Douluo: Divine Dragon Pattern Staff

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Tian Dou City, Blue Tyrant Academy 

"Here's the situation, classmates. The person behind me is a friend of your principal—one of the Golden Iron Triangle, the Soaring Corner, Four-Eyed Owl Flender.

Today, our teacher and I have come to see Principal Liu Erlong."

Li Luochen addressed the gatekeeper at the entrance of the academy.

"Who knows if you're telling the truth? Our principal is very busy. Stop using this excuse. I know your type—nobles who lust after our principal's strength and beauty.

Look at the guy behind you, dressed so formally—it's obvious he's here to pursue our principal. Leave now, or I won't be polite."

The gatekeeper clenched his fists, ready to chase them away if they didn't leave soon.

Li Luochen thought to himself: Wow, didn't expect Liu Erlong to be so popular?

"Cough, cough, Principal, maybe you should show your soul rings to this country bumpkin."

Li Luochen glanced at Flender, who was indeed dressed impeccably today, looking every bit like a noble middle-aged man.

After hearing this, Flender didn't say anything—he didn't know what to say. He was about to see Erlong again, and he wasn't sure if she would look at him differently.

Flender stomped his left foot, and two yellow, two purple, and three black soul rings appeared beneath him. His Cat Eagle martial soul materialized behind him.

The imposing aura of a Spirit Sage radiated out, causing the gatekeeper to collapse onto the ground in shock.

"Did I forget to check the almanac today? Did I just insult a Spirit Sage? I'm done for! Principal, save me!"

"Who dares to cause trouble at my academy?"

A sharp, commanding voice rang out, clear and pleasant to the ear.

The newcomer was enveloped in flames. She was a woman in her thirties, dressed in a simple green cloth dress, with a headscarf tying back a strand of her green hair. Her delicate features were striking, her eyes large and black, and her figure under the robe was voluptuous and perfect—far beyond what an ordinary young woman could achieve.

"You pretty boy! Don't think bringing a Spirit Sage gives you the right to cause trouble here. If you've got the guts, bring it on!"

Her martial soul activated, revealing two yellow, two purple, and two black soul rings. A towering fire dragon appeared behind her.

This was none other than Liu Erlong. Why had she arrived so quickly? It turned out that she was in a good mood today and had come out to handle some principal duties, checking on the students' conditions within the academy.

When she sensed the presence of a Spirit Sage at the gate, she hurried over.

Seeing Li Luochen leading the group, she immediately started berating them. She had noticed the seven soul rings but hadn't paid attention to Flender's martial soul. She only glanced at him briefly, assuming the well-dressed middle-aged nobleman was a guard for the "pretty boy," so she didn't scrutinize further.

Liu Erlong hated these kinds of noble "pretty boys" who tried to cozy up to her, hoping to win her body. It was laughable!

"Uh... Aunt Erlong, isn't this a bit harsh? Principal Flender and I traveled all the way from Suotuo City to visit you."

Though Li Luochen was handsome and had good skin, being called a "pretty boy" stung. He had come to play matchmaker for the principal, only to be scolded.

"Cough, cough, Erlong, it's been five years. You're still as fiery as ever."

Flender cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"Hmm? Big Brother Flender? Is that you? Why are you dressed like this today? Oh, sorry, it's my fault for being rude. This must be the talented student you mentioned before. Let's go inside and talk."

Liu Erlong looked at the completely transformed Flender. He was nothing like the Flender she remembered. In her memory, Flender had no sense of style and always kept a scruffy beard, which made him look unattractive.

But today's Flender caught her eye. Though his face was the same, he now exuded the air of a scholarly gentleman.

Liu Erlong had a soft spot for this kind of vibe. Suddenly, she found herself thinking that Big Brother Flender wasn't half bad—handsome, powerful, and with a scholarly charm. At this thought, her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Hmm? Does this outfit not look good on me? Xiao Chen said my previous style was terrible, so he helped me get a custom-made suit. Seems like it's not that great, huh?"

Flender was actually quite nervous inside. Today felt like a second chance to confess to Liu Erlong, and his heart was pounding.

"What? No! Absolutely not! Big Brother Flender, this outfit looks fantastic on you, really! Very handsome!"

Liu Erlong quickly realized her mistake. Flender's new look had caught her eye, and her ears were already turning red.

"Never mind that. Big Brother Flender, it's rare for you to visit. Come into the academy, and let's go to my place. I'll treat you to something."

Liu Erlong quickly changed the subject and led Flender toward her small wooden cabin, with Li Luochen following behind.

Flender discreetly glanced at Li Luochen, who gave him a victory sign shaped like a "V."

Flender, too nervous to notice, remained oblivious. But Li Luochen, as an observer, clearly saw Liu Erlong's flushed face and reddened ears, which were still red even now.

Seeing Li Luochen's gesture, Flender finally felt a weight lift off his chest. It seemed his new look had left an impression on Erlong.

Meanwhile, Liu Erlong's inner thoughts were swirling: 'Ah! How did I never notice that Big Brother Flender could look like this? He's so charming! That scholarly aura and gentle tone are so comforting.'

'Why didn't I realize how handsome Big Brother Flender could be? If only... No, no, no, what am I thinking, Liu Erlong? You're Xiaogang's 'wife.' How can you develop feelings for Big Brother?'

'But am I really Xiaogang's wife? Father definitely wouldn't approve. Xiaogang and I are cousins. After that incident, he ran away and never returned, not even a single letter.'

'Does he care so much about his dignity? Am I, Liu Erlong, really that pitiful? But Big Brother Flender has helped me so much. That time in the spirit beast forest when I went berserk...'

'I was about to be surrounded by multiple ten-thousand-year spirit beasts when Big Brother Flender saved me. Over the years, he has visited regularly to check on me, making sure I didn't lose control again.'

'Big Brother Flender has always been so kind. Why didn't I choose him back then? When he confessed to me, I rejected him and chose Xiaogang instead. He didn't say a word, just became our witness at the wedding.'

'On the day of the wedding, Father showed up with others. Xiaogang was my cousin—we couldn't be together. Then Father took me away.'

'After that, Xiaogang disappeared. Only Big Brother Flender came to see me, telling me that Xiaogang was fine and living in a small town.'

'But he never came to see me—not once. We had at least gone through the formalities of a wedding. How could he be so heartless, leaving me to bear all the gossip alone? That's why I went berserk and slaughtered spirit beasts in the forest because of the rumors.'

'And Big Brother Flender saved me, calmed me down, and suggested I start an academy to cultivate myself. Is he really inferior to Xiaogang? In what way is Xiaogang better than him? Do I, Liu Erlong, need such a cowardly man?'

Liu Erlong's heart was filled with complex emotions.

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