Someone Unexpected

Xu Yuan's fists never let up. Every strike landed with precise force, avoiding vital spots while still making Dai Mubai feel pain down to his very bones.

The cocoon formed by the Blue Silver Emperor shuddered faintly with each blow. The fragrance of its little white flowers grew stronger, slowly eroding his will to resist.

As the final punch landed on his shoulder, the hair covering Dai Mubai's body receded at a visible speed.

His swollen muscles gradually shrank. The king-shaped mark on his forehead faded, and his four pupils returned to normal. He regained his original appearance, but his face was as pale as paper, and the blood at the corner of his mouth stood out starkly.

The cocoon formed by the Blue Silver Emperor lost its support and slowly loosened, lowering him limp to the ground.

Dai Mubai's eyes were tightly shut, his brows twisted in pain. His breathing was as faint as a candle flickering in the wind. He had clearly lost consciousness completely.

Xu Yuan stood up and shook out his numb fists. Blood on his knuckles glimmered dark red in the sunlight.

He glanced at the unconscious Dai Mubai on the ground, his expression utterly calm.

For someone who had picked a fight and tried to kill him, showing mercy would only be cruel to himself.

As Dai Mubai passed out, a golden wisp of energy flowed into Xu Yuan.

Xiao Wu ran over and kicked Dai Mubai in the shin. Only after seeing that he didn't react did she clap her hands, her voice brimming with satisfaction. "Hmph, that'll teach him to act so arrogant! Know your place now?"

Xu Yuan looked at the manager, who was hiding not far away. "Take him to the hospital for treatment."

The manager looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He nodded and bowed hurriedly. "Yes, yes! I'll arrange it right away!"

He called over some waiters to carry Dai Mubai away, all the while sneaking glances at Xu Yuan. Seeing the blood on his knuckles and the calm look on his face, the manager became even more cautious.

"Please rest assured, honored guests. We'll take care of everything!"

The waiters carefully lifted the unconscious Dai Mubai. His limp body swayed, and the blood at the corner of his mouth smeared across the carpet, leaving a dark red streak.

The manager glanced at the stain, his mouth twitching with pain, but he didn't dare say a word. He hurried after them to give instructions.

"Xu Yuan, doesn't he look like a stray dog?" Xiao Wu came over and stood on tiptoe to watch Dai Mubai being carried away, her eyes glittering with mischief.

Xu Yuan chuckled and ruffled her hair. "That's enough. Don't gloat."

"He brought it on himself!" Xiao Wu huffed.

The manager came up to Xu Yuan and said respectfully, "Sir, we'll waive your room charge. Here's the key to the best room in our hotel. Please enjoy your stay."

"No need to waive the charge," Xu Yuan said indifferently. He took enough Gold Soul Coins from his Soul Tool and placed them on the counter. "Charge us according to the rules."

The manager was stunned. He hadn't expected him to refuse, and hurriedly waved his hands. "How could we possibly..."

"Rules shouldn't be broken." Xu Yuan said no more and turned to lead Xiao Wu away.

The two went to the top floor and opened the room the manager had arranged for them.

The room was even more cozy and suggestive than they had imagined.

A round bed was covered with a crimson velvet quilt, and tasselled curtains hung from the ceiling. In the corner stood a copper basin filled with rose petals, while a small table by the window even held two intertwined glass cups.

Before entering the bathroom with her clothes, Xiao Wu grinned. "Brother Yuan, no peeking~"

Xu Yuan watched her disappear into the bathroom and shook his head helplessly.

He sat down on the edge of the bed. The mattress dipped slightly beneath him, carrying a faint scent of roses.

Water splashed in the bathroom, mixed with Xiao Wu's humming. It was as light and lively as a mountain stream.

"Brother Yuan, pass me a bath towel~" The bathroom door opened a crack, and a fair hand reached out.

Xu Yuan stood up, picked up the bath towel draped over the back of a chair, and handed it over.

Xiao Wu thanked him and closed the door.

Xu Yuan went to the window and looked out at the scenery, puzzled.

Why had Tang Hao let Xiao Wu travel with him?

Xiao Wu was a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, after all. A Titled Douluo with a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and Soul Bone was far stronger than one without them.

"What are you thinking about?" Xiao Wu came out in a bathrobe, water dripping from her hair. A rose petal clung to the ends.

She moved to Xu Yuan's side and followed his gaze out the window. "Looking at the stars?"

"Yeah." Xu Yuan turned his head.

The collar of Xiao Wu's bathrobe hung loose, revealing her slender collarbones. A petal rested against her skin like a dab of rouge. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he looked away. "Get some rest early. We still have a long journey tomorrow."

"Got it." Xiao Wu didn't move. Instead, she rose on her toes and leaned close to his ear, her breath damp with moisture. "Brother Yuan, thanks for today."

Her warm breath brushed his ear. Xu Yuan stiffened.

Then Xiao Wu kissed him on the cheek.

In the Sea of Consciousness, God King Tang San couldn't accept the sight.

That was his wife! She'd given her first kiss to Xu Yuan!

Xu Yuan hadn't even recovered when Xiao Wu laughed and darted to the bed. She lifted the covers and slipped inside, leaving only her eyes peeking out at him. "I'm sleeping on the inside. You sleep on the outside."

Xu Yuan came to his senses, smiled, and walked over to the bed.

The next morning.

After breakfast, Xu Yuan and Xiao Wu left Suotuo City by carriage, heading for Heaven Dou City.

When he saw that Zhao Wuji hadn't come, Xu Yuan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He figured Zhao Wuji was probably off having fun in some brothel and didn't know that Dai Mubai had been beaten up.

If Zhao Wuji showed up, he'd definitely beat Xu Yuan up.

But thankfully, he hadn't come.

As the carriage left Suotuo City, the rising sun crested the city walls and cast golden light over the dust churned up by its wheels.

Xiao Wu leaned against the carriage window with a blade of grass between her teeth, watching the fields fly past. Suddenly, she remembered something and nudged Xu Yuan's arm. "Brother Yuan, were you troubled by something last night?"

Xu Yuan had his eyes closed, resting. At her words, he opened them. "No."

"Liar." Xiao Wu pouted. "You stared out the window for ages with a frown on your face. Is it because you think I'm a bother for coming along?"

Xu Yuan looked into Xiao Wu's bright eyes and shook his head. "You're no bother."

Xu Yuan paused, then added, "It's nice having you here."

Xiao Wu froze for a moment, then her cheeks flushed. She hurriedly turned to look out the window, but the tips of her ears quietly turned bright red.

The carriage fell quiet. Only the rumble of its wheels remained, along with Xiao Wu's occasional furtive glances at Xu Yuan.

After half a day of travel, the coachman found a place to stop for lunch.

Xu Yuan and Xiao Wu sat beside the carriage, eating the dry rations they had brought.

"Brother Yuan, someone's running this way," Xiao Wu said, noticing a figure rushing toward them in the distance.

Xu Yuan followed the direction Xiao Wu was looking and saw the approaching figure. He was surprised.

It was her.