'So this is Tang San?'
Although Li Chang'an didn't say a word, he was already sizing up this so-called child of fate in secret. At the same time, he was extremely cautious not to release his spiritual power to probe. After all, Tang Hao could very well be nearby—and he wasn't about to risk getting himself killed.
Tang San looked like an incredibly ordinary boy, the type you'd never pick out in a crowd. But his eyes—those were different. They were extraordinarily deep, like the gaze of a weathered, world-weary old man.
Li Chang'an also noticed that Tang San's steps and breathing were perfectly in sync, something only someone with extremely refined internal energy could achieve. And with a closer look, he could spot at least five different concealed weapons on him.
As expected of the son of destiny—he really is different.
Li Chang'an knew very well that Tang San wasn't some kind-hearted soul either. After all, he came from the Tang Sect—and the Tang Sect's creed had nothing to do with kindness.
"Ah, it's Sister Xiao Wu! I came here to study, just like Teacher said. What about you?"
While Li Chang'an was observing him, Tang San was also studying Li Chang'an—and he found himself a little perplexed.
This man gave off an unruly, rebellious aura, like some spoiled noble heir. But Tang San, with his experience from two lifetimes, could tell this guy was no simple character. When he tried using his spiritual power to investigate Li Chang'an, he was shocked—Li Chang'an radiated like a blazing sun, so intense he couldn't even open his spiritual eyes.
Tang San instinctively raised his guard. That was just his nature.
"I'm here to study too. This is my boyfriend, Li Changsheng. He came with me."
Xiao Wu introduced Li Chang'an with a cheeky smile.
"Hello, Tang San."
For once, Li Chang'an put on a serious expression and greeted Tang San politely. Naturally, Tang San didn't reveal his inner thoughts either and replied with equal courtesy.
"And may I ask—what academy did your teacher recommend you attend?" Li Chang'an asked knowingly.
"My teacher said it's called Shrek Academy. What about you two?"
Tang San wasn't hiding anything—after all, this wasn't some deep secret. But at the same time, he was probing for Li Chang'an's intentions.
"Haha, what a coincidence! I was also sent here on the advice of my family elders to enroll in Shrek Academy."
Li Chang'an scratched his head and laughed heartily, then added:
"Since that's the case, why don't we go together?"
Truth be told, while he knew Shrek Academy was on the outskirts of Suotuo City, he wasn't exactly sure of the precise location. But with Tang San leading the way, things would be much easier.
"Sure, let's go together," Tang San agreed after a brief moment of thought.
The three of them, under Li Chang'an's subtle guidance, headed directly toward the Rose Hotel. It wasn't that Li Chang'an wanted to use the romantic setting of the hotel to mess around with Xiao Wu. No—he just wanted to beat the crap out of that scumbag, Dai Mubai.
Previously, he might not have been sure he'd run into Dai Mubai. But after seeing Tang San, Li Chang'an was certain—Dai Mubai had to be at the Rose Hotel.
The hotel was three stories tall—not particularly large, but its entire exterior was painted a rosy red. The architecture resembled a giant blooming rose, creating a striking visual impact.
"The Rose Hotel. Xiao Wu, let's stay here," Li Chang'an said casually.
"Okay! Sounds good!" Xiao Wu nodded excitedly.
Tang San frowned slightly at the sight of the hotel but didn't say anything. Since he is already here, might as well settle in. He just needed a place to stay.
As they stepped into the Rose Hotel, a strong rose fragrance hit them, faintly seductive yet refreshing.
The interior decor used only three colors—white, silver, and rose red. The warm, elegant ambiance made a strong first impression.
Li Chang'an walked up to the front desk and said to the receptionist, "Please give us two rooms. One of them should be a couple's suite."
He had no qualms about using the term. Xiao Wu, naturally, followed his lead, leaving the receptionist quietly envious.
"Alright, please wait a moment..."
Just as the receptionist was about to check them in, an abrupt voice interrupted.
"I believe that couple's suite is mine."
The three of them turned to look behind them—and saw three people approaching the front desk.
It was a group of one man and two women. The girls were decked out and looked about seventeen or eighteen years old. They were both tall—taller than Xiao Wu—and most astonishingly, they looked exactly the same. Identical twins.
'Hmm, I'd give those two a solid seven.'
Li Chang'an appraised them silently. 'Dai Mubai's taste isn't bad... though if their curves were a bit fuller, I might bump that up to a seven and a half.'
Dai Mubai stood about 1.8 meters tall, roughly the same height as Li Chang'an. He looked even younger than the twin girls behind him. With broad shoulders and a handsome, firm face, his long golden hair flowed down his back, nearly reaching his waist. It wasn't curly—just perfectly straight.
