Chapter 34: Journey to Soto City
"The so-called Spirit Battle is a competition between Martial Souls—in essence, soul master duels."
The speaker was Zu Zong. Long before this, when he had just advanced to Grandmaster rank, he'd already used transformation techniques to change his appearance and enter spirit battles in Nuoding. To him, Spirit Arenas were nothing new.
Beside him, Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. "This so-called 'money game' means we fight in Spirit Battles, and those damn nobles place bets on us. If we win, they rake in a fortune. They treat us like tools to make money—utterly shameless."
Though Qin Ming also found this practice distasteful, he had no choice. Still, allowing students to participate in spirit battles did build their combat experience, so he turned a blind eye to it all.
"Alright, enough of that for now. Everyone, go get ready. We'll meet at the academy gate in half an hour."
—
The Barak Kingdom, located in the southern region of the Heaven Dou Empire, bordered the Fasno Province. Though called a kingdom, it was only three-quarters the size of Fasno and was one of the four kingdoms under Heaven Dou's control.
At the center of the fertile Lima Plains lay Soto City—known as the granary of Barak.
The Royal Battle Team—including Zu Zong and Xiao Wu—hired several carriages and, after traveling for three to four days, finally arrived at their destination: Soto City.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted! My butt's numb from all that sitting!" complained Xiao Wu, her voice loud and shameless—just like a certain ten-thousand-year-old bunny should be.
Zu Zong rolled his eyes. "Tch. Look at you—so weak."
"I am tired, okay?! What, I'm not allowed to say it? Hmph! You wooden block—I'm not talking to you anymore!"
Even as she turned away in a huff, Xiao Wu kept glancing over at Zu Zong from the corner of her eye, grumbling internally: Stupid blockhead, come coax me! Hurry up and coax me, and I'll forgive you!
Zu Zong, of course, had long since developed immunity to her antics. He ignored her and began scanning his surroundings.
Soto City wasn't as grand as Heaven Dou City, but it was still one of the two major cities in Barak Kingdom. The streets were busy, traffic bustling, and storefronts varied and lively.
The rest of the Royal Battle Team disembarked and gathered together.
Qin Ming said, "It's been a long trip. You've all worked hard. Let's find a place to stay and rest for the night. We'll go to the Spirit Arena tomorrow."
"Yes, Teacher Qin!" ×9
First hotel—full.
Second hotel—only one room left.
Third hotel—also full.
By now, everyone was getting frustrated from the search.
"Ugh! Why is everywhere full?!" Xiao Wu pouted loudly.
Zu Zong realized they couldn't keep going like this, so he suggested, "How about this—we split up and look for lodgings separately. Tomorrow at this time, we'll meet at Soto City's Great Spirit Arena. Sound good?"
Qin Ming thought it was a good idea and nodded. "Alright then. Everyone pair up—it'll be easier to find places in groups of two. I already have a place to stay, so don't worry about me."
Among the group, the honest and straightforward Shi Mo spoke up. "I'll pair with Shi Mo'er."
"No problem," Shi Mo'er replied. The two were brothers—no need to fuss.
Dugu Yan also spoke bluntly, as usual. "I'll be with Tianheng."
This made Yufeng give her a thumbs up from the side. 'Big sis, you really are bold and straightforward.'
Yufeng and Oslo exchanged a glance, looked at the veiled Ye Lingling, then at Xiao Wu. In the end, for the sake of safety, the two bros decided to stick together.
That left Zu Zong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling. Originally, Zu Zong wanted Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling to pair up, but considering Xiao Wu's careless personality and the fact that Ye Lingling was a support-type soul master with no combat ability, the three ultimately chose to form a group together. But don't get the wrong idea—it was Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling in one room, with Zu Zong in a separate room by himself.
This drew envious glances from Oslo and Yufeng.
Not far down the road, the trio came upon a very unique hotel.
"No way, it can't be that much of a coincidence, right?"
The hotel stood three stories tall. Though not large in scale, it was decorated entirely in rose red, with a structure resembling a giant blooming rose. It was an eye-catching sight at first glance.
Four prominent characters were inscribed on the plaque above the entrance: Rose Hotel.
"Rose Hotel. Xiao Zong, Lingling, let's stay here," Xiao Wu said as she pulled Ye Lingling's hand and pointed toward it.
'No way… we're really staying here? Are we gonna run into that bastard Dai Mubai bringing some girl here for a night? Nah, probably not—Shrek Academy should've started the semester by now,' Zu Zong muttered inwardly.
As the three entered the Rose Hotel, the first thing they noticed was the strong fragrance of roses that filled the air—sweet and slightly suggestive, calming yet ambiguous.
The interior featured only three main colors: white, silver, and rose red. The warm, elegant, and tasteful décor made a strong first impression.
Zu Zong walked up to the front desk. "We'd like two rooms, please."
The receptionist quickly stood up, glanced at Zu Zong, then at Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling, and a look of admiration appeared in his eyes. "Sir, are you sure you want two rooms?"
Familiar with the original novel, Zu Zong instantly understood what the clerk was implying—clearly, he thought Zu Zong was a copy of Dai Mubai. But who was Zu Zong? He was the very image of moral integrity—a modern-day Liu Xiahui, pure and untouched, a boy who'd shared a bed with Xiao Wu for nearly six years and hadn't laid a finger on her. Today would be no different.
To prove his righteousness, Zu Zong deliberately raised his voice. "Yes, two rooms!"
'Go ahead and tell me you only have one left, I'm ready for it.'
Unexpectedly, the receptionist was moved by Zu Zong's sincerity. He hadn't imagined this pretty young man would be so pure. Touched, he thought, 'There really aren't many good people like this anymore. Fine, I'll honor his request.'
"Of course, sir!"
"Wait… aren't you supposed to say there's only one room left? Hey! That's not how this scene is supposed to play out!" Zu Zong silently cried. Even if he wouldn't do anything indecent, couldn't he at least experience the misunderstanding moment from the original?
The receptionist added, "We only have two single rooms left, but don't worry—they're spacious and well-equipped. More than enough for your two companions to share." As he spoke, he gave Zu Zong a firm nod—You're a pure-hearted young man.
Zu Zong: 'Thanks a lot, really.'
Xiao Wu waved it off. "As long as there are rooms, that's great. Lingling, let's go!"
(End of chapter)
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