Chapter 36: A Soul-Scalding Toxic Chicken Soup, Exclusively for Tang San!
"I'm going to defeat you today—no matter what!"
Tang San roared as he suddenly released his Blue Silver Grass martial soul.
A black soul ring—his first—lit up beneath his feet.
"First Soul Skill — Entanglement!"
Dozens of Blue Silver Grass vines shot forward, rushing straight toward Lin Qingmo and Xiao Wu.
A faint, poisonous sheen glimmered on the grass blades—clearly refined and enhanced.
"That's all you've got?"
Lin Qingmo snorted coldly, not even bothering to move his feet.
He reached out with his right hand and gave a casual tug.
Snap!
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass snapped instantly, breaking apart like brittle twigs.
"Your soul skill is still just as laughable as ever."
Lin Qingmo's voice was calm, yet it carried overwhelming pressure.
He had absolutely no interest in this guy anymore.
"Get lost. Stop following us."
"Next time, you won't be this lucky."
Seeing how effortless and composed Lin Qingmo looked, the unwillingness and hatred in Tang San's heart only intensified.
He clenched his teeth so hard they nearly shattered, fingernails digging deep into his palms.
Yet he knew very well—
He truly wasn't Lin Qingmo's opponent.
"Lin Qingmo… just you wait!"
Grinding out a vicious threat through clenched teeth, Tang San spun around and disappeared around a street corner.
The malice in his eyes was darker than ever.
"This guy really never learns."
Xiao Wu curled her lips, her tone full of helpless disgust.
Lin Qingmo rubbed her head and smiled.
"Forget him. Let's go buy candied hawthorns."
They had only taken a few steps when Xiao Wu suddenly stopped.
She pointed excitedly at a lavishly decorated hotel not far away, eyes lighting up.
"Ah Qing, let's find a place to stay first!"
"That way, that guy won't follow us again."
Lin Qingmo followed her gaze.
The four large characters "Rose Hotel" on the signboard were especially eye-catching.
The building was romantic and luxurious in style, its outer walls covered in blooming pink rose vines.
Men and women entered and exited in pairs, their behavior intimate and affectionate.
In an instant, Lin Qingmo recalled the original plot—this was exactly where Tang San and Dai Mubai once clashed.
Looking at Xiao Wu's face full of expectation, his expression turned subtly strange.
He deliberately teased her.
"Xiao Wu, do you know what kind of hotel this is?"
Xiao Wu blinked her rabbit-like eyes.
Confused, she asked, "What kind of hotel? It looks really pretty."
"This is a couple's hotel."
Lin Qingmo suppressed a laugh and explained leisurely.
"It's specifically for pairs of men and women."
"Are the two of us… suitable to stay here?"
"A—a couple's hotel?!"
Xiao Wu's face instantly flushed red, like a ripe apple.
Some embarrassing images flashed through her mind, and her gaze instinctively darted away.
She grabbed Lin Qingmo's sleeve tightly, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum.
"Th-then… is it… n-not okay?"
The moment she said it, her heart started pounding wildly, as if it might leap out of her chest.
Yet deep down, a tiny voice whispered:
Staying together with Ah Qing… actually sounds kind of nice…
Seeing her shy expression, Lin Qingmo couldn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing.
"Of course it's okay. Why wouldn't it be?"
He reached out and took her hand, warmth spreading through his fingertips.
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up instantly, the shyness on her face replaced by pure delight.
"Really? You don't mind, Ah Qing?"
"Mind what?"
Lin Qingmo raised an eyebrow.
"After all, I'm the one who's losing out."
He pulled Xiao Wu along toward the Rose Hotel.
Xiao Wu muttered quietly in her heart:
'Then why did you say I was an old rabbit eating tender grass before…'
---
Under the Rose Hotel's portico.
Lin Qingmo and Xiao Wu stood side by side.
The afternoon sun stretched their joined shadows long across the ground.
At a distant street corner, Tang San's face was darker than storm clouds.
He stared viciously at the two figures leaning close together.
His fists clenched so hard they cracked, as if he wanted to crush his own bones.
His fingernails dug deep into his palms, drawing blood—but he felt no pain at all.