But the most striking part was his eyes—those sinister, dual-pupiled eyes. His deep blue pupils glowed with a cold, intimidating light. Just one glance felt like being slashed by a blade.
With such a face and those eyes, Dai Mubai was the kind of man who'd draw attention wherever he went.
Even so, when compared to Li Chang'an, he still fell short—especially in terms of presence. Li Chang'an simply exuded more dominance.
Dai Mubai stepped up to the desk and said, "You must be new here. Don't you know there's always a room reserved for me?"
The receptionist hesitated, then asked, "And you are...?"
The dual-pupiled youth said impatiently, "Go get your manager."
The receptionist was so unnerved by Dai Mubai's gaze that she immediately scurried off to fetch her supervisor.
Li Chang'an didn't bother waiting. He grabbed Xiao Wu, who was about to storm over, and stared straight at Dai Mubai.
"I want that room. So back off."
"Oh? You've got guts. You're a Spirit Master too, huh?"
Dai Mubai gently patted one of the twins on her waist, motioning for them to back off. He fixed his eyes on Li Chang'an.
"Yeah. What of it?"
Li Chang'an stepped forward with a calm smile and locked eyes with him.
"Simple. If you can beat me, the room is yours." Dai Mubai's tone turned cold.
"Fine. Let's go straight to martial spirits, then," Li Chang'an replied coolly. This is exactly what he wanted!
"White Tiger—Possession!"
A fierce, pale light burst from Dai Mubai's body. His arms stretched outward, chest puffed up. The sound of cracking bones echoed as his muscles swelled, bulging beneath his clothes. The air around him grew agitated and wild.
His golden hair instantly turned into a mix of black and white, mostly white with a few prominent black strands. Four faint lines appeared on his forehead—three horizontal and one vertical—forming the character "王" (King).
His hands transformed the most, doubling in size. White fur covered his palms, and dagger-like claws extended and retracted from his fingers. Each claw was at least eight inches long, gleaming with a chilling light.
Dai Mubai leaned forward, his four-pupiled eyes glowing deep blue. He looked like a machine built solely for slaughter.
Three brilliant soul rings rose at his feet: two yellow, one purple. Their glow radiated intense spirit power, like crashing waves.
"Spirit Elder!"
Tang San, watching from behind, was a little shocked. He's already at the Spirit Elder level?
"Dai Mubai. Martial Spirit: White Tiger. Level 37 Battle spirit Elder. Pleased to meet you."
His aura brimmed with dominance as he issued an official challenge.
Li Chang'an nodded. As expected of one of the children of fate. With this martial spirit and strength, even in the elite class of Spirit Hall Academy, he'd be top-tier.
Without any dramatic gestures, Li Chang'an simply raised his right hand, and a staff appeared in his grip.
It was a metallic staff, shimmering with a silvery-white light and carved with subtle patterns. Just standing there, it radiated an ancient, majestic, and solemn aura.
This was Li Chang'an's spirit—manifested through his flexible Spirit Adaptation technique: the Ruyi Jingu Bang (Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod)!
Why that particular weapon? Because Li Chang'an admired what it stood for: able to grow large or shrink small, able to submerge into the deepest ocean or fit within the smallest crevice...
"Li Changsheng. Tool Spirit Master. Martial Spirit: Ruyi Jingu Bang!"
"I'm not even going to summon my soul rings. If you can force me to bring them out—you win."
Li Chang'an said coolly.
"Arrogant!"
Dai Mubai sneered. His second soul ring flared as a massive blast of white light condensed, followed by a thunderous roar. A beam of white energy shot from his mouth toward Li Chang'an.
Li Chang'an didn't move. The moment before the attack landed, the golden staff in his hand suddenly enlarged!
BOOM!
The attack slammed into the now-enlarged Ruyi Jingu Bang—and was completely absorbed, doing absolutely no damage.
"Try this on for size!"
Dai Mubai shouted. His third ring—the purple one—lit up. The air around him warped. His evil pupils turned blood-red. His body grew even larger!
Already buff from his White Tiger possession, his muscles now expanded to absurd proportions. His shirt burst apart, exposing terrifying muscle contours. Black stripes appeared on his skin, making him look like a walking tiger pelt—minus the fur.
His tiger paws grew larger still, claws turning bright silver. His entire body was now cloaked in a golden radiance, as though plated in gold. His blood-red eyes glowed with bloodlust, his presence bursting with the ferocity of a king among beasts.
Dai Mubai had transformed a second time.
Tang San, watching, drew a sharp breath.
"So this... is the power of a thousand-year soul ring skill."
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T/N:
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