Chapter 0096: Feng Zhuyue’s Mentor

"Time and place," Zhang Xiaofan said, his heart sinking. He had known that the Beast Tamer Sect would come looking for him, but he hadn't expected it to be so soon.

Feng Zhuoyue's master—no need to guess—would certainly be far stronger than himself.

From the tone of the man on the other end of the line, he was arrogant, but he also drew a clear boundary. Rather than waiting for someone to come knocking and seek revenge, it was better to meet and take the three moves head-on.

He had nearly killed the man's disciple; it was only natural for the master to seek him out.

"Tonight at eight," came the voice directed at Zhao Kai on the phone. "Tell him the time and place, somewhere quiet."

Even hidden sects had to abide by certain rules: they could not interfere in worldly conflicts. This was part of their agreement with Dragon Soul, and Zhang Xiaofan understood the implication.

The true experts within Dragon Soul were shrouded in mystery. Zhang Xiaofan had only heard that those masters controlled the Dragon Soul Hall, but no one knew exactly how powerful they were.

All that was certain was that the hidden sects dared not break this law and had to send some of their own talents to Dragon Soul as well.

"Brother Fan, tonight at eight, meet at the park beside Lin Group—where you beat me up last time," Zhao Kai said. Both Feng Zhuoyue and his junior inspired deep awe in Zhao Kai and his father, let alone Feng Zhuoyue's master.

Just the pressure from his presence was enough to make Zhao Kai struggle to breathe. Only now did he learn that Zhang Xiaofan had nearly killed Feng Zhuoyue. That was truly incredible—Feng Zhuoyue was a disciple of a hidden sect.

"Alright, I'll be there on time," Zhang Xiaofan replied.

"Kid, you'd better not try any tricks, or you'll regret it," the voice on the other end threatened.

"I understand," Zhang Xiaofan said. The man had every reason to be arrogant—if Zhang Xiaofan were strong enough, he'd be just as haughty.

After the call ended, Zhang Xiaofan felt pressure, but it wasn't overwhelming. After the humiliation he had suffered from Cao Li, his state of mind had advanced considerably.

He didn't know how strong his opponent would be—he would only find out when they truly faced each other.

"I'll go with you tonight," Lin Siyu said softly into his ear, having overheard everything. Her lips pressed gently against his cheek.

A woman's presence could indeed ease a man's burdens. Lin Siyu's gesture lightened Zhang Xiaofan's mood. With a mischievous smile, he pulled her into his arms, his hands growing increasingly brazen, causing Lin Siyu's face to flush red.

This was still the office—surely he wasn't thinking of...

"Sis, time to go home!"

Just then, Lin Sixue pushed open the office door. She paused at the sight of Lin Siyu and Zhang Xiaofan on the sofa, a trace of melancholy flickering in her eyes.

She quickly closed the door and smiled, "Brother Fan, are you giving my cousin a massage?"

Zhang Xiaofan smiled awkwardly, "That's right."

He had noticed the emotion in Lin Sixue's eyes just now. So the little minx had been putting on an act all along. He decided not to expose her.

Lin Siyu, however, was mortified at having been caught by her sister.

"Brother Fan, I've been really tired these past few days. Why don't you give me a massage too?" Lin Sixue looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes.

"Not today. I need to rest. I have something important tonight," Zhang Xiaofan shook his head.

"Pfft, it's just that business between a man and a woman, isn't it? Do you really need to rest?" Lin Sixue rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of sadness within.

"No, Sixue—Xiaofan has to face a formidable opponent tonight. He's already been in two tough fights today; he really must rest," Lin Siyu explained quickly.

"Alright, alright, I won't bother you two anymore. I'm going," Lin Sixue said carelessly as she left. But as she closed the door behind her, her eyes grew wet.

"Goodbye, the first man I've ever truly cared for. Perhaps I'll never see you again," she murmured, transformed in that moment.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Hello, Dad? I've decided—I'll go abroad with you."

After her father last took her away, her family had wanted her to study abroad.

But when she heard Zhang Xiaofan was going to duel with the Japanese martial artist, she had rushed back, intending to confess her feelings and stay in Jinghai. Yet, after seeing Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Siyu together, she gave up.

She walked out of the building slowly, drained of strength. She looked up at the office tower—filled with nostalgia and reluctance, but she had no choice but to leave.

"Xiaofan, Sixue likes you too. Did you notice?" In the office, Lin Siyu spoke softly.

"Of course I noticed. With my charm, it's only natural," Zhang Xiaofan replied with a smile.

"How narcissistic," Lin Siyu retorted, rolling her eyes.

"She'll come to terms with it," Zhang Xiaofan said seriously. "Alright, I'm going to rest for a while. If you're hungry, go ahead and have dinner."

There were still several hours until eight; there was no rush.

"It's fine. I'll stay with you. Once everything is settled, we can go eat together," Lin Siyu said.

"Aren't you worried I might get beaten..." Zhang Xiaofan began, about to say 'beaten to death,' when Lin Siyu's lips silenced him.

"I won't let you say such things," she whispered as she let him go. "You can do this. It's just three moves. Is my man, Lin Siyu's man, not capable of enduring three moves?"

Zhang Xiaofan smiled. "You're right. How could I, Zhang Xiaofan, not withstand three moves?"

"Now rest," Lin Siyu said, rising from the sofa and returning to her office chair, not wanting to disturb him further.

If he couldn't restrain himself... how would he face the expert tonight?

Zhang Xiaofan finally closed his eyes and began cycling the Nine Heavens True Dragon Technique, focusing his breathing. Truthfully, after so many battles, his spiritual energy was depleted, but to his surprise, the more he expended, the faster the technique replenished his reserves.

He was also astonished to find his cultivation speed accelerating—the more intense the battle, the more effective his subsequent training! This was an unexpected discovery.

Time passed quickly in meditation, and soon it was seven in the evening.

At seven-twenty, Zhang Xiaofan opened his eyes. Lin Siyu was reading company documents, focused and diligent.

Stretching, Zhang Xiaofan stood up, feeling fully restored and even a little improved after several hours of training.

Seeing him finish, Lin Siyu quickly organized her files, saved her work, and shut down the computer.

"Shall we go?" Lin Siyu came over to straighten his slightly rumpled clothes.

Zhang Xiaofan nodded. "Let's go. It’s time to face this."

Lin Siyu nodded as well, and together they left the office.

It was only a ten-minute walk from Lin Group to the park.

It was May, and mosquitoes had already begun to appear, so after seven in the evening, few people lingered in the park.

Lin Siyu looped her arm through Zhang Xiaofan’s, their fingers intertwined. Both could sense each other’s heartbeat—a calm rhythm tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Prosperity Park was the name of their rendezvous spot. Zhang Xiaofan hadn’t paid much attention to it before.

At the entrance, he and Lin Siyu entered together.

There were only a few scattered people, mostly leaving. The park's lights were dim, and in the small groves, a few couples whispered sweet nothings.

Walking deeper in, Zhang Xiaofan finally spotted Zhao Kai. Next to him stood a man, about forty years old, dressed in a Chinese tunic suit. He didn’t look out of place; on the contrary, he exuded a unique charisma.

There was no doubt—this was Feng Zhuoyue’s master, for Feng Zhuoyue himself stood beside him, head bowed as if freshly reprimanded.

Zhang Xiaofan steadied himself and walked over.

As he approached, the man in the tunic suit naturally noticed him. Once he could see Zhang Xiaofan’s features clearly, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He had not expected the man who had bested his disciple so utterly to be this young.