First Meeting with Dai Mubai

Five years later…

Balak Kingdom, Suotuo City.

It was just past noon, the sun blazing fiercely. Four young figures entered the west gate of Suotuo City. They were a group of two men and two women, walking together into this city far from Nuoding City.

The newcomers were none other than the familiar Zhao Xuan, Tang San, and Xiao Wu. As for the remaining one…

"Speaking of which, Hermione, why are you tagging along?" Several years had passed, and Zhao Xuan had grown considerably. Standing at about 1.8 meters tall now, he wasn't exactly towering over everyone, but he wasn't short for his age either. He wore a black, silver-trimmed outfit that was clean and sharp.

Over the years, his already porcelain-like fair complexion had become even more striking. His face was handsome, and his bright black eyes had deepened, their former sparkle now contained within, as if holding a vast starry sky. His smooth, ink-black hair had grown out, now reaching his waist and flowing freely behind him.

On his forehead, a rather peculiar purple-gold mark had appeared at some point, giving him an unusual aura.

Compared to his appearance six years ago, he was like a completely different person.

The young woman called Hermione was naturally the granddaughter of the former dean of Nuoding Academy. She had also grown into a graceful young lady, with a slender figure, though her physique remained rather… modest.

Hermione blinked her big brown eyes, casting a mischievous glance at Zhao Xuan, and then let out a soft scoff, "Hmph, none of your business."

"Heh, I'm not afraid of you," Zhao Xuan retorted, returning her playful glare with a funny face, completely at odds with his appearance. His temperament seemed to have remained unchanged from six years ago.

Ever since their "dispute" in the small forest six years ago, the two had held a grudge, constantly finding ways to bother each other, earning them the notorious title of the "Grudge Duo" at Nuoding Academy.

Upon learning that Zhao Xuan would be coming to Suotuo City, Hermione had bid farewell to her grandfather and followed him.

Suotuo City was significantly larger than Nuoding City. As the granary of the Balak Kingdom, Suotuo City's prosperity was evident.

Even at noon, the streets were bustling with people, a constant stream of traffic. Soldiers could occasionally be seen patrolling.

"Everyone's tired today. How about we find a place to rest for the night and report to the academy tomorrow?" As the eldest among them, Tang San naturally took on the role of the leader, though the other two, besides Hermione, rarely listened to him.

"Okay, okay!"

Xiao Wu was naturally the most excited about Tang San's suggestion. She was the most lively of the group and had been cooped up from the long journey these past few days.

After a simple meal to fill their stomachs, they began searching for accommodation.

As they walked along the streets of Suotuo City, Xiao Wu's eyes suddenly lit up, and she pointed at a rather distinctive hotel.

"Let's go there," she said.

"Huh?!" Zhao Xuan's expression turned odd, and he instinctively glanced at Hermione. To his surprise, Hermione was also looking at him, their gazes filled with unspoken meaning.

Tang San seemed to notice nothing unusual and casually agreed, "Sure."

As the two headed towards the hotel, Hermione quietly followed, staying close to Zhao Xuan, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Zhao Xuan, is that… is that a love hotel?"

Her face flushed, she subtly glanced up at the oblivious pair ahead.

Zhao Xuan's lips curled into a grin. "You can tell from the outside. Have you ever seen a normal hotel use such ambiguous colors? This isn't a brothel. Come on, let's go in too."

"Eh?! What are we going in for!" Hermione seemed startled, stepping back a few paces with a blush, her eyes warily fixed on Zhao Xuan.

Zhao Xuan raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding what the girl was thinking. "Tch, can't I just watch the show? What do you think we're going to do?!"

Hermione was half-believing, half-skeptical, but seeing Zhao Xuan following closely behind, she couldn't help but trail after him.

The two followed Tang San and Xiao Wu into a place called the "Rose Hotel." The casual glances from passersby made Hermione's face feel hot.

Lost in thought, Hermione suddenly bumped into Zhao Xuan's back.

"What are you doing?" Rubbing her forehead, Hermione couldn't help but demand.

Zhao Xuan patted her shoulder, suppressing his excitement as he whispered, "There's a good show about to start."

"Huh?" Hermione instinctively looked ahead and saw Tang San and Xiao Wu arguing with several people.

Facing them was a rather handsome man, accompanied by two sisters.

In a place like this, bringing two sisters, even a fool would know what they were up to. Hermione gritted her teeth, "Scum."

Zhao Xuan pouted, "What they're doing is none of your business."

Hermione glared at Zhao Xuan, "What I'm saying is none of your business!"

Zhao Xuan choked, let out a "tch," and then quietly began to watch the unfolding drama.

The situation seemed to escalate, and even the hotel manager's intervention couldn't stop it. After a brief argument, the two sides actually started fighting.

"Whoa, Little San can actually fight?" Zhao Xuan's eyes widened. Knowing Tang San's personality, he understood that Tang San wouldn't easily resort to violence. The blonde guy opposite him must have crossed some kind of line.

With that thought, he also prepared for battle, ready to support Tang San at any moment. At the same time, he reminded Hermione beside him, "Get ready. If they reveal their Martial Souls, be prepared to support Little San."

"Okay." Hermione had no intention of bickering with Zhao Xuan at this moment. She stared intently at the two fighters, ready.

Unexpectedly, the two fought evenly, neither gaining an advantage for a time. Considering Tang San's strength, his martial arts skills alone could be considered that of a master. Yet, the blonde guy opposite him could match him blow for blow. Although he had the advantage of age, it was clear his skills were extraordinary.

After a brief exchange, they paused. Dai Mubai's expression was somewhat grim. He had to admit, he had underestimated his opponent. This young man, who appeared several years younger than him, was far more powerful than he had imagined.

"Do you want to continue?" Tang San asked calmly.

Dai Mubai smiled, a peculiar glint in his eyes. If one had to describe it in words, perhaps only "eager for a worthy opponent" would suffice.

"Why not? I haven't met such an interesting opponent in a long time."

Tang San's eyes also gradually brightened. He noticed that the "Young Master Dai" before him had changed. If before he was cold and dismissive, now he was filled with fiery fighting spirit.

"White Tiger, Possess!" A powerful, pale white light suddenly erupted from him. Dai Mubai spread his arms to the sides, chest puffed out, and his entire body's bones let out a series of cracking sounds. His muscles suddenly swelled, stretching his clothes. Every muscle beneath the fabric became extremely defined, and even the air around him seemed to grow agitated.

His golden hair instantly turned black and white, with white being the dominant color, and a few strands of black hair standing out distinctly within it. Four faint patterns appeared on his forehead, three horizontal and one vertical, forming the character "king."

His hands changed the most, growing to twice their previous size. White fur covered his entire palms, and with every flick of his fingers, dagger-like claws extended and retracted from his hands. Each claw was like a blade, a full eight inches long, gleaming with a dark, cold light.

Young Master Dai slowly leaned his upper body forward, his four pupils all turning a deep, profound sapphire blue. He gave the impression of a killing machine.

At his feet, three brilliant halos rose one after another, ascending quietly: two yellow and one purple. As the Soul Rings flowed, surging Soul Power pressed down like waves.

"A Thousand-Year Soul Ring?" Zhao Xuan's eyes lit up, and he strode forward.

"Xiao San! This guy is mine!"

(ps: I'm not very satisfied with this section; some things can't be skipped, it's so annoying.)