Dorm Seven Sets Rules, Subdues Soft Bone Rabbit

The harsh, grating sound of the wooden door broke the clamor of Dorm Seven.

Air thick with the smell of sweat and mildew rushed out to meet him.

Su Chen frowned slightly.

He stopped at the threshold.

The Cardinal and Temple Knights behind him immediately moved to follow him inside and clear the room.

Su Chen raised his right hand.

He gestured for them to stop.

"Stay outside. Close the door."

The Cardinal stopped in his tracks at once.

He respectfully gripped the door handle.

With a muffled "bang," the dilapidated wooden door was pulled shut.

The sunlight and the murderous aura of Martial Soul Hall were completely sealed off from the outside.

The light inside Dorm Seven was dim.

Over a dozen boys dressed in coarse linen clothes turned their heads in unison.

Their gazes swept past Xiao Wu, who was surrounded in the center, and fixed entirely on Su Chen.

A brocade robe with gold thread on a black base.

A purple-gold token hung at his waist.

The material and craftsmanship of his clothing were completely out of place in this run-down dormitory.

Wang Sheng squeezed his way out of the crowd.

He was the original leader here.

Having grown accustomed to the noble young masters who bullied the work-study students, he felt hostility surge in his heart the moment he saw Su Chen's attire.

"Hey, did you take a wrong turn?"

Wang Sheng spoke in a gruff voice.

"This is Dorm Seven, where the work-study students live. The dorms for noble young masters are on the second floor."

"Get out before we lose our temper."

Several of the older boys also clenched their fists, striking an intimidating pose.

Su Chen ignored Wang Sheng.

His gaze went straight over the group of boys and landed on the girl in the pink dress in the center of the crowd.

Xiao Wu.

She was tilting her head, her large eyes looking Su Chen up and down.

The two pink rabbit-ear hair accessories swayed with her movements.

As a hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit in human form, her senses were far sharper than those of an ordinary human.

The boy in black before her was clearly only six or seven years old, yet he lacked any of the childishness typical of that age.

Instead, he exuded a sense of oppression that made her instinctively feel danger.

It was as if he were a prehistoric beast lying in wait.

"I didn't take a wrong turn."

Su Chen took a step forward.

His steady footsteps echoed as he walked across the uneven wooden floor.

He looked Wang Sheng straight in the eyes.

"From today on, I live here."

Wang Sheng was stunned for a moment.

He carefully examined Su Chen's empty hands.

"A work-study student? You don't even have any luggage. Who are you trying to fool?"

Wang Sheng felt he was being toyed with.

He strode forward.

His right hand reached directly for Su Chen's shoulder.

He wanted to shove this arrogant young master out of the way.

Su Chen did not move his feet.

He merely tilted his head slightly.

There was not a ripple of emotion in his pitch-black eyes.

He cast a cold glance at Wang Sheng.

It was just that one look.

Wang Sheng's hand, suspended in mid-air, suddenly froze.

He felt as if he were being locked onto by a bloodthirsty beast.

The blood in his entire body congealed in that instant.

His heart felt as though it had been tightly gripped by an invisible hand.

Wang Sheng's Adam's apple bobbed violently.

A layer of cold sweat broke out on his forehead instantly.

He involuntarily took two steps back.

His legs went weak.

He nearly collapsed onto the ground.

What a terrifying gaze.

Wang Sheng gasped for air.

Even his voice was trembling.

The boys around them did not notice anything amiss.

They only saw that Wang Sheng had suddenly backed down.

"Wang Sheng, what are you afraid of?"

Xiao Wu jumped out from behind the crowd.

She stood with her hands on her hips.

Blocking the path in front of Su Chen.

She was becoming increasingly curious about Su Chen.

"My name is Xiao Wu. Wu as in dance. My Martial Soul is a Soft Bone Rabbit."

Xiao Wu lifted her chin.

Her tone carried her characteristic pride.

"Dorm Seven has its own rules. Every newcomer has to fight the boss."

"Whoever wins becomes the boss here."

"I just beat Wang Sheng down, so I am the boss of Dorm Seven now."

"If you want to stay here, you have to beat me first."

After Xiao Wu finished speaking, she pulled her right leg back half a step.

She struck a combat stance that displayed immense flexibility.

Su Chen looked at the vibrant girl before him.

In the original story, this was where Tang San and Xiao Wu became acquainted through a fight.

Relying on those underhanded hidden weapon techniques and the Mysterious Heaven Skill, he had fought her to a draw.

Thus began their so-called bond as siblings.

Since Su Chen had arrived, such a thing would naturally not happen again.

However, he did not intend to treat Xiao Wu with the same violent, crushing force he used in the Martial Arts Arena.

To deal with Hu Liena.

One must shatter her pride.

But to deal with someone like Xiao Wu, a soul beast in human form who is simple-minded and values loyalty.

Pure violence would only make her feel fear and resistance.

Gentleness.

Combined with a display of absolute strength.

