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At this moment, Zhao Wuji pointed to an ordinary-looking hotel and said, "Let's stay here! Rest for the night, and we'll set off tomorrow morning."
No one objected. When traveling, having a place to rest was sufficient; there was no need to be concerned about the hotel's class.
The hotel was a two-story wooden building. The ground floor served as a restaurant, while the second floor was for accommodations, appearing rather simple.
Zhao Wuji was very generous, booking one double room and two triple rooms.
He and the subtly ostracized Dai Mubai stayed in the double room, while the two triple rooms were respectively assigned to the three boys and the three girls.
"Teacher Zhao, why are you so generous today?"
Seeing that Zhao Wuji even paid for the room fees, Oscar curiously asked.
This was indeed unusual. In the past, whether it was Zhao Wuji or Flender leading the group, food and lodging issues were always resolved by themselves.
"Oscar, have I been stingy before?"
Zhao Wuji paused, glancing at Oscar expressionlessly.
"Uh, no, no!"
Oscar quickly waved his hands to deny it. Although he thought so, he couldn't say it outright.
"Hmph~, good to know."
After glaring at him, Zhao Wuji took the keys and went upstairs.
Being generous? It wasn't that he had become more generous; it was because Flender had given him an activity budget this time.
In the past, the academy was poor, and Flender couldn't even scrape together a few coins. After going out, everyone naturally paid their own way.
But now the academy had some spare money, though far from enough to build the academy. In some small aspects, there was no need to be as stingy as before. Staying in hotels and eating meals wouldn't cost much.
In the second-floor guest room, it was still early, and Chu Chengzhou, who had nothing to do, lay on the bed meditating and practicing his divine cultivation techniques.
Among the seven current students of Shrek Academy, when it came to diligent cultivation, Chu Chengzhou believed that if he considered himself second, no one could claim first, not even Zhu Zhuqing.
It wasn't that this girl didn't want to work harder. On the contrary, she worked hard in cultivation. However, meditation consumed mental energy, and her daily meditation time was limited. With no other areas to cultivate, this resulted in her daily cultivation time being much less than Chu Chengzhou's.
As for who was the laziest? Needless to say, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu might compete for the first and second positions.
"Big Brother Chu, I see you often doze off during the day. Could it be that you're too tired at night?"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou enter another 'dozing' state, Ma Hongjun implied something with a suggestive laugh.
"Needless to say, Big Brother Chu has a girlfriend!"
Before Chu Chengzhou could respond, Oscar took over the conversation.
"You two behave yourselves~"
Opening his eyes, Chu Chengzhou gave a glance to the harmonizing duo.
If you don't understand, don't talk nonsense. I'm cultivating my mental strength here! Do you really think I, Chu Chengzhou, am like you two, indulging in women all day?
"Cultivating? Big Brother Chu, could this be the legendary dream cultivation?"
Ma Hongjun's expression was exaggerated.
"Fatty, this shows your ignorance. When Sister Xiao Wu holds a baby someday, Big Brother Chu's 'mastery' will be fully realized!"
Oscar winked and nudged Ma Hongjun.
"Lazy to argue with you. Don't disturb my cultivation."
Annoyed, Chu Chengzhou glared at the two and continued his closed-eye cultivation.
Ma Hongjun, Oscar: "…"
Sleeping is sleeping, but he says it's cultivation. As expected of someone who can be a leader! Putting aside everything else, just this face, thick as a city wall, is something they can't possess.
Night fell, and Zhao Wuji along with the seven students went downstairs for dinner.
It was just dinner time, and the ground-floor restaurant was already filled with many guests, quite lively.
After looking around and seeing two empty tables in the corner, the group went over to occupy one.
The menu was on the table. Zhao Wuji sat down grandly and then waved his hand: "Order whatever you want!"
"Teacher Zhao, really anything?"
Ma Hongjun immediately asked, surprised.
"Could this be fake?"
Zhao Wuji waved his hand dismissively.
This hotel wasn't high-class, and with Flender giving a decent activity budget, Zhao Wuji was very generous.
