Who Wasn't a Soul Master?

"By the way, Brother Tao, that fight just now was so intense that I'm a little hungry. How about we go out and grab a bite?"

Just as things were getting a little awkward, Tang Wulin took the initiative to speak, breaking the silence.

"All right, I know a great snack street. I'll treat you all to something good—call it a chance to make friends!"

Hearing Tang Wulin, Xie Xie eagerly picked up the conversation and made the suggestion.

"That's great! Xie Xie, you're such a good guy. I really misjudged you at first!"

Upon learning that there was free food, Tang Wulin jumped up excitedly. The look he gave Xie Xie changed in an instant.

"Then let's go! Zhao Tao, Gu Yue, why don't you come along too?"

With a faint smile, Xie Xie turned to Zhao Tao and Gu Yue and invited them.

"Of course. We'll let Young Master Xie foot the bill. Gu Yue, you should come too."

Zhao Tao nodded in agreement, then smiled at Gu Yue.

"Okay."

Hearing Zhao Tao, Gu Yue finally nodded, then quietly fell into step beside him.

Before long, the four of them arrived at the snack street Xie Xie knew.

The street wasn't especially spacious or fancy, but the moment they reached its entrance, a medley of delicious aromas wafted over and whetted their appetites.

"You know Eastsea City best, Xie Xie. Got any food recommendations?"

As they walked, Tang Wulin asked curiously.

"Of course! Come on, let's start with that Stewed Beef Restaurant. I come here all the time. It's delicious!"

Seeing Tang Wulin ask, Xie Xie smiled and made a recommendation.

"So this is the classic Stewed Beef Restaurant scene!"

Hearing the exchange between Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, Zhao Tao smiled.

Of course...

This time, the main character definitely wouldn't be Tang Wulin. It would be him!

Before long, Xie Xie led Gu Yue, Zhao Tao, and Tang Wulin into a small, rather run-down restaurant.

"Oh, Xie Xie! Are these your friends?" A middle-aged man came over with a broad smile and welcomed them warmly.

"That's right, Uncle Li. The usual: a bowl of beef and a bowl of rice for each of us, plus a side dish apiece."

Xie Xie smiled gently at the man, showing not the slightest trace of arrogance.

His unusual behavior drew a curious look from Tang Wulin.

After all, Xie Xie had acted high and mighty toward ordinary people and even the ordinary students in Class Five.

But in front of this unassuming older man, Xie Xie was so calm—almost meek.

"Uncle Li is practically family. He watched me grow up. When my mother was alive, she often brought me here..."

As if he'd noticed Tang Wulin's confusion, Xie Xie lowered his head, his expression tinged with sadness.

"My condolences."

"I'm sure your mother would want you to live happily, too."

Hearing Xie Xie, Zhao Tao patted him on the shoulder and offered comfort.

Just then, Uncle Li brought over four servings of stewed beef, rice, and side dishes.

Zhao Tao's words seemed to help steady Xie Xie's mood. He joined the others in tasting the tender beef in the clay pots before them.

"Xie Xie, you've got great taste. Though the portion's a little small—I could eat ten pots!"

Tang Wulin polished off his pot in no time. Gazing at the empty dish, he still seemed hungry.

"Ten pots?!"

"I heard there was a big eater in the cafeteria who wolfed down more than ten servings of Class C food. Was that you, Wulin?"

Xie Xie's eyes widened in surprise. Then, as if he'd figured it out, he looked Tang Wulin up and down.

"Yeah, that was me. Sorry to make you spend so much, Xie Xie."

Tang Wulin scratched his head sheepishly.

"Don't worry, it's no big deal. Uncle Li, bring Wulin ten more servings of stewed beef!"

Xie Xie laughed heartily and called to Uncle Li.

"Coming right up!"

Uncle Li smiled warmly and carried pot after pot of stewed beef over to Tang Wulin.

Just as Tang Wulin was about to dig in, a commotion broke out among the people in the distance. The diners scattered in every direction, and three burly men strode toward the Stewed Beef Restaurant.

"Li, why haven't you paid last month's protection money yet?"

"You've got some nerve, refusing to do as you're told. I, Guang Long, don't mess around. If you still can't pay, you can forget about keeping this restaurant open!"

At the entrance stood the leader, a burly, bald man with a Dragon Tiger Tattoo. He glared menacingly at the restaurant's owner.

"Brother Guang Long, my wife is seriously ill. I spent all my money on her treatment. Please, give me a few more months!"

Facing Guang Long, Uncle Li dropped to his knees and begged in a humble voice.

"Hmph! If everyone came up with excuses like yours, how would I collect my protection money?"

"I'm telling you, if you won't run this business, plenty of other people will. If you won't pay up, plenty of others will!"

Guang Long responded with a cold snort and kicked Uncle Li to the ground. Then he shoved the stove with his other hand, sending it and every pot of stewed beef crashing to the floor.

"Uncle Li, are you okay? Guang Long, was it? You've gone too far!"

Seeing this, Xie Xie hurried to his feet and helped Uncle Li up. Then he glared furiously at Guang Long, flames of anger flickering in his eyes.

"Hmph. You're just a brat, and you think you can stick your nose into this?"

"I, Guang Long, don't like picking on kids."

"Here's what you can do: get on your knees and bow your head to me three times. Otherwise, I'll beat you just like that old man!"

Looking down at Xie Xie, who didn't even reach his chest, Guang Long sneered with contempt.

"Guang Long, don't push people too far!"

Xie Xie flew into a rage. With a sweep of his arm, the Light Dragon Dagger appeared in his hand, and a Yellow Soul Ring whirled around him. He blurred into a streak of golden lightning and charged Guang Long!

"Well, well. You're a Soul Master?"

"But what makes you think you're the only one?"

"I'm not just a Soul Master, I'm a Soul Grandmaster—and I'm stronger than you!"

Guang Long merely sneered at the charging Xie Xie. A white and a yellow Soul Ring rose from beneath his feet!

As the Soul Rings appeared, the skin covering Guang Long's body turned silver-gray.

Thick scales sprouted across his arms, thighs, neck, and other areas!

This was the form Guang Long's Iron Armored Dragon Martial Soul took after Martial Soul Possession!