Chapter 20

**Chapter 20: What a Fate**

After leaving the restaurant, Zhao Ling and Ah Yin strolled through the bustling streets before finding a charming hotel with an appealing decor. Deciding it was a good place to rest, they walked in.

The front desk clerks, who had been chatting amongst themselves, immediately noticed the pair and greeted them with enthusiasm. 

"Welcome! Are you here to stay in the hotel?"

Zhao Ling raised an eyebrow and replied dryly, "Of course, I'm here to stay. What else would I do? Sing karaoke?"

The clerks, unfamiliar with the concept of karaoke, exchanged puzzled looks but didn't take offense. Instead, one asked politely, "Then please show us your soul master notes."

Ah Yin rummaged through her belongings and handed over her soul master note, which showed her status as a level 40 soul master. The moment the clerk saw it, his eyes widened in shock. The other clerks crowded around to take a closer look and gasped audibly.

Unbelievable! This young woman, who appeared to be only 15 or 16 years old, was already at level 40. It wouldn't be long before she reached level 50 and became a Soul King. Her talent was nothing short of terrifying.

Curious about Zhao Ling, another clerk took the soul master note he handed over. The group eagerly leaned in, expecting another impressive record—only to be dumbfounded. 

It was a low-level soul master note, issued long ago by a Spirit Hall branch after Zhao Ling obtained his first soul ring. 

Zhao Ling, who had spent most of his time training in solitude in the mountains, had never updated his status at the Spirit Hall. Despite his growing strength, his official record remained laughably low.

The clerks' expressions shifted subtly, their initial politeness tinged with thinly veiled contempt. 

Over 20 years old and not even level 20? What a failure! They pitied the stunning and talented girl behind him. Such a beauty, with qualifications like hers, was stuck with this useless man. It was like a delicate flower planted in a pile of cow dung.

One of the clerks cleared their throat and asked coldly, "Would you like to book a double room suite? A night in one costs five silver soul coins."

Zhao Ling glanced at Ah Yin, his mind racing. 'Sharing a room with Ah Yin? Tempting, but…'

Shaking his head like a rattle, he replied, "Two single-room suites, please."

Zhao Ling understood his situation well. He had only recently met Ah Yin, and their relationship hadn't reached that level. Sharing a room would likely make her uncomfortable. If she felt disrespected and left, it would be his loss.

Ah Yin, observing his decision, felt a small sense of relief and respect. While she could tell Zhao Ling was attracted to her, he was careful not to push boundaries. His restraint and consideration reassured her that she hadn't misjudged him.

The clerks, however, smirked mockingly. 'At least he knows his place.'

---

At that moment, the doors opened with a loud commotion, and a group entered the hotel, led by Ju Douluo and Bibi Dong. The two groups spotted each other and froze momentarily.

Zhao Ling broke the silence with a tentative question. "Miss Dong'er, Ju Douluo, are you staying here too?"

Bibi Dong nodded, her tone calm and neutral. "Yes. We arrived in Soto City this morning and chose this hotel. Its decor suits my taste. Are you staying here as well?"

Zhao Ling felt a mix of surprise and amusement. What are the odds? He hesitated, unsure whether to chalk it up to fate or his growing connection with Bibi Dong. 

"Since we're all staying here, I guess it's fate. Perhaps we can look out for each other," Zhao Ling said with a friendly smile, taking the room key and soul master note handed over by the clerk.

As Yue Guan noticed the old, yellowed soul master note in Zhao Ling's hand, his curiosity peaked. This guy doesn't even seem to be a level 20 Great Soul Master? Impossible. 

Zhao Ling caught Yue Guan's inquisitive gaze and chuckled. "Oh, this? It's the first soul master note I received after becoming a soul master. I never bothered updating it with the Spirit Hall."

Hearing this, one of the clerks rolled her eyes. What nonsense. No one neglects to update their soul master note, especially since higher levels come with bigger payouts from the Spirit Hall.

Yue Guan, however, seemed satisfied with Zhao Ling's explanation. "So you've been training in isolation? I admire your patience and dedication. May I ask about your current strength?"

Zhao Ling's lips curled into an amused smirk. "Chrysanthemum Douluo, isn't it rude to inquire about someone's strength so directly? If you're curious, why not test me yourself?"

Yue Guan's expression turned serious. "That works for me."

Without warning, the phantom of his Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum martial soul appeared behind him. Two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings materialized, rising slowly. His aura surged, and the room filled with a suffocating pressure as his Titled Douluo strength radiated outward.

The oppressive force made the clerks and other guests pale. Though Yue Guan wasn't targeting them directly, the weight of his power caused knees to buckle and hands to tremble.

The reception staff were stunned. Nine soul rings! He's a Titled Douluo?! 

---

Zhao Ling stood unfazed, his posture relaxed and casual. Ah Yin, too, remained composed, her confidence bolstered by Zhao Ling's protective measures. The sight perplexed Yue Guan. 

Most people cowered under the pressure of a Titled Douluo, yet Zhao Ling didn't even flinch. His restrained aura made Yue Guan even more suspicious. Who is this man? How powerful is he, truly?

The tension in the room was thick as the others dared not speak. Zhao Ling, however, simply smiled and waved off the display of power.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo, no need for theatrics. Let's save the sparring for another time. I just want to rest," he said casually.

Yue Guan narrowed his eyes but eventually retracted his aura, his curiosity about Zhao Ling growing even stronger. Who was this mysterious figure, and why did he approach them?

---

Later, as Zhao Ling and Ah Yin headed to their rooms, Yue Guan turned to Bibi Dong. "Miss, should we report this to His Holiness or the Great Priest?"

Bibi Dong thought for a moment before shaking her head. "Not yet. I don't sense any malice from him. Let's wait and observe. For now, rest well. Tomorrow, we'll need to focus on our mission. Don't disappoint the teacher."

The Spirit Hall members nodded, and the group dispersed to their rooms for the night.

---

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