"Teacher Zhao, truly our most beloved teacher! Ordering dishes is my forte; leave it to me!"
Ma Hongjun was so happy that the fat on his face trembled. He quickly patted his chest in assurance.
Then, summoning the waiter, Ma Hongjun quickly ticked items on the menu.
"Fatty, what are you ordering? Now that Teacher Zhao is treating us, can't you get something fancy?"
Glancing at the dishes Ma Hongjun checked on the menu, Oscar couldn't help but complain.
Even pigs despise Blue Silver Grass; what's good about stir-fried Blue Silver Grass? And with Sister Xiao Wu here, how dare you order spicy rabbit heads?
"Waiter, except for the ones I checked, bring us one of each!"
Ma Hongjun ignored Oscar's meaning and directly handed the menu to the waiter.
"Pfft—!"
Hearing this, Zhao Wuji, who was drinking tea and watching Ma Hongjun order, couldn't help but spit it out, and it happened to land all over Dai Mubai sitting next to him.
Originally, Zhao Wuji was quite pleased. All the checked items were common and cheap dishes, thinking Ma Hongjun was saving money for him. But he never expected this guy to pull such a bold move.
This damn brat sells his father's field without a care, finding the right opportunity to stab deeply and directly cut the main artery?
"Cough~, uhh, Mubai, sorry about that!"
Seeing Dai Mubai's face covered in tea, Zhao Wuji felt a bit embarrassed.
Dai Mubai: "..."
Rolling his eyes, Dai Mubai got up to wash his face in the restroom.
"Teacher Zhao, do you have any additional requests?"
Noticing that Zhao Wuji seemed to have different opinions, Ma Hongjun innocently asked.
"Teacher Zhao, I think Fatty ordered enough. No need to spend more."
Chu Chengzhou added a jab.
"Yes, yes, Teacher Zhao, it's already enough. Wasting food isn't good if we can't eat it all."
Oscar chimed in.
Although the three girls, Xiao Wu, didn't speak, their eyes conveyed the same meaning.
"…Alright, let's settle it like this!"
Seeing his students unanimously acting like they were determined to fleece the rich man today, Zhao Wuji felt helpless but had to reluctantly accept it.
After all, the words were already spoken and couldn't be taken back. Otherwise, would I, Immovable Bright King, not lose face?
As for exceeding the activity budget? Anyway, it's not my money; I'll just ask Flender to reimburse it later.
There's no reason for me, Zhao Wuji, to take students out soul hunting, not get paid, and still have to pay out of pocket, right?
The dishes hadn't arrived yet, and the group started chatting idly.
But not long after, the originally bustling restaurant suddenly quieted down. Sensing the change in atmosphere, everyone turned to look at the entrance, where three new guests had arrived.
Two men and one woman. The two middle-aged men, one short and stout, the other tall and thin, wore black robes with hoods, exuding a profound aura, seemingly like bodyguards following behind the woman.
The woman was young, appearing to be in her early twenties, tall and slender, wearing a pristine white robe and also a hood.
However, the woman's white robe and hood couldn't conceal her graceful figure and stunningly beautiful face.
Snow-white skin, a straight nose, slightly thin phoenix eyes, and a strikingly beautiful face with a hint of authority, combined with her golden hair, made her resemble a holy angel descended to earth.
The restaurant being so quiet was obviously due to everyone being awestruck by this extraordinarily beautiful young lady.
'Qian Renxue?'
Chu Chengzhou's pupils contracted, instantly recognizing this stunningly beautiful young lady radiating an air of arrogance.
Chu Chengzhou had to admit that he was captivated by Qian Renxue's extraordinary beauty.
However, angels were noble, and equally dangerous.
Without certain strength or a powerful backing, even if he had thoughts about the angelic young lady, Chu Chengzhou dared not get involved.
Otherwise, with the Spirit Hall's powerful intelligence capabilities, his background would definitely be thoroughly exposed.
As time passed, the talent he displayed would become increasingly absurd. If he didn't plan to shine for the Spirit Hall, he would likely be in danger.
