The First Account in Suotuo City

Suotuo City was far larger than Notting City.

Tang San and Xiao Wu entered the city just as evening fell.

The streets were bustling with people, shop lights were already aglow, the aroma of food wafted from restaurants, and groups of Soul Masters could be seen walking together along the roadside.

Xiao Wu carried her pack, her eyes lighting up instantly.

"This place is much livelier than Notting City."

Tang San nodded.

"It is, after all, an important city in the Bala Kingdom."

Xiao Wu turned to look at him.

"Where should we go first?"

Tang San took a folded piece of paper from his pocket.

It was the simplified map of Suotuo City provided to them by the Notting City Martial Soul Hall.

Marked upon it were the Suotuo City Martial Soul Hall Branch, several formal academies, Soul Master inns, pharmacies, and registration points for soul-hunting missions.

Beyond that, there was one location that had been circled.

Shrek Academy.

Next to it, a line of small text was written:

[Information incomplete; on-site verification recommended.]

Seeing this, Xiao Wu let out a huff.

"Incomplete information, yet they charge high fees."

"Tang San, the more I look at it, the more I feel this academy is unreliable."

Tang San tucked the map away.

"Let's go take a look first."

"If they truly have the capability, then it won't have been a wasted trip."

"If they don't, we can consider other academies."

Xiao Wu nodded.

"Then let's find a place to stay first."

The two wandered around the city for a while before quickly spotting a hotel with a decent-looking exterior.

Rose Hotel.

The name was a bit strange.

Xiao Wu looked up at the sign.

"Let's go with this one."

Tang San hesitated slightly.

This place didn't look like an ordinary inn.

But it was already getting late, and continuing the search would be a hassle.

After the two walked inside, the front desk clerk was taken aback by their young age, but still asked politely:

"Are you two looking for a room?"

Tang San nodded.

"We need two rooms."

Xiao Wu immediately interjected, "One is fine too."

Tang San looked at her.

Xiao Wu was righteous and confident.

"It saves money."

Before Tang San could speak, a look of embarrassment appeared on the clerk's face.

"I apologize, but we only have one room left today."

Xiao Wu's eyes brightened.

"That works perfectly."

Just as Tang San was about to speak, a lazy voice suddenly drifted in from the doorway.

"That room—I'll take it."

The group turned their heads.

They saw a golden-haired youth walking in through the entrance.

He was tall, looking a few years older than Tang San and the others, and was accompanied by two beautifully dressed young girls.

As soon as the youth entered, his gaze fell first upon Xiao Wu.

Then, he looked toward Tang San.

His eyes held a hint of casual indifference, carrying a flavor of someone who did not take others seriously.

"The last room in this inn has always been mine."

The waiter's expression became even more troubled.

"Young Master Dai, these two guests arrived first today..."

The golden-haired youth waved his hand.

"I said, I want that room."

Xiao Wu's brows furrowed instantly.

"How can you be like this?"

"We were here first."

The golden-haired youth looked at her and smiled.

"Little girl, in Suotuo City, there are some places where things aren't decided by who arrives first."

Tang San's eyes darkened slightly.

He did not like those words.

Over these years in Notting City, the first rule taught to him by the Martial Soul Hall School and the academy was that a Soul Master must not use their strength to bully ordinary people, nor should they disrupt public order at will.

The person before him clearly had never attended such a class.

Xiao Wu had already rolled up her sleeves.

"Then I'd like to see how you intend to ignore the order of arrival."

The smile on the golden-haired youth's face faded slightly.

"Are you here in Suotuo City for school?"

Tang San did not answer, only stating:

"If you had booked the room in advance, we could yield."

"If not, then we go by who arrived first."

The golden-haired youth raised an eyebrow.

"You certainly talk about rules."

Tang San said calmly, "If rules are useless, the weak will never have a place to speak."

As these words were spoken, the golden-haired youth's eyes shifted slightly.

It was as if he were looking at Tang San seriously for the first time.

"A bit interesting."

A fluctuation of soul power rose from his body.

