East Street in Nuoding City was bustling with people. Various stalls lined the street, the sounds of haggling, laughter, and children's voices blending together, filling the marketplace with lively energy.
Like a cheerful pink butterfly, Xiao Wu glided through the crowd, skillfully dodging passersby, stopping at stalls selling gadgets, candy, and accessories. She picked up a roughly carved but brightly colored doll, then a string of translucent rock sugar gourds, her big, sparkling eyes shining with excitement as she pouted her delicate lips, looking around with that adorable expression.
"Miss, does this butterfly hairpin suit me?"
"Little lady, is this clay figurine fun?"
"Wow! This scented sachet smells so good!"
Tang San followed behind her, always wearing a gentle and tolerant smile. He patiently nodded at Xiao Wu's bright questions, answering in a voice that was still a bit childish but already steady,
"It looks good."
"It's fun."
"That's exactly right."
His gaze was almost always softened as he watched Xiao Wu, as if seeing her happy was his greatest joy.
But out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the Spirit Hall branch nearby. Compared to the surrounding buildings, it was far more magnificent, with soul masters guarding the entrance. His teacher, Yu Xiaogang, had gone to confirm some information, so he and Xiao Wu were waiting for him to come out.
Just then, Xiao Wu picked up a bracelet with red bells and turned to ask Tang San's opinion again. At that moment, Tang San's smile froze slightly, his brows furrowing so minutely it was barely noticeable. He sensed a sharp gaze from above, directed at himself and Xiao Wu.
He abruptly looked up in the direction of the feeling, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, instantly locking onto the second floor of an ornate restaurant across the street. The street-facing window was open, and a young man about his age, dressed in a luxurious purple robe, leaned lazily on the windowsill, one hand under his chin. The young man's face was handsome and resolute, but his eyes held a depth and indifference beyond his years. Now, the corners of his mouth curled slightly as he gazed down with a look of interest, as if watching a street performance.
Tang San's heart thumped in discomfort. Judging from the young man's attire, he must come from a wealthy family. In Tang San's view, to stare at strangers so disdainfully and openly was the behavior of a spoiled youth with no manners.
"Hmph, gold and jade on the outside, but only cotton inside!"
Tang San gave a cold evaluation in his heart, withdrew his gaze, and no longer looked at the purple-robed youth. His expression returned to calm, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
The purple-robed youth by the restaurant window was, of course, Chen Yi. He had just returned via Nuoding City from Holy Soul Village, planning to taste some local delicacies and "visit" another destination. He had not expected to run into the main character on the way.
Xiao Wu, seeing Tang San suddenly look up at the restaurant and then withdraw his gaze with a slightly sullen face, thought he must be interested in the restaurant's food. She quickly put down the bracelet, excitedly patted Tang San on the shoulder, and said,
"Xiao San, what's wrong? Do you like that restaurant? I heard it mainly serves local specialties and the flavors are authentic! But we promised to go to the newly opened place today, so next time, I'll definitely take you to try it!"
Tang San shook his head, replying blandly,
"It's nothing, I just saw something… just a very rude guy."
"Rude guy?"
Hearing this, Xiao Wu's willow-like brows furrowed. She glanced in the direction Tang San had been looking, rolled her big eyes, and quickly spotted the purple-robed youth staring from the second-floor window.
Seeing Chen Yi's "condescending" look, Xiao Wu's little temper flared. She put her hands on her hips, snorted coldly, and her pink little face showed a look of disdain.
"Hmph! Relying on a few stinking gold coins from home and daring to look at your big sister Xiao Wu like that? You're just asking for a lesson!"
Used to being the queen at Nuoding College, Xiao Wu had considerable authority among the work-study students, with Xiao Chenyu and the like as her "gang." She had taught many self-righteous noble children a lesson. At this moment, she naturally lumped Chen Yi in with those "spoiled gentlemen."
She thought for a moment, then turned to Tang San, saying,
"Xiao San, let's wait for Xiao Chenyu and the others, and then have a little 'talk' with him. He needs to learn this isn't a place where he can run wild!"
To show her dissatisfaction, Xiao Wu deliberately raised her chin toward the second-floor window, making a provocative face and waving her little fist, though it didn't look very threatening.
Chen Yi could see all of this from the second floor. Rather than anger, he felt a strange amusement at Xiao Wu's arrogant and childish provocation. He shook his head lightly.
In the next moment, he stood up from the window—not taking the stairs, but, under the low murmurs of the crowd, pressed one hand on the window frame and leapt straight down to the street, landing without a speck of dust.
He adjusted his clothes, still wearing that smile, and slowly walked toward Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Seeing Chen Yi truly provoked and approaching, Tang San's eyes turned icy. He immediately stepped forward, shielding Xiao Wu behind him without hesitation. His face was calm, but his gaze was cold as he watched Chen Yi draw closer, his soul power flowing through his body, ready to act at any moment.
In his heart, Tang San thought that second-generation heirs like Chen Yi had no real ability, and if not for their family's support, they would not survive in this world.
Xiao Wu was impulsive, but that was not a bad thing. The real problem was this impolite, provocative man!
Chen Yi soon approached the two, stopping just a few steps away. He first glanced at Tang San, who was on high alert, then shifted his gaze to Xiao Wu, who was still glaring at him angrily. With a smile, he spoke in a clear voice, tinged with curiosity,
"This little girl… why are you making such gestures at me? I don't think we know each other."
Seeing him actually ask, Xiao Wu immediately raised her head proudly like a little peacock and hummed,
"Why? Big Sister Xiao Wu always does this! Do I need a reason to show someone they look bad? You were staring at me just now—it was really annoying!"
"Besides, I'll do whatever I want. It's not your turn to point fingers!"
Hearing Xiao Wu's unreasonable and childish words, Chen Yi's eyes flashed with a trace of mockery and coldness.
A hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, having survived through blood and vengeance, should be cultivating and seeking revenge. Yet here, in the human world, she showed no sense of urgency, spending her days bickering, obsessed with her "big sister" title… Was this broad-mindedness or foolishness? He truly couldn't tell.
Chen Yi secretly shook his head, his impression of this troublesome rabbit growing worse and worse. He could understand fear of revenge in the face of overwhelming strength, but to act this heartless was too much.
He stared at the pair before him. Though he tried to appear calm and arrogant, like brother and sister, the playful thoughts born from their chance encounter gradually gave way to more practical considerations. If Heaven would not accept them, then they would suffer the consequences.
Chen Yi's gaze lingered on Xiao Wu for a while, as if looking at a rare treasure.
"A hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast transformation. This is the chance to send her to the gate… You brought this on yourself—don't blame me."
He smiled nonchalantly.
…
Bonus chapter at 100 PS