The hatred churning in his eyes was almost tangible, like flames that threatened to burn away everything in sight.
"Lin… Qing… Mo…!"
Tang San forced the name out through clenched teeth, his voice hoarse and twisted.
Five years.
Five whole years of countless crushing defeats flooded his mind all at once.
Every time, he was effortlessly beaten down.
Every time he saw the trust and reliance in Xiao Wu's eyes when she looked at Lin Qingmo.
That jealousy and humiliation, carved deep into his bones, wrapped tighter and tighter around his heart like poisonous vines.
His teacher Yu Xiaogang's words became his only comfort—and his most lethal poison.
"Xiao San, remember—women are naturally drawn to the strong."
"That Lin Qingmo is only relying on external advantages. His talent is far inferior to yours."
"As long as you become stronger, you will eventually surpass him and reclaim everything that belongs to you."
"Strong… I will become the strongest…"
Tang San muttered to himself, his eyes growing increasingly deranged.
He suddenly raised his head, staring fixedly at the hotel's magnificent entrance.
"One day, I'll trample you under my feet!"
The ferocity in his voice made nearby pedestrians shiver involuntarily.
"Xiao Wu… you will return to my side."
The vow was soft as a whisper—yet heavy as a curse.
---
Stepping into the Rose Hotel.
Warmth and fragrance rushed toward them.
The lobby was extravagantly and romantically decorated.
A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, refracting soft golden light.
Classical oil paintings of couples adorned the walls, their brushstrokes gentle and tender.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses—rich but not cloying.
Xiao Wu instinctively tightened her grip on Lin Qingmo's sleeve.
A blush still lingered on her cheeks, as if rouge had been lightly applied.
She secretly glanced around, curiosity and shyness written clearly in her lively rabbit eyes.
"Um…"
Letting go of his sleeve, she shuffled up to the front desk.
Her voice was so soft it was barely audible.
"C-could you… open two adjacent rooms, please?"
"No need."
Lin Qingmo's voice rang out gently yet clearly.
He stepped forward, a playful smile curving his lips.
"One room is enough."
"W-what?!"
Xiao Wu snapped her head up, her rabbit eyes going perfectly round.
Her face turned crimson at a visible speed, like a fully ripened cherry.
Inside her heart, a small deer went berserk—
'O-one room? Ah Qing wants to… stay together with me?!'
Even the tips of her ears felt like they were burning.
Lin Qingmo naturally took her slightly cool hand in his, the warmth from his palm strangely calming her flustered heart.
"Two rooms would be a waste of money."
He spoke seriously, though amusement danced in his eyes.
"A twin-bed room is enough. We can use the extra money to buy you a carrot cake."
The receptionist glanced at the exceptionally good-looking pair and smiled knowingly.
"You could also book a king-size bedroom. That's our special couple's suite~."
Her tone was light, filled with obvious teasing.
"There's only one couple's suite left tonight."
"It comes with a rose bath, candlelit dinner, and a viewing balcony overlooking Suo Tuo City!"
Xiao Wu lowered her head even more, almost burying it into her gently rising chest.
She sneaked a quick glance at Lin Qingmo.
Her eyes were filled with shyness, panic, and a hint of expectation she didn't even realize herself.
Lin Qingmo caught her little reactions perfectly and chuckled inwardly.
But outwardly, he remained completely proper.
"Just a regular twin-bed room."
"I prefer dry–wet separation in the bathroom. Thanks."
"Oh?"
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, her smile growing even more meaningful.
This handsome kid really knows how to play it cool.
"Alright, please wait a moment~."
She swiftly completed the procedures and handed over two delicate brass keys.
"Room 202, at the end of the second-floor corridor."
"Wishing you both… a pleasant stay~"
The drawn-out ending carried unmistakable playful intent.
"Thanks."
Lin Qingmo accepted the keys.
"Let's go take a walk first."
"Mm…"
Xiao Wu's steps felt light and floaty, like she was walking on clouds.
Her cheeks were still burning hot, but her heart bubbled with sweet warmth—
Just like after eating her favorite carrot.
—
End of Chapter