Similarly, at this moment, he secretly rejoiced. Fortunately, Xiao Wu had learned his mastery techniques and could conceal her transformed spirit beast aura. Otherwise, if two Title Douluo encountered them, the consequences would be unimaginable.
After all, like the blind Dugu Bo in the original story, who couldn't recognize the value of immortal medicinal herbs or even identify a ten-thousand-year transformed spirit beast, such Title Douluo were exceptions.
However, Chu Chengzhou was somewhat puzzled. Why would the Young Miss of the Angel clan come to the Great Star Dou Forest?
Those who appeared here must be hunting souls to advance, but the Sunset Forest, known as one of the continent's three major spirit beast gathering places, was right outside Tian Dou City. Why did Qian Renxue choose to travel far?
Even though the scale of the Sunset Forest was far smaller than the Star Dou Forest and the Extreme North, it still had many thousand-year and some ten-thousand-year spirit beasts. Soul Masters within seven rings basically didn't need to travel thousands of miles to the Star Dou Forest.
Actually, Chu Chengzhou forgot. The attribute of the Six-Winged Angel martial soul was sacred, and sacred attribute spirit beasts were rare. Plus, Qian Renxue had high requirements for soul ring years. The Sunset Forest might not have suitable ones, which was why she brought two bodyguards to the Star Dou Forest.
Meanwhile, even Chu Chengzhou, who possessed 'deep composure,' was captivated. Let alone Oscar and Ma Hongjun.
However, Oscar was a reserved type. Though lecherous, he wasn't a pervert. Though captivated, he didn't react excessively.
But the openly lecherous Ma Hongjun was different. Without thinking, he blurted out a flirtatious remark: "Such a beautifu... mmm..."
At the critical moment, Chu Chengzhou reacted swiftly. Before Ma Hongjun could finish the word 'chick,' he quickly covered his mouth.
"Fatty, don't go looking for death!"
Chu Chengzhou glared at Ma Hongjun.
This dead fatty was really brave. Qian Renxue wasn't some courtesan from the Black Horse Club who would flutter her eyelashes back after being flirted with.
Moreover, Qian Renxue had two loyal 'hen-pecked generals' behind her! Daring to flirt with her, you must have a death wish.
Though She Long and Ci Xue were bottom-tier among Title Douluo, they were still Title Douluo, not people they could provoke.
Furthermore, though the angelic young lady was beautiful, aside from facing the protagonist's intelligence-reducing halo, her methods were decisive.
Chu Chengzhou could guarantee that if Ma Hongjun dared to flirt, this fatty would end up badly, and they might be implicated too.
The restaurant was quiet, and Qian Renxue naturally heard Ma Hongjun's "Such a beautifu... mmm..."
But "Such a beautifu... mmm..." and "Such a beautiful babe" weren't the same. As long as the word 'babe' wasn't spoken, it could only be considered praise, not flirtation. Qian Renxue didn't develop feelings of resentment or disgust.
However, because of this sentence, Qian Renxue couldn't help but glance more towards Chu Chengzhou's side.
When Qian Renxue saw Ning Rongrong sitting at the same table, her expression slightly froze, revealing a trace of surprise.
Isn't this my nominal junior sister Ning Rongrong? What a coincidence!
More than ten years ago, she used the family-inherited angel head bone to disguise herself as Xue Qinghe, the eldest prince of the Tian Dou Empire.
Later, to consolidate the relationship between the royal family and the allied Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, she, under the identity of Imperial Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, became the disciple of Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect Master Ning Fengzhi. Thus, Ning Rongrong naturally became her nominal junior sister.
But now she was Qian Renxue, the young master of the Spirit Hall, not Xue Qinghe, the crown prince of the Tian Dou Empire, so she had no intention of greeting Ning Rongrong.
Looking around, Qian Renxue found few empty seats in the restaurant and led Ci Xue and She Long to the empty table near Chu Chengzhou's group.
Though the beauty was stunning, her presence was strong, and no one self-assuredly approached to chat her up. The restaurant soon became lively again.
At this moment, Dai Mubai, who had gone to the restroom to wash his face after being sprayed with tea, returned.
