"I believe that if I'm sincere enough, I can still move his heart."
"So many years of feelings... I'm not willing to give up just like this."
After hesitating for a long while, Liu Erlong finally spoke in a low voice.
Lin Feng looked at her with a trace of helplessness in his eyes. He shook his head and sighed softly.
"Then give it a try."
"When it comes to love, only the one experiencing it knows the warmth or bitterness. Outsiders can never fully understand."
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling quickly stepped forward to comfort her—one gently patting Liu Erlong's hand, the other speaking soft and kind words to warm her heart.
Liu Erlong waved her hand lightly, her voice hoarse and tired.
"I just want some time alone."
She slowly walked to the window and sat down, leaning against it as she stared blankly out at the swiftly passing scenery.
Trees and fields flashed by like illusions, yet none of it registered in her mind.
Her thoughts were in turmoil.
Was Xiaogang really refusing her because he feared damaging his reputation?
After everything they had been through, did his public image matter more than their shared past?
Just then, Lin Feng looked at the dazed Liu Erlong and silently refreshed her trait panel.
"System, refresh Liu Erlong's traits."
[Ding! Traits successfully refreshed!]
Lin Feng quickly glanced through the updated panel, retaining [Wife Material], [Exceptonal Talent], and [Master of Destiny's Wife].
Then his eyes landed on the trait [Forbidden Love].
[Love-Obsessed (Green)]: Once you fall in love with someone, that feeling never changes.
[Heartbreaker (Green)]: You juggle multiple lovers at once, switching men like changing clothes.
[100 Romances (Green)]: You've had a hundred love experiences and are a master of understanding men.
Both "Love-Obsessed" and "Heartbreaker"? What extremes...
Forget it.
Better to pick "100 Romances." At least it would give her some rationality—to see clearly what kind of man Yu Xiaogang really is.
"System, replace [Forbidden Love] with [100 Romances]."
[Ding! Replacement successful!]
In an instant, a faint light flickered over Liu Erlong's body—no one noticed.
Soon after, Liu Erlong leaned against the window and fell asleep.
Perhaps from emotional exhaustion, her brow was furrowed as she entered a surreal dreamscape.
In the dream…
She stood amidst a vibrant sea of flowers. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, scattering dappled shadows.
Around her, different men appeared in fleeting flashes.
The first man was a handsome young Soul Master. They met at a soul master tournament and admired each other, fighting side by side.
But over time, his ambition grew. In pursuit of greater power, he abandoned her and left.
The scene shifted.
She was now in love with a refined nobleman. They strolled through lavish gardens, enjoying sweet romance.
But family politics tore them apart. The man married someone of equal status for the sake of his clan.
The dream continued—she experienced life-and-death battles with brave warriors, soul-deep connections with talented artists. But every relationship ended in regret.
Some ended from misunderstandings, some from fate, and others from the cruel reality of life.
In her sleep, Liu Erlong's beautiful face twisted slightly in discomfort.
The carriage sped onward. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the road was the only sound.
"Yu Kuang, make a detour to Yuhuo City first."
"Understood."
Lin Feng suddenly spoke to Yu kuang, who was driving the carriage.
Yuhuo City was the nearest city to Flame Valley.
And now, Flame Valley was where his true power lay hidden.
Previously, Lin Feng had used the system to refresh the traits of his clan members, but hadn't replaced them yet. He had already gathered a group of loyal and talented people in Flame Valley.
This trip would be the perfect opportunity to deliver spirit herbs and update their traits—to further unlock their potential.
After all, his clan was his blood. Unlike outsiders, only loyal subordinates like Yu Kuang could be fully trusted.
In such a complicated world, the strength of one's family was the only true foundation.
The others were curious, wondering what was so interesting about Yuhuo City, but didn't question it too much.
---
The Next Day
As the sun bathed the land in golden light, the carriage approached Flame Valley.
Liu Erlong held a steaming cup of tea and walked up to Lin Feng with graceful poise. She bowed slightly and offered the tea.
"Thank you, Lin Feng, for what you said yesterday."
"If not for you, I might have remained lost in confusion for who knows how long. I'm truly grateful."
Her gentle demeanor and soft tone carried the warm, graceful charm of a loving wife.
But in her heart, she thought:
This is the first time I've ever brewed tea for someone personally.
Though she couldn't explain why she'd had that strange dream, it had awakened her to the truth.
Yu Xiaogang… was not her destined partner.
Of course, she didn't associate the dream with Lin Feng. She simply felt deeply thankful that his words had snapped her out of it.
"No need. It was nothing."
Lin Feng took the cup, nodded slightly, and sipped.
Then he asked casually,
"So… are you still going to see Yu Xiaogang?"
"I will. I want to look him in the eye and say it myself—without him, I can live just fine."
"I won't lose myself in that relationship anymore. I'm going to reclaim the independent, strong woman I used to be."
Her expression turned sorrowful for a moment, but she quickly straightened her back, her gaze firm.
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were moved to tears, seeing her display both vulnerability and strength.
Lin Feng watched the scene and couldn't help but think:
Why does this feel like I just helped a courtesan leave the red-light district?
…It really gives a man a sense of accomplishment.
Liu Erlong had a subtle, tea-like charm to her demeanor.
But Lin Feng knew very well—she wasn't trying to seduce him. These behaviors had been absorbed into her subconscious, becoming instinct.
Even her smallest gestures could stir a man's heart.
No wonder—someone with the [100 Romances] trait could play the male psyche like a piano.
He sighed inwardly.
Liu Erlong looked demure and graceful. She'd make a wonderful wife for any man.
But in truth, her standards were high. Very few men could truly win her heart.
Just then, the carriage suddenly lurched violently and came to a halt.
"Young Master Lin! Bandits! They've blocked the road!"
Yu Kuang rushed into the carriage, face tense.
"This road is mine, that tree was planted by me! If you wanna pass, hand over your toll!"
A brash voice rang out outside—it was the bandits' boastful cry.
Inside the carriage, everyone's faces turned serious.
"Young Master Lin…"
Liu Erlong instinctively leapt into Lin Feng's arms, her helpless expression making hearts ache.
"???"
"Big sis, aren't you a Soul Sage?"
"…Forget it. All women, stand behind me."
"I want to see which blind fool dares to stop my carriage."
A glint of coldness flashed in Lin Feng's eyes.
---
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