"Luo Chuan."
"You're not from our Star Luo Empire, are you?"
Dai Yun'er walked beside Tang Luochuan, a thoughtful expression on her face as she asked softly.
"That's right. I'm from the Douluo Continent. This time, I came to the Star Luo Empire..."
"My parents brought us here to see the sights."
Tang Luochuan responded lightly, offering no further details.
"I knew it..."
"A Soul Ancestor as young as you—if you were from the Star Luo Empire, you wouldn't be unknown."
Dai Yun'er wore an expression of confirmation, smiling brightly. In her mind, the memory of his decisive actions replayed vividly.
He looked about the same age as her, yet possessed such strength, such Soul Ring combinations...
If a genius like him were from their empire, he would undoubtedly be famous. Even in their Monster Academy, such prodigies were rare.
"Are you a student of Shrek Academy?"
Dai Yun'er blinked, her tone speculative.
"You could say that. Why do you ask?"
Tang Luochuan nodded. After all, once this vacation ended, he would be heading to Shrek Academy to find Na'er.
Calling himself a Shrek student wasn't far from the truth.
"So you really are from there."
Dai Yun'er crossed her arms, her expression serious.
"Our academy does have four-ring Soul Ancestors your age, but with Soul Ring combinations like yours..."
"Four ten-thousand-year rings!"
"That's practically monstrous. I figured only Shrek Academy could produce someone like that."
She explained carefully, word by word. Even their Monster Academy's "Mad Dragon" couldn't compare to such a freak.
For a moment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had originally wanted to invite him to her school.
But now...
Since he was already Shrek's, there was no way he'd accept.
"You seem a little disappointed."
Noticing the shift in her expression, Tang Luochuan couldn't resist asking.
"Not at all..."
"Luo Chuan, let me take you to try something delicious."
Dai Yun'er shook her head, her smile returning as she gestured for him to follow.
She had planned to head home soon—staying out too long would raise questions from her father and mother. But since she'd run into Tang Luochuan so quickly...
There was no way she'd go back early. At the very least, she wanted to spend more time with him.
"Oh?"
"What kind of delicious thing?"
Tang Luochuan followed her, his voice light with curiosity.
"You'll find out soon."
"I promise you'll like it."
Dai Yun'er replied mysteriously.
Before long, Tang Luochuan followed her through several streets until they arrived at a small, out-of-the-way shop.
Though still within Star Luo City, the location was so remote it nearly bordered the city's outskirts.
"You're here again, young lady."
"The usual order?"
The shop owner, a kindly woman, greeted them with a smile.
"Same as always, boss."
"But this time, make it four skewers!"
Dai Yun'er stepped forward, clearly familiar with the place. As she spoke, she held up four fingers for emphasis.
"Four skewers? Alright, just a moment."
The woman paused briefly, glancing at Tang Luochuan beside Dai Yun'er before nodding with a chuckle.
"Spirit-Ice Grilled Fish?"
Tang Luochuan's attention was drawn to the shop's signboard, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Isn't that Huo Yuhao's title?" he mused.
"Indeed," came the reply.
"Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao from ten thousand years ago was a native of our Star Luo Empire. His grilled fish skills were legendary, leaving a significant mark in history."
"Legend has it he even won his wife's heart with his grilled fish!"
"The name 'Spirit Ice' originates from this very legend. And this shop's grilled fish is truly delicious—fragrant and flavorful."
Dai Yun'er spoke with a smile, her tone unhurried.
"I can see why," Tang Luochuan chuckled in agreement, inhaling the enticing aroma wafting through the air. It was undeniably fragrant, worthy of praise.
"Right?" Dai Yun'er beamed, pleased to have her choice validated.
"Here you go, young lady. And... let's see if your boyfriend likes our flavors," the shop owner said with a grin, handing over four skewers of grilled fish.
"Thank you, boss... Huh?!"
"B-boyfriend?!"
Dai Yun'er's gaze had been fixed on the grilled fish, her face alight with nothing but eager anticipation. But at the owner's words, she nearly dropped the skewers, her cheeks flushing crimson as she froze in shock.
Boyfriend? He wasn't her boyfriend yet!
Wait—why had she thought "yet"?
"Of course," the owner continued cheerfully, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She'd always thought such a pretty girl would surely find a fine boyfriend.
And judging by this young man's demeanor, he was clearly exceptional—a dragon among men, as the saying went.
