socalfunplaces Chapter 43 One move to knock down Dai Mubai
Chapter 43 One move to knock down Dai Mubai
As dawn broke through the thin mist, Xiao Yu's four hooves pounded the wind, leaving a trail of jade-colored light on the official road. More than half a month had passed since they left Nottingham City, and the outline of the forest had long since disappeared behind them, replaced by an endless plain and gradually bustling villages.
"Azu, the south gate of Soto City is just ahead." Xiao Wu nestled against Xiao Yu's neck, her pink scorpion braid swaying gently in the wind. She pointed to the faint outline of the city walls on the distant horizon, her eyes filled with excitement. "It's several times bigger than Notting City!"
Ning Rongrong sat behind Yan Zu, studying a yellowed parchment scroll—the very same "Illustrated Treatise on Mountains and Rivers" she had obtained after saving Zhu Zhuqing that day.
Zhu Zhuqing sat at the back, her black outfit now repaired. Her gaze was fixed on Yan Zu's back, her expression complex and unreadable.
During their time traveling together, she witnessed firsthand Yan Zu's cultivation method—it wasn't simply the circulation of soul power, but a more profound method of soul power circulation, with a unique rhythm in every gesture.
What shocked her even more was Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu's strength. They looked to be about the same age, but their strength was far superior to hers.
"Zhuqing, does your injury still hurt?" Xiaowu turned around and handed her a candied plum. "Azu said your meridians are still a bit blocked. When we get to the city, he'll use his soul power to help you clear them."
Zhu Zhuqing took the plum, a hint of warmth flashing in her cold eyes: "It's alright, I'm much better now." She paused, then looked at Yan Zu, "Yan Zu, what exactly is your strength? You didn't seem to go all out when you dealt with the Soul Sect that day."
Yan Zu opened his eyes, his dark pupils as deep as a pool: "Strong enough to protect those around you." He didn't answer directly, but instead patted Xiao Yu's neck, "Xiao Yu, conceal your aura, let's go into the city."
Xiao Yu let out a soft cry, and its body gradually shrank to the size of an ordinary horse. The auspicious cloud patterns on its back also dimmed, making it look like an ordinary white beast.
Soto City, as the second largest city in the Kingdom of Barak, is far more prosperous than Notting City. The ten-meter-high blue stone city walls stretch endlessly, and the city gates are bustling with people. Caravans, soul masters, and commoners come and go, and the noise rises and falls.
"Entry fee: two silver soul coins per person." The city guard lazily stretched out his hand.
Just as Yan Zu was about to take out his money, Ning Rongrong produced a token from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School: "We are from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
Upon seeing this, the soldier immediately became respectful: "So you are an honored guest, please come in, please come in!"
After entering the city, the streets were lined with shops, including soul tool stores, pharmacies, and blacksmith shops. Ning Rongrong, like a cheerful lark, pulled Xiao Wu along, looking around everywhere.
Zhu Zhuqing remained vigilant, her keen senses, granted by her Netherworld Cat Martial Soul, constantly scanning the surrounding crowd. Suddenly, she frowned: "Someone is following us, three of them, their soul power fluctuations are at the Soul Venerable level, they've been following us from the city gate until now."
Yan Zu remained calm: "I know, they're local bullies in the city. They saw Rongrong dressed so well and got greedy. Don't bother with them; they wouldn't dare to make a move on the main road."
Sure enough, after following them for two streets, those few obscure auras seemed to sense something and quietly retreated.
The Rose Hotel is located in the heart of Soto City. It is a luxurious five-story building, entirely pink, and resembles a blooming rose in the sunset. At the hotel entrance, two rows of maids stand respectfully, welcoming and seeing off those who are richly dressed Soul Masters or wealthy merchants.
"Let's stay here," Ning Rongrong said. "This hotel should be the best in Soto City."
The four of them took the keys and were about to go upstairs.
"Hey—these beauties look unfamiliar, are they new here?" A lazy and arrogant voice came from behind.
Yan Zu paused slightly.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing turned around at the same time. Ning Rongrong raised an eyebrow, her bright, clear eyes carrying a hint of anticipation.
At the hotel entrance, a tall, blond young man leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking rather lazy. He wore an open white shirt, revealing his muscular chest.
Most striking were the two identical girls he was flanking—twins, clearly. Both wore revealing red miniskirts and glamorous makeup, clinging to him affectionately.
"Young Master Mu Bai, what are you looking at?" the girl on the left asked in a sweet voice.
The one on the right chimed in, "Exactly! Aren't we sisters enough for you to see?"
Dai Mubai ignored them, his sinister eyes sweeping unabashedly over Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing. When he saw Xiao Wu's delicate and lively face, and Zhu Zhuqing's aloof and stunning beauty, his eyes lit up noticeably.
"Good stuff," he exclaimed. "A rare find."
