Chapter 76: Tangyuan Steals the Show

"Ah… Hello."

Recovering from his surprise, Lin Ye returned Su Ying's greeting.

"Haha! Alright, Brother Lin Ye, you've met all the members of the Savage Bear Soul Hunting Group. Come, take a seat and let's chat and enjoy some drinks!"

After introducing everyone, Shi Yue laughed heartily and led Lin Ye to an empty chair at their table.

"Thank you."

Lin Ye had already prepared himself, so he took a seat without hesitation.

"Brother Lin Ye, it's your first time with us, so I'll cover the drinks today. But since you're still young, I won't trouble you with strong liquor. I'll order you a Clear Spring Flow—it's light and refreshing."

With a hearty laugh, Shi Yue snapped his fingers and called to the bartender.

"Bartender, one Clear Spring Flow over here!"

"Right away, sir!" came the reply from behind the bar. The bartender, dressed in a black-and-white uniform, began reaching for bottles of different-colored liquors, setting them on the counter with several empty glasses.

He poured small amounts of various liquors into a cup, then covered it with a transparent glass globe and began shaking it vigorously in mid-air.

"Impressive, huh, Brother Lin Ye? Bet you've never seen anything like this," Shi Yue said, noticing Lin Ye watching the bartender's moves with curiosity.

"I haven't, actually."

Lin Ye nodded, intrigued. He'd never seen a drink prepared this way—it seemed like they were mixing multiple different types of liquor into one drink called Clear Spring Flow.

"Well, that's to be expected," Xie Lin chimed in with a soft smile. "You're only six, right? You probably haven't had much chance to experience things like this yet."

"Speaking of which, Lin Ye, if you graduated from the Elementary Soul Master Academy so soon, that must mean your innate soul power is at least level nine, right?" She looked at him with genuine interest.

"Yes, my innate soul power is indeed above level nine," Lin Ye replied calmly. Given his age and cultivation level, it was no surprise that people could deduce his innate soul power. He saw no reason to hide it.

"Whoa! Level nine innate soul power! I'm so envious!" He Feng exclaimed, refilling his cup and downing it in one go. "Mine was only level six… took me over two years just to reach the rank of Soul Master!"

"Innate soul power is only one factor," Lin Ye replied with a faint smile. "While it does affect cultivation speed, a Soul Master's strength also depends on their martial soul type and its abilities. Even with high soul power, my martial soul is just a support type."

"A support type martial soul?" He Feng was surprised, and the others couldn't help but look intrigued as well. Shi Yue had only told them that Lin Ye was talented and someone worth befriending, but he hadn't shared many details.

"Haha! That's no problem, Brother Lin Ye. Support Soul Masters can still be powerful! Just look at Ning Fengzhi, the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—he's a top-ranked Soul Master, known throughout the continent. His Sword and Bone Douluo followers are famous!"

He Feng tried to sound upbeat, attempting to reassure Lin Ye.

While innate soul power was often admired, a high level of innate power for a support-type Soul Master wasn't always seen as impressive compared to battle-type Soul Masters. Support Soul Masters, in general, lacked combat prowess. Even a Soul Emperor in support might struggle against a Soul Master two levels below if they specialized in combat.

Despite He Feng's attempt at comfort, Lin Ye only smiled faintly, giving nothing away.

"Here's your Clear Spring Flow," a bartender announced, placing the drink on the table with a polite bow.

"Go on, Brother Lin Ye, give it a try!" Shi Yue encouraged, pushing the clear, water-like drink toward him.

"Thank you, Brother Shi Yue."

Curious, Lin Ye examined the crystal-clear drink, wondering how it had turned so pure after being made from different-colored liquors.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Just as he was about to take a sip, Lin Ye felt movement at his chest. Tangyuan's small white head popped out from under his collar, sniffing the air as it squeaked excitedly.

"Huh? What's that?"

Su Ying's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she noticed the little creature peeking out.

"This is Tangyuan, a rare white Gold-Eating Rat I saved in the Evernight Forest. I adopted him, and he's been with me since," Lin Ye replied with a smile. He placed Tangyuan on the table, letting everyone get a good look at the snowy puffball.

"Aww, he's adorable!" Su Ying's eyes filled with hearts as she squealed in delight.

Even Xie Lin, usually so composed, found her hands clenching and unclenching, clearly resisting the urge to reach out and pet Tangyuan. Meanwhile, Luo An stared at the creature with a soft look in his eyes.

"Pfft! It's just a mouse," He Feng scoffed dismissively, only to be met with sharp glares from both women.

"He Feng, what did you just say?" Xie Lin's icy voice cut through the air as she glared daggers at him, her tone simmering with barely contained anger.

Su Ying, normally shy, looked just as furious. How dare he call such an adorable creature a mere mouse?!

"Uh… I didn't mean it like that, hehe…" He Feng scratched his head awkwardly, sensing he had stirred up trouble.

"So, his name's Tangyuan?" Xie Lin's gaze softened as she turned back to the little creature with renewed interest.

"Yes, doesn't he look just like a big, round dumpling?" Lin Ye chuckled.

"He really does!" Su Ying giggled, nodding in agreement.

"Tangyuan, come here! I've got treats for you!" Su Ying pulled out a few nuts from her pocket, placing them on her hand to tempt him.

True to form, Tangyuan couldn't resist. He scurried over, leaning forward to nibble on the nuts in her hand.

"Hehe, he's so soft and fluffy!" Su Ying laughed, gently petting Tangyuan as he ate.

"Let me try, too." Xie Lin smiled, taking a few nuts from Su Ying. She also began feeding Tangyuan, taking the opportunity to stroke his soft fur as he happily enjoyed his snacks.

Watching Tangyuan scurry back and forth between the two women, reveling in their affection and treats, Lin Ye shook his head with a faint smile.

It seemed Tangyuan, this adorable little creature, had a powerful charm that no woman could resist.

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