Heading to Suotuo City

"The so-called Soul Battle is a fight between soul masters using their martial spirits in combat."

The speaker was Zong, who had once disguised himself after becoming a Soul Grandmaster and participated in the Soul Battle competitions in Nuoding City. He had grown used to the Soul Battle arenas by now.

Beside him, Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. "This so-called money game is where we participate in the Soul Battles, and those nobles bet on us. If we win, they make a fortune. It's ridiculous! They treat us like tools to make money."

Although Qin Ming also disliked such things, he was left with no choice. Besides, bringing the students to participate in the Soul Battles would increase their combat experience, which could only be beneficial. So, Qin Ming chose to turn a blind eye.

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. Everyone, go prepare. We'll meet at the school gate in half an hour."

The Balak Kingdom, located in the south of the Heaven Dou Empire, bordered the Fasinuo Province. Despite being called a kingdom, its size was only three-quarters of Fasinuo Province and it was one of the four kingdoms within the Heaven Dou Empire.

The Balak Kingdom was situated in the most fertile part of the Lima Plains, and its central city, Suotuo City, was known as the "Balak Granary."

Zong, Xiao Wu, and the members of the Emperor Team hired several carriages and spent three to four days on the road before finally reaching their destination: Suotuo City.

"Wow! I'm exhausted. Sitting in that carriage for so long has made my butt sore," Xiao Wu complained, her usual unrestrained self.

Zong rolled his eyes at her and said sarcastically, "Look at you!"

"I'm just tired! Can't I say it out loud? Hmph, you're such a bore. I'm not talking to you anymore."

Despite her words, Xiao Wu occasionally glanced at Zong, secretly hoping he would coax her, thinking, "Come on, coax me, and I'll forgive you."

However, Zong was used to her antics and began observing Suotuo City.

Though not as prosperous as Heaven Dou City, Suotuo City was still one of the two major cities in Balak Kingdom. The streets were bustling with people and the shops offered a wide variety of goods.

The other members of the Emperor Team also got off the carriages and gathered together.

Qin Ming said, "You've all worked hard these past few days. Let's find a place to rest for the night. We'll participate in the Soul Battles tomorrow."

"Alright, Teacher Qin!" they all replied in unison.

The first hotel was full.

The second hotel had only one room left.

The third hotel was full again.

By now, the group was becoming increasingly impatient.

"Ugh! Why is everything booked?" Xiao Wu complained loudly, pouting.

Seeing no solution in sight, Zong suggested, "How about this: we split up to find accommodations. We can meet at the Suotuo City Great Spirit Arena tomorrow at the same time. What do you think?"

Qin Ming nodded. "Good idea. Let's split into pairs; it'll be easier to find a place. As for me, I already have somewhere to stay, so don't worry about me."

The strong but simple-minded Shi Mo spoke up, "I'll pair with Shi Mo."

"No problem," Shi Mo agreed. They were brothers, after all.

Dugu Yan, being direct, said, "I'll go with Tianheng."

Yu Feng, who was standing nearby, gave her a thumbs-up, impressed by her straightforwardness.

Yu Feng and Oslo exchanged glances before looking at Ye Lingling, who was wearing a black veil, and then at Xiao Wu. The two men decided to stick together for safety.

This left Zong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling. Zong originally intended for Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling to pair up, but considering Xiao Wu's careless nature and the fact that Ye Lingling was an auxiliary-type soul master with no combat abilities, the three of them decided to stick together. 

However, don't get the wrong idea—they split into two rooms, with Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling sharing one, and Zong having his own.

Oslo and Yu Feng were incredibly envious.

The three of them soon found a charming little hotel.

"No way! What a coincidence!" Zong exclaimed.

The hotel had three floors and, although it wasn't very large, the exterior was decorated entirely in a rose-red color. The architectural style resembled a giant rose, making it quite eye-catching.

Four large characters on the hotel's sign read: "Rose Hotel."

"Rose Hotel? Zong, Lingling, let's stay here," Xiao Wu said, pulling Ye Lingling along.

Zong thought to himself, "What are the chances? I hope we don't run into that scoundrel Dai Mubai, who might be here with a girl. But it should be fine, Shrek Academy has already started classes by now."

As they entered the Rose Hotel, a fragrant rose scent filled the air, making everyone feel at ease.

The hotel's interior featured only three colors: white, silver, and rose-red. The warm, elegant atmosphere was immediately appealing.

Zong walked up to the counter and said, "Could we have two rooms, please?"

The attendant quickly stood up, looked at Zong, then at Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling, a hint of envy in his eyes. "Sir, are you sure you want two rooms?"

Familiar with the original story, Zong knew what the attendant was implying. The attendant clearly thought Zong was like a "Dai Mubai" type. But Zong prided himself on being a gentleman, pure and upright. Back when he had shared a bed with Xiao Wu for nearly six years, he never once crossed the line. Today would be no different.

To assert his integrity, Zong deliberately raised his voice, "Yes, two rooms!"

Sure enough, the attendant seemed moved by Zong's purity and quickly replied, "Understood, sir!"

Zong thought to himself, "Wait, aren't you supposed to say there's only one room left? This isn't how the story is supposed to go!" Though he wasn't going to do anything improper, he wanted to experience the comedic misunderstanding from the original story.

The attendant clarified, "We do have two single rooms left. But don't worry, our rooms are spacious and fully equipped. Your two companions will have plenty of room to share." With that, he gave Zong a knowing look as if to say, "You're a good guy."

Zong: "Thanks, I guess..."

Xiao Wu, completely unconcerned, said, "As long as we have rooms! Come on, Lingling, let's head in!"

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