A year slipped by quietly.
Over the course of that year, Xiao Wu successfully broke through to become a Soul Elder, while Zhuqing also reaped great rewards. Not only had her cultivation reached Level 29, she had also grasped a Self-Created Soul Skill: "Netherworld Instant Shadow Kill"!
Lu Chen's Soul Power Level had also surpassed Lu Jinnian's, reaching Level 45 and making him the strongest person at Nuoding Academy!
Nuoding Academy's Dean's Office.
Lu Jinnian took out three letters of recommendation.
He handed them to Lu Chen, Xiao Wu, and Zhuqing, then said, "I'm acquainted with Meng Shenji, the head of the Education Committee at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. I've already explained your situations to him. Take these letters to him, and you'll be able to enroll at Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Lu Jinnian then gave Lu Chen a meaningful look and said, "Under no circumstances are you to reveal your Innate Soul Power Level!"
Lu Chen nodded. If his Innate Level 20 Soul Power were exposed, he could no longer hide the secret of his God Tier Martial Soul. Who knew how many people would covet it then?
Xiao Wu and Zhuqing, standing nearby, were utterly confused.
They understood every word individually, but put together, the sentence made no sense to them.
As he walked the three of them to the academy gates, Lu Jinnian looked at Lu Chen, who was about to board the carriage, and gave him careful instructions.
"Chen'er, make sure you protect Xiao Wu and Zhuqing while you're away."
"Grandpa, don't worry!" Lu Chen said, then turned and climbed into the carriage.
Inside, Xiao Wu was leaning against the window, gazing at the familiar Nuoding Academy. Her eyes were slightly red.
Zhuqing said nothing, but her eyes revealed how reluctant she was to leave Nuoding Academy.
Looking at the two of them, Lu Chen said, "It's not as if we're never coming back. Once we're done traveling, we'll settle down at Nuoding Academy!"
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Zhuqing looked up at him too, a rare hint of anticipation rippling through her cool, beautiful eyes.
Lu Chen smiled. "When have I ever lied to you?"
Xiao Wu immediately bounced with excitement, clapping her hands. "Then our first stop is to kick down Shrek's door!"
Zhuqing froze, staring at Xiao Wu and Lu Chen in surprise. The original plan had been for Lu Chen and Xiao Wu to visit Heaven Dou Royal Academy first, while she went to Shrek to settle things with Dai Mubai.
Lu Chen glanced at Zhuqing and said, "Since you want to put the past behind you, Xiao Wu and I naturally can't sit this one out!"
He paused, then added, "The Balak Kingdom borders Fasinuo Province. We can deal with your business first and then head to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. We'll have plenty of time."
"Thank..."
Before Zhuqing could finish, Xiao Wu had already thrown herself onto her. "What are you thanking me for? We're friends. What matters to you matters to me!"
Zhuqing's face flushed slightly, because as Xiao Wu said this, her little hand had already started wandering over Zhuqing's waist.
Xiao Wu was beginning to develop. Though her chest was still modest, her rounded, pert bottom already had plenty of appeal. Even Zhuqing envied her slender waist, so narrow it looked as though it could be circled with one hand.
Although Zhuqing was a year younger than Xiao Wu, her figure had become even more striking than the year before—a sharp contrast to her usually cool demeanor.
Unable to get away from Xiao Wu, Zhuqing ended up playfully tussling with her in the carriage.
"Zhuqing, aren't you uncomfortable with them being so big?"
Xiao Wu suddenly leaned close and asked, blinking her wide eyes. Even Lu Chen was a little curious about the question.
A strange sensation passed through Zhuqing's body, and she jolted. "Xiao Wu, stop! Lu Chen is still here!"
Zhuqing's face had turned bright red. Lu Chen pulled Xiao Wu back into her seat and said, "Xiao Wu! Don't lead Zhuqing astray!"
He was genuinely afraid that the hundred-thousand-year-old "Rogue Rabbit" would completely destroy Zhuqing's aloof image.
Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue playfully. "Well, Zhuqing's always acting so cold."
Embarrassed, Zhuqing buried her face against her chest, her ears scarlet.
She and Xiao Wu often teased each other like this, but this was the first time she had lost her composure in front of Lu Chen.
The interruption warmed up the atmosphere in the carriage.
A day later, Lu Chen, Xiao Wu, and Zhuqing arrived in Suotuo City, at the heart of the Limal Plain—the richest part of the Balak Kingdom, known as Balak's granary.
At Xiao Wu's curious insistence, the three of them went to a distinctive hotel.
The hotel had three floors. It wasn't especially large, but its exterior was decorated entirely in rose red, and the building's style made it look like a giant rose. It was enough to make anyone's eyes light up.
Lu Chen and Zhuqing knew exactly what kind of place it was. They were just about to suggest that Xiao Wu stay somewhere else when she had already gone inside.
With no choice, the two of them followed Xiao Wu into the so-called "Rose Hotel"!
The first thing they noticed upon entering was the heady scent of roses. The soothing fragrance carried a hint of flirtation, putting them at ease.
A faintly uneasy expression crossed Zhuqing's icy face.
The hotel's interior used only three colors: white, silver, and rose red. The warm, distinctive decor and elegant surroundings easily made a good impression.
Xiao Wu walked up to the counter. "Sorry for the trouble, could you get us three rooms?"
The attendant behind the counter hurried to his feet. He glanced past Xiao Wu at Lu Chen, envy flickering in his eyes. "Sir, are you sure you want three rooms?"
Before Lu Chen could answer, Xiao Wu asked, "Is there a problem?"
A suggestive look came into the attendant's eyes. "I'm sorry, but we only have one room left."
"But don't worry. Our rooms are spacious and fully equipped. Three people can stay in one with room to spare."
As he spoke, he gave Lu Chen a look that said everything without saying a word.
Lu Chen immediately felt a headache coming on. He wished more than anything that he didn't understand the attendant's hint!
Just as Zhuqing and Lu Chen were about to suggest that Xiao Wu try another hotel, a cold voice came from behind them. "I say, that room should be mine, shouldn't it?"
Lu Chen turned around and saw three people approaching the counter behind them.
There was one man and two women. The women were a pair of showily dressed twins, both tall and apparently seventeen or eighteen years old.
Between the twins stood a golden-haired man with double pupils.
The instant Zhuqing saw Dai Mubai, anger surged through her, and the last lingering hope she had held for him vanished completely.
So this was her fiancé? He was nothing but a disgusting coward!
Feeling the shift in Zhuqing's emotions, Lu Chen took her hand and said calmly, "Let me help you vent your anger."
With an arm around each twin, Dai Mubai walked up to the counter. His strange gaze swept over Xiao Wu and Zhuqing, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Well, well! I didn't think you'd be such a smooth operator!"
The instant the twins saw Lu Chen, their eyes seemed to sparkle with pink light. Comparing him to Dai Mubai, they looked at Dai Mubai with a trace of disdain.
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