Tang San's eyes quickly recovered from their earlier confusion, and his mind began racing.
The Third Prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Mubai!
That enormous title echoed through his mind.
Although Dai Mubai was currently as miserable as a stray dog, unloved and even forced to write a humiliating statement ending his engagement, he was still a prince!
Even a starving camel was still bigger than a horse!
His strength as a 37-Level Soul Elder was no joke. More importantly, behind him stood the enormous resources of the Star Luo Empire!
This is an opportunity.
The thought flashed through Tang San's mind, and he made his decision without hesitation.
It was not that he genuinely felt compassion for Dai Mubai or wanted to help him out of righteousness. Rather, he had immediately recognized the potential value of this opportunity.
The Balak Kingdom was merely a vassal state of the Heaven Dou Empire. If he could establish a Connection with a Star Luo prince, it could bring unimaginable benefits to him and Xiao Wu in the future, whether in terms of their development, obtaining cultivation resources, or even searching for his father's whereabouts.
The more down-and-out Dai Mubai was now, the more likely he would be to gain the prince's gratitude and trust by extending a helping hand at this moment.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Tang San quickly replaced his expression with one of concern and appropriately measured remorse.
Tang San gently patted the back of Xiao Wu's hand to reassure her. Then he took a deep breath and quickly walked over to Dai Mubai.
He crouched down, deliberately bringing his gaze roughly level with Dai Mubai's. His voice was gentle and sincere, carrying just the right amount of apology.
"Brother Dai...?"
Tang San considered his form of address before choosing the relatively familiar "Brother."
"I'm truly sorry. I'm Tang San. I didn't know your identity earlier, and I certainly didn't know that you had such a complicated situation."
Tang San gestured toward the wound on Dai Mubai's head and his battered appearance, his voice filled with genuine-sounding remorse.
"I offended you during our confrontation. I hope you'll forgive me, Brother Dai."
Dai Mubai was startled by the sudden voice. He raised his bloodshot eyes blankly and looked at Tang San.
His gaze was empty and numb, still carrying traces of humiliation and despair that had yet to fade.
Tang San was secretly delighted.
Dai Mubai's current state was precisely when he would be most susceptible to being moved by "kindness."
He continued, "This room was originally reserved for you for a long time. We shouldn't have fought you for it. As for our fight just now, it was merely an act of self-defense under the circumstances. We never intended to offend the dignity of a prince."
He pointed toward Xiao Wu, who was standing nearby.
"Xiao Wu, hurry and return the room key to Brother Dai."
Although Xiao Wu did not understand what Tang San was trying to accomplish, she caught his meaning from his expression and obediently responded with an "Oh."
She took out the exquisite room key that represented the romantic suite and somewhat reluctantly held it out toward Dai Mubai.
After everything that had happened, she was no longer interested in the room either, but it had ultimately been something Tang San had "won."
Looking at the room key extended toward him, a faint ripple finally appeared in Dai Mubai's dull eyes.
At a moment when it seemed as though the entire world was despising him, betraying him, and trampling on him, this young man who had just fought him in a life-and-death battle was the first person to step forward with an apology, even willing to return the "spoils" he had won.
An indescribable sense of bitterness and vulnerability suddenly surged through Dai Mubai's heart.
The loneliness and grievances he had accumulated after years of being suppressed by his elder brother, ignored by his father, and numbed by a life of indulgence, combined with the tremendous humiliation he had just suffered.
Now, they were unexpectedly touched by this seemingly insignificant act of "kindness."
Dai Mubai's throat tightened. His voice came out hoarse and dry.
"No there's no need."
Dai Mubai slowly shook his head. A complicated emotion flashed through his eyes. There was the remaining struggle of his pride, surprise at Tang San's "generosity," and even a faint trace of emotion that he himself barely noticed.
"A loss is a loss. You won. That was your ability."
Dai Mubai paused, his gaze settling on Tang San's young face. Although it was pale, his eyes remained firm.
"The room is yours."
Dai Mubai struggled, attempting to use his still-functioning left hand to support himself and stand.
However, the numbness affecting the right side of his body made the movement extremely awkward and painful.
Seeing this, Tang San immediately reached out and gently supported his arm, his movement appearing natural and respectful.
With Tang San's help, Dai Mubai managed to steady himself and took a long look at him.
The young man before him did not appear very old, yet his strength was astonishingly powerful and unusual. Even after the confrontation just now and witnessing Lin Xia's overwhelming might, he had still managed to remain composed and had even taken the initiative to approach him.
That was certainly not something an ordinary person could accomplish.
"Judging by your age, I assume you're here to take part in Shrek Academy's entrance examination?"
Dai Mubai's voice was still hoarse, but it carried slightly more vitality than before.
Tang San's heart stirred, and he immediately nodded.
"That's right. My name is Tang San. I'm twelve years old, and I'm a Level 29 Control System Battle Soul Master."
He naturally revealed his Level, displaying his value.
Xiao Wu also added from the side,
"My name is Xiao Wu, Wu as in dancing. I'm twelve years old too, and I'm a Level 29 Assault System Battle Soul Master!"
"Twelve years old Level 29?!"
Dai Mubai's pupils contracted slightly, and genuine shock flashed through his heart.
With talent like this, it was no wonder Tang San had been able to fight him to such an extent despite the difference in Levels.
The gloom weighing on Dai Mubai's heart seemed to lift slightly because of this discovery.
Dean Flender will be pleased to know that I've brought two monstrous new students into the academy.
A trace of calculation and a twisted expectation of regaining some of his lost face quietly began to grow in Dai Mubai's heart.
Lin Xia, Zhu Zhuqing I'll remember the humiliation you brought me.
This young man named Tang San has tremendous potential. Perhaps he could become a useful piece on the chessboard?
Dai Mubai suppressed his turbulent thoughts and tried to make his expression look less miserable. He forced an extremely ugly smile at Tang San.
"Very good... Very good! My name is Dai Mubai. I'm a Level 37 Assault System Battle Soul Elder. Shrek Academy isn't far from here, just outside Soto City."
Dai Mubai took a deep breath, as though encouraging himself, but also as though extending an invitation to Tang San.
"I look forward to seeing how you perform at the academy."
After saying this, Dai Mubai seemed to have exhausted the last bit of strength he had left to maintain his "dignity."
He could no longer bear to remain in this place that had witnessed every bit of his humiliation, especially with those trembling twin sisters nearby who had witnessed all of his disgrace.
He gave Tang San one last complicated, unreadable look before abruptly turning around and staggering toward the exit.
His numb right leg made every step unsteady. When he passed a toppled flower vase, he nearly tripped over it, making his appearance even more miserable and frantic.
"Take care, Brother Dai."
Tang San spoke gently from behind him, his voice carrying just the right amount of respect.
Dai Mubai's footsteps paused.
He did not turn around. His back seemed to stiffen for a brief moment before he hurried away even faster, almost as though he were fleeing.
He rushed out through the doors of the Rose Hotel, leaving the wreckage and countless unreadable gazes behind him as he disappeared into the bustling crowds of Soto City.
Watching Dai Mubai's miserable figure disappear, the warmth and concern on Tang San's face quickly faded like a receding tide, returning to his usual calm expression.
Deep within his eyes, however, there was even a trace of shrewd satisfaction.
It's done.
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