Why would Meng Yi Ran want to speak with him alone? Was it about Meng Shu's prior agreement with him? But it didn't seem likely.
Yun Feng asked directly, "Miss Yi Ran, is there something you need from me?"
Meng Yi Ran, looking at the black-haired, dark-eyed young man before her, blushed instantly despite being a bit older than Yun Feng. After hesitating for a moment, she finally summoned the courage to speak.
"My name is Meng Yi Ran. I wanted to formally introduce myself and become friends with you."
If Yun Feng didn't understand her intentions now, he might as well die from ignorance. Looking at the beautiful young lady before him, his heart remained calm, but he maintained a warm and polite demeanor, his smile as gentle as spring.
"I thought we were already friends," he replied.
Hearing these words, Meng Yi Ran's eyes sparkled with joy, and she broke into a bright smile.
"Then it's settled. Next time I come to see you, don't pretend not to know me!"
After Yun Feng nodded, Meng Yi Ran glanced around nervously. Seeing that the others were casting casual yet curious glances her way, her face flushed red. She quickly darted back to her grandparents' side.
As Meng Yi Ran hurried away, Yun Feng exchanged a knowing look with Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang, nodding politely before watching them disappear into the distance.
Ah, the sentimental heart of a young maiden, he thought with amusement.
With Yun Feng's matter seemingly resolved, Ma Hongjun could no longer contain his curiosity. He sidled up to Yun Feng, grinning mischievously.
"Not bad, my friend! It hasn't even been that long, and you've already charmed such a beautiful girl!"
He even gave Yun Feng a thumbs up for emphasis.
Having spent time together, Yun Feng knew Ma Hongjun's personality well. Though his remarks could sometimes be crude, Yun Feng didn't mind his harmless teasing.
"She just wants to be friends, not what you're imagining," Yun Feng said with a faint smile. Even though he had sensed Meng Yi Ran's feelings, he wasn't about to admit anything. After all, keeping things ambiguous left room for possibilities—how else could he build a harem?
---
At the Prince's Mansion, Ning Fengzhi had just finished a lesson with Xue Qinghe, nodding in approval. "At your current level, you're more than capable of handling your father's political affairs."
Xue Qinghe, however, humbly shook his head. "Teacher, you flatter me. My father is in his prime, and my minor skills are far from sufficient. I must continue learning from you."
Satisfied with Xue Qinghe's response, Ning Fengzhi sighed. "If only your sister could be as sensible as you."
Understanding that Ning Fengzhi was referring to his daughter Ning Rongrong and not Xue Ke, Xue Qinghe smiled and said, "Rongrong is still young. There's no need for her to take on such responsibilities yet. She'll understand in time."
Relieved by Xue Qinghe's perspective, Ning Fengzhi stood and said, "That's enough for today. Reflect on what we discussed, and we'll continue later."
Just as Ning Fengzhi was about to leave, Xue Qinghe called out, "Teacher, wait. I have a question."
"Oh? Is there something you don't understand?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Xue Qinghe shook his head and shared the basic information he had gathered about Yun Feng. "I heard from my men that Rongrong has been sticking closely to a young man recently..."
Ning Fengzhi wasn't surprised. As a protective father, he had already investigated Yun Feng. What he discovered, however, was unexpected.
Despite his rare dragon-type martial soul and secondary awakening—traits that should have made him a prized recruit for Spirit Hall—Yun Feng appeared to receive little attention from them. He was merely an external deacon in a minor branch hall, with no significant role.
This raised questions. Why would Spirit Hall neglect such a rare talent? Still, Ning Fengzhi saw potential opportunities in this situation. Investing in Yun Feng could prove beneficial, and even if it didn't, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could afford it.
Smiling, Ning Fengzhi reassured Xue Qinghe, "Rongrong doesn't have many friends, so it's good she's made one. I'll meet this Yun Feng personally when the time comes."
Xue Qinghe nodded. "To earn your attention is a great honor for him. I'm curious now; I'll find an opportunity to meet him myself."
Ning Fengzhi merely nodded in approval. "It's always good to build more connections."
---
The Slaughter City.
Tang Hao, exuding a menacing aura, strode into a small town shrouded in an eerie atmosphere. The town seemed ordinary at first glance, but its oppressive vibe hinted at something sinister.
Without hesitation, Tang Hao made his way to a dimly lit tavern at the town's center. The interior was suffocating, with every piece of decor drenched in black. Though it was daylight outside, stepping into the tavern felt like plunging into a cold abyss.
The bar was sparsely populated, with only about a third of the seats occupied. Conversations were hushed, creating an oppressive silence. Tang Hao chose a seat in the corner, his presence commanding attention despite his quiet demeanor.
A somber waiter dressed in black approached. "What will you have?"
"Bring me a large Bloody Mary," Tang Hao said coldly.
The waiter hesitated, his expression darkening. "Are you sure?"
Tang Hao's icy glare left no room for argument, and the waiter quickly retreated.
Moments later, a glass of murky, dark-red liquid was placed before him. The drink exuded a sharp, metallic tang, the stench of blood almost overwhelming.
Without hesitation, Tang Hao downed the drink in one gulp. The salty, slightly sour liquid left a burning sensation in his throat as the blood-like aroma filled his senses.
"Another," he demanded.
His words drew the attention of every patron in the bar. Yet, upon sensing the murderous a
ura emanating from Tang Hao, none dared speak. They were outlaws, but they weren't fools.