Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 187: Severing the Past, Part 2

To be precise, two figures had entered the hotel lobby. One was an unassuming young man with a dark complexion and a lean, toned build; his right hand bore thick calluses, clearly from years of training with a weapon. The other was a petite, pink haired girl dressed in an elegant pale yellow dress, her manner and clothing starkly contrasting her companion's simple appearance.

"Rongrong, maybe we should choose a different hotel," said the boy, glancing uneasily at the surroundings. It was Tang San, who, with his sharp senses, knew at once that this place was far from a typical inn.

Unfazed, Ning Rongrong huffed, brushing off his comment. "What's there to be afraid of? I'll cover the cost. You're just not used to nice places, that's all. Today, let me show you how to enjoy yourself."

Watching this exchange from the balcony, Ye Wen's expression turned amused. Tang San and Ning Rongrong were already traveling together? Then again, their arrival in Soto City and joint registration for the academy might have sparked their connection. Destiny, perhaps? He smirked, wondering if this encounter would lead Ning Rongrong, ever the heiress, to actually share a room with Tang San. Imagine the chaos if Tang Hao stormed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in response!

"Two top tier rooms, please," Ning Rongrong instructed confidently.

The receptionist, casting a skeptical glance between the pair, suppressed a smile. Their mismatch as a couple seemed obvious her air of privilege against his humble demeanor. Nonetheless, she remained professional and replied, "Apologies, miss, but we only have one top tier room left."

Ning Rongrong's expression soured. She wasn't about to let this small inconvenience ruin her chance to impress this budding talent she'd met a rare 12 year old genius with soul power already at level 29.

"How much would it take to make someone give up another room? We'll each need one," she demanded, clearly used to getting her way.

The receptionist suppressed a laugh. These two clearly had no idea what kind of hotel the Rose Inn was. But a transaction was a transaction, and as it happened, the inn did indeed have two vacant rooms, so she made a show of rechecking. "Ah, my mistake. We do have a second room available after all."

Just as the pair was about to complete check in, a loud, commanding voice interrupted.

"Hold on!"

Turning to the entrance, they saw a muscular young man with striking golden hair and two colored eyes stride inside, flanked by twin sisters who clung to him adoringly.

Ye Wen's gaze sharpened. Finally, he's here.

Beside him, Zhu Zhuqing's hands clenched, her knuckles whitening. The arrival was unmistakable. Even after years apart, she'd recognize that aura anywhere her fiancé, Dai Mubai, the one with the Evil Eyed White Tiger spirit.

"Is that him, Teacher?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice quivered, as if clinging to a slim hope that her eyes deceived her. But Ye Wen's nod shattered any illusions.

"Yes, that's your fiancé, Dai Mubai. Just watch, Zhuqing. If, after this, you still wish to reunite with him, I won't stop you."

Her last remnants of doubt dissipated, replaced by a calm resignation.

Dai Mubai strode confidently up to the counter, completely ignoring everyone else. "You're new here, aren't you? Didn't anyone tell you I always get a reserved room?"

Beside him, the twins exchanged flirtatious glances, clearly charmed by his confidence. But Ning Rongrong, unimpressed, arched an eyebrow. "Hurry up and give us our keys already. All this overcompensating for...certain shortcomings."

Dai Mubai scowled, caught off guard by her bluntness. "Shortcomings? You must have a death wish," he sneered, not even bothering to hide his displeasure. His eyes gleamed dangerously. "I'd love to show you just how...capable I am."

"Oh, really?" Ning Rongrong scoffed, crossing her arms. "If you so much as try to touch me, you'll regret it."

Knowing her father would have assigned guards to shadow her, she glanced at him with amusement, almost daring him to try.

Ignoring the implied threat, Dai Mubai reached out to seize her by the wrist, intent on silencing her defiance. But at that moment, Tang San calmly stepped between them.

"Sir," he said evenly, "you're taking this too far. It's only a room. Why not just find another? There's no need to bully someone weaker."

Dai Mubai sneered, barely glancing at him. "Who do you think you are? Don't tell me how to act." He shoved Tang San aside, contempt in his gaze.

Tang San's eyes narrowed. He had little patience for arrogance. "If that's how it is," he said quietly, "then let's settle this like soul masters."

Dai Mubai's grin widened. "Just what I wanted! White Tiger Possession!"

With a guttural roar, he activated his martial spirit, his muscles bulging as his form expanded. A large black "王" symbol glowed on his forehead as his hair turned white, his entire body emanating a savage aura.

While Dai Mubai had been losing in the arena recently, Tang San looked like easy prey a low level spirit master he could beat on his worst day.

Not intimidated, Tang San summoned his Green Vine Spirit, his body suffused with green light. "Tang San, martial spirit: Blue Silver Grass. Spirit power: Level 29, Spirit Grandmaster."

Dai Mubai chuckled menacingly. "Dai Mubai, White Tiger Spirit, Spirit power: Level 37, Spirit Elder."

Tang San couldn't help but be wary; Dai Mubai was only a few years older, yet his spirit power was much higher. Even so, he wasn't one to back down, and his spirit abilities gave him an edge.

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