Finding Ma Xiaotao for Serious Business

"Disciple plans to set out for long-term training only after participating in the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament." Lin Feng stated his plan candidly; the arrangement was steady, appropriate, and reasonable.

However, he harbored another consideration in his heart: he needed to use this time to find a way to devour and successfully condense the unique Exotic Fire Origins of the two Super Douluo, Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er.

In particular, he had yet to find an opportunity to devour Dean Xian Lin'er's "Green Flame Dragon Fire," let alone condense its origin.

The greatest obstacle to this was the complex emotional entanglement between Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er. He had witnessed it firsthand at the Sea God Pavilion meeting and had inquired about it privately; the details were far too melodramatic.

As Yan Shaozhe's personal disciple, if he were to approach them rashly, it would be no different from asking for trouble. If he were to use the academy's name to apply pressure, it would be even less feasible...

The Dean of the Soul Tool Department was notorious for her fiery temper, perfectly fitting the stereotype of a high-level fire-attribute soul master.

"Very good." Upon hearing this, a look of gratification and appreciation flashed in Yan Shaozhe's eyes, and he immediately declared, "Before the tournament, if you need any resources for your cultivation, feel free to submit an application to the academy at any time, and I will personally approve it."

He knew that every bit of investment the academy made in Lin Feng would deepen the bond between this genius and Shrek. This investment was worth it.

"Many thanks, Teacher." Lin Feng bowed respectfully. "If there are no other instructions, this disciple will take his leave."

"Go." Yan Shaozhe nodded slightly, watching him turn and leave with a profound gaze.

Lin Feng retreated silently. Although he had Yan Shaozhe's backing, he still dared not push his luck.

The 100,000-year Whale Rubber that Ma Xiaotao had given him last time was already a massive favor, even if it could be considered bought with her dowry money...

After leaving the Bright Phoenix Courtyard, Lin Feng left the island directly and walked quickly toward Ma Xiaotao's dormitory.

Before setting off with Tang Ya for the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, there was one crucial matter he had to complete.

Just as he reached the dormitory door, he didn't even have time to steady his breathing before he subconsciously pushed it open.

The next moment, he froze at the doorway, almost holding his breath.

Ma Xiaotao was standing with her back to him, bending over to arrange dinner plates on the table.

She wore only a loosely tied kitchen apron, the thin straps knotted behind her neck, revealing a large expanse of jade-like back. Under the apron, it was the same... the hem barely covered her knees, blindingly white in the indoor light, full...

Lin Feng's throat felt dry, and his eyes refused to obey, unable to look away.

Ma Xiaotao sensed the movement behind her; her actions paused slightly, but she did not turn around immediately.

She merely tilted her head, a flush spreading to her earlobes, her voice carrying a deliberately drawn-out, heart-tugging tone:

"...Mesmerized?"

"Sister Xiaotao, I have serious business." Lin Feng steadied his voice and stated his purpose directly.

"Serious business?" Ma Xiaotao smiled lightly and finally turned around.

Her eyes were like rippling water as she walked closer, her waist swaying with a subtle curve, her voice dropping a notch, yet every word brushed against his ear like a feather: "The opportunity is delivered right to your eyes... stepping up to seize it, isn't that the most serious business you should be doing right now?"

If he were still oblivious to such charms, Lin Feng would truly have to go to a temple to chant scriptures. He immediately stepped forward and lifted Ma Xiaotao steadily; she followed suit, wrapping her arms around his neck and hanging onto him.

"There's the scent of another woman on your hair..." She buried her face in his neck and sniffed lightly, her voice muffled against his ear, her warm breath brushing past, "It's that old hag Wu Ming's. You can't hide it from me."

"Forget it," she pulled back slightly, her eyes shimmering with moisture, carrying a hint of reproach yet hiding a smile, "Perform well today, and I'll spare you this time. Otherwise... you know the consequences."

With that, Ma Xiaotao bit his earlobe, neither too hard nor too soft.

"Hiss—" Lin Feng shivered, gasping, and subconsciously wanted to explain, "I went to see her to devour..." He stopped halfway, knowing that anything he said now would sound like an excuse, so he simply shut his mouth.

"It's been so many days..." Ma Xiaotao's lips pressed close to his ear again, her warm breath entwining, her voice soft and low, like a feather scratching his heart, "You know..."

She didn't continue, only let out a soft laugh, her fingertips quietly exploring inside his collar, wandering restlessly...

In truth, Lin Feng was certain by now that Ma Xiaotao had smelled the mixed scents on him the moment he entered, including Wu Ming's body odor...

This tactic was called playing hard to get.

Lin Feng, whose soul power was nearly exhausted from his time with Wu Ming, had no choice but to take out a small piece of 100,000-year Whale Rubber and put it into his mouth, using its rich essence to quickly replenish his consumption.

"You're not being honest..." Ma Xiaotao caught sight of his movement, her eyes darting over, her cheeks already flushed, yet she deliberately furrowed her brows, her tone filled with coquettish reproach, "Eating alone in front of me? Quick, share some with me."

Lin Feng did not answer, only turned to look at her. The Whale Rubber he had just put in his mouth had already turned into a warm, smooth liquid.

He reached out to gently cup Ma Xiaotao's chin, lowered his head, and kissed her, passing the precious Whale Rubber from his mouth into hers...

Outside the window, a sudden thunderstorm broke out, the sound of rain rushing, quickly drowning out all the playful noises inside.

Time flowed in the sound of the rain, long yet fleeting, and in the blink of an eye, the sun was high in the sky.

Bright sunlight leaked in through the hole in the broken window, and Lin Feng squinted as he looked over.

He realized that the storm last night had been so violent that it had punched a sizable hole in the center of the window glass.

The bed near the window had inevitably been soaked by the drifting rain, and the white bedding was heavily stained with a large patch of orange-yellow water marks.

"Good thing there are two beds, dry and wet separated..." He chuckled softly, his voice filled with post-event lethargy.

Lin Feng stretched his body slowly before sitting up from the edge of the bed and bending down to put on his shoes.

He looked back to see Ma Xiaotao still lost in a deep sleep, her breathing light and even, her face rosy.

He leaned over, pulled the quilt that had slipped to her waist back up, and meticulously tucked in the corners.

His gaze finally rested on the few strands of hair on Ma Xiaotao's forehead that were damp with sweat and slightly messy; he reached out a finger and very lightly smoothed them aside, his fingertips brushing against her warm, fair skin.

After doing this, he straightened up and retreated two steps without a sound.

Lin Feng didn't bother to wash up, fearing that the noise would disturb Ma Xiaotao, so he just pulled the door shut gently and headed straight toward Tang Ya's shop.

The serious business he had originally planned with Ma Xiaotao last night had ultimately not gone as intended.

The problem lay within himself. The Evil Fire Origin he had already refined in his body remained dominant, and he could not directly and smoothly condense an Exotic Fire Origin as Wu Ming had.

As a result, the original plan to collect five Exotic Fire Origins before heading to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well could not be completed.

However, Lin Feng's Flame Mantra had already evolved to the Earth Grade, which was enough to handle the situation.