Casually catching a glimpse of Qian Renxue's extraordinary beauty, Dai Mubai couldn't help but stop.
This girl was stunning!
Not only was she beautiful, but she also had golden hair like him!
Dai Mubai had seen beautiful women before, but never one as beautiful as her.
Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing were also beautiful, but due to their young age, they hadn't fully matured yet, naturally not comparable to Qian Renxue.
For a moment, Dai Mubai was entranced.
"Boy, stop your gaze and get lost!"
Seeing a bold rogue leering at their young master, She Long immediately scolded Dai Mubai with dissatisfaction.
It was only because Dai Mubai didn't make further moves, plus considering his image as an elder of the Spirit Hall, otherwise She Long would definitely have slapped him by now.
Hearing this, Dai Mubai regained some clarity and glanced at She Long who spoke.
"I am Dai Mubai. May I ask for the young lady's name?"
Without paying much attention to She Long, Dai Mubai smiled and asked Qian Renxue.
With a beautiful woman in front of him, his attention wouldn't be on a middle-aged man.
And seeing the somewhat restrained appearance of this middle-aged man, he was probably not the girl's elder but a bodyguard or similar. Dai Mubai naturally didn't pay much attention.
Glancing at the self-assured Dai Mubai, Qian Renxue didn't speak, only looking at She Long.
"Boy, are you deaf? Didn't you hear me telling you to get lost?"
Receiving their young master's signal, She Long immediately stood up, releasing a powerful soul force pressure that enveloped Dai Mubai, shouting again.
'Bang—'
The soul force pressure of a Title Douluo was far beyond what a tiny three-ring Soul Elder could withstand. Dai Mubai's mind went blank, and with a 'thud,' he was directly crushed to the ground by this terrifying invisible pressure.
Fortunately, She Long's soul force pressure was fleeting; otherwise, Dai Mubai would have been completely defeated.
"Senior, please calm down. It was my fault for not disciplining him properly. Please forgive us!"
The next second, Zhao Wuji quickly stepped forward, lifting the bewildered Dai Mubai, and sincerely apologized to She Long despite his reluctance.
Apart from She Long and Ci Xue, the two Title Douluo present, the highest soul power level belonged to Zhao Wuji.
Although the fleeting soul force pressure earlier wasn't directed at him, Zhao Wuji could tell that this slim middle-aged man was a formidable opponent far stronger than him.
Facing weaker opponents, he could throw heavy punches, but facing stronger opponents, he had to be submissive.
Bullying the weak and fearing the strong? No, no, this is called knowing the situation and being wise!
A soul master who dares not provoke trouble isn't a good soul master?
Well, that's what Flender said. I, Immovable Bright King, didn't say that, and I, Zhao Wuji, admit I'm not a good soul master!
Seeing the respectful Zhao Wuji, She Long raised an eyebrow and looked at Qian Renxue.
Waving her hand, Qian Renxue remained silent. Flies, once driven away, were fine. There was no need for violence, lest it damage her status.
Seeing this, She Long withdrew his gaze and sat back down.
Immediately, Zhao Wuji felt as if he had been pardoned, quickly dragging the pale-faced, terrified Dai Mubai upstairs.
As for dinner? Missing one meal wouldn't starve anyone, avoiding further encounters with this unknown strong person to prevent displeasure.
'Goodness~ almost kicked the iron plate!'
Ma Hongjun sighed inwardly with lingering fear.
Zhao Wuji's character was somewhat clear to Ma Hongjun. He knew that unless facing a stronger opponent, Zhao Wuji would never show such a respectful demeanor.
Was this tall, thin middle-aged man a seven-ring Soul Sage?
Unlikely. After all, Zhao Wuji was also a Soul Sage, a 76th-level Soul Sage. The opponent must be above 80th level.
But such a powerful person acted according to the golden-haired young lady's wishes, indicating her background and origins surpassed ordinary imagination.
Dai Mubai merely showed off his superiority, while he nearly opened his mouth to flirt earlier. Fortunately, Chu Chengzhou stopped him; otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Thinking this way, Ma Hongjun looked at Chu Chengzhou with gratitude.
