Douluo Dalu: The Path of Abyss

Five Years Later

Balak Kingdom, Suotuo City

Suotuo City, the capital of the Balak Kingdom, one of the four kingdoms under the Heaven Dou Empire, shimmered under the blazing summer sun. The streets were sparsely populated, with most residents seeking shade, yet three teenagers walked boldly down the avenue. Among them were two young men and one young woman.

The young woman had long, flowing black hair styled into a scorpion braid that trailed gracefully past her calves. She wore a light pink dress that accentuated her developing figure. Though her chest was not particularly full, her slender waist exuded a delicate charm that could captivate anyone's attention.

One of the young men, about 1.7 meters tall, wore a belt inlaid with twenty-four jade stones around his waist. A faint, confident smile lingered on his lips. The other young man was taller, with striking black hair and eyes. His handsome features were made more unique by the jade bracelet with golden threads adorning his wrist—a contrast to his otherwise masculine appearance.

These three were none other than Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Ye Feng.

"I really don't understand what your teacher is thinking, Tang San," Xiao Wu pouted, her delicate lips curving in dissatisfaction. "He's sending you to some no-name academy!"

Xiao Wu alternated her glance between Tang San, walking a step apart, and Ye Feng, who strode beside her. With a sigh of exasperation, she continued, "And you, Ye Feng! You had offers from several intermediate academies, all willing to accept you unconditionally. Yet you insist on tagging along to this so-called Shrek Academy!"

Ye Feng glanced at her, his smile warm yet knowing. He understood her concerns. Xiao Wu's unease didn't stem from the academy's reputation but from her fear that Shrek Academy might house powerhouses capable of uncovering her identity as a 100,000-year-old soul beast in human form.

After Xiao Wu and Ye Feng had tempered themselves together in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well years ago, her aura underwent subtle yet mysterious changes.

Back then, in Dugu Bo's medicinal garden, the Poison Douluo had discovered Xiao Wu's true identity. Yet, Dugu Bo refrained from harming her—not because of leniency, but due to Sword Douluo Chen Xin's overwhelming deterrence. He knew that harming Xiao Wu would provoke the Sword Douluo's wrath, which might even extend to his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.

Thus, out of prudence, Dugu Bo suppressed his greed for Xiao Wu's soul ring and soul bone, ultimately choosing peace. After all, there's a saying: "As long as you're alive, you can always recover what's lost. But once dead, nothing matters."

Now, as they approached Shrek Academy, Xiao Wu's anxiety resurfaced.

Ye Feng reached out and gently clasped her hand, his touch reassuring.

Xiao Wu froze, her bunny ears twitching slightly as her face turned crimson. Her gaze flitted to Ye Feng, bewildered.

"Master once said that cultivation depends on oneself. Since we're unsure about the best academy, we might as well follow our instincts and choose one," Ye Feng said calmly, his tone soothing.

Xiao Wu pouted but still looked unconvinced. "But why Shrek Academy of all places? It's unrated, and we don't even know its true strength!"

Ye Feng chuckled, sensing the root of her hesitation. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "Tang San's teacher already told me about Shrek. The academy only has five teachers—three Soul Emperors and two Soul Sages."

"Only five teachers?" Xiao Wu murmured, her large, round eyes blinking. "Three Soul Emperors and two Soul Sages? That's it?"

Ye Feng nodded firmly.

Her delicate brows relaxed as she sighed in relief. "Alright, fine. Let's give it a shot. But after all this walking, I'm exhausted! Let's find a place to stay, and we'll head to Shrek tomorrow."

"Agreed!" Ye Feng replied cheerfully.

"Let's stay at that hotel!" Xiao Wu pointed to a nearby establishment at the end of the street.

The hotel, though modest in size, was charmingly decorated. Its exterior, shaped like a massive rose, radiated a romantic allure.

"Rose Hotel?" Ye Feng's mind stirred as fragments of the plot flashed through his thoughts.

"It smells nice too," Xiao Wu said, taking a deep breath and smiling. "This is it. I've decided."

The three stepped inside, greeted by a pleasant aroma. The interior of the hotel was cozy and elegant, with a color scheme of white, silver, and rose red—exuding warmth and romance.

"Sir, are you sure you need two rooms?" the receptionist asked, his tone peculiar.

"Why not?"

"Apologies, sir," the receptionist replied with a strange smile. "But we only have one room left."

The ambiguity in the receptionist's gaze made Ye Feng frown slightly. The Rose Hotel was known for its romantic ambiance, and the receptionist likely assumed the trio had "other" intentions. His thoughts clearly veered toward playful speculation.

Before Ye Feng could respond, a haughty voice interrupted them.

"I believe that last room belongs to me."

The three turned simultaneously, their eyes landing on a young man approaching the counter with two women. The man's striking feature was his dual-pupiled eyes, radiating an arrogant demeanor.

Dai Mubai.

The name flashed in Ye Feng's mind.

The two women flanking Dai Mubai were twins, dressed provocatively and exuding an air of maturity. However, Dai Mubai's attention was quickly drawn to Xiao Wu. His gaze lingered on her, his expression betraying admiration for her beauty.

Walking to the counter, Dai Mubai leaned against it and glanced at the receptionist. "New here?"

The receptionist hesitated, his expression confused. "Who might you be?"

"Call your manager," Dai Mubai snapped impatiently, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The receptionist hurriedly left to fetch the manager.

Meanwhile, Ye Feng fell into a brief internal struggle. If he ceded the room to Dai Mubai, he could subtly disrupt the original storyline and gain attribute points from the system. However, doing so would mean missing out on the rare opportunity to share a room with Xiao Wu.