Douluo Dalu: The Path of Abyss

Ye Feng managed to diffuse the situation with Dai Mubai. Since there was only one available room at the Rose Hotel, Tang San suggested giving it to Ye Feng as a gesture of respect, considering Ye Feng was the leader of Qishe. Tang San and Xiao Wu planned to find another hotel to stay in.

However, Ye Feng rejected the idea outright. He reasoned that the room was spacious enough to accommodate two or three people comfortably. He added that while Tang San was free to find another place, he wouldn't force Xiao Wu to leave. To everyone's surprise, Xiao Wu chose to stay with Ye Feng, explaining that they had already shared rooms at Nuoding Academy.

After Tang San departed, Ye Feng retrieved the room key and, following the waiter's directions, headed toward their suite.

As they approached the room, Ye Feng suddenly halted.

"What's wrong, brother?" Xiao Wu asked, her cheeks flushing faintly.

Ye Feng pointed at the partially open door ahead. "The door's open," he said cautiously before stepping forward and unlocking it with the key.

When the door swung open, Xiao Wu froze in place.

The room was spacious, its living area spanning more than fifty square meters. The centerpiece, however, was the enormous bed, clearly designed with luxury in mind, as it could easily accommodate three people without issue. The decor featured roses and a large banner embroidered with golden characters that read, "One thousand and one nights, you are my only."

Ye Feng chuckled awkwardly and commented, "Xiao Wu, look at this. Doesn't this seem like a place meant for lovers?"

Xiao Wu's face turned red, but she avoided Ye Feng's gaze as she walked in, sniffing the air. "What's wrong with it, brother? The room is beautiful, isn't it? Who cares about the details? The fragrance here is lovely, and the layout is charming. I already like it!" She spun around and added, "And it's just ten gold coins per night. Totally worth it, isn't it?"

Ye Feng shook his head, a wry smile on his face. He was now almost certain Xiao Wu had feelings for him. "Ten gold coins is pretty steep. If you really like it that much, you can stay here alone."

Xiao Wu turned abruptly, her brows furrowing. She jabbed a finger into Ye Feng's chest and retorted, "What nonsense! I meant us! Why would I stay here alone? Sometimes you can be so dense, brother. With this attitude, how are you ever going to find a wife? Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if you're really a man at all!"

Ye Feng was momentarily stunned. "What are you talking about?"

Xiao Wu repeated with playful defiance, "I said, sometimes you act so clueless I wonder if you're actually a man."

Ye Feng smirked, narrowing his eyes at her. "Say that again if you dare."

"So what if I do?" Xiao Wu teased, her gaze mischievous. "Brother, you've got to admit, your behavior does raise suspicions."

Their eyes met, and the room seemed to heat up with an unspoken tension. Ye Feng's mind went blank, his emotions taking over. He found himself leaning closer, his breath quickening as he closed the distance between them.

Xiao Wu's teasing demeanor faltered as she froze, realizing what was happening. Her mind was equally blank as Ye Feng's lips brushed hers.

Bo.

The kiss sent a spark between them, igniting feelings they hadn't dared confront. The moment lasted for only ten seconds before Ye Feng pulled back abruptly, his expression flustered as if he had done something forbidden.

"I… I didn't mean to… I just..." Ye Feng stammered, at a loss for words.

Xiao Wu, her face flushed, stepped forward and silenced him by wrapping her arms around his waist. This time, she initiated the kiss, reassuring him through her actions.

The next day, the bustling streets of Suotuo City came alive with activity. The prosperous city in the Barak Kingdom was far more vibrant than Nuoding City, its shops and markets thriving with endless energy. Among the Crowd, a boy and a girl walked hand in hand, their smiles hinting at a newfound closeness.

Xiao Wu excitedly dragged Ye Feng through the various clothing stores, her lively spirit infectious. Now that the thin veil of friendship between them had been lifted, their relationship had taken on a different light. Whenever Xiao Wu found something, she liked, Ye Feng would pay without hesitation.

"Eh?" Ye Feng suddenly exclaimed during their shopping spree.

"What's wrong?" Xiao Wu asked, curious as she followed his gaze. Her eyes landed on a shop sign featuring a circular emblem etched with three symbols: a sword, a hammer, and a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.

"It's a Soul Master Supply Store," Ye Feng murmured.

"Let's check it out," Xiao Wu suggested, pulling him toward the entrance.

The shop's interior was dimly lit, with faint energy fluctuations emanating from various soul tools on display. In the center, an older man reclined lazily in a rocking chair. He appeared to be around fifty, his glasses perched precariously on his nose, and the chair creaked under his weight. Despite his casual demeanor, Ye Feng instantly recognized him: Flender, the Four-eyed Owl of the Golden Iron Triangle.

Ye Feng's gaze scanned the shelves until it landed on a peculiar crystal tucked away in an unassuming corner. His heart skipped a beat.

"A plate crystal?" he thought, suppressing a grin. This rare item, left untouched, indicated that Tang San hadn't yet claimed his hidden weapon, the Dragon Beard Needle, worth ten thousand gold soul coins.

Ye Feng glanced at Xiao Wu and casually brought up, "Should we report to Shrek Academy this afternoon?"

Xiao Wu shook her head. "No, Shrek Academy is on the outskirts of Suotuo City. It takes a few hours to get there on foot. We still have time during the registration period. Let's go tomorrow morning."

"Alright, tomorrow it is," Ye Feng agreed with a chuckle. He cast a quick glance at Flender, noting the subtle pause in the older man's rocking motion as they spoke.