After finalizing his agreement with Poison Douluo, Dan Heng completed his facial mask mixture. All that was left now was to test it.
He asked the head librarian to help procure some ingredients during the next supply run.
When the librarian returned, Dan Heng happened to see Yu Xiaogang waiting at the front desk.
"…" Seeing Yu Xiaogang, Dan Heng felt a twinge of distaste.
If not for this guy, he wouldn't have been kept up all night by Gu Yuena's antics.
As Dan Heng approached, Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly and said, "I'm looking for books on political strategy. Does this library have any?"
Though Dan Heng disliked him, he didn't let that affect his duties as a librarian.
"Yes, there are several..."Dan Heng proceeded to list five or six titles.
Yu Xiaogang was taken aback. He frowned and asked, "You... you didn't even check a catalog or anything?"
Dan Heng simply shook his head. With his photographic memory—and the fact he had read all those books—it wasn't necessary.
Yu Xiaogang couldn't believe it. A mere librarian could remember books in such a niche category just from memory?
Even he, the so-called "Grandmaster," couldn't do that!"You must've just looked at those books recently, right? Otherwise, how could you name them so easily?"
Yu Xiaogang pretended to act enlightened.
Dan Heng just gave him a look and didn't respond.
Yu Xiaogang could think whatever he wanted.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing Dan Heng's indifferent attitude, was displeased.
He was a dignified master after all—shouldn't Dan Heng be a little more respectful?Even if he was no longer prominent, he wasn't someone a librarian could just brush off!
"Dan Heng... that's your name, right? I saw it downstairs—you're the librarian here."Yu Xiaogang nodded, trying to assert authority.
Dan Heng responded with a simple "Mm," unsure what Yu Xiaogang was trying to pull.
Yu Xiaogang frowned deeply. He wanted to tell Dan Heng to know his place and stop putting on airs—this was irresponsible behavior!
But Dan Heng didn't say anything further.
Yu Xiaogang's frustrations from the past few days were stuck in his throat.
There's a saying: The weak vent their anger on those weaker than themselves.
He had been defeated by the Blue Tyrant team trained by Gu Yuena. He didn't dare provoke her.
But Dan Heng? He was just her husband and a librarian.
Yu Xiaogang's expression shifted, scheming something internally.
"What are you doing here? If you're not doing anything useful, don't disturb Mr. Dan Heng!"
A puzzled female voice rang out.
Shui Yue'er and Huo Wu walked over.
Upon seeing Yu Xiaogang, their expressions turned wary and dismissive.
No matter how much he boasted, they had seen his performance in combat—with one word: embarrassing.
With that impression, they didn't feel he deserved any respect.
Yu Xiaogang's expression changed. He was the Grandmaster! Now he couldn't even stand in front of the help desk?
Was he really ranked lower than a librarian?
"Which class are you from? How dare you speak to me like that?" Yu Xiaogang put on his stern teacher face.
"???" Shui Yue'er blinked in surprise—was this guy serious?
Huo Wu sneered and suddenly summoned a flame in her hand, waving it at Yu Xiaogang.
"I'm counting to three. If you're still here, I'm torching you."
"!!!"Yu Xiaogang panicked.
He didn't know Huo Wu's exact strength, but she definitely wasn't weaker than him. If he got burned, it'd be humiliating to even talk about!
He didn't dare say a single harsh word—he hurriedly fled.
Shui Yue'er giggled and whispered, "Nice one, Huo Wu! That kind of guy only responds to tough love."
Huo Wu snorted, "Weak men with big egos. Disgusting."
Dan Heng remained silent as the two women trashed Yu Xiaogang, calmly reading his book.
Huo Wu looked like she wanted to say something to him, but Shui Yue'er dragged her off, whispering excitedly.
Huo Wu kept sneaking glances at Dan Heng, her eyes full of frustration.
…
In Spirit Hall, Salas was reporting to Bibi Dong.
"Your Holiness, Dan Heng's daily routine is very stable. Right now, he's working in the Blue Tyrant Academy library. Yu Xiaogang is also there, reading."
"I have a plan to lower Dan Heng's guard—'using a borrowed knife to kill'! It'll make him jealous and competitive!"
Salas looked confident and scheming.
Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes. "Let's hear it."
"It's simple. You see, Yu Xiaogang is still a 'grandmaster' in name, and men always compete with each other. We'll send a woman to fawn over Yu Xiaogang while belittling Dan Heng. That'll provoke Dan Heng's pride and make him fight for her approval!"
Salas looked like he wanted to pat himself on the back.
This plan was brilliant—misdirection at its finest!
Unlike the obvious bait before, this time, Dan Heng would be forced to act!
If he fell for it, they could expose him as a hypocrite!
Bibi Dong's eyes lit up. She had almost given up on Dan Heng—especially after the God of Rakshasa warned her not to provoke him again.
But she couldn't let it go.
A woman spiraling into madness wouldn't be able to turn back!
She looked at Salas and smiled faintly. "Not bad. But who do you plan to use?"
Salas hesitated. "It has to be a woman with charm, but not someone too promiscuous—she needs to be believable enough to spark competition in Dan Heng..."
"Forgive my boldness, but I recommend your disciple—Hu Liena."
He bowed deeply, afraid of punishment.
Bibi Dong pondered for a moment. A flash of cunning passed through her eyes.
Hu Liena had come with her—and with her fox spirit, no one could beat her in seduction.
"Very well. Do as you've said. But this time, there must be no failure."