The phantom of a White Tiger faintly emerged.

Two yellow and one purple soul ring appeared around him.

A Soul Elder.

Everyone in the hotel immediately retreated.

The waiter's face turned pale.

Xiao Wu's eyes narrowed, and she released her own martial soul.

Soft Bone Rabbit.

Two yellow soul rings emerged.

Tang San also raised his right hand.

Blue Silver Grass sprouted from his palm, and two yellow soul rings rose slowly.

The golden-haired youth's previously relaxed expression finally changed somewhat.

"Blue Silver Grass?"

"Two century-level soul rings?"

Tang San did not waste words.

The Blue Silver Grass had already begun to spread along the floor.

The momentum of the White Tiger behind the golden-haired youth deepened.

Both sides were on the verge of clashing.

Just then, a voice came from the entrance of the hotel.

"Within Suotuo City, private brawls between soul masters that damage civilian property shall be compensated according to the Martial Soul Hall Public Security Regulations."

The group looked over simultaneously.

A middle-aged soul master wearing the uniform of a Martial Soul Hall Branch deacon stood at the entrance.

Beside him crouched a grey-white cat.

The cat looked ordinary, but its eyes were remarkably bright.

Upon seeing the cat, Xiao Wu froze for some unknown reason.

Tang San also took note of it.

The cat was far too quiet.

It did not behave like a normal cat.

The blond youth frowned.

"Does Martial Soul Hall manage hotel rooms, too?"

The middle-aged deacon replied indifferently:

"Rooms are managed by the hotel."

"Private brawls between soul masters are managed by Martial Soul Hall."

"If you wish to spar, you may go to the Soul Fighting Arena in the West City, or register for a training room at the branch hall."

"But if you break things here, the compensation will be tripled."

Xiao Wu blinked.

"There's such a rule?"

The deacon nodded.

"There is."

"Since the implementation of the Holy Fire School by Martial Soul Hall, the Suotuo City Branch has begun enforcing the Low-Rank Soul Master Public Security Regulations."

"Especially in places operated by ordinary people, such as inns, restaurants, and markets."

"If soul masters act recklessly, they must pay compensation."

The blond youth's mouth twitched.

He had truly never encountered such a situation before.

It wasn't that no one dared to manage him.

It was just that in the past, such minor conflicts usually ended once the fighting stopped.

Paying a bit of money didn't matter.

But being cornered on the spot by a Martial Soul Hall deacon was somewhat embarrassing to talk about.

Tang San retracted his Blue Silver Grass.

"Thank you for the reminder, Deacon."

Xiao Wu was somewhat reluctant, but she also withdrew her martial soul.

The blond youth glanced at Tang San and dispersed his soul rings as well.

"Forget it."

"The room is yours."

After saying this, he turned to leave.

Xiao Wu said, "Didn't you say it was always yours?"

The blond youth's footsteps faltered.

He then looked back at her and smiled.

"I'm in a good mood today."

Xiao Wu wanted to say more, but Tang San stopped her.

"Let it go."

The blond youth did not linger any longer and left with the two young girls.

However, as he reached the door, he looked back at Tang San once more.

"My name is Dai Mubai."

"A student of Shrek Academy."

"If you are also heading to Shrek, we shall meet again."

With that, he left the hotel.

Xiao Wu frowned.

"A student of Shrek?"

"This academy is truly strange."

Tang San was also somewhat silent.

Before even reaching the academy, they had already encountered a student with obvious issues.

This was not a good first impression.

The Martial Soul Hall deacon stepped forward, his tone softening slightly.

"You two must be Tang San and Xiao Wu, right?"

Tang San nodded.

"Yes."

"The Notting City Branch has already forwarded your files."

The deacon took out two thin registration forms.

"If you intend to enroll at Shrek Academy, I suggest you keep all receipts for any fees paid."

"If the academy does not provide official documentation, you may also register your complaint at the Suotuo City Martial Soul Hall Branch."

Xiao Wu immediately took them.