That is the best way to subdue this Soft Bone Rabbit.

"A fight?"

Su Chen chuckled softly.

He placed both hands behind his back.

Standing perfectly straight.

"Fine. Since those are the rules, then we shall follow the rules."

"You make the first move."

Seeing that Su Chen didn't even adopt a defensive stance.

And even kept his hands behind his back.

Xiao Wu immediately felt looked down upon.

"You asked for this. Don't go crying if you lose."

Xiao Wu let out a sharp cry.

Her legs exerted sudden force.

Her entire body shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

Her rabbit-type martial soul granted her immense explosive power and leaping ability.

When she was still two meters away from Su Chen.

She tapped her toes against the ground.

Her body vaulted into the air.

Her right leg carried a fierce whistling wind.

Sweeping straight toward Su Chen's neck.

The speed was so fast that the boys nearby could only see a pink blur.

Su Chen did not dodge.

Not until Xiao Wu's ankle was a mere three inches from his cheek.

Did his right hand, which had been behind his back, suddenly reach out.

He did not use his terrifying two-thousand-jin strength.

He simply pushed the reaction speed of his marrow-cleansed body to the limit.

Slap.

Su Chen's five fingers clamped onto Xiao Wu's ankle with pinpoint precision.

Xiao Wu felt her ankle tighten.

As if it had collided with an iron hoop.

Her previously fierce sweeping kick stalled instantly in mid-air.

Unable to advance even a fraction of an inch further.

"The force is decent, but the movement is too direct."

Su Chen held that slender ankle.

He even had the leisure to offer a critique.

A flash of surprise crossed Xiao Wu's eyes.

But she did not panic.

The moment her right leg was caught.

Her left foot suddenly left the ground.

Her entire body twisted forcefully in mid-air.

Using Su Chen's arm as a pivot.

Her left leg swung around to wrap around Su Chen's neck.

This was her specialty.

Soft Technique.

Once she managed to get close and lock onto her opponent, even someone with far greater strength would instantly lose their balance and be slammed hard against the ground.

That was exactly how Wang Sheng had lost earlier.

Xiao Wu clamped her legs tight and exerted a sudden, violent force with her waist, intending to flip Su Chen over directly.

But the moment she exerted her strength, she discovered that Su Chen's body was as heavy as Mount Tai.

No matter how hard she pulled or tugged, Su Chen's feet remained as if they were nailed to the wooden floor, not moving an inch.

"The essence of Soft Technique lies in borrowing force to strike back."

Su Chen's low voice resonated right beside her ear.

"When you cannot borrow any force, your moves become nothing but openings."

Su Chen gave his right wrist a slight flick, applying a clever, downward pressure.

The legs Xiao Wu had wrapped around his neck instantly lost their leverage.

Her entire body lost its balance in mid-air, and she began to fall straight backward.

Xiao Wu felt a jolt of alarm.

The floor of Dorm Seven was made of hard, splintered wooden planks; if she landed squarely, her back would definitely be covered in bruises.

Subconsciously, she squeezed her eyes shut.

However, the pain she expected never came.

When her back was less than ten centimeters from the floor, a broad, powerful palm firmly caught and supported her waist.

Su Chen bent slightly, cradling Xiao Wu with his left arm while completely releasing the tension in his right hand, holding her suspended in mid-air.

Xiao Wu opened her eyes, meeting Su Chen's deep, pitch-black gaze.

Their faces were extremely close; she could even feel Su Chen's steady breathing.

There was no panting, no sign of exertion whatsoever, as if he hadn't just been engaged in a fierce fight, but was merely playing house with a little girl.

Xiao Wu's heart skipped a beat for no reason, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.

In all the time she had grown up, this was the first time she had been held in such a position by a boy her own age.

"You lost."

Su Chen's voice was gentle, devoid of any mockery or arrogance after his victory.

With a light exertion of his arm, he lifted Xiao Wu back up.

He set her down steadily on both feet.

Then, he naturally withdrew his hands.

Xiao Wu smoothed out the slightly ruffled hem of her skirt.

She bit her lip.

Although she felt a bit unconvinced in her heart.

She knew.

If Su Chen hadn't held back just now.

She would be lying on the ground, unable to get up.

This boy clearly looked to be the same age as her.

Yet his strength and technique completely crushed her.

Most importantly.

The way he had supported her lower back just now.

Was very gentle.

"Fine, you're impressive."

Xiao Wu was someone who knew how to let things go.

She lifted her face.

Regaining her lively demeanor.

"You won. From today on, you are the boss of Dorm Seven."

The boys around them finally snapped out of their shock.

Even Big Sister Xiao Wu, who they thought was incredibly powerful.

Had been subdued in two moves.

This newcomer was simply a monster.

Wang Sheng took the lead and lowered his head.

"Greetings, Boss."

A dozen people shouted in unison.

Su Chen looked at this group of restrained boys.

He pulled over a dilapidated wooden chair and sat down.

