Chapter 296: Rivalry for Affection

The three women each had their own charm; simply standing together, they formed a stunning sight.

The elf's face and figure were exquisitely perfect, flawless, glowing as if bathed in holy light; Pan Ni's figure was voluptuous, exuding a slightly lazy, drowsy housewife aura; Kris's face carried a sly grin, her elongated eyes shadowed in black, like a cunning fox.

The warrior Ryan stared in shock, eyes bulging, his gaze locked tightly onto Kalist.

After all, he was human—he was utterly stunned by the elf's beauty, barely holding back drool.

But when he saw them gathering around Luo De, he snapped back to reality, face darkening.

【Jealousy +358】

Luo De nodded to the elf.

"Kalist, sorry for the trouble."

He was starting to feel embarrassed, troubling her like this every day.

Should he buy the learned elf lady something nice as repayment?

"Since I decided to use the forest to advance, the forest's crises are no longer just your problem alone."

The elf's expression remained as cold and icy as ever.

Seeing her master ignore her, Pan Ni went to greet the succubus, who had transformed into a small peasant woman.

"Senior Tally!"

No one knew what their relationship was, but lately they seemed to get along well enough.

Kris was demanding her reward from Luo De.

She and Pan Ni had been assigned to the front lines to block the beast-infected patients.

The reward wasn't much—just the fifty million Jin Along she'd been applying for days ago to invest in the farm.

"Next time, I promise."

Hearing the same evasive reply again, the Banshee was displeased.

"You want the horse to run but refuse to feed it, Master—how are you supposed to lead our forest sisterhood? Who will ever respect you?"

She escalated the issue.

The ghoul Pan Ni was annoyed—not at Luo De, but at her roommate:

"Kris, how can you say that? Master, I, Pan Ni, am different—I obey every order without question, need no reward or payment, just occasional visits from Master will do. But don't stay away as long as last time—I'm still swollen."

"Tch. Green tea ghoul."

The Banshee spat.

Luo De smiled and pinched her cheek: "Little thing, have you figured out your place? I'll give you one chance to rephrase that."

Kris found her master's expression terrifying, and his gaze seemed to be sneaking a peek inside her collar at the white rabbit—she immediately shrank her shoulders and slid to her knees in rapid apology.

Only after receiving approval did she reluctantly march toward the front-line mountain path, still bickering with Pan Ni.

Pan Ni's strength was decent, and there was no shortage of corpses there—her 【Necrotic Legion】 should prove highly effective.

Left behind the zombie Celine to hold the line.

The rest headed toward the waterway near Hansen River.

"Hmph! Is this your solution, Forest Warden Luo De? Is this how you earn your reputation—hiding behind women?!"

The warrior Ryan suddenly roared.

His face brimmed with indignation and moral righteousness.

Luo De had just pulled out the Crystal Swan to cast a group flight spell when he heard the shout—he and the others turned in unison.

"Who is this?"

Kalist's expression turned glacial.

"A friend of Saixier's. His name is Ryan."

Luo De said.

He had some grace—he didn't care much about others' doubts; time would prove everything.

Besides, from a managerial standpoint, though Ryan seemed a bit jealous and petty, he was still a seventh-rank Spiritual Warrior—his combat power was likely solid.

Shiying Town's defenses were still insufficient; if the city hall could secure a labor contract with him, it would be ideal.

After all, there was the precedent of the Wendigo.

Ryan saw Luo De's calm expression, completely ignoring his words.

He even sized him up like a cheap laborer.

His anger rose.

【Rage +53】

【Jealousy +326】

Then, a frantic denial rang out among them.

"Not a friend! Just someone I know!"

The tiefling girl's tone was absolute—sharp enough to pierce a man's heart.

She anxiously turned to the forest warden beside her, her eyes holding no one else.

Ryan froze in place.

His previously bold, righteous expression cracked; his lips twitched.

The atmosphere among them stilled for one or two seconds.

Then it shattered with a burst of laughter.

"Hahahahaha—"

Tally clung to Luo De's arm, pointing at Ryan.

"He's broken! Hahahaha—isn't this what you called 'breaking defense,' Master?!"

The succubus had a strange sense of humor.

Luo De tapped her head, telling her to stop laughing.

Ryan's face flushed with embarrassment, but he quickly grew cold, frowning:

"Saixier, I thought we had a chance—I was even willing to endure your demonic blood and that disgusting sulfur smell."

Hearing this, Saixier's face stiffened; she remained silent, awkward.

The words pierced her heart too.

Luo De knew this had always been her sensitive point.

He sighed.

If I let a friend's disciple be mistreated, I'll lose face as a respectable man.

He patted the girl's shoulder behind him, guiding her forward.

"Don't hide."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Luo De, I just…"

"Punch him."

Saixier stared at the man before her, stunned.

Luo De smiled back: "Let me teach you a Spiritual Warrior's way—when you can use violence, never use words."

"Wha—"

Crack—

The 【Painful Whipping】 lightly lashed her arm; an empowering force surged instantly through her entire body.

"But he's seventh-rank—"

Before she could finish, Saixier noticed faint blue-white mist, laced with soul energy, seeping from Luo De's skin.

The next instant:

The blue-white mist surged behind him, rapidly expanding.

A colossal bronze dragon spirit emerged—clad in thick bronze-scale armor, every muscle pulsing with explosive power, standing tall like a mountain.

Then came a deafening dragon roar, echoing across the sky.

Like thunder, it ripped through the surrounding air.

Dragon Roar!

Ryan's face twisted in terror—but the next moment, he was crushed by the dragon's aura, mere feet away.

He froze solid!

He was still a seventh-rank Spiritual Warrior; his strong will and physique kicked in—he was about to break free.

Luo De secretly flicked his wrist, casting another 【Mirage Net】—instantly immobilizing him.

Saixier's hesitation vanished; her face hardened into the calm resolve of a true warrior.

She didn't use a spiritual technique, nor did she hold back.

Her fist drew back coldly to her side, her chest expanded fully, then slammed forward with a white gust of air—crashing into Ryan's face!

"Ugh!!"

Ryan tumbled to the ground, shaken free of the debuff.

"Get lost!"

The tiefling girl shouted at him, her eyes filled with revulsion.

At that moment, Ryan's face twisted in sudden panic—not because of the girl, but because of the tall, handsome man standing behind her.

The dim yellow mist cast his face in shadow; he made a throat-slitting gesture toward Ryan, his half-hidden smile radiating murderous intent.

(End of Chapter)