Although it had been twenty years since they last met, Liu Erlong immediately recognized Yu Xiaogang as he walked in.
Similarly, Yu Xiaogang's expression froze upon seeing Liu Erlong sitting in the chair. Flander, who was beside Yu Xiaogang, also looked at Liu Erlong in disbelief, rubbing his eyes as if he thought he was mistaken.
"Xiao, Xiaogang, is that really you? Am I dreaming?" Liu Erlong's melodious voice trembled as she asked twice, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably, overwhelmed with excitement. She longed to rush over but feared it might be a false alarm, even more so that Yu Xiaogang might leave without a word. Ultimately, she forced herself to suppress her overwhelming emotions.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang's eyes were red as he gazed at the woman he had longed for yet dared not meet. His lips trembled, but he could not utter a word for a long time. It was Flander who sighed and said, "Our so-called Golden Iron Triangle has finally reunited today. Erlong, it's been many years; how have you been?"
Flander's heart also ached as he looked at Liu Erlong, whose eyes were still only on Xiaogang. Liu Erlong's dazed pupils finally focused, turning her gaze to Flander, revealing unspoken emotions. "Old Flander, it's been years; you still look the same."
Flander chuckled bitterly, "I've aged, but you still look as radiant as ever."
Hearing the conversation between Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flander, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun were all puzzled. Meng Shenji, who sitting at the head of the table, was also taken aback upon hearing the name "Golden Iron Triangle," glancing between Liu Erlong, Flander, and Yu Xiaogang as if recalling something.
Tang Yin observed the charming Liu Erlong with great interest, noting her captivating presence. Liu Erlong's figure was indeed striking, with a voluptuous chest, a flat abdomen devoid of any excess fat, and long, elegant legs.
What attracted him most was the mature charm that only a woman like Liu Erlong possessed, making him want to savor her essence. He glanced at Yu Xiaogang, a slight smile forming on his lips, intrigued by the idea of Yu Xiaogang being involved with such a mature woman.
"Teacher, do you know each other?" Tang San stepped forward to ask.
"Yes, Master, what's going on here?" Dai Mubai also inquired curiously. Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and others turned their attention as well.
The woman before them was none other than Liu Erlong, the dean of Blue Tyrant Academy, who had come to exchange ideas with them today. However, it was clear that Flander and Yu Xiaogang had known her for many years.
Flander sighed, looking past Yu Xiaogang to address Tang San and the others. "This is Liu Erlong. Perhaps you've heard of her; she was the final piece of our Golden Iron Triangle that ventured through the Spirit Master world alongside me and the Master."
The Golden Iron Triangle was well-known in the Spirit Master world, and they had certainly heard of it, but they hadn't expected such a coincidence.
Meng Shenji laughed heartily upon realizing the connection. "I didn't expect Dean Liu to be an old acquaintance of our academy's teachers, and moreover, part of the once-renowned Golden Iron Triangle. It seems today's exchange cannot proceed as planned."
"I suggest this: since you haven't seen each other in years, you must want to catch up."
"It's already noon; I'll have the cafeteria prepare a sumptuous feast for you on the second floor. You can reminisce about old times, and we can discuss the exchange another day."
Meng Shenji's suggestion was exactly what Liu Erlong wanted, and she readily agreed. She then dismissed her students, allowing them to return to the academy to cultivate.
Liu Erlong fixed her gaze on Yu Xiaogang, fearing he might disappear again. "Xiaogang, are you really going to keep ignoring me?" The excitement in her eyes had not faded, but her voice was no longer trembling; instead, it carried a hint of loneliness.
Looking at the beautiful and mature woman before him, Yu Xiaogang's heart trembled. He struggled to open his mouth several times but found himself unable to say anything. Liu Erlong gazed deeply into Yu Xiaogang's eyes. "Xiaogang, this time I won't let you escape from me again."
"I..." Yu Xiaogang choked on his words.
Seeing this, Flander smiled gently and said, "Erlong, although this is a coincidence, I'm leaving him in your hands. If he runs away again, you might never see him again. Time flies; it's been twenty years, a full twenty years."
"Yes, I didn't expect you all to have become teachers at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy now," Liu Erlong remarked with a hint of nostalgia.
She then scanned the room, taking in Tang San, Tang Yin, and Xiao Wu.
"Let's go to the cafeteria and talk as we walk," Flander suggested.
"Okay," Liu Erlong nodded.
The group chatted as they made their way to the cafeteria. Along the way, Flander and Liu Erlong shared stories from the years gone by while introducing Tang San, Dai Mubai, and others.
They soon arrived at the academy cafeteria. However, Yu Xiaogang remained silent, seemingly troubled by something. Liu Erlong glanced at him but did not press him to speak immediately. Once they reached the cafeteria, everyone began to enjoy their lunch while engaging in conversation.
The meal was lavish, and everyone ate heartily, listening intently to Flander, Liu Erlong, and Yu Xiaogang recount their stories. At that moment, Liu Erlong turned to Ah Yin and asked, "You must be the new teacher at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Teacher Ah Yin?"
A Yin smiled and nodded, "Hello, Dean Liu."
"I can sense your strength; we should have a good exchange and spar when we have time." Liu Erlong was particularly interested in Ah Yin, who was also a female Soul Sage.
"Sure," Ah Yin readily agreed.
Liu Erlong's gaze then fell on Tang Yin, who had been calmly eating since they arrived, not saying much. However, his composed demeanor and confident expression caught Liu Erlong's attention, prompting her to look at him a few more times.
Tang Yin noticed Liu Erlong's gaze and met her eyes with a gentle smile, a glimmer of light flashing in his blue and red eyes.
Old friends reunited, and newcomers joined. This led to a lengthy conversation among Flander, Zhao Wuji, Tang San, and others, with the lunch lasting several hours. Meanwhile, Tang Yin learned a lot about Tang San's experiences over the years, as well as about his sister-in-law, Xiao Wu.
As for Yu Xiaogang, he remained stiff-faced throughout, unsure how to face Liu Erlong, his beloved. He wanted to speak but found himself at a loss for words. Whenever he tried to open his mouth, he would lower his head in bitterness upon meeting Liu Erlong's gaze.
Yet Yu Xiaogang knew very well that Liu Erlong was the woman he had longed for; he loved her deeply. However, Liu Erlong was also his cousin, a moral dilemma he could not overcome.
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