It wasn’t just Chris Banco; everyone who witnessed the scene was completely stunned. Even the eyes of the old principal, Qin Dewei, were wide open in disbelief. But Hu Yuer didn’t care in the slightest.
She kissed the man with unrestrained passion. She had recognized him the moment he appeared. A fox spirit’s sense of smell was keen, and even keener when it came to a man with whom she had once shared both soul and body. No matter how much his appearance had changed, she needed only a single glance to know it was him.
Li Xiaofei was nearly suffocated by the ferocity of her kiss. He gave Hu Yuer a light slap on the butt and said, “Don’t corrupt the kids.”
Wide-eyed children were staring at them in stunned silence. Only then did Principal Hu finally leap down from Li Xiaofei’s arms. Her snowy white teeth lightly bit her rosy lips as she said, “You actually remembered to come back?”
Her tone and expression were like a sulky young wife who had waited too long in her boudoir.
Li Xiaofei gently took her jade-like hand and said, “It took everything I had just to escape safely.”
Hu Yuer responded, “Then don’t leave again.”
Li Xiaofei smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’m invincible now.”
But before his voice had even faded—
“Invincible?” Chris Banco’s slightly accented Mandarin rang out. “I acknowledge that you may possess some ability, but to claim the title of number one in the world... you're leagues away. Boasting like that in front of a beautiful lady, isn’t that a bit too dishonest?”
Li Xiaofei didn’t even need to look to understand what was going on. With Hu Yuer’s extraordinary beauty, attracting a few ‘rivals in love’ was only natural.
Hu Yuer’s phoenix-like eyes narrowed, as a trace of energy gathered at her fingertips. Just as she was about to make a move, Li Xiaofei caught her hand and gently shook his head.
"Who would’ve thought," Li Xiaofei said calmly, "that after all these years, Yiggs people would still dare to strut around on the soil of Great Xia?"
His voice was steady, almost indifferent. "Young man, you’re still far from ready."
He merely glanced at Chris Banco, but the latter’s hair stood on end. Every cell in his body screamed with the warning of impending death. The energy he took such pride in couldn’t even be summoned. The presence of death had never been so intense.
He felt like a helpless infant drowning in a stormy sea, utterly incapable of resisting, as if all he could do was wait for death to descend.
Then Li Xiaofei looked away. Still holding Hu Yuer’s delicate hand, he walked toward the elderly principal, Qin Dewei. Qin Dewei’s body trembled slightly. He looked at the young man standing before him, unsure what to say for a long moment.
Time had passed swiftly, like water flowing under a bridge. More than a decade had gone by. The youthful face before him was unfamiliar, yet those eyes were clear and unmistakably familiar, stirring something deep within him.
It’s him. That gaze can never be wrong.
“You’re back?” Old Qin asked softly.
“Yes,” Li Xiaofei replied with a gentle smile. “I’m back.”
Scenes from the past flashed through his mind like a stream of light. Memories of when he had been first teleported into this era by that damn husky, struggling to survive in the slums, step by step, rising through adversity. It was Old Chen and Old Qin who had pulled him from the depths, brought him into the school, and into the light.
Red Flag High School would forever hold an irreplaceable place in Li Xiaofei’s life. The two of them said nothing more but just embraced. That simple embrace sparked waves of curiosity among those nearby. But Qin Dewei offered no explanation.
The summer camp resumed, yet Hu Yuer had completely lost interest in any official duties. Unable to wait a moment longer, she grabbed Li Xiaofei by the hand and whisked him away without a second thought.
A short while later. In the principal’s office of Liuhe City.
“I still prefer the way you used to look,” Principal Hu said as she gently caressed Li Xiaofei’s slightly chubby face.
“That’s easy enough,” replied Li Xiaofei.
Li Xiaofei shifted his bones and muscles, smoothly returning to the form he had once had. After stepping into the Black Hole level, he had finally regained control over his true appearance.
“That’s my man.” Nine snow-white tails began to materialize behind Principal Hu, swaying and twisting with increasing intensity.
