First encounter with Wang Dong

"Hmm?"

When Wang Dong saw Tian Chen at the door, his eyes lit up, clearly drawn to his looks and bearing.

His gaze kept wandering over Tian Chen as he thought to himself:

This guy is ridiculously handsome... but he definitely isn't an ordinary person!

Although he secretly admired Tian Chen's striking looks and distinctive bearing, Wang Dong showed no sign of deference. Instead, he raised his chin and said in a proud, slightly challenging tone, "You're staying in this dorm room too, right? You might be easy on the eyes, but if you want to live here, you have to follow these rules. First, don't bring people back to the room without permission. Second, don't go around naked in here and disgust me. Third, no snoring at night. Fourth, don't disturb me. Fifth, you'll be responsible for cleaning the room from now on, but don't touch my bed. Got that?"

Tian Chen narrowed his mismatched eyes, one gold and one red, a dangerous chill glinting in his gaze. His lips curved into something between a smile and a sneer. His voice was languid yet brooked no argument, carrying a biting coldness as he said, "Oh? You certainly have a lot of rules. But what if I say no?"

The boy gave a cold snort, his voice as sharp and cold as an icy blade slicing through the air. "If you don't listen to me, I'll beat you and throw you out. What, want to give it a try?"

He paused briefly, then continued with a hint of mockery, "Looks like your family never taught you how things work out in the world! Fine. If you can beat me, what's wrong with me following those rules you just listed?"

Wang Dong visibly froze at those words, seemingly taken aback by Tian Chen's response. Soon, however, his lips lifted into a contemptuous smile. Looking straight at Tian Chen, he said with provocation and disdain, "Sure! I still don't know your name!"

Tian Chen remained composed as he answered in a clear, firm voice, "Tian Chen!"

Hearing this, Wang Dong rose from the bed and headed outside, a teasing gleam flashing through his eyes. He sneered, "Wang Dong! Since you're pretty handsome, I can spare your face when I beat you!"

As soon as Tian Chen stepped out of the dorm, the system's notification sounded in his mind: "Congratulations, host, on checking in with SSR-rank goddess Wang Dong'er. Reward: Million-Year Heavenly Phoenix Wing External Spirit Bone. It has been placed in the system storage."

Excitement instantly lit Tian Chen's eyes. As expected of the original story's female lead, she had yielded an incredibly generous reward.

Tian Chen suppressed his excitement and quickly gathered his thoughts, preparing for whatever fight or challenge might come next.

Just then, Mu En, who was reclining in a lounge chair, lifted his head slightly. Curiosity and anticipation flickered in his dim, yellowed eyes, and the corners of his mouth rose a little. He seemed quite interested in the contest between Wang Dong and Tian Chen.

Wang Dong had already reached an open area outside the dorm. Turning to look at Tian Chen with a haughty gaze, he said, "Don't say I didn't give you a chance. There's still time to admit defeat. As long as you follow the rules, I'll let you share the room with me!"

Tian Chen rubbed his hands together and said, "Enough nonsense. Are you a man or not? If you want to fight, come on!"

Wang Dong sneered. "Fine. I'll show you what I'm capable of." The moment he finished speaking, he released his Martial Soul. A pair of blue butterfly wings unfurled, the tips of the forewings shifting constantly between deep blue, azure, and pale blue. The wings resembled a blue sky studded with brilliant halos arranged in a V, bringing light to the world.

As his Martial Soul merged with him, two Soul Rings, one yellow and one purple, slowly rose beneath Wang Dong's feet, radiating dazzling light. The purple ring was especially striking, as though it held boundless power.

"Well? Scared now?" Wang Dong laughed smugly, his voice brimming with pride and confidence. Having a thousand-year Soul Ring as his second ring had always been a source of pride, making him stand out among his peers.

Tian Chen remained remarkably calm at the sight of Wang Dong's Soul Rings. His lips lifted slightly, as though he had expected this all along. He said slowly, "A thousand-year second Soul Ring is certainly impressive. But if that's all you're relying on, you're getting a little ahead of yourself!" His voice carried an unquestionable confidence.

"Hah! Keep pretending!" Wang Dong'er wore a disdainful expression, clearly scoffing at Tian Chen's behavior. To her, his composure was nothing more than an act.

Tian Chen showed no anger whatsoever. In an utterly calm voice, he said, "One look is all I need to deal with you."

The moment he finished speaking, an unusual light flashed in Tian Chen's eyes. His gold and red pupils seemed to hold some indescribable power. Then he lifted his gaze slightly, sweeping it toward Wang Dong'er like a blade.

The instant Wang Dong'er met Tian Chen's gaze, his body went rigid. Then he suddenly felt an agonizing pain pierce his head.

"Ah!" Wang Dong clutched his head and screamed, falling from the air. Fortunately, he had not been far above the ground. Otherwise, the fall would have killed or crippled him.

Wang Dong rubbed his head where he had fallen. For that brief instant, he had felt as though an invisible force had torn his consciousness apart, and his head had been about to explode.

Before he could recover, a sharp gust rushed toward him. He jerked his head up, his pupils contracting. Tian Chen's finger was already right before him, less than half a centimeter from his eyeball. Any closer, and it would surely pierce his eye.

"You lost." Tian Chen withdrew his finger, kicked Wang Dong aside, and headed toward the dorm.

After being kicked aside, Wang Dong staggered to his feet, his face full of shock and anger. He had clearly never expected Tian Chen to be so powerful. His Martial Soul had been defeated with ease before it could even show what it could do.

"You... what kind of ability was that?" Wang Dong demanded through gritted teeth, a slight tremor in his voice.

"Just a little trick with spiritual power!" Tian Chen answered casually, his tone effortlessly composed. Then he walked toward the dorm without looking back, his retreating figure looking particularly cold and confident.

Meanwhile, Mu En narrowed his eyes slightly in the distance, a flicker of interest passing through his gaze. He murmured to himself, "Interesting. This boy is no ordinary youngster." He was clearly curious about the ability and attitude Tian Chen had displayed.

"Hey, stop right there!" Wang Dong shouted from behind him, unwilling to accept defeat.

"What? Still not convinced?"

Tian Chen stopped, but did not turn around, merely speaking coldly.

Wang Dong clenched his teeth, filled with resentment. This was the first time he had suffered such a crushing defeat at the hands of someone his own age. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, then declared loudly, "I lost today, but don't get cocky. As long as I keep training hard, one day I'll surpass you and trample you underfoot!"

But upon hearing this, Tian Chen acted as though he had just heard the funniest joke in the world. He covered his face and burst out laughing.