo, but with it, she shall tread the path to divinity if fortune favors her."
Both stood stunned. Liu Erlong trembled with joy, and Yu Xiao Gang's heart turned cold white.
He had known it was a rare treasure—but not that rare. A peerless chance, a divine future, lying in his hands.
If the Golden Dragon Fruit did this for me, he thought bitterly, I could have become a supreme being. My dragon spirit would have evolved, and I too could've reached those heavenly heights.
Grief and jealousy swelled in his chest.
"Now," the voice continued, "as the one Liu Erlong loves, the decision is yours. Do you grant this immortal herb to her?"
The question struck like ice.
All the torment of the bathhouse burned in his memory—the humiliation, the loss of honor. The Golden Dragon Fruit had eluded him, leaving him broken. And yet Liu Erlong was offered divinity?
Why should she rise while he stayed fallen?
Poisoned by envy, he clenched his jaw. But the darker emotion that followed was intoxicating: sheer control. Her destiny, her limits, her possible godhood—they all depended on a single word from his lips.
You're Yu Luomian's daughter, he thought viciously. Dream of becoming a god. From now on, you'll exist only as my tool of vengeance—my accessory.
He smiled faintly and said, "I do not consent."
Immediately, the immortal flower vanished into nothing.
"Xiao Gang…" Liu Erlong whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
But Yu Xiao Gang's expression remained gentle, his voice steeped in false remorse. "Erlong, I'm sorry. I love you too much. I just… can't bear the thought of the gap between us growing wider. I don't want to be that useless man who hides behind his wife's power."
Her shoulders lowered, sadness clouding her eyes, but she forced a small smile. "It's… it's all right."
The mist dispersed once again, reuniting all three on the platform.
"The Eternal Love Trial is complete," declared the eternal voice.
Their surroundings blurred, fading into whiteness.
Half‑awake, half‑dreaming, Yu Xiao Gang heard faint echoes whispering at the edge of his consciousness—voices haunting, mocking.
"I miss you, Gangzi. Come play at my place next time. Don't be shy—our little secret, remember?" — Jie Ge.
"A pity I didn't get first taste in the bathhouse. Come find Scarface when you return; don't make me chase you." — Scarface.
"I'm waiting in the dorms of Spirit Hall. Scrub yourself clean and come inside. Don't keep me—or my brothers—waiting." — Long Ge.
"Don't forget, kid—Chicken Ge still owes you a 'lesson.' If someone else teaches it first, you're done for." — Chicken Ge.
"No… no, stop!"
Yu Xiao Gang shot upright from the bed, drenched in cold sweat.
(END CHAPTER)
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