"So-called Soul Fighting is a contest of Martial Souls—in other words, a battle between Soul Masters."
Zu Zong was the one who spoke. Back when he had just become a Soul Grandmaster, he had used the Transformation Technique to alter his appearance and entered Soul Fighting Tournaments in Nuoding. He was already quite accustomed to Soul Fighting Arenas.
Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow beside him, clearly displeased. "So this so-called money game means we take part in Soul Fighting Tournaments while those nobles bet on us. If we win, they make a fortune. This is outrageous—they're treating us as tools to make money."
Although Qin Ming also detested such things, he had no choice. Besides, taking the students to Soul Fighting Tournaments could increase their real combat experience, doing them nothing but good. So, Qin Ming turned a blind eye to it.
"Alright, alright, let's leave the topic there for now. Everyone, go back and get ready. We'll gather at the academy gates in half an hour."
The Balak Kingdom lay south of the Heaven Dou Empire and bordered Fasnuo Province. Though it was called a kingdom, its area was only three-quarters the size of Fasnuo Province. It was subordinate to the Heaven Dou Empire and was one of the empire's four great kingdoms.
Located in the center of the fertile Lima Plain within the Balak Kingdom was Suotuo City, known as the Balak Granary.
The Royal Fight Team, including Zu Zong and Xiao Wu, hired several carriages. After three or four days of travel, they finally reached their destination: Suotuo City.
"Wow! I'm exhausted! After sitting in a carriage for so long, my butt's gone numb!" Needless to say, who else could speak so carelessly but the hundred-thousand-year-old rabbit, Xiao Wu?
Zu Zong rolled his eyes at Xiao Wu and curled his lip. "Look at how pathetic you are!"
"I'm tired, so what?! Am I not allowed to say it?! Hmph, you stupid blockhead. I'm ignoring you."
As she spoke, Xiao Wu turned around. Though she claimed she would ignore Zu Zong, her eyes kept sneaking glances at him. Stupid blockhead, come coax me already. Come coax me. If you do, I'll forgive you.
However, Zu Zong had long since grown used to this and began looking around Suotuo City instead.
Though Suotuo City was not as prosperous as Heaven Dou City, it was still one of the Balak Kingdom's two major cities. There were plenty of people, carriages and pedestrians filled the streets, and all kinds of shops lined the area.
The rest of the Royal Fight Team also got out of their carriages and gathered together.
Qin Ming said, "Everyone has worked hard through these days of travel. Let's find somewhere to stay and rest for the night first. We'll enter the Soul Fighting Tournament tomorrow."
"Alright, Teacher Qin!" ×9
The first hotel was full.
The second hotel had only one room left.
The third hotel was full.
After all this, the exhausted group was gradually losing patience.
"Ah! Why is everywhere fully booked?!" Xiao Wu pouted and complained loudly.
Zu Zong thought they could not go on like this, so he suggested, "How about this? We split up and look for places to stay separately. We'll meet at the Great Soul Arena in Suotuo City at this time tomorrow. What do you think?"
Qin Ming also thought it was a good idea and nodded. "Then arrange yourselves into groups. It'll be easier to find rooms in pairs. As for me, I have a place to stay here, so don't worry about me."
The more honest Shi Mo spoke up. "I'll team up with Shi Mo."
"No problem," Shi Mo replied. They were brothers, so there was no need to fuss over it.
Dugu Yan also spoke. She was someone who always spoke bluntly. "I'll team up with Tian Heng."
This made Yu Feng, standing nearby, unable to resist giving her a thumbs-up. Big sis, you really were bold.
Yu Feng and Osler glanced at Ye Lingling, whose face was veiled in black gauze, then looked at Xiao Wu. In the end, out of safety concerns, the two brothers chose to stick together.
That left only Zu Zong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling. Originally, Zu Zong had wanted Ye Lingling and Xiao Wu to form a group, but considering Xiao Wu's forgetful nature, as well as the fact that Ye Lingling was a support-type Soul Master with no offensive power, the three of them ultimately chose to stay together. But do not get the wrong idea—Ye Lingling and Xiao Wu would share one room, while Zu Zong would have one to himself.
This left Osler and Yu Feng extremely envious.
The group of three had not walked far before they discovered a very distinctive hotel.
"Damn! It can't be that much of a coincidence, can it?"
The hotel was three stories high. Though it was not particularly large, its exterior was entirely decorated in rose red. The whole building was shaped like a giant rose, making it instantly eye-catching.
Four striking characters were displayed on the plaque above the entrance: "Rose Hotel."
"Rose Hotel. Xiao Zong, Lingling, let's stay here." Xiao Wu held Ye Lingling's hand and pointed at it.
Damn, we're really staying here? What if we run into that bastard Dai Mubai bringing girls here for a room? Probably not. Shrek Academy should have already started classes by now, Zu Zong thought to himself.
The three entered the Rose Hotel. The first thing they noticed was the rich scent of roses. The refreshing fragrance carried a hint of intimacy, relaxing both body and mind.
The hotel's interior used only three colors: white, silver, and rose red. It was warm and distinctive, and its elegant setting easily made a favorable impression.
Zu Zong walked up to the counter. "Please get us two rooms."
The waiter behind the counter hurriedly stood up. He looked at Zu Zong, then at Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling, and a trace of envy appeared in his eyes. "Sir, are you sure you want two rooms?"
How could Zu Zong, who knew the original story, fail to understand what the waiter meant? The man had taken him for another Dai Mubai. But who was Zu Zong? He was Liu Xia Hui, famous for remaining unmoved even with a beauty in his lap—a pure young gentleman who guarded his chastity like jade. Xiao Wu had slept in the same bed as him for nearly six years, yet he had never done anything improper, much less now.
In order to show how upright he was, Zu Zong deliberately raised his voice. "Yes, two rooms!"
Heh heh, you'll still say there's only one room left anyway.
The waiter had not expected this handsome young man to be so pure-hearted. He was immediately touched. There were not many good men like this left. Fine, he would do as requested!
"Certainly, sir!"
Wait, weren't you supposed to say there was only one room left? Hey, hey, this isn't how it's supposed to go! Zu Zong could not help but complain inwardly. Though he would never do anything worse than a beast, he at least wanted to experience what Tang San had felt when he was misunderstood in the original story!
The waiter emphasized, "We only have two single rooms left. But don't worry, our rooms are spacious and fully equipped. Your two companions will have more than enough room sharing one." As he spoke, he gave Zu Zong an approving look. Zu Zong understood that look—you are a pure child.
Zu Zong: Thanks a lot!
Xiao Wu said carelessly, "As long as there are rooms, that's fine. Lingling, let's go in!"
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