"Since I am the boss."

"Then the rules of Dorm Seven, from now on, are decided by me."

Su Chen's gaze swept over the shabby environment of the dormitory.

Walls covered in mold spots.

Hardwood beds emitting a strange odor.

Bedding as thin as paper.

"The first rule."

Su Chen reached out and tapped the wooden bed.

"From now on, no one is allowed to bully the work-study students. And you don't have to go be punching bags for those nobles to earn pocket money anymore."

Wang Sheng gave a bitter smile.

"Boss. If we don't work, we won't even have enough to eat. The academy only provides one free meal of watery soup a day."

Xiao Wu nodded along.

She had just been preparing to go to the cafeteria to see if there was anything to eat.

Her stomach had been growling with hunger for a while.

"I will solve the problem of food."

Su Chen moved his mind slightly.

The Void Ring on his left index finger flashed with a subtle glimmer.

A heavy linen bag appeared out of thin air in his hand.

He tossed the bag onto the wooden table beside him.

Clink.

The bag spilled open.

Dozens of glittering Gold Soul Coins rolled out.

Reflecting a dazzling light in the dim dormitory.

Dorm Seven fell into instant silence.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

Adam's apples bobbed incessantly.

These work-study students, all from humble backgrounds, rarely even saw Silver Soul Coins.

Where would they have ever seen so many Gold Soul Coins piled together?

This was undoubtedly a massive fortune that an ordinary person couldn't earn in several years.

"There are fifty Gold Soul Coins here."

Su Chen's tone was casual, as if he had tossed aside nothing more than a bag of stones.

"Wang Sheng, take ten gold coins and go outside to purchase a batch of the best bedding and mattresses."

"Throw all these tattered blankets away."

"While you're at it, buy some insect-repellent and moisture-proof powder."

"The remaining money will serve as Dorm Seven's food fund."

"From now on, eat all three meals a day at the academy's second-floor cafeteria. Eat whatever you want; don't skimp."

"When the money runs out, come find me for more."

Gulp.

Wang Sheng swallowed hard.

He could hardly believe his ears.

"Bo... Boss, this... this is all for us?"

Wang Sheng was stuttering.

"Take it."

Su Chen leaned back against the chair.

"If you're following me, I can't have you going hungry."

This display of character completely shattered the dorm members' stereotypes about nobles.

There was no haughty arrogance.

There was no temper that led to arbitrary beatings or scolding.

There was only genuine protection and tangible benefits.

This was a true boss.

"Thank you, Boss! Long live the Boss!"

Wang Sheng was so excited he nearly jumped.

He hurriedly grabbed the Gold Soul Coins from the table and beckoned a few boys to rush out of the dormitory to purchase the bedding.

Xiao Wu stood to the side, her large eyes sparkling as she looked at Su Chen.

Although she didn't have much concept of money, she understood that they could eat delicious food whenever they wanted.

"You're actually quite generous."

Xiao Wu walked up to Su Chen with her hands behind her back, her steps light and nimble.

She lowered her head, leaning in close to Su Chen.

The tip of her nose could even catch the faint scent of Soul-Calming Incense lingering on his clothes.

"My name is Xiao Wu. What's your name?"

Su Chen raised his eyes, meeting her clear, transparent gaze without flinching.

"Su Chen."

"Su Chen..."

Xiao Wu whispered the name to herself.

Her rabbit ears twitched slightly.

"Fine. Considering you helped everyone improve the food and went easy on me during our fight earlier."

"I'll reluctantly acknowledge you as the boss."

Xiao Wu patted Su Chen on the shoulder.

She acted as if they had been friends for years.

"If anyone bullies you in the future, just mention the name of Big Sister Xiao Wu."

Su Chen looked at her charming, naive demeanor.

He let out a soft chuckle.

"Alright then, I'll be counting on you, Big Sister Xiao Wu."

He did not put on the airs of a Holy Son to suppress her.

Instead, he communicated with her as an equal.

For a Soul Beast like Xiao Wu who grew up in the forest.

She did not understand the deceit and treachery of the human world.

She only knew one thing.

Whoever treated her well, she would treat well in return.

Su Chen's strength from moments ago.

Combined with his current generosity and gentleness.

Had already planted a seed of profound security in her heart.

Just then.

A flurry of noisy footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the dormitory door.

Accompanied by the sycophantic voice of the gatekeeper.

"Oh my, Master. Please, slow down."

"This Dorm Seven is filthy and reeks. How could someone of your status come here in person?"

"That boy named Tang San is already getting bandaged in the infirmary. There is no need for you to come and fetch his luggage."

Hearing the voices outside.

Su Chen's eyes turned cold.

The gentleness on his face vanished in an instant.

Yu Xiaogang.

His bones were truly stubborn.

After having his reputation ruined.

And being tossed into a sewer.

He had actually managed to crawl back and worm his way into the academy.

It seemed that unless his legs were broken.

He would never learn his lesson.