Green Lotus Pendant

Jiang Chen had put it that way, so Tang San did not refuse again. He silently fastened the belt around his waist.

As he poured Soul Power into it, the small bundle containing his hidden weapons and iron hammer vanished instantly.

It had to be said, having this storage Soul Tool would make it much more convenient to use hidden weapons in the future.

"Brother Chen, thank you," Tang San said earnestly.

Brother Chen treated him so well. He had to cultivate diligently in the future and strive to repay Brother Chen as soon as possible.

"If you want to thank me, then cultivate properly from now on."

Jiang Chen patted him on the shoulder. "Try to surpass me one day."

With that, he turned and headed for the door.

Just then, a familiar notification sounded in Jiang Chen's mind.

[Detected that Tang San has obtained a fortuitous opportunity: Storage Soul Tool!]

[Triple Return activated. Obtained Storage Soul Tool: 'Green Lotus Pendant']

[Green Lotus Pendant (Storage Soul Tool): Contains one hundred cubic meters of space and can temporarily store living creatures.]

[Active effect: After Soul Power is infused, it can release a ring of Green Lotus Light Shield around the user, capable of blocking damage from opponents up to two ranks above the user. (Can be activated three times per day)]

Jiang Chen paused and reached beneath his collar, where his fingers touched a smooth, cool object.

When he took it out, he found a thumb-sized green jade pendant carved into the exquisite shape of a lotus bud, glowing with a soft luster.

He had not expected the returned item to be this good.

Not only did it have one hundred cubic meters of space and the ability to store living creatures, but it also possessed an active defensive effect.

It could block attacks from opponents up to two ranks above him—meaning it could currently withstand a Soul Elder's attack—and its power would increase along with his own strength.

Though it could only be used three times a day, that was more than enough.

"Hey, what are you spacing out for?"

Xiao Wu suddenly leaned in beside Jiang Chen, tilting her head. "Let's go, let's go. Sister Xiao Wu is hungry!"

She had barely eaten anything today, and she had just fought Jiang Chen. By now, she was starving.

"What does you being hungry have to do with me?"

Jiang Chen hung up the Green Lotus Pendant and glanced sideways at Xiao Wu. "I don't recall saying I'd cover your meals."

"Cheapskate!"

Xiao Wu put her hands on her hips, her pink braid swinging. "I used up a lot of energy in that fight! Isn't it only natural for the winner to treat me?"

"Who taught you that twisted logic?" Jiang Chen was genuinely speechless at Xiao Wu's reasoning.

He did not actually want to get too close to Xiao Wu.

In Jiang Chen's plans, Xiao Wu was an important part of making Tang San stronger.

After all, what could ignite a person's fighting spirit more than watching the one they loved get hurt right in front of them while being powerless to do anything?

He had already realized that Tang San's enthusiasm for cultivation had been squeezed to its limit. No matter how much he suppressed him afterward, the gains would be negligible.

So he had to change methods.

With that in mind, Jiang Chen headed downstairs without looking back. "If you want to eat, buy your own food. I don't have spare money to raise a rabbit."

Like an enraged cat with its fur standing on end, Xiao Wu jumped in front of him and spread her arms to block his path. "Cheapskate! May you choke on cold water! I'm already staying in your dorm. What's wrong with treating me to one meal?"

"You're the one refusing to leave. What does that have to do with me?" Jiang Chen tried to go around her.

"I don't care!"

Xiao Wu simply grabbed his arm and hung herself from it. "If you don't take me, I'll keep holding onto you!"

"Brother Chen, just take her. I'll tidy up the dorm," Tang San urged from behind. Watching the scene, he felt an inexplicable pang of bitterness, but he still spoke up for her.

"You..."

Jiang Chen was utterly speechless.

You brat really don't know what's good for you. I handed you the opportunity, and you shoved it right back.

"See? Even your little brother agreed. Are you still not taking Sister Xiao Wu with you?" Xiao Wu said smugly.

"Do you think the big brother listens to the little brother?"

As Jiang Chen spoke, he tried to pry her hands away, but Xiao Wu clung to him like glue, impossible to shake off.

After several seconds of stalemate, Jiang Chen sighed.

"Let go."

"No!"

"Let go, and I'll take you."

"Really?" Xiao Wu looked up at him suspiciously.

"If I'm lying, I'm a dog." Jiang Chen rolled his eyes.

Only then did Xiao Wu release him. She landed lightly, patted down her skirt, and stood obediently beside Jiang Chen.

"I really owe you."

Jiang Chen shot her a look and walked ahead on his own.

Xiao Wu did not argue. With her hands behind her back, she silently followed Jiang Chen.

Tang San stood at the doorway, silently watching their retreating figures with complicated feelings.

For some reason, he suddenly regretted what he had just said.

If he had not agreed, would Xiao Wu have stayed in the dorm with him?

"Ah, Tang San, what are you even thinking?"

Tang San shook his head and turned toward the stairs.

By the time they left the dormitory building, the sky had already darkened. Dim yellow Soul Guidance Lamps lit up the academy's main roads.

Xiao Wu followed beside Jiang Chen, curiously looking around. Her pink braid bounced with every step.

"Hey, where are we eating?"

"The cafeteria."

"Huh? What good food could a cafeteria possibly have?" Xiao Wu immediately deflated.

Jiang Chen gave her a sidelong glance. "You should be glad there's food at all. Stop being picky. If you don't want to eat, you can go back now."

"Hmph, I'm not going back." Xiao Wu clutched her stomach and muttered, "Today, I'm going to eat you out of house and home."

"Please. With your appetite, a few carrots will fill you up."

"You're the rabbit!"

Bickering all the way, the two arrived at the cafeteria.

The Work-Study Students' dining area was in the farthest corner, and the meals offered were the simplest as well.

A bowl of thin porridge, two coarse black-flour buns, and a small dish of pickles.

Xiao Wu looked at the food in front of her that could barely be called dinner, her little face scrunching up. "Th-that's it?"

Jiang Chen frowned as well.

He was not particularly picky about food, but this really would not fill anyone up.

"Come on, let's go upstairs."

"Okay, okay."

The two went up to the second floor along the stairs.

It had to be said, the second floor was much more spacious than the first. Several tables were arranged neatly, and there were very few people—only a handful of senior students eating.

At a window-side table in the corner, several boys were wolfing down their meals.

One of them heard the stairs and instinctively looked up.

When his gaze swept over Jiang Chen's faded, washed-out clothes, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. But when he saw the girl in the pink dress following behind him, his eyes immediately lit up.

"Hey, look over there."

The other two raised their heads and looked in the direction he pointed.

"Damn, what a pretty girl!"

"Judging by their clothes, they're probably new Work-Study Students. How about..."

The three exchanged glances, cold smiles appearing on their faces.

Meanwhile, the moment Jiang Chen stepped onto the second floor, he spotted a familiar figure in the window-side corner.

He wore a plain gray robe, had a ridiculously neat buzz cut, and kept a funeral expression on his face all day long.

Who else could it be but Yu Xiaogang?

Yu Xiaogang was currently looking through his notes with his head lowered. On the table before him sat a steaming bowl of meat soup, half a roasted chicken, and two white-flour buns.

Eating this well... it seemed Master still had plenty of money to burn.

Jiang Chen grinned. It looked like today's meal was taken care of.

Just as he was about to walk over, an unpleasant voice sounded from nearby.

"Hey, what are you two Work-Study Students doing on the second floor? This isn't a place you should be."