Yan Zu slightly turned his body to the side, shielding Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing behind him, and calmly looked at Dai Mubai.
"Is there something you need?"
Dai Mubai's previously languid gaze flickered slightly at Yan Zu, then returned to its usual flippant tone. He pushed aside the two twins beside him, stood up, and strode over. He was tall, a full half a head taller than Yan Zu, and looked down at him.
"Young man, where are you from? Don't you know the rules of Soto City?"
"What rules?" Yan Zu asked in a flat tone, without the slightest fluctuation.
"The rules are—" Dai Mubai held out his hand, pointing to Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, "I've taken a liking to these girls. They'll drink with me tonight, and tomorrow they can go wherever they want; I won't make things difficult for them. Otherwise…"
Before he finished speaking, three spirit rings rose beneath his feet—two yellow and one purple, the optimal spirit ring configuration. A gigantic white tiger phantom appeared behind him, roaring to the sky, its spirit power fluctuations reaching a staggering level thirty-seven, the Soul Master!
"White Tiger Martial Soul..." Zhu Zhuqing's pupils contracted sharply, her voice trembling slightly, "You are... Dai Mubai?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Mubai looked at Zhu Zhuqing, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, which quickly turned into contempt: "What, you know me? But it doesn't matter, today you..."
"Dai Mubai." Zhu Zhuqing's voice was as cold as ice. "The third prince of the Star Luo Empire, to escape the struggle for the throne, he frequents brothels and has given up on himself. I thought the rumors were wrong, but seeing him today, he truly is a good-for-nothing."
The air froze instantly.
Dai Mubai's face turned ashen. He released the twins, unleashing his White Tiger Martial Soul, which manifested black and white stripes on his body: "Who exactly are you?"
"Zhu Zhuqing." Zhu Zhuqing released her martial spirit, two yellow spirit rings rose, and the Netherworld Cat possessed her. "Your fiancée."
The moment Dai Mubai saw Zhu Zhuqing clearly, his pupils contracted slightly, and the flippancy on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a complex expression that mixed irritation, embarrassment, and hostility.
He abruptly pushed aside the woman beside him, took a step forward, and fixed his icy gaze on Zhu Zhuqing, his tone carrying undisguised accusation:
"Zhu Zhuqing? What are you doing here?"
Before Zhu Zhuqing could speak, his gaze had already swept over Yan Zu, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong beside her, finally settling on Yan Zu's protective posture towards them, and his face instantly darkened.
"As my fiancée, you're walking with another man. You've completely disgraced the Dai family and your Zhu family!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Dai Mubai's soul power surged, and the ferocious aura of his White Tiger Martial Soul spread out with a roar.
He stared intently at Yan Zu, his eyes filled with undisguised killing intent and domineering arrogance.
"Kid, I don't care who you are, get away from her right now."
"Otherwise, I'll deal with you too."
Yan Zu sighed softly, shielding the three women behind him, and said calmly, "Are you done talking? Then let's make our move."
"court death!"
Dai Mubai roared, and the White Tiger Light Wave burst forth!
The surrounding crowd gasped and scattered, and the maid at the hotel entrance turned pale.
Yan Zu didn't even release his martial spirit; he directly punched the light wave. The light wave exploded in mid-air.
"Huh?" Dai Mubai was startled. Before he could react, Yan Zu had already appeared beside him like a ghost.
"First Soul Skill, White Tiger Protective Barrier!" Dai Mubai reacted quickly and immediately activated his defensive soul skill.
However, Yan Zu did not attack, but simply extended a finger and gently touched Dai Mubai's shoulder.
Dai Mubai felt a numbness in half of his body, his soul power instantly stagnated, and his White Tiger Martial Soul even showed signs of collapsing. He was shocked and before he could change his move, Yan Zu's palm was already on his shoulder, and a gentle yet irresistible force pressed him down to one knee!
"What...what did you do?" Dai Mubai's face turned red as he struggled desperately, only to find that his soul power was like a mud ox sinking into the sea, impossible to lift up.
Yan Zu looked down at him, his voice calm: "This sparring ends here. Dai Mubai, today's matter ends here. Are you satisfied?"
"I give up..." Dai Mubai was filled with shame and indignation, about to unleash a torrent of curses, when suddenly he felt a chilling killing intent lock onto him. It was Zhu Zhuqing's gaze, and the sudden surge of soul power emanating from Xiao Wu—that soul power was no less powerful than his own!
Dai Mubai felt a chill in his heart. He realized that the seemingly ordinary boy and the girls in front of him were far more powerful than they appeared.
"Fine, very well!" Dai Mubai gritted his teeth. "You wait, I'm a student of Shrek Academy. Don't you dare leave!"
After saying that, he broke free from Yan Zu's control, stood up in a sorry state, and slunk away with the twins, giving Yan Zu a venomous look before leaving.
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