"Fatty, why did you stop me just now? We could've gone to the Great Spirit Arena together. It's not like it would've cost anything extra."
"Little Ao, are you dumb?" Ma Hongjun rolled his eyes. "Boss clearly wanted to get rid of us. Can't you tell what he's planning?"
Oscar thought hard for a moment, then gave up.
Ma Hongjun sighed and explained everything that had happened the night before.
"You mean… Boss failed yesterday?"
"Obviously. If he'd succeeded, he'd already be bragging about it."
Dai Mubai hadn't mentioned a single word about last night—so the answer was obvious.
"I see… so he wants to try again today and doesn't want us getting in the way."
"Finally, you get it," Ma Hongjun said, satisfied. "That's why I stopped you. Learn to read the room."
Oscar nodded, enlightened.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet."
"My treat. Consider it thanks."
"Now that's what I like to hear. Let's go!"
---
Dai Mubai was indeed thinking exactly that.
But according to Ma Hongjun, that brat in black was still sticking close to her.
That was a problem.
He needed to get rid of him.
Or…
Kill him.
A cold glint flashed through Dai Mubai's eyes.
"You'd better know your place, kid… or don't blame me for being ruthless."
---
Meanwhile, inside Yuehai Cottage.
Lin Xian had just broken through again—Level 26.
There were no bottlenecks at all. Once he reached the peak, the next level came naturally, like water flowing downhill.
This was the advantage of dual cultivation.
In just a few days, he had already risen another level. At this rate, reaching Spirit Elder within three months wasn't impossible.
Although daytime cultivation of Stellar Power was limited to one hour due to its violent nature, Zhu Zhuqing still insisted on dragging him into normal meditation afterward.
The reason was simple—cultivating together boosted efficiency.
Even if it wasn't as fast as Stellar Power, it was still progress.
At first, Lin Xian had resisted.
Sitting still for long periods? That wasn't his style.
But, naturally, he found a way to benefit himself.
For example—
Whenever they cultivated together, Zhu Zhuqing had to wear outfits from the Myriad World Wardrobe.
And every three days of cultivation required one full day of rest.
After some hesitation, Zhu Zhuqing agreed.
After all… there wasn't much left to hide between them.
And inside Yuehai Cottage, it was just the two of them.
Even though she still felt shy, she accepted it—for the sake of faster cultivation.
---
When night fell, the two finally ended their session.
Lin Xian stretched out his arms.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward without hesitation, nestling into his embrace.
"Let's go. We'll eat first, then head to the Great Spirit Arena."
"Okay."
"But before dinner…" Lin Xian smiled slightly, "let me have a little appetizer."
"Yingning~"
---
As night deepened, the Great Spirit Arena grew lively.
Crowds filled the stands, buzzing with anticipation.
Many were still discussing yesterday's match.
The Dark Night Star duo had left a deep impression—especially those three thousand-year spirit rings.
Most people still couldn't believe they were real.
After all, Zhu Zhuqing had only used her first spirit ability. The rest might have been disguised or concealed.
No one dared to investigate further—prying into a Spirit Master's secrets was dangerous.
---
Lin Xian and Zhu Zhuqing arrived early and headed to the preparation area after registering.
Tonight's schedule started with one-on-one matches.
Spirit Grandmaster matches first, then Spirit Elder.
Lin Xian was opening the show.
His opponent—a defense-type Spirit Master—looked visibly nervous.
Black windbreaker. Mask. Calm demeanor.
No doubt—this was the same terrifying figure from yesterday.
Without hesitation, the opponent stacked multiple defensive layers on himself.
He had learned his lesson.
Unfortunately…
It didn't matter.
Empowered by Stellar Power, Lin Xian advanced relentlessly. Each punch grew stronger than the last.
Before long—
The opponent was blasted clean off the stage.
"I announce the winner—Dark Night Meteor! Two consecutive victories!"
---
Back in the waiting area, Zhu Zhuqing walked over.
"How was it?"
"Too easy," Lin Xian shrugged. "That guy's foundation was shaky. Took him down in two punches."
He casually flexed his fist.
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but laugh.
---
Soon, it was time for the Spirit Elder matches.
Zhu Zhuqing went to prepare.
And at that moment—
Dai Mubai approached.
With the twins beside him.
He stopped directly in front of Lin Xian.
"Oh? Something you need?" Lin Xian asked calmly, hands still in his pockets.
"Leave her."
Lin Xian didn't react.
He simply watched, curious to see what Dai Mubai would do.
"Leave her," Dai Mubai repeated, "and these two are yours."
The twin sisters immediately leaned forward, posing provocatively, showing off their figures.
Lin Xian glanced at them once… then spoke flatly:
"Oh? Kun?"
"…What?"
Dai Mubai frowned. The twins looked confused.
"Chickens," Lin Xian clarified.
Their expressions froze.
"They're the daughters of the vice president of the Wanyou Chamber of Commerce," Dai Mubai said coldly. "Just that—"
Lin Xian cut him off, brushing his sleeve as if something dirty had touched him.
"So… high-class chickens."
!!!
The twins' faces darkened instantly.
No one had ever dared to speak to them like this.
"Young Master Dai! You have to stand up for us!"
"Don't worry," Dai Mubai said, voice cold. "He'll pay for this."
He dragged a finger across his throat in a clear warning.
"Kid, I gave you a chance. Even offered you beauties. You're the one who refused. Don't blame me for what happens next."
Lin Xian smiled faintly.
"I said it already—I'm not interested in your chickens."
He glanced at them once more, unimpressed.
"And honestly, just standing here talking to you has already ruined my mood."
Veins bulged across Dai Mubai's forehead.
His fists clenched tightly.
He was on the verge of losing control.
