Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

South of Suotuo City.

A group of young men and women, all dressed in luxurious clothes, strolled leisurely into the city. As they entered, the city guards seemed to recognize them and didn't step forward to stop or question them.

As they passed through the city gate, the guards couldn't help but steal glances at the two girls in the group. However, the imposing aura that radiated from the group made the guards too intimidated to act on their desires.

"Kids, you don't have training today. Take a break and wander around. I'll go find a place for us to stay. In the meantime, feel free to explore the area," said Qin Ming, who was leading the group. He stopped and turned to speak to the rest of the Emperor Battle Team.

"Got it, teacher," nodded Yu Tianheng, the captain of the team. He smiled and said, "I'll take Yan'er to stroll around. After all the fighting, it's time to relax."

"Boss, take us along too," Yu Feng and Oslo chimed in, pleading.

"Uh…" Yu Tianheng scratched his head, casting a quick glance at Dugu Yan. Seeing that she didn't seem upset, he breathed a sigh of relief and said nonchalantly, "Alright, you can tag along."

"Thanks, boss!"

Watching the five of them leave, Cheng Xiao turned to the veiled girl standing silently next to him and asked, "Aren't you going shopping with Dugu Yan?"

Ye Lingling shook her head slightly and replied, "No, I bought too many clothes last time. I don't need more."

Cheng Xiao nodded in understanding and then looked over at the silent Shi brothers. "Shi Mo, Shi Mu, how about the four of us go get something to eat? Teacher Qin should return soon after finding us a place to stay."

The Shi brothers exchanged glances and answered in unison, "Alright."

A moment later, the four of them followed the bustling crowd and found a decent-sized restaurant. Compared to the bustling Heaven Dou City, Suotuo City was much smaller and didn't have as many establishments, even restaurants.

Due to their early morning departure, they had only eaten a light breakfast before hitting the road. Now, it was already noon, and they were quite hungry. The four quickly ordered food and followed the waiter to the second floor, settling at a table near the window.

At noon, the restaurant was quite busy, but their table was relatively quiet since most of the other tables on the second floor were occupied by just two people each.

"Brother Cheng, my brother and I aren't very talkative, so please don't take offense," said Shi Mo.

"No worries, Brother Shi. We're teammates, I wouldn't mind," Cheng Xiao replied with a smile, clasping his hands in greeting.

Hearing this, Shi Mo and Shi Mu nodded silently in response.

Just then, two people entered the restaurant from outside. One was tall with golden hair and eerie eyes that had double pupils. The other was a wide, rotund man with red hair styled in a mohawk, sporting a pair of small mustaches, squinting eyes, and cheeks full of flesh.

"Boss, this is my brother. We're going to sit upstairs. Hurry and bring us food, or else you'll be in big trouble!" the red-haired man shouted arrogantly.

"Yes, yes, of course. You heard him, waiter! Serve these gentlemen at once!"

"But boss, there's another table ahead of them…"

"No more nonsense, do as I say!"

"Understood…"

Watching the two men head up to the second floor, the restaurant owner looked troubled. Suotuo City wasn't big, and many businesses relied on soul masters for patronage. Soul masters were a noble and wealthy profession, so the owner didn't dare offend them.

Even though these two always paid for their meals, their arrogant behavior made them difficult to tolerate. But as common people, the owner and others had no choice but to endure it. The two soul masters who had just arrived were none other than Dai Mubai, the "Evil Tiger," and Ma Hongjun, the "Evil Rooster."

Their infamy in Suotuo City wasn't just due to their status as soul masters. They were also known for frequenting the city's brothels together, which only added to their notoriety. Since the city was small, their constant visits to the same establishments made them well-known figures, particularly because of their soul master status.

On the other side of the restaurant, Ye Lingling rested her chin on her hand, staring out the window, lost in thought. The Shi brothers sat with their eyes closed, breathing evenly, seemingly meditating.

"Where should we meet up after lunch?" Ye Lingling asked softly, her gaze shifting briefly to Cheng Xiao.

"I'm not sure. Let's figure it out after we finish eating," Cheng Xiao said with a shake of his head. They hadn't even eaten yet, so it seemed a bit early to be thinking about their next move.

"Alright." Ye Lingling nodded gently, then waved over a waiter. "Excuse me, have our dishes been prepared?"

The waiter, looking a bit embarrassed, replied, "I'm terribly sorry, but you'll need to wait a little longer."

"Why?" Ye Lingling asked, puzzled. "We already placed our order, didn't we?"

The waiter was about to explain when a brash voice suddenly interrupted, "Are you blind? Don't block my way!"

Startled, the waiter quickly stepped aside, not wanting to anger the soul master.

"Good, you know your place," Ma Hongjun snorted, his small eyes scanning the room before landing on Ye Lingling. "Hey there, little lady. You've got quite the figure. How about becoming friends with your big brother here?"

As he spoke, he completely ignored the other three people at the table. In his mind, he was an exceptional soul master with great potential, and apart from his fellow academy members, who else could compare to him at such a young age?

"Disgusting." Ye Lingling felt a wave of nausea as she looked at Ma Hongjun, forcing herself to suppress the urge to vomit. She had never encountered a soul master this revolting—not just because of his layers of fat, but even the sound of his voice made her stomach churn.

He was like a walking maggot.

"You probably don't know who I am, huh? I'm Ma Hongjun, a student at Shrek Academy and a Grandmaster-level soul master," Ma Hongjun boasted, pulling back his collar to reveal his soul master badge.

"That's him! I remember now! He's the one who's been making the brothels unbearable, driving us regular folks away!" a bystander whispered angrily. Many people in the crowd, who had no luck with women, had previously found solace in visiting the brothels. Now, thanks to Ma Hongjun, they couldn't even enjoy that.

Hearing the murmurs around him only made Ma Hongjun more pleased with himself. See? This is the gap between soul masters and common folk! He grinned as he imagined what it would be like to have his way with this elegant beauty. Excitement caused his body to heat up, and due to the side effects of his martial spirit, he felt an overwhelming urge to release his pent-up desires. His sweaty palms, however, exuded a foul stench.

"Get lost!" Ye Lingling said through gritted teeth, sensing that something was off with Ma Hongjun. She resisted the urge to retch, but her soft voice only served to excite him further. At this point, if they weren't in a public place, he would've pounced on her already.

"You might not understand how valuable it is to reach Grandmaster-level at my age," Ma Hongjun sneered, his smile filled with lust. "I see you have a great figure. Why don't you take off that veil and let your big brother have a look?"

Ye Lingling's patience was wearing thin. If she were an offensive-type fighter instead of a support-type, Ma Hongjun would already be lying on the floor by now.

"Little lady, seems like you don't know what's good for you. Since you're so pure, I'll just take you right here and see if anyone dares to stop me!" Ma Hongjun said, his eyes flashing with perverse intent. He raised his greasy hand, reaching for the veil on Ye Lingling's face.

Sensing danger, Ye Lingling instinctively moved closer to Cheng Xiao. Seeing this, Ma Hongjun became even more enraged. So, she's just another slut who runs to pretty boys! he thought bitterly.

Just as Ma Hongjun's fat hand was about to touch Ye Lingling, a tall, imposing figure blocked his path, completely cutting off any chance of him touching her.

"Letting your lower head control your upper one, huh? Three-Eyed Ape, if he still has thoughts like this in three minutes, I'll use you to ask him some questions."

"Yes, Your Majesty…"