"Can we really file a complaint?"

"We can."

The deacon nodded.

"Martial Soul Hall does not interfere with the normal curriculum of academies."

"However, if an academy engages in fraudulent recruitment, arbitrary fee collection, or swindles commoner Soul Masters for profit, the branch has the authority to investigate."

Xiao Wu's eyes brightened even further.

"That's great."

Tang San took the registration forms and thanked him earnestly.

"Many thanks."

The deacon nodded slightly and turned to leave.

The grey-and-white cat followed behind him.

As they reached the entrance, the grey-and-white cat turned back to glance at Xiao Wu.

Xiao Wu was momentarily stunned.

That look felt somewhat familiar to her.

It was as if she had encountered a similar aura somewhere before.

But the cat quickly vanished into the crowd.

Xiao Wu rubbed her eyes.

"Tang San."

"Hmm?"

"Do you think that cat is a bit strange?"

Tang San nodded.

"It shouldn't be an ordinary cat."

"A cat from Martial Soul Hall?"

Xiao Wu muttered under her breath.

Over these years, her impression of Martial Soul Hall had become quite complex.

There was wariness.

There was defensiveness.

And there was also an indescribable curiosity.

Recently, she had been hearing a certain title more and more often.

Lord Holy Cat.

Xiao Wu always felt that many of the strange changes within Martial Soul Hall were related to that elusive Holy Cat.

Tang San looked at the registration forms in his hand.

"Let's find a place to stay first."

"We'll go check out Shrek tomorrow."

Xiao Wu huffed.

"If they try to overcharge us, I'm definitely reporting them."

Tang San smiled.

"Good."

Martial Soul City.

Meow Meow watched the images transmitted back by the Soul-Calming Bell, his tail swaying slowly.

"Dai Mubai has made his entrance."

Bibi Dong sat to the side, flipping through the Shrek files sent over by the Suotuo City branch hall.

"Twelve years old, a Soul Elder."

"Decent talent."

Meow Meow said, "Indeed, quite decent."

"But there are also quite a few problems."

Bibi Dong looked at the files.

"The Star Luo Royal Family's White Tiger Martial Soul."

"He must be a member of the Star Luo Royal Family."

Meow Meow nodded.

"And not just any ordinary royal."

"He is involved in the succession struggle over in Star Luo."

"Later on, it will also involve the Hell Spirit Cat Zhu Family."

Speaking of the Hell Spirit Cat, Meow Meow suddenly recalled the White Tiger Sample line from the Heavenly Dou side.

Star Luo White Tiger.

Hell Spirit Cat.

Dai Mubai.

Zhu Zhuqing.

The things the Black Eagle Family stirred up earlier will likely collide with this Shrek thread later on.

"It's getting livelier and livelier."

Meow Meow said softly.

Bibi Dong looked at him.

"How do you intend to handle Shrek?"

"No rush."

Meow Meow said.

"Let them sign up first."

"Tang San and Xiao Wu need to see for themselves what kind of academy this really is."

"If Shrek truly has its merits, let them learn."

"If there are problems, let them discover them on their own."

Bibi Dong said indifferently, "You always like to let people choose for themselves."

Meow Meow flicked his tail.

"Only after choosing for themselves will they know what is right or wrong."

"Otherwise, even if others tell them a hundred times, they will only think others are standing in their way."

Bibi Dong did not refute this.

She was that kind of person herself.

If one hasn't truly walked certain paths, fallen, and felt the pain, no amount of words from others will be of any use.

"Has the Suotuo City branch hall made the arrangements?"

Meow Meow asked.

"Yes."

Bibi Dong said.

"They will not actively interfere with Shrek's enrollment."

"But they will record the fees, the registration process, and the students' origins."

Meow Meow nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good."

"Especially that rule of theirs about not refunding registration fees."

"Make sure the branch hall records it clearly."

Bibi Dong looked at him.

"You even know about this?"

Meow Meow fell silent for a moment.

"Guessed it."

Bibi Dong clearly did not believe him.