"It'll work for sure!"
…
Yu Xiaogang read all morning and only managed to finish one book. He smiled smugly, thinking he had fully mastered the art of strategy. Dan Heng's writings? Child's play!
Had he known there was a chance like this earlier, he would've done better than Dan Heng!
So taking Dan Heng's place now? Entirely justified!
He closed the book, deciding the rest weren't worth reading—too repetitive.
Just as he went to leave, a sweet voice called out, "Ah! You're the Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, aren't you?"
"???" Yu Xiaogang turned around to see an orange-haired girl with stunning beauty and a sultry charm far beyond her years.
Yu Xiaogang froze. She would've been a child during his prime—how could she be so impressed?
Hu Liena walked up and clung to his arm, eyes sparkling. "It's really you, Master! I saw you once in Spirit City when I was little—you were so confident and wise..."
She began reminiscing, showering him with admiration.
She was a born actress, and nothing she said felt fake.
As expected, Yu Xiaogang was completely hooked.
He genuinely believed she was his fangirl.
Being adored by a stunning young woman—even Yu Xiaogang, known more for reputation than lust—was floating on air.
Of course, it was also because Hu Liena was very seductive.
Liu Erlong and Bibi Dong had always been more reserved and dignified. Yu Xiaogang had never been able to take the initiative with them.
But Hu Liena was different—she was pressing all his buttons.
Even with barely any physical contact, she made his imagination run wild.
"Ahem, yes, that's me. Do you know about my 'Ten Core Competitiveness' theory?"
Yu Xiaogang maintained a little caution, asking her directly.
"Of course! I even remember a paper you wrote…" Hu Liena recited it fluently.
Yu Xiaogang was fully convinced—only a true fan would know so much!
"I'm honored, Master. Could you tutor me? I really admire you and want to learn everything from you."
She giggled sweetly.
Yu Xiaogang's bones practically melted. "Though my reputation has declined, if you still want to learn from me, how could I refuse?"
"You're so kind, Master." Her voice was like a hook pulling at his soul.
"Please keep quiet in the library," Dan Heng's voice rang from the front desk.
It was part of his job—if people were loud, how could others study?
Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. Most men get extra prideful when they're with a girl.
Getting called out like this in front of Hu Liena was humiliating.
He was a Grandmaster—how dare a librarian scold him?
Hu Liena pouted, "That guy is so annoying. Doesn't he know who you are, Master? He's just a pretty face with no substance—unlike you, who radiates wisdom!"
Yu Xiaogang beamed with pride, barely hiding his grin.
He tried to look brooding and thoughtful—his usual seductive tactic.
Sure enough, Hu Liena dragged him to the desk.
Seeing Dan Heng up close, she froze—Damn, he's hot!
If not for the mission, she'd have flirted with him immediately.
She might be many people's goddess, but that didn't mean she couldn't fangirl over others!
She bit her lip and forced herself to stay in character, scolding, "How dare you interrupt us like that?"
"Don't you know who the Grandmaster is? Years ago, he—"
She played the "shrew" card, hoping to provoke Dan Heng's "conquest instinct."
Dan Heng looked at her calmly and said, "No loud talking in the library. If you want to chat, go outside and don't disturb others."
Yu Xiaogang, trying to save face, didn't respond—even though he knew Dan Heng was right.
Everything was going exactly how Salas had planned.
Hu Liena snorted. "Rules are rules, sure. But the Grandmaster deserves special treatment! It's an honor for your academy to have him—you should be showing him respect!"
"Please stop making noise," Dan Heng replied flatly.
"…" Hu Liena winced internally. She knew she was being unreasonable—but for her teacher's plan, she had to push forward.
Suddenly, two figures appeared in front of her—one in red, one in blue.
"You shameless girl! You're being deliberately disruptive! If you don't get lost, we won't hold back!" Huo Wu was already fuming. Three soul rings lit up around her, and her hands blazed with fire.
If Dan Heng said to burn Hu Liena to become his disciple, she'd do it in a heartbeat.
Shui Yue'er frowned. "Can you just leave? You're bothering everyone. This is really rude!"
Hu Liena was stunned. These two weren't part of the plan, and their interruption ruined everything.
If she stayed, Dan Heng would only dislike her more.
"I… I…" She looked pitifully at Yu Xiaogang, silently asking for help.
Yu Xiaogang's heart softened—he was completely under her spell.
"That's enough! I'm good friends with your Dean Liu. I'll be reporting this to her!"
"Come on, we don't need to waste time with these people."
He led Hu Liena away.
She looked like she was about to cry, trailing behind him like a bullied child.
Yu Xiaogang saw her like this and felt a wave of tender affection.
This is what I've always wanted!
His past girlfriends had all been too strong—too powerful in every way. He never felt like a real man.
But Hu Liena? She gave him everything he had missed.
Yu Xiaogang felt like his withered old tree was finally blooming!
Meanwhile, a man with a large bundle approached the desk, collected his delivery fee, and left.
Shui Yue'er and Huo Wu looked at Dan Heng excitedly, smug expressions on their faces.
"Mr. Dan Heng, we totally played bodyguards today! Don't you think we deserve a little reward?"
Huo Wu's eyes sparkled. All her pent-up frustration vanished in an instant, and she looked at him expectantly.
Dan Heng shook his head and said, "Wait a moment. This facial mask is for you two."
"…"
When they heard "facial mask," Huo Wu's mood instantly deflated.
(End of Chapter)