"Auntie, we're not..." Dai Yun'er stammered, her face burning as she tried to explain.
Boyfriend?! How could they be? She and Luo Chuan weren't at that stage yet.
"Yeah," Tang Luochuan echoed, equally taken aback as he nodded.
"Eh???"
"What do you mean, 'yeah'?!"
Dai Yun'er's mind immediately jumped to conclusions, her blush deepening as wide, disbelieving eyes locked onto him. "Luo Chuan... what does that mean?" she murmured involuntarily.
"I meant what you said was..."
Seeing Dai Yun'er's face practically steaming with embarrassment, Tang Luochuan couldn't help but laugh helplessly, quickly clarifying.
"Oh... I misunderstood," Dai Yun'er mumbled, her humiliation compounding as she realized her mistake.
"So it's almost official, just not quite yet," the owner interjected sagely, her tone knowing. The way this girl looked at the young man—now that was the look of someone head over heels.
"Auntie—!"
Unable to take it anymore, Dai Yun'er glanced between the owner and Tang Luochuan before fleeing, her face aflame with maidenly shyness.
"Young man, aren't you going after her? Here, take the fish too," the owner called after them, her smile widening as she handed over the skewers Dai Yun'er had nearly dropped.
Ah, youth truly was wonderful, she mused inwardly.
"That owner really enjoys playing matchmaker," Tang Luochuan sighed in amusement, accepting the grilled fish before turning his gaze toward Dai Yun'er's retreating figure.
"Yun'er... is embarrassed?" he asked softly, catching up to her with an easy smile.
"Not at all."
Dai Yun'er softly defended herself.
Of course, if the blush spreading to the tips of her ears could fade a little, it would be more convincing—because right now, her words held absolutely no persuasive power.
"Alright, not at all."
"Here, have the grilled fish first before it gets cold."
Tang Luochuan handed her the skewer with a smile.
"Fine, you should try some too."
"See if…"
"you like it."
Dai Yun'er took the grilled fish but turned her head away, murmuring softly.
"I've already tried it. It's delicious."
"No wonder you like it."
Tang Luochuan grinned, gesturing to the half-eaten skewer in his hand as proof.
"Right? Right?"
Hearing this, Dai Yun'er's attention was somewhat diverted, her expression relaxing slightly as she spoke softly.
Though whenever she glanced at Tang Luochuan, her face would still flush with embarrassment.
"…"
As they ate the grilled fish, the two continued strolling through Star Luo City. Being a native, Dai Yun'er enthusiastically introduced the local customs, culture, and sights to him.
"By the way, Luo Chuan."
"Your Martial Soul is a dragon, right?"
After a while, Dai Yun'er suddenly remembered something and asked seriously. She recalled that when he had saved her, he had used dragon claws.
And if it was a dragon…
"Yes."
"My Martial Soul is the Golden Dragon King."
Tang Luochuan nodded with a smile.
"Golden Dragon King… a Dragon King!"
"Just like that dragon maniac, both are Dragon Kings?"
Dai Yun'er was momentarily stunned, her mind buzzing with thoughts. Were those with Dragon King Martial Souls all so terrifyingly talented?
One was a Soul Emperor in his early twenties, the other a Soul Ancestor at twelve or thirteen with a ten-thousand-year Soul Spirit—utterly frightening.
"Dragon maniac?"
Though Tang Luochuan knew exactly who she meant, he feigned confusion and asked.
"Oh, there's someone at our academy who also has a Dragon King Martial Soul—the Mountain Dragon King. So…"
"It just feels like all of you with Dragon King Martial Souls are incredibly strong."
Dai Yun'er spoke earnestly, her words undoubtedly sincere.
The "dragon maniac" was their academy's top genius, the leader of the Eight Great Kings. At less than twenty years old, he was already a Soul Emperor and a two-word Battle Armor Master.
She had thought his talent was monstrous, but compared to Tang Luochuan before her…
It was nothing, especially since Luo Chuan was younger!
And between the Golden Dragon King and the Mountain Dragon King, the former's name alone sounded more prestigious!
"Mountain Dragon King? That sounds impressive too."
"Maybe we'll meet someday."
A ripple of emotion crossed Tang Luochuan's calm expression as he smiled. He did feel a sense of admiration for Long Yue.
The Mountain Dragon King was the foremost of the Nine Great Dragon Kings.