Then came the sound of fabric tearing. It was quickly followed by gasps and moans so stirring and wild that they seemed to ignite even the blood of beasts. It went on for a full two hours, unbroken. Then, at last, it came to a sudden stop, marked by a high, keening cry that echoed through the room.
Another half hour passed, and Li Xiaofei and Principal Hu returned to the summer camp grounds. Bathed in the light of spring, Principal Hu wore a radiant smile, her once-cold demeanor completely transformed. She smiled at everyone she passed, her voice softened with warmth, and her whole presence exuded uncontainable joy.
Li Xiaofei, now dressed in the uniform of a Red Flag High School alumnus, began to assist with event tasks. He had seen some of the school’s promotional photos featuring his likeness. To enhance the image of the War God of Earth, the official depictions had made him appear especially tall and imposing. There was only about a fifty to sixty percent resemblance, especially now that he had resumed his slightly chubby form.
Naturally, no one recognized him. No one, except Chris Banco, the man who had narrowly escaped death. Chris followed behind Li Xiaofei, his expression full of doubt and curiosity. He looked like he wanted to say something several times, but hesitated each time.
“The force for this move comes from the waist, not the arms,” Li Xiaofei explained, correcting the sword form of a middle school girl.
Then he straightened up, turned to the foreign man trailing him, and said, “Hey. Why are you still following me? Still not convinced?”
Chris Banco gritted his teeth and asked, “You... are you the War God himself?”
“Hmm?” Li Xiaofei looked genuinely surprised.
This foreigner... had actually figured it out.
Chris Banco’s voice was firm and resolute. “There is only one person in this world who can make Miss Hu Yuer smile like that and that person is the War God of Earth, Li Xiaofei. You... you must be him. I don’t know why you’ve changed your appearance, but it has to be you.”
“And then?” Li Xiaofei looked at him with a calm gaze.
By now, the others nearby could no longer see them, nor hear their conversation.
Chris Banco became visibly emotional. He said, “You... you... it really is you? I’ve actually met Li Xiaofei... I—I'm your follower, I worship you—Master!”
He dropped to his knees with a heavy thud. Li Xiaofei blinked in astonishment.
He’s prostrating himself? Just like that?
“Teacher, please accept me!” Chris Banco knocked his head against the ground repeatedly, pleading, “I’m your faithful follower. I’m willing to devote my entire life to following you, even as a lowly servant, I would gladly accept that fate.”
Li Xiaofei frowned slightly, lost in thought.
This kid doesn't seem to be faking it. But... you admire me, yet tried to steal my woman?
As if realizing something, Chris Banco quickly explained, “Master! I’ve only ever held Principal Hu in reverent admiration, never anything disrespectful. The reason I always wanted to be near her was to learn more about you. I only wanted to find you!”
Li Xiaofei stroked his chin thoughtfully.
This guy... is he a loyal disciple? Or a two-faced courtier in disguise?
He studied Chris Banco carefully. To his surprise, he discovered that Chris possessed an excellent innate physique and strong martial roots. It was an extremely rare martial arts constitution for a Westerner, one that seemed to fuse the strengths of both Eastern and Western traditions. It might even be some kind of unique, undiscovered physique.
“Get up,” Li Xiaofei said. “Becoming my disciple isn’t that simple. I don’t take disciples lightly. Didn’t you say you were willing to serve as a humble servant by my side? If you truly want to follow me, then start as a servant.”
“I’m willing! Thank you, Master!” replied Chris Banco as he stood up. He was visibly thrilled.
Li Xiaofei withdrew the power of laws that had shielded their presence, and the two of them once again became visible to those around them.
He then returned to the summer camp activities. Chris Banco followed him carefully, step by step, like a devout believer not daring to breathe too loudly.
After the event concluded, they returned to the city. Li Xiaofei made his way to Qin Dewei’s office.
“Is he doing well?” Qin Dewei asked quietly.
Li Xiaofei paused for a moment, then understood who the old principal was referring to.
“He’s dead,” Li Xiaofei replied bluntly.
“But I suspect he faked his death,” Li Xiaofei added.