Yu Xiaogang: He Violated the Code of Chivalry!

"Yes!" Li Lang stepped aside, but his gaze toward Yu Xiaogang was filled with undisguised contempt.

He followed behind Yu Xiaogang, eager to see what wisdom this pitiably weak Soul Grandmaster could possibly spew.

Clearly, he was not the only one who thought so.

The Spirit Hall members nearby also gathered around, curiously waiting to see what "brilliant insights" Yu Xiaogang had to offer.

Surrounded by the crowd, Yu Xiaogang felt a hint of pressure, but even more than that, he was excited to display his "knowledge."

Facing Bibi Dong, he tried his best to imitate the nobles from his memories and performed a somewhat stiff medieval noble's bow.

Then he cleared his throat and began his introduction in what he believed was his most elegant posture.

"Beautiful and honorable lady, please allow me to introduce myself."

"I am Yu Xiaogang, a... Grandmaster devoted to researching Martial Soul Theory." He deliberately emphasized the word "Grandmaster."

"A Martial Soul Theory Grandmaster?" Li Lang and several nearby Spirit Hall members nearly burst out laughing, their faces openly displaying doubt and mockery.

A Soul Grandmaster with such unstable Soul Power dared call himself a "Grandmaster"?

What theory had he researched that could possibly support such a title?

Bibi Dong frowned slightly, a trace of disdain flashing through her eyes. Still, she maintained basic courtesy and said seriously, "Go on, then. What insight do you have?"

"If your words make sense, this Miss will reward you generously."

"It's simple!" Yu Xiaogang perked up as if he had found his stage. He swept his gaze across the crowd, his tone resolute.

"The key reason you lost, Miss, was because—that man was cunning!"

"Cunning?" Bibi Dong raised a brow.

"That's right!" Yu Xiaogang nodded forcefully, as though announcing some monumental discovery. "Did none of you notice?"

"That person never called out the name of his Spirit Skill when he used it!"

"In the Soul Master World, that is a blatant sneak attack and utterly dishonorable!" He paused before continuing his impassioned speech. "And he even dodged your Spirit Skill attacks, Miss!"

"That is an even greater violation of the basic rules of Soul Master combat and the code of chivalry!"

"Such a victory is shameful!"

The moment this "brilliant insight" came out, a strange silence fell over the tavern.

Even the ordinary patrons watching on wore expressions that said, Is this guy an idiot?

"Heh... this is quite lively." A slightly teasing voice rang out from the tavern entrance.

At some point, Zhao Linchuan had also arrived at this little tavern.

He and Ghost Charm had returned to the vicinity of the Spirit Arena almost one after another.

The difference was that he had first gone to the Spirit Arena to collect his winnings.

There had been a slight hiccup in the process—the shareholders who hated parting with money were naturally reluctant to cough up such a huge sum of Gold Soul Coins.

But after Zhao Linchuan gave them some "gentle" instruction, everything went very smoothly.

He had been looking for a place to have a few drinks and celebrate his windfall when he unexpectedly ran into this entertaining scene.

Whether by coincidence or some strange feeling, the instant Zhao Linchuan spoke, Bibi Dong by the window seemed to sense something. Her gaze pierced through the crowd and landed precisely on him.

Their eyes met, and Zhao Linchuan could even see the complicated emotions flashing through her eyes—shame and anger, unwillingness, and perhaps a trace of indescribable curiosity.

Bibi Dong quickly withdrew her gaze and looked toward Li Lang. Her voice returned to its usual coolness, though it carried a barely perceptible irritation. "Li Lang, give him two Gold Soul Coins and make him leave."

She then waved at the onlookers. "You all disperse as well. What kind of sight is this, crowding around here?"

"Yes, Miss!" The others felt as if they had been granted amnesty and hurriedly returned to their places.

Li Lang immediately took out two gleaming gold coins and, without another word, stuffed them into the collar of Yu Xiaogang, who was still trying to argue.

Then, like he was carrying a chick, he half-dragged and half-pulled him to a corner on the other side of the tavern, far away from Bibi Dong.

Zhao Linchuan looked around the rather small tavern and found that every seat was occupied.

"Looks like I won't be getting that drink after all." He shrugged and turned to leave.

"Wait!" A clear voice called from behind him.

Zhao Linchuan paused and turned toward the source of the voice. It was Bibi Dong by the window. "You called me?"

"Mhm..." Bibi Dong looked at him—the man who had humiliated her in the arena and now wore such a relaxed, carefree expression—and found herself momentarily speechless, unsure what to say.

Why had she stopped him?

To apologize?

To question him?

Neither seemed appropriate.

"If there's nothing else, I really am leaving." Zhao Linchuan made as if to turn away again.

"Wait!" Bibi Dong blurted out again, her tone carrying a hint of urgency that even she did not notice.

Seeing the confusion in his eyes, she pressed her lips together and pointed to the empty seat across from her. "You... came here to drink, didn't you?"

"If... if you don't mind, how about... joining me?" The moment the words left her mouth, even she was surprised.

Zhao Linchuan raised a brow, an amused smile curling across his lips. He readily agreed, "Very well, then. I'll accept your hospitality."

"Put everyone's drinks today on my tab!" Having just made a fortune, he was worried he would have nowhere to spend it.

He walked several steps to the window, pulled out the vacant wooden stool, and sat down openly across from Bibi Dong.

Looking at his face so close before her, Bibi Dong recalled his "teasing" in the arena and that lock of severed hair. The more she looked at him, the more her teeth itched.

She stretched out her fair hand and slammed it heavily onto the table with a crisp smack. Her palm faced upward as she stared straight at Zhao Linchuan.

"This 'young master,' have you forgotten... that it's time to return my property?"

Zhao Linchuan looked utterly bewildered and made a great show of searching himself. "Property? I don't have anything." He blinked and asked in confusion, "By the way, what property are you referring to, Miss?"

"You!" Bibi Dong was so angry she nearly slammed the table and rose to her feet. Forcefully suppressing her fury, she said, "You know perfectly well! Give it back!" A woman's hair held special meaning and was far from an ordinary possession.

If it had been anything else, even a precious Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, she would not have cared this much.

"I truly do not know what item you mean, Miss." Zhao Linchuan wore an innocent expression, then seemed to remember something and said seriously, "Oh, I'm Zhao Linchuan."

"May I ask for your name, Miss?" He knowingly asked.

"My name is Bibi Dong." Bibi Dong practically gritted out her name. Though furious, she had to admit deep down that—

this smiling, frivolous fellow before her was far more interesting than all those respectful, lifeless people in Spirit Hall put together.

"Oh." Zhao Linchuan nodded in sudden realization. Then he looked at her with utmost seriousness and commented, "Miss Bibi Dong, I think you look better with your hair down."

"Back in the arena, with your long hair flying in the wind, you looked valiant and radiant~"