To earn the recognition of the Mountain Dragon King in the Dragon Valley with En Ci's help—Long Yue was indeed remarkable.
And his talent certainly did justice to the Mountain Dragon King, possessing the combat power of a Soul Emperor from the start, just like Wu Zhangkong. It was just a pity that later… well, there was no "later."
Because he simply vanished from the story. What a shame—a complete Dragon King bloodline had such high potential.
"When I get the chance, I can take you to meet him. That Long Yue is indeed quite strong—he's already a Soul Emperor, but..."
"He's still far behind you."
Dai Yun'er shook her head, speaking earnestly.
Long Yue's talent was naturally formidable, but compared to Luo Chuan? There was simply no comparison.
Not to mention, that guy went berserk once he got worked up, attacking friend and foe alike—completely different from Luo Chuan.
"In your eyes..."
"Am I really that impressive?"
Hearing Dai Yun'er's words, Tang Luochuan couldn't help but laugh. Long Yue was already a Soul Emperor, and the top expert of the Star Luo Empire—a disciple of the Imperial Preceptor, En Ci.
Yet she, who'd known him for such a short time, was already so certain he surpassed Long Yue?
Though...
He was indeed just a tiny bit stronger than Long Yue.
"You really are amazing."
To Tang Luochuan's surprise, Dai Yun'er actually nodded seriously in agreement the next moment.
"Hmm?"
Tang Luochuan was taken aback, meeting her determined yet slightly evasive gaze. For a moment, he was at a loss.
Yun'er...
Could she actually have feelings for him?
"Well..."
"It's like this—Long Yue is already in his twenties, while you're about my age. Your talent must be far greater."
"Plus, your Soul Ring is already at the ten-thousand-year level, and your first Soul Spirit was ten-thousand-year grade too. You're much stronger than him."
Dai Yun'er's face flushed as she hurriedly explained.
She was being completely serious—just listen to her reasoning:
First, Luo Chuan was younger than Long Yue—one point.
Second, Luo Chuan's talent surpassed Long Yue's—another point.
Third, Luo Chuan was handsomer than Long Yue—that made three points. And the fact that his name was Luo Chuan? That was an overwhelming victory... Wait, no!
"What nonsense is my little brain thinking about?!"
Dai Yun'er's face reddened further as these thoughts crossed her mind. This was all so inappropriate!
"Luo Chuan..."
"When are you leaving Star Luo City?"
Shoving these chaotic thoughts aside, she raised another important question. From earlier indications, he probably wouldn't stay in Star Luo City for long.
If he could stay longer... wouldn't that mean more time together?
Not that she wanted to cling to him, but she couldn't deny she didn't mind his company—even felt some affection for him.
Being with him made her genuinely happy.
Like a lonely little girl suddenly meeting a boy who made her heart race... No, what heart racing?!
"About leaving..."
"Probably tomorrow morning."
Tang Luochuan answered after a brief moment of thought.
"Huh?"
"You're leaving tomorrow morning?!"
Dai Yun'er was stunned, her lips parting involuntarily. Tomorrow?! This wasn't just not staying longer—he'd never planned to stay at all!
"Well..."
"Star Luo City isn't our final destination anyway. We weren't planning to stay long. The only reason we're here today is because my brother took an interest in the city."
Tang Luochuan smiled as he explained. Before coming to Star Luo Continent, he'd never imagined visiting Star Luo City.
Nor had he expected that Wu Lin's whim would lead to reuniting with Dai Yun'er—even being invited by her for grilled fish.
But one thing was certain...
They truly wouldn't be staying in Star Luo City any longer.
After all, for Father, the desire to return to his homeland was far greater than staying in this capital of the Star Luo Empire.
"Sigh."
"Alright then."
Hearing these words, Dai Yun'er could only respond with a resigned acknowledgment.
If it's just one day, then so be it. Anyway...
If fate wills it, they'll meet again.
Just like how she had previously thought it might take ages to see Luo Chuan again, yet here they were, reunited so soon.
"When you get the chance in the future, you must come to Star Luo City to visit me!"
Looking in Tang Luochuan's direction, Dai Yun'er spoke softly, though her expression was earnest.
She feared they might lack this serendipity, but as long as she could get him to promise, then perhaps...
She believed...
Tang Luochuan wouldn't lie to her.
"I'll come."
Tang Luochuan smiled faintly and nodded in agreement.
If nothing else, at the very least, he would return to Star Luo City in just over a year.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
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