Meow Meow lowered his head to lick his paw.

"Just make sure you have people keep it in mind."

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside the hall.

Hu Liena walked in.

"Teacher, the route to Suotuo City has been prepared."

"My brother, Yan, and I can depart at any time."

Meow Meow looked up.

"So fast?"

Hu Liena smiled.

"Didn't Lord Holy Cat say that Shrek needs some friendly exchanges?"

Watching her smiling expression, Meow Meow suddenly felt that Hu Liena had learned to be a bit wicked.

"It is a friendly exchange."

He emphasized.

Hu Liena nodded.

"I understand."

Meow Meow was not entirely reassured, so he added:

"Don't beat them up too badly right off the bat."

Hu Liena blinked.

"Then how much force should I use?"

Meow Meow: "..."

Who taught her that?

It certainly wasn't this cat.

A hint of amusement appeared in the depths of Bibi Dong's eyes.

"Go to Suotuo City first."

"Do not expose the true objective of Martial Soul Hall."

"If there is an opportunity, you may observe Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the other students of Shrek Academy."

Hu Liena bowed.

"Understood."

Meow Meow thought for a moment, then added:

"Check on Dai Mubai while you're at it."

"Also, if you see a girl in black, her martial soul might be a Hell Spirit Cat; do not alert her, just record it."

Hu Liena nodded.

"Understood."

This time, the Golden Generation was going to Suotuo not to directly suppress others.

It was to see the Shrek Seven Devils as they were in the beginning.

Meow Meow was very clear on this.

Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai had already appeared.

Next, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun would all gradually take the stage.

The original Protagonist Group was finally about to truly assemble.

And as for Martial Soul Hall, it was time to step to the front and take a look.

Early the next morning.

Tang San and Xiao Wu left the Rose Hotel and walked in the direction of Shrek Academy.

After walking out of Suotuo City, Xiao Wu looked at the increasingly remote path, her expression growing suspicious.

"Tang San."

"Hmm?"

"Are you sure this is an academy?"

Tang San looked at the map.

"The map points in this direction."

Xiao Wu pointed toward a village ahead.

"This is clearly just a village."

Tang San fell silent for a moment as well.

In the distance, a somewhat dilapidated wooden sign stood by the side of the road.

Written upon it were the words:

Shrek Academy.

Beside the wooden sign was another line of smaller text.

[We only accept monsters, not ordinary people.]

Xiao Wu looked at the sign, the corner of her eye twitching.

"This is way too run-down."

Tang San did not speak.

He was also quite surprised.

The academy recommended by Grandmaster was actually a place like this.

But since they were already here, they had to take a look.

The two walked forward and soon saw the registration line.

There were not many people.

But there was plenty of discussion.

A middle-aged man sat behind a table, responsible for collecting the registration fees.

Next to him was written:

[Registration fee: ten Gold Soul Coins, non-refundable.]

As soon as Xiao Wu saw this line, her eyes immediately lit up.

Not with happiness.

But with the gleam of someone who had found their target.

"Tang San."

"I saw it."

Tang San's voice was also somewhat subtle.

Non-refundable registration fees.

The very point the Suotuo City Martial Soul Hall Branch had specifically warned them about had actually appeared.

Xiao Wu pulled the appeal form from her bosom, folded it carefully, and placed it in the most accessible spot.

Tang San: "..."

He suddenly felt that today's Shrek enrollment would likely not be very peaceful.

At the front of the registration line, a parent was arguing because their child had been rejected.

"On what grounds is it non-refundable?"

"We only just started the test!"

The middle-aged man behind the table looked impatient.

"Academy rules: registration fees are not refunded."

The parent's expression turned ugly.

"Isn't this just a scam?"

The middle-aged man sneered.

"We at Shrek only accept monsters."

"If ordinary people come to waste our time, they must naturally pay the price."

As these words fell, Tang San's brows furrowed slightly.

Xiao Wu was already clutching the appeal form in her hand.

"Tang San."

"Yes."

"This academy has a very poor first impression."