"Fatty, no need to thank me. Just remember not to flirt with virtuous women in the future!"
Seeing gratitude in Ma Hongjun's eyes, Chu Chengzhou patted his shoulder and earnestly advised him.
Soul masters had excellent hearing, and the stronger the soul master, the better their hearing. Plus, being at the neighboring table, Qian Renxue naturally heard it.
'Virtuous women?'
Black lines appeared on Qian Renxue's forehead. Her delicate hands hidden under the white robe involuntarily clenched into fists.
Though perhaps she could be categorized as a woman, wasn't this youth's wording somewhat inappropriate?
Never mind, I am the young master of the Spirit Hall, a descendant of the great Angel Ancestor. I won't lower myself to argue with this uncultured youth!
"Bang—!"
Suddenly, Oscar slammed the table.
"Uh, Xiao Ao, what are you doing?"
Everyone looked at Oscar with confusion.
"Teacher Zhao left. Who's paying for our table?"
Oscar stated the key point.
The dishes hadn't arrived yet, so the bill couldn't be settled beforehand. Previously, everyone was collectively fleecing the big spender, but now the big spender ran… Oscar couldn't help but look at Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
"Well, I'll treat~"
Seeing everyone's gazes turn to him, Chu Chengzhou shrugged and said helplessly.
Fortunately, this small hotel wasn't high-class. Even if fleeced, it wouldn't cost much gold spirit coins.
The hotel's class wasn't high, but the serving efficiency was fast.
After all, this was the Soul Hunting Town outside the Great Star Dou Forest, mostly serving soul masters who couldn't be kept waiting.
The dishes gradually arrived, even so many that they couldn't fit on the table and had to be stacked.
One could only say that Ma Hongjun was ruthless. When ordering dishes earlier, he indeed aimed to fleece the big spender.
The taste was pretty good, but Chu Chengzhou ate with a worried heart.
There was no other reason. Their table ordered a lot, making them a big client. Plus, they arrived first, so the kitchen naturally prioritized their table. Meanwhile, Qian Renxue's table nearby had to wait.
Perhaps due to fatigue from traveling or hunger, Qian Renxue and the two Title Douluo occasionally glanced towards this side. Though they said nothing and didn't act, Chu Chengzhou still felt immense pressure.
Though She Long and Ci Xue's powers were quite lacking in the original story, everything depended on comparison.
Even if these two were weaklings among Title Douluo, for Chu Chengzhou, whose level was only three rings, these two were essentially no different from semi-god-level Qian Daoliu.
After all, regardless of who, they could make him surrender in one move.
Of course, Ma Hongjun and the five others ate happily. Perhaps this was called ignorance is bliss?
After a 'difficult' dinner, before going upstairs, Chu Chengzhou didn't forget to pack a portion for the 'submissive' Zhao Wuji.
After all, he was the team leader and couldn't be forgotten.
Dai Mubai: What about me?
Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Zhao Wuji woke everyone up with his loud voice.
After breakfast, leaving the Soul Hunting Town, the group continued their journey in the same manner as yesterday.
Looking at the scenery below, sitting on the summoned Fire Phoenix, an excited Oscar made up his mind.
His third soul ring target would be a thousand-year flying spirit beast!
Having never experienced flying in the sky, Oscar only knew that flying soul masters had advantages over ordinary soul masters, but how significant those advantages were, he had no real sense. But now he understood.
If he could create flying sausages, he could provide his teammates with powerful mobility.
Moreover, when encountering strong opponents, even if they chose to flee, they could still maintain the initiative.
Additionally, Ma Hongjun was a long-range offensive soul master. Although his mutated mother hen martial soul had chicken wings, he currently couldn't fly. Flying ability would greatly assist him.
If auxiliary system soul master Ning Rongrong could fly, as long as the opponent couldn't fly, she wouldn't need protection during battle. She could simply fly in the sky and enhance her teammates' attributes.
It could be said that sausages with flight effects would undoubtedly play a huge auxiliary role at present.
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