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No, to be precise, there were two figures.
One was an unremarkable teenage boy with a slightly tanned complexion and a well-proportioned build. However, his right hand bore thick calluses, as if he had been gripping something for years.
Accompanying him was a cute girl with short pink hair. Her figure was delicate but somewhat underdeveloped, and she wore an elegant yellow dress made of expensive fabric, creating a stark contrast with the boy—like nobility versus commoners.
"Rongrong, let's switch hotels."
The newcomer was none other than Tang San, who awkwardly addressed Ning Rongrong beside him.
With his ability to discern locations through sound, Tang San naturally knew this wasn't a reputable hotel.
But Ning Rongrong, the wealthy young lady, didn't care about such things. As a mere auxiliary soul master, she had chosen this place simply because of its exquisite decor and pleasant environment.
"What's there to fear? I'll pay for the rooms. You're just used to being poor—I'll treat you to a proper experience today," Ning Rongrong declared confidently.
From his vantage point on the second floor, Ye Wen watched the scene with a strange expression. How had Tang San ended up with Ning Rongrong so quickly?
Though it seemed they had arrived in Soto City on the same day and registered at the academy together.
'Oh well,' Ye Wen thought, 'perhaps this is fate.' But would Miss Ning Rongrong really share a room with Tang San?
If that happened, Tang San would likely end up chopped into pieces and fed to dogs, followed by a dramatic scene of Tang Hao storming the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. That would certainly be entertaining.
"Give us two premium rooms," Ning Rongrong said confidently.
The receptionist eyed the pair curiously—they didn't seem like a matching couple—but maintained professionalism.
"I'm sorry, miss, but we only have one premium room left."
Ning Rongrong frowned, her expression growing displeased.
Encountering Tang San, a 12-year-old genius with level 29 soul power, she had been thinking of ways to recruit him ever since her father, Ning Fengzhi, had taught her the importance of alliances. Now was her chance to showcase her strength—there was no way she'd back down.
"How much?"
"What?" The receptionist asked, puzzled.
"I said, how much? Tell the others to vacate another room—we want separate rooms."
Ning Rongrong spoke impatiently, dismissing the rural ignorance of the staff.
Realizing the misunderstanding, the receptionist chuckled inwardly. These two clearly had no idea what kind of establishment the Rose Hotel truly was.
Ah well, money was money. Coincidentally, there were indeed two rooms available. Since they didn't need to play matchmaker, why not earn the rent for both?
"My apologies, I was mistaken earlier. There are still two rooms left, miss."
Ning Rongrong understood the receptionist's ulterior motive and sneered disdainfully. Soon, the registration was completed, and the keys were handed over.
"Wait!"
A loud voice suddenly interrupted, causing the receptionist to pause.
A tall, muscular man with flowing golden hair and heterochromatic eyes entered, flanked by a pair of twins.
"He's here," Ye Wen muttered quietly.
Beside him, Zhu Zhuqing's fingers turned white as she unconsciously clenched her fists.
After all these years, how could she fail to recognize the White Tiger martial soul, also known as the Evil-Eyed White Tiger? Moreover, Dai Mubai's face still bore traces of his youthful innocence.
"Is that him, Teacher?"
Zhu Zhuqing clung desperately to the illusion of hope, like a drowning person grasping at an imaginary rope. Ye Wen nodded gently.
"That's your fiancé, Dai Mubai. Watch closely. If, after seeing this, you still wish to reconcile with him, then I have nothing more to say."
Her fragile hopes shattered, Zhu Zhuqing relaxed, her eyes reflecting a sense of liberation.
"You must be new here. Don't you know I reserve a room here every day?"
Dai Mubai spoke arrogantly, basking in the admiring gazes of the twins beside him, which only inflated his ego further.
Ning Rongrong paid him no mind. Who did he think he was?
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and give us our keys. A guy with weak kidneys like you has no reason to act so nervous," she scoffed.
Unapologetically displaying her devilish nature, Ning Rongrong was born into a top-tier power—why should she grovel before low-level soul masters?
Accustomed to having his way, Dai Mubai couldn't tolerate such disrespect. With a sinister grin, he taunted Ning Rongrong, "Weak kidneys? Once you're in my bed, you'll learn what true desire feels like."
"Hmph. Go ahead and try touching me. See if you don't vanish from this world by tomorrow," Ning Rongrong retorted dismissively.
She wasn't foolish—she knew her family wouldn't send her out alone without covert protection. Intrigued, she wanted to see what kind of miserable state this "weak-kidneyed" man would end up in if he dared lay a hand on her.
Blinded by lust, Dai Mubai didn't consider the consequences. He stepped forward, ready to act.
However, the usually silent Tang San stepped in to block him.
Since they had been invited to stay in such a luxurious hotel, it was only right to step in when trouble arose.
"Sir, you're going too far. It's just a matter of rooms—you can easily find somewhere else. Why bother troubling a young lady?"
Dai Mubai sneered at the unassuming Tang San, shaking off his hand.
"Who do you think you are to lecture me?"
Tang San frowned. Though he disliked trouble, he wasn't afraid of it either. Coldly, he responded,
"Very well, let's settle this the soul master way."
"Perfect! Soul possession!"
A tiger's roar echoed through the air.
Dai Mubai's eyes glowed with soul imprints as his height increased, his hair turned white, and a large black "King" character appeared on his forehead, exuding an aura of sinister dominance.
He had suffered greatly in recent spirit battles. Seeing this young novice with presumably lower soul power, he saw an opportunity to vent his frustrations.
Tang San wasn't intimidated. Green armor materialized on his hands as he summoned his Green Vine.
"Tang San, martial soul Green Vine, soul power level 29, two-ring Battle Soul Master."
As expected, Dai Mubai sneered cruelly.
"Dai Mubai, martial soul White Tiger, soul power level 37, three-ring Battle Soul Lord."
To think someone just a few years older than him had surpassed him by so much in soul power.
Tang San grew cautious but remained undaunted. At full strength, he could even suppress Yu Xiaogang.
(A/N: In the manga version, Tang San at full power could even dismantle Zhao Wuji's True Body Armor, though mainly due to the Dragon Whisker Needle.)
At this moment, Dai Mubai surged forward, channeling his soul power. Against this lowly Battle Soul Master, he didn't even bother using soul skills—he simply wanted to unleash his pent-up frustration through raw combat.
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