First Arrival in Suotuo, Tales of the Rose Hotel

Several days later, Ling Yun, weary from travel, finally caught sight of Suotuo City's towering outline. As one of the Balak Kingdom's two major cities, Suotuo City's prosperity was far beyond comparison with the small towns he had passed along the way. Its lofty walls were built from massive bluestone blocks, and the city gate teemed with carts and people. The clamor could be heard from far away.

After paying the negligible entry tax, Ling Yun stepped into the city. Broad streets were paved with bluestone slabs, while shops lined both sides, their banners fluttering as they sold all manner of goods. Vendors' cries hawking food rang out without pause. The air mingled the aromas of food, the scent of horses, and the smell of the crowd, forming a vivid, authentic picture of city life.

Ling Yun's ragged outfit drew quite a few sidelong glances from the crowd. Yet he remained calm, as though he were walking through his own courtyard. His most urgent tasks were to change into clean clothes, fill his stomach, and then inquire about Shrek Academy's exact location.

He found a clothing shop and used the Gold Soul Coins he had "earned" from Young Master Li to buy two sets of well-fitting, ordinary blue cloth garments. Clothes made the man. After changing into fresh clothes and washing away the dust of travel, the youth in the mirror was still thin, but the heroic air between his brows and the authority that occasionally shone from his deep eyes made him seem completely transformed. There was no longer the slightest trace of destitution about him.

Afterward, he found a restaurant that looked reasonably clean, ordered several signature dishes, and ate with great relish. Since crossing over, this was the first proper meal he had eaten. The Chaos Dragon God Martial Soul had an enormous demand for energy, and this body had long suffered from deprivation. Now, as the food entered his stomach and transformed into surging warmth, it nourished his limbs and bones, making him feel much better.

As he ate, he listened carefully to the idle chatter of the surrounding diners, hoping to hear news of Shrek Academy. Unfortunately, most people discussed interesting happenings within Suotuo City, rumors about Soul Master tournaments, or the political situation in the Balak Kingdom. No one mentioned that obscure "Monster Academy."

When it was time to pay, Ling Yun casually asked the proprietor, "Shopkeeper, do you happen to know where Shrek Academy is located?"

The proprietor was a plump middle-aged man. He froze upon hearing this, looked Ling Yun up and down a few times, and asked in confusion, "Shrek Academy? Young man, why are you asking about that place? That place... tsk, tsk, it's strange as hell."

"Oh? How is it strange?" Ling Yun was intrigued.

The proprietor lowered his voice. "That academy is in some rundown village outside the southern part of the city. I heard the tuition is outrageously expensive, and they brag about only accepting monsters, not ordinary people. Yet in recent years, no one has seen them produce any decent Soul Masters. It's probably a money-making scam. Young man, you're still so young. Are you thinking of enrolling? Don't get fooled. Our Suotuo City has several intermediate Soul Master Academies. Those are the proper path."

Ling Yun understood. It seemed Shrek Academy was indeed unknown at this time and was even misunderstood by the locals. He smiled without explaining. "Thank you for the warning, Shopkeeper. I was merely asked by someone to come take a look."

After paying for his meal, Ling Yun followed the general direction the proprietor had pointed out and headed south. The farther south he went, the less prosperous the streets became, and the thinner the crowds grew.

As he walked, an unusual building ahead caught his eye. It stood three stories tall and was quite large. Its exterior was entirely rose-red, making it stand out conspicuously among the surrounding buildings. The structure was shaped like an enormous rose, and an exquisite plaque hung above its entrance, bearing the words "Rose Hotel."

"Rose Hotel..." Ling Yun slowed slightly. If he remembered correctly, this seemed to be the hotel run by Dai Mubai in the original story, as well as the place where Tang San and Xiao Wu had stayed when they first arrived in Suotuo City. He had not expected to stumble upon it by chance.

Since he was already here, he might as well go inside and take a look. Perhaps he could learn something about Shrek Academy, or Tang San.

The moment he entered the hotel, a faint rose fragrance washed over him, refreshing and soothing. The interior decorations were even more luxurious, dominated by warm tones and an elegant atmosphere that stood starkly at odds with the shabby sight of the southern district outside. There was only one attendant at the front desk, and he was currently looking helplessly at the two guests standing before him.

The two guests were a man and a woman. The man wore ordinary blue fitted clothing. He was not particularly handsome, but he gave off an approachable impression, with a gentle smile on his face. The girl wore a long scorpion braid. She was delicate and adorable, her large eyes brimming with liveliness, and she was pouting as though complaining to the attendant about something.

Tang San. Xiao Wu.

Ling Yun's gaze shifted slightly. He had not expected such a coincidence—to encounter the main characters here. From the look of things, they had just arrived in Suotuo City and wanted to stay at the Rose Hotel.

"Is there really only one room left?" Xiao Wu said unhappily. "And it's some Red Ocean? A couples' theme? We aren't—"

A trace of embarrassment appeared on Tang San's face. He quickly cut Xiao Wu off and said to the attendant, "Please, we'll take that room."

The attendant replied awkwardly, "I'm sorry, two guests, but that room was just reserved by another guest."

"Reserved? Who reserved it? We were clearly here first!" Xiao Wu's temper flared.

Just then, a somewhat magnetic voice carrying a hint of arrogance sounded from the hotel entrance. "I reserved it. Is there a problem?"

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a tall youth walk in from outside. He was handsome, with long golden hair cascading down his back nearly to his waist. His eyes were an eerie violet, deep and captivating. Beside him were a pair of twin girls, both pretty and voluptuous, clinging to his sides.

Dai Mubai. Ling Yun thought to himself. The eldest of the Shrek Seven Devils, the future Evil-Eyed White Tiger. It seemed that classic "Rose Hotel conflict" from the original story was about to unfold.

Dai Mubai's gaze swept over Tang San and Xiao Wu before finally settling on the attendant. "What's going on?" he asked blandly.

The attendant looked as though he had seen a savior upon seeing Dai Mubai. He hurriedly said respectfully, "Young Master Dai, you're here. These two guests also want to book the Red Ocean room. I told them it had already been reserved by you, but they seem somewhat dissatisfied."

Only then did Dai Mubai formally turn his attention to Tang San and Xiao Wu. A teasing smile curled across his lips. "Oh? You want that room?"

Tang San frowned slightly. He could sense the powerful Soul Power fluctuations emanating from the golden-haired youth before him. He was clearly not someone to be trifled with. Tang San did not want trouble, so he cupped his hands and said, "Brother, since you reserved the room, we'll look elsewhere."

Xiao Wu, however, was still somewhat indignant and muttered, "We were clearly the ones who asked first..."

Dai Mubai burst into laughter. His gaze moved between Xiao Wu and Tang San, carrying a hint of mockery. "It's not impossible for you to have this room. In the world of Soul Masters, strength reigns supreme. Beat me, and the room is yours. If you can't, then please demonstrate the word 'roll.'"

The moment he said this, the atmosphere immediately grew tense. Tang San's eyes sharpened as well. He did not want trouble, but he would never submit to humiliation.

Ling Yun stood not far away, quietly watching the scene like a spectator detached from it all. He was curious to see how this conflict would unfold without his interference. At the same time, he wanted to witness for himself just how strong Tang San of this era truly was.

A battle was on the verge of erupting.