Chapter 63: Liu Erlong (Patreon)

Hearing Zhu Zhuqing say that, Xiao Wu stopped insisting on returning the gift.

"Alright... I—I'll earn enough gold coins and pay you back…"

Her voice lacked confidence, even she didn't believe she could earn that much money. But she loved this spirit storage tool too much, and refusing any further would feel overly polite.

"Sure." Lu Feng leaned in close to Xiao Wu's ear and whispered, "There's a soft armor inside the sachet, also for you. Wear it under your clothes, and it's best not to tell anyone except Zhuqing. When you change later, she'll explain its functions."

The Eight Treasures Soft Armor (Women's) had always been intended as a gift for Xiao Wu.

Nearby, Steward Ao, Doudou, and the twin sisters quietly observed the scene.

Earlier, when the twins stationed at the entrance had spotted Lu Feng arriving, they immediately rushed to inform Steward Ao.

Not daring to delay, Steward Ao personally came to greet him. Knowing Lu Feng didn't want his elder identity exposed, he kept things low-key.

Seeing Lu Feng in conversation with Flender and the others, Steward Ao waited respectfully, not daring to interrupt.

Doudou and the twins, however, couldn't hide their awe when they heard that Magnificent Sachet had a starting bid of 200,000 gold spirit coins.

This handsome young elder is way too generous with girls!

Just then, Flender spoke up: "Alright, there's still a lot of information and rules to go over—"

Steward Ao smoothly cut in:

"Honored guests, if I may, I'd be happy to personally explain the remaining details and rules to you."

"Steward Ao?" Flender turned in surprise.

Earlier that day, he'd begged Steward Ao to let Dai Mubai off, only to be met with cold indifference. Yet now, the man was suddenly eager to help.

In the past, bringing students here, Flender had never even caught a glimpse of Steward Ao. But this time, the man was practically falling over himself to assist.

"Dean, Steward Ao is a friend of mine. We met while working in the Merchant Alliance."

Lu Feng gave Steward Ao a polite nod, clearing up Flender's confusion in one sentence.

"Ah, I almost forgot—you're also part of the Merchant Alliance."

Flender smacked his forehead, his expression brightening.

If Lu Feng could earn so much money, it made sense he'd have connections in the Merchant Alliance.

Soul masters highly valued their privacy and disliked others prying into their backgrounds—even between teachers and students.

Since Lu Feng didn't elaborate, the teachers wouldn't push.

But clearly, they'd underestimated just how high his standing in the Merchant Alliance was.

Steward Ao was a 79th-level Soul Sage, while Lu Feng was only a 34th-level Soul Elder, the gap in both soul power and age was so vast that Flender never would've imagined a connection between them.

But if Lu Feng had ties to Steward Ao, maybe he could help plead Dai Mubai's case.

Flender laughed heartily. "I was wondering why Steward Ao was being so polite today—turns out it's all thanks to Xiaofeng! Well, if you're handling the introductions, that's far better than me."

Steward Ao smiled. "Of course. Shall we move to the lounge first, honored guests?"

"Good idea. Ah, but we haven't even registered yet—go ahead and sign up first." Flender urged.

Already familiar with the rules, Lu Feng led the group to the registration desk.

"Honored guest, Yannan is delighted to serve you." The pretty receptionist, Yannan, flashed a charming smile, her eyes lingering on Lu Feng.

She didn't know he was an elder, but hearing he was Steward Ao's friend and seeing the man's obvious respect—meant he held significant status in the Merchant Alliance. And he's so young and handsome… She couldn't help stealing a few extra glances.

"Yannan… a lovely name." Lu Feng recognized her. In the original story, Ma Hongjun had desperately pursued her, only for her to be abducted and assaulted by the rogue soul master, Bu Le, when Hongjun proved no match for him.

Let's see if Bu Le dares lay a hand on a Merchant Alliance girl now.

If he tries, he dies.

After everyone registered—

"You can also participate as a team. Would you like to sign up for that?" Yannan asked.

Lu Feng didn't answer immediately, glancing instead at Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu.

"Yes." Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "You'll use your Golden-Winged Sky Roc, and I'll stick with my Netherworld Spirit Cat. Let's call ourselves… the Sky Cat Duo."

"Sky Cat Duo…?"

Lu Feng's lips twitched then he burst into laughter. "Sure. That's… a great name."

His Star Tree spirit was too recognizable and would draw unnecessary attention, which wasn't ideal for their combat training. On the way here, Flender had advised him to rely on his Golden-Winged Sky Roc unless absolutely necessary.

Still, he could prepare Life Fruits and Purification Fruits—products of his Star Tree abilities—in advance for the team to carry.

Purification Fruits, resembling lustrous, grape-like jewels, had the same effect as his Nature's Truth Technique, cleansing all negative status effects while boosting the user's soul power and speed.

"I wanna join too! Can I?" Xiao Wu piped up.

"Of course." Zhu Zhuqing agreed without hesitation, then looked to Lu Feng for confirmation.

He nodded. "Then we'll be the… Little Sky Cat Trio."

At least it doesn't sound like an advertisement.

Steward Ao led the group to a luxurious VIP lounge.

Located on the top floor, it was a spacious suite fully equipped with everything they could need even beds in separate rooms. Stepping out onto the balcony provided an unobstructed view of the arena, offering the best vantage point to watch the matches.

Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up the moment he spotted the tables laden with all kinds of drinks, cakes, fruits, and other delicacies. The second Steward Ao mentioned "Everything here is complimentary," the boy nearly lunged at the them only for Flender to yank him back by the collar. His disciple's table manners were not going to embarrass him today.

At that moment, Lu Feng distributed the custom masks and battle uniforms he'd prepared for everyone.

"Wow! These masks are so intricate, and the outfits are gorgeous!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, delighted as she examined hers.

The masks and uniforms had been handcrafted by master artisans under Lu Feng's orders, designed in sleek black and silver tones. Every detail balanced combat functionality with avant-garde style.

"This is smart," Flender remarked approvingly. "Once you all become star soul masters, you won't have to worry about being recognized in public. Saves you from wasting time on hollow fame."

He'd seen too many talented fighters ruined by their own celebrity—distracted by adoration until their cultivation stagnated or even regressed. Among his students, especially Lu Feng, stardom at Suotuo Great Spirit Arena was inevitable within a few years. Most youths couldn't resist the temptations of fame…

Yet here was Lu Feng, already donning his mask—a deliberate shield against the spotlight. No craving for endless attention. Flender's approval deepened.

"Old Flender."

A sultry, melodic voice rang out as a stunning, statuesque woman appeared in the doorway, seemingly materializing out of thin air. Though she'd addressed Flender, her gaze locked onto Lu Feng's back with palpable intensity.

"Erlong?!" Flender spun around, face splitting into a grin. "What brings you here? Ah, but I should be calling you President Liu now, shouldn't I?"

Two years ago, after negotiations with Lu Feng, Liu Erlong had merged her Blue Tyrant Academy into the Merchant Alliance without hesitation joining its ranks herself.

Now, she held one of the Alliance's highest positions: President of the Heaven Dou Empire Region, Pan-Continental Merchant Alliance.