The four companions—Lin Feng, Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Zhu Zhuqing—finally reached the edge of the bustling Soto City just as the golden sun dipped beneath the horizon. The gates loomed tall and proud, flanked by guards, and within was a hive of people, spirit masters, merchants, and noble carriages alike.
Lin Feng, naturally, did not enter the city like a normal person.
"Wahooo~! Soto City, we're here!" Lin Feng shouted dramatically, spinning on one foot and striking a ridiculous pose like a cartoon character. He wiggled his eyebrows, danced in place with exaggerated swings of his arms, and made sound effects with his mouth. "Time to find the coziest inn and the crispiest duck!"
Behind him, the trio followed in silence.
Zhu Zhuqing's cold face twitched, but she couldn't help the small curve tugging at her lips. Xiao Wu snorted. "Big brother, you're embarrassing."
Tang San simply sighed. "Let's just get a place to stay before someone calls the city guards."
Lin Feng marched forward proudly, proclaiming to the entire street that he was Soto's new number one handsome genius. Eventually, they reached their destination: the Rose Hotel. A towering, rose-themed building with red-carpet steps, golden trimmings, and a faint aroma of perfume in the air.
At the counter, the receptionist looked up with a polite smile. "Welcome to the Rose Hotel. Currently, only two luxury rooms are available."
Just as Tang San stepped forward to request them, a cold and arrogant voice echoed from behind.
"Hold on. Those two rooms are mine."
The four turned to see a tall, muscular teenager with sharp golden eyes and two beautiful twin girls clinging to his arms. Dressed in elegant white, his aura screamed confidence—and arrogance.
Dai Mubai.
Lin Feng blinked. "Oh great, a walking pride peacock."
Mubai narrowed his eyes. "This hotel isn't for beggars and riff-raff. Go find an alley."
Before Tang San could respond, Xiao Wu stepped forward with a grin. "Hey little brother, someone's looking down on us. Go teach him some respect."
"Yeah, San," Lin Feng added, cracking his knuckles. "Show him why the last guy who mocked us is still recovering in his mommy's bed."
Tang San sighed. "Why is it always me?"
Zhu Zhuqing quietly stepped back, arms crossed, intrigued.
The lobby cleared out in moments. The receptionist watched anxiously, but made no move to stop them.
The two boys squared off in the center of the ornate hotel hall. Dai Mubai cracked his neck, releasing his martial spirit: the White Tiger. Twin yellow soul rings shimmered to life around him.
Tang San summoned his Blue Silver Bamboo. Twin yellow rings glowed around him as well.
Mubai grinned. "You've got spirit. Let's see if you've got the skill."
Tang San didn't waste time. The blue bamboo shot forward like a spear, aiming at Mubai's shoulder. Mubai sidestepped and activated his White Tiger Body Enhancement, bulking up and charging.
"White Tiger Light Wave!"
A blast of golden energy flew across the room, but Tang San rolled away, launching a flurry of vines that wrapped around Mubai's leg. He pulled with a grunt, yanking Mubai off-balance, and then leapt in with a powerful punch.
The battle was swift, fierce, and full of clashing energy. Tang San moved with increased precision and instinct, thanks to his countless mock battles with Lin Feng and Xiao Wu over the past five years.
Lin Feng nodded approvingly. "Look at our little brother. So grown up. So violent."
Mubai broke free of the vines and countered with a spinning backhand that Tang San barely dodged. The crowd that had gathered outside the hotel window gasped.
"Impressive for a kid," Mubai growled.
Tang San said nothing. He narrowed his eyes.
System Notification: [Modification Available. Accept change for 10 Points?]
Lin Feng blinked. "Oh... it's been a while! Yes, yes, I accept!"
[Modification Approved. Final Attack Modified: Tang San's final move will be—Thousand-Year Butt Death.]
Lin Feng cackled.
Back in the fight, Tang San twisted behind Dai Mubai, dodging a tiger claw. Then, without thinking—almost guided by fate—he launched himself forward.
His foot connected squarely with Dai Mubai's backside.
THWAP!
Mubai's eyes went wide.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
He shot into the air like a rocket, flying a full 20 meters before crashing through a decorative fountain. Water sprayed everywhere.
Silence.
Even the twin girls stared in horror.
Lin Feng burst into laughter. "THOUSAND! YEAR! BUTT! DEATH!!!"
Xiao Wu fell to her knees laughing. "H-he actually did it!"
Zhu Zhuqing raised an eyebrow. "He flew. Like, really flew."
Tang San turned red. "I don't know why I did that! I just... my finger moved on its own!"
System Notification: +2 Soul Levels (Lv38 > Lv40) +200 Points +100x Carrot-Flavored Candy +1x Bad Luck Charm (A cursed trinket with random effects)
Current Points: 45,200 → 45,400
Dai Mubai, soaked and fuming, glared from the fountain. "You... pervert... you'll regret this!"
Then he ran away.
Ran.
The twin girls also follow behind.
Lin Feng clapped Tang San on the back. "Beautiful! Our hotel rooms, secured by righteous foot justice."
Tang San looked horrified. "I can never show my face again."
Xiao Wu dragged him inside, giggling. "You're a legend now."
The receptionist, now recovering, handed them the keys to the two luxury rooms.
"Please enjoy your stay... and maybe... wear shoes inside."
They entered the lavish rooms—red silk bedding, rosewood furniture, warm baths already filled. Lin Feng claimed a room with Tang San while Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu shared the other.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced toward the door as Lin Feng skipped in with his key balanced on his nose.
She smirked quietly to herself.
That night, as moonlight bathed the Rose Hotel, Lin Feng munched on carrot candy while lying upside-down on the bed.
"This place is great. Who's ready to check out the Spirit Arena tomorrow?"
Tang San groaned. "Only if you promise not to kick anyone else in the butt."
"No promises, little brother. No promises."