Chapter 178: 196. Xiao Wu Occupies the Couple's Hotel Alone
After arriving in Soto City, Tang San routinely went to Flender's small shop, intending to retrieve a crystal he had his eye on. Although most of his money had already been spent on Xiao Wu—leaving him nearly penniless—he was confident he could get the crystal. All he needed to do was reveal to Flender that he was Gangzi's disciple. (That was Gangzi's only use anyway.)
However, when Tang San entered Flender's store and glanced around, he could not find the crystal anywhere.
Puzzled, Tang San approached Flender and asked, "Boss Flender, don't you have a crystal here?" He described the crystal's appearance in detail.
Reclining lazily in his chair, Flender narrowed his cunning eyes and said, "I've seen the kind of crystal you're talking about."
"Could you tell me where it is?" Tang San asked eagerly.
"Ten—no, thirty gold soul coins for consultation," Flender said with a sly grin, raising three fingers. "Consultation fee," he added.
Why don't you just rob people instead? Tang San raged inwardly. Over the past six years, if this weren't practically a feudal society, he might've sold a kidney or blood to maintain Xiao Wu's luxurious lifestyle. In this life, he understood the importance of money even more clearly—it was the very foundation of their relationship.
Still, Tang San had another trick up his sleeve. Pretending to reach for money, he subtly lifted his hand, revealing the finger with his soul-guidance ring.
Flender's eyes gleamed. He rose from his chair, studying the ring carefully before asking, "Where did you get that ring?"
"It was a gift from my teacher when I became his disciple," Tang San replied.
"And who's your teacher?" Flender asked.
"His name is Yu Xiaogang."
"So you're his student," Flender said in surprise. "Didn't expect he'd pass that thing on to you."
Flender leaned back again, rocking in his chair. "That crystal you want isn't here. I had one before, but it was bought by an organization called the Eternal Chamber of Commerce."
"The Eternal Chamber of Commerce?" Tang San frowned.
"It's a group that trades in rare metals and minerals," Flender explained.
Another variable, Tang San thought. Losing this crystal might not be a major setback, but it had felt like an opportunity fated for him, now robbed away by others. Narrowing his eyes, he muttered inwardly, "Eternal Chamber of Commerce… very well. You've chosen the path to death."
Unable to claim the crystal, Tang San returned disappointed.
He and Xiao Wu soon arrived at the Rose Hotel. Seeing her, Tang San couldn't help recalling the previous life. The hotel had only one couple's room then, and after defeating Dai Mubai, he had successfully booked it—allowing him and Xiao Wu to stay under the same roof.
He wondered if history would repeat itself. The thought stirred anticipation within him.
Just as before, the Rose Hotel had only one couple's suite available.
"Xiao Wu, there's only one couple's room left," Tang San said, glancing at her expectantly, hoping she'd say: "Why don't we share it?"
Xiao Wu looked troubled. "Only one room? But I really like this place… Brother San, how about you find another hotel tonight instead?"
How is it different from last time?! Tang San blurted inwardly. Trying to salvage the moment, he said quickly, "Xiao Wu, we could just share one room—it's cheaper that way."
"That wouldn't be proper," Xiao Wu said, her tone serious but innocent. "Brother San, you're my gege, and I'm your little sister. Mom always said that unmarried men and women shouldn't sleep together." Then she hesitated. "Or maybe…?"
What in the world did your mother teach you?! There was no mention of this last time! Tang San screamed inwardly.
Xiao Wu crossed her arms and eyed him suspiciously. "Or could it be, Brother San, that you've been harboring impure intentions toward your sister all along?"
"What—?!" Tang San froze completely. He, Tang San, was an upright man. How could he let Xiao Wu think he was some kind of pervert lusting after his own sister? He quickly clarified, "No, Xiao Wu, that's not what I meant. I just thought it would save us a bit of money."
"But even saving money has limits!" Xiao Wu said indignantly. "Would Brother San really sacrifice his sister's reputation just to save a few coins? In your eyes, is Xiao Wu worth less than money? Forget it, I won't stay at the Rose Hotel anymore." She turned her head away, refusing to look at him.
Under her moral assault, Tang San immediately surrendered. "We'll take that one room!" he told the hotel manager hurriedly.
The manager handed the room key to Xiao Wu. She accepted it sweetly and said, "Brother San, I knew you're always the best to me."
With that, she skipped happily into the hotel, leaving Tang San still dazed by the sound of her soft, sugary tone. By the time he recovered, Xiao Wu had already vanished beyond the lobby doors.
"New guy, don't you know there's always a room reserved for me here?"
Tang San turned toward the voice and, sure enough, saw Dai Mubai standing there. Dai Mubai's gaze immediately met his. Both were reincarnators, both clearly remembering their first encounter from the previous life—and with a single look, they each recognized the other's change.
Dai Mubai's dual-colored pupils gleamed devilishly, just as before. The twin girls who had once accompanied him were absent this time, but his unsteady steps did not escape Tang San's notice—it was a telltale sign of excessive indulgence.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai studied his "golden thigh." He was puzzled to see that Xiao Wu wasn't with Tang San.
Neither reincarnator spoke up to acknowledge the other. Instead, they decided to fight first.
Thanks to his debauched life, Dai Mubai's strength remained at only level 34. Yet what surprised him was the sight of Tang San's two soul rings.
He remembered well that in the previous life, Tang San's first soul ring had come from a 423-year-old Mandala Snake—a golden-yellow hue. But now, his first ring was so pale it was nearly white. What had happened?
As the battle went on, Dai Mubai's confusion deepened.
Tang San's first soul skill was still Binding, but his Blue Silver Grass was noticeably weaker than before—Dai Mubai could tear it apart easily.
Even so, Tang San ultimately turned the tide using the Tang Sect's secret techniques, narrowly defeating Dai Mubai—thanks also to Dai Mubai holding back deliberately.
After the duel, Dai Mubai lightly yielded the Rose Hotel to him. Before leaving, he said, "Sea God, Shura God!"
Tang San shuddered, instinctively readying his sleeve darts, but upon realizing who he was facing, he cautiously tested, "War God."
Both men froze, understanding dawning instantly.
"You too?" Dai Mubai said.
"So it's the same for you," Tang San replied.
(END CHAPTER)
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