Arrival in Suotuo City

As everyone chatted, Feng Lieyang and Meng Wanqing walked over.

"Senior Feng, we'll have to trouble you this time."

"Dean Meng, you're too polite. I don't have much to do anyway. Being around these young people helps me stay youthful, which isn't bad at all."

"Then I'll leave the children in your care."

"Mm, don't worry. I'll keep a close eye on them."

Meng Wanqing warned Shui Bing'er and the other two girls:

"This time, you'll be going with Senior Feng and Xiaotian to the Soul Fighting Arena for practical combat training. Follow the arrangements. Yue'er especially—don't cause trouble or burden others."

"Dean, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on my sister."

"Mm."

Seeing Shui Yue'er looking somewhat aggrieved, Feng Lieyang teased her:

"I think this little girl is quite well-behaved. What trouble could she cause? At most, she's a little mischievous. It's nothing, haha!"

"Thank you, Senior Feng!"

"You don't need to be so formal. From now on, just call me Grandpa, like Xiaotian does."

"Yes, Grandpa Feng!"

Seeing how easygoing Feng Lieyang was, the girls were all delighted.

"If you're all ready, we'll set off now. We can reach Suotuo City by tonight."

"Mm, we're all ready."

"Good, then let's go."

After bidding Meng Wanqing farewell, they set out for Suotuo City.

By the time they arrived, it was already dusk, and the sky was gradually darkening.

Suotuo City lay within the Balak Kingdom, and its gates remained open around the clock.

The group of eight, led by Feng Xiaotian, entered the city and first needed to find somewhere to stay.

Though it was already night, Suotuo City remained bustling.

The streets on both sides were brightly lit.

The night market was filled with small vendors doing business.

Skywater Academy's rules were rather strict, so Shui Bing'er and the others rarely came out at night.

Seeing such a scene, Shui Yue'er was especially excited, though her sister Shui Bing'er kept hold of her the entire time.

Xue Wu looked calm, as though nothing interested her.

Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu often visited night markets and were long used to such sights, though they would occasionally take a second look when they spotted something unusual.

Feng Xiaotian followed closely behind his grandfather.

Feng Lieyang suddenly said:

"You must all be hungry, right? Let's find a hotel and get settled first. After dinner, if it isn't too late, I'll take you to the Soul Fighting Arena for a look so you can get used to it beforehand."

"Great! Great!"

Knowing they could visit the Soul Fighting Arena that very night, everyone was excited, and the fatigue from their journey instantly vanished.

The expenses for this training were shared equally among the three academies.

If they earned prize money at the Soul Fighting Arena, part of it would also be given to the academies.

Feng Lieyang handled all matters concerning lodging and meals throughout the trip.

Spotting a fairly decent hotel, Feng Lieyang led Feng Xiaotian and the others inside.

There were four girls in the group, and for their safety, Feng Lieyang wanted to inspect the rooms before registering for their stay.

After all, they might be staying in Suotuo City for over a month. Settling lodging and meals all at once would save both money and trouble.

Feng Lieyang spoke with the front desk staff for a while, then came over to Feng Xiaotian.

"Xiaotian, I'll go upstairs first and see what the suites are like."

"Okay. Go ahead, Grandpa."

"Sit in the lobby for a while. I'll be right back down."

After saying that, Feng Lieyang followed an attendant upstairs.

The hotel was quite large.

The first-floor hall was divided into two sections. The guest reception area was on the left, while the restaurant was on the right.

The upper floors were the lodging area.

Over at the restaurant, the signs advertising all kinds of food were especially eye-catching, making everyone's mouths water.

Shui Yue'er suddenly said:

"Sister, I'm going over there to see what good food they have."

"I'll go with you."

"No need. Rest here for a while. I'm not a child—I won't run off."

"Mm, then be careful."

"Got it."

The restaurant entrance was only a dozen meters away.

Shui Yue'er remained within everyone's sight, so Shui Bing'er was at ease.

Besides, Feng Xiaotian was watching her too.

The dazzling array of food pictures left Shui Yue'er overwhelmed.

"They all look delicious. What should I eat first?"

Just as Shui Yue'er was hesitating, a burly man strode over.

"Little sister, are you here alone? What do you want to eat? Big brother will treat you."

"No, thank you!"

Smelling the heavy stench of alcohol on the man, Shui Yue'er instinctively tried to avoid him.

Suddenly, another burly man moved in to block her.

"Little sister, don't leave! Big brother isn't a bad person."

Seeing this, Shui Bing'er grew annoyed and was about to stand up when Feng Xiaotian stopped her.

"You're a girl. If you go over there, you'll only make them more excited. I should go instead."

After saying that, Feng Xiaotian rose to his feet and hurried over.

"That's right! This is the kind of situation where us men should step in!"

Huo Wushuang followed right after him.

"Get lost!"

Feng Xiaotian shoved aside the burly man blocking Shui Yue'er, then grabbed her hand and was about to leave.

The man instantly sobered up halfway.

Having been shoved and cursed at by a young boy, the burly man flew into a rage.

"You brat! Stop right there! Who were you cursing just now?"

"Whoever blocks my way gets cursed!"

"Heh! You've got some nerve. You still dare talk back? Looks like you're asking for a beating!"

As he spoke, the burly man swung his fist at Feng Xiaotian.

Feng Xiaotian turned around furiously.

Suddenly, a gust of fierce wind swept past.

"Ah!"

The burly man let out a scream like a slaughtered pig.

The punch he threw did not hit Feng Xiaotian.

It struck the Wind Blade Barrier in front of Feng Xiaotian instead.

Staring at his blood-covered fist, the burly man sobered up completely.

If his companion had not pulled him back just now, his entire fist would likely have been shredded to pieces by the rapidly spinning wind blades.

Those two were Soul Masters as well.

They could sense how formidable Feng Xiaotian was.

In a single instant, he had launched both defense and counterattack at the same time.

Though he looked very young, it was exceedingly rare for someone to control the Wind Element of the Limit School to such a degree.

Anyone lacking sufficient Soul Power and comprehension could never accomplish it.

"Wind blades? You're a Wind System Soul Master?"

"What? Do you want a taste of my blazing flames too?"

Before Feng Xiaotian could answer, a ball of blazing fire rose from Huo Wushuang's hand.

Shui Bing'er and the others also gathered around, glaring furiously at the two men.

Only then did the pair realize the seriousness of the situation.

Feng Xiaotian glanced at them from the corner of his eye and said coldly:

"Why aren't you gone yet?"

Frightened, the two men clutched their hands and ran out of the hotel.

Shui Yue'er said somewhat guiltily:

"Sorry for making everyone worry."

Feng Xiaotian comforted her:

"It's nothing. We just happened to run into two bored drunkards. Grandpa should be coming down soon. What do you want to eat? Let's order together."

Shui Yue'er felt warmth fill her heart.

She secretly glanced at Feng Xiaotian beside her, and her fondness for him deepened a little more.