After working for most of the day, Lin Chen finally finished tidying up Di Qiu'er's room.
The tables and chairs were arranged neatly, and the bed was made soft and comfortable.
He raised his hand to wipe the thin layer of sweat from his forehead and looked at the girl who was happily looking at her new room.
"You stay here quietly and wander around for a while, but don't run around. I'll go deal with this thing."
Lin Chen pointed to the Asura Demon Sword placed against the wall.
The sword was surrounded by a faint blood-red killing aura, and it was the divine weapon he brought from the City of Slaughter.
He had been busy tidying up the house earlier and could only put the sword aside for the time being, as leaving it outside was too conspicuous.
Before Di Qiu'er could even open her mouth to pester him, Lin Chen quickly picked up the Asura Demon Sword, turned around, and went back to his bedroom.
He muttered to himself, "If I don't get away soon, who knows what trouble this little girl will cause. I can't afford to offend her, but I can at least avoid her."
After closing the door, Lin Chen gripped the Asura Demon Sword and fell into thought.
This divine weapon was sharp and exuded killing intent.
He couldn't carry a blood-red sword around in front of people all day long. In the future, he would need to hide his identity and maintain a disguise.
This appearance was too conspicuous and would easily expose him.
Suddenly, he remembered the artifact storage space that the God of Destruction had previously bestowed upon him.
With a thought, he immediately tried to communicate with the power of the space.
The next second, a faint purple-gold halo appeared in his palm, and a gentle yet irresistible force enveloped the Asura Demon Sword.
The blood-red longsword instantly disappeared from his hand and was steadily stored in his exclusive space without leaking a trace of its aura.
Having resolved the biggest problem, Lin Chen conveniently placed the Thousand Illusion Mask and the Spatial Dagger into his artifact storage space.
As for his Thunder Dragon Armor, he directly channeled his soul power to conceal it beneath his skin.
The armor transformed into a faint stream of light and disappeared, neither hindering his movement nor hindering his protection in moments of danger—a perfect solution.
After tidying up all the divine artifacts, Lin Chen sat cross-legged back on the bed and took out the storage bracelet inherited from the Thunder God.
The bracelet contained the immense thunderous power of the entire Thunder Pool.
Even during his time in the City of Slaughter, whenever he had free time, he would draw power from the Thunder Pool to temper his own Thunder God bloodline.
Looking inward at his own soul power, Lin Chen frowned slightly.
His soul power level remained at level fifty-eight.
Although he had absorbed the power of the Thunder Dragon King and traversed the City of Slaughter, encountering countless opportunities and rare treasures, the extreme attributes such as ultimate destruction and ultimate lightning that had awakened within him were constantly compressing his soul power foundation.
This made each level of soul power advancement extremely difficult, but his foundation had been honed to an incredibly solid level.
Even at only level fifty-eight, his true combat strength far surpassed that of ordinary Soul Emperors, and he was only one step away from the peak of the sixtieth level Soul Emperor.
Lin Chen calmly absorbed the power of the Thunder Pool within the storage bracelet.
The violent thunderous power flowed through his meridians, constantly tempering his soul power and physical body.
Until the setting sun outside the window sank in the west, and the sky was dyed orange-red, a crisp knocking sound suddenly came from outside the door, accompanied by Di Qiu'er's soft and sweet voice.
"Brother, I'm hungry. When are we having dinner?"
Lin Chen slowly finished his practice, pushed open the door, looked at Di Qiu'er who was staring at him expectantly, and said gently, "Dugu Bo and the others should be back soon. I'll have the servants prepare dinner, and we can eat right away."
Di Qiu'er nodded obediently and replied crisply, "Okay!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Chen suddenly raised his eyes, his sharp gaze fixed on the distance outside the mansion.
His gaze pierced through layers of buildings, landing in the direction of an elegant hotel in the distance.
There, two extremely subtle yet incredibly familiar auras were quietly lurking, the very same two auras he had sensed in the teahouse during the day, which had never left.
"Looks like I need to find an opportunity to meet these two and see who they really are," Lin Chen murmured to himself, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.
Seeing him talking to himself, Di Qiu'er curiously looked up at him, tugged at his sleeve, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Lin Chen instantly snapped out of his thoughts, suppressed his curiosity, ruffled her blonde hair, and replied with a smile, "It's nothing. Come on, let's go have dinner."
After saying that, he took Di Qiu'er's hand and walked towards the front hall.
Not long after, familiar footsteps sounded outside the mansion.
Dugu Bo stepped in first, followed closely by Xiao Wu and Dugu Yan. Xiao Wu immediately spotted Lin Chen standing in the hall, her eyes lighting up instantly.
Dugu Yan also couldn't hide her joy, and the two rushed forward almost simultaneously.
"Brother Lin Yuan!"
"elder brother!"
Two cheers rang out at the same time.
Xiao Wu affectionately hugged Lin Chen's left arm, while Dugu Yan tightly held his right arm. Both of their pretty faces were full of excitement and joy at the long-awaited reunion.
They chattered around him, asking all sorts of questions, their hearts filled with longing.
Di Qiu'er's face instantly fell. She, who had been standing obediently beside Lin Chen, suddenly became unhappy.
She glared at Dugu Yan, who was holding Lin Chen's right arm, and took small steps forward to try to pry her off.
She wanted to squeeze in and hug Lin Chen's arm.
In her opinion, Xiao Wu was a good friend, and she didn't mind, but why was this strange girl clinging to Lin Chen?
As soon as she approached, Di Qiu'er frowned abruptly.
She keenly sensed a strange and sharp power surging within the girl before her, carrying a faint hint of poison, no less powerful than her own auspicious beast aura.
Unwilling to give up, she circulated her soul power, trying to force her way through.
The two forces silently clashed in mid-air.
In an instant, Di Qiu'er was forced back two steps by the aura of emerald phosphorescent poison surrounding Dugu Yan, her fingertips slightly numb.
Di Qiu'er was immediately furious.
Her amber eyes widened, her face flushed red, filled with grievance and anger.
Dugu Yan merely glanced at her, a faint hint of disdain playing on her lips, her eyes full of provocation, as if asserting her dominance or mocking her overestimation of her abilities.
This glance completely ignited Di Qiu'er's anger. Her cheeks puffed out in rage as she looked at Dugu Yan clinging tightly to Lin Chen's arm, and she no longer cared about anything else.
With a light step, she nimbly leaped onto Lin Chen's back, wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, buried her face in his shoulder, and gave Dugu Yan a heavy, cold snort, her whole being exuding the stubbornness of "This is my person, you are not allowed to touch her."
Lin Chen was taken aback by the sudden commotion.
Feeling the weight on his back and the warmth on his arms, and looking at the two girls who were at each other's throats, he was at a loss for words, not knowing which one to comfort first.
Just as everyone was at a standstill and the atmosphere became slightly awkward, a clear and teasing female voice came from outside the hall.
Her tone was charming and full of jokes: "Oh my, I never would have guessed that our genius Lin Yuan is so popular with girls, having a great time with one on each side!"
Lin Chen looked up at the sound and saw Ning Rongrong from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School skipping in.
She was wearing an exquisite pink dress and had lively eyes. Behind her was Ye Lingling, who had a cool and gentle temperament.
The two of them stepped into the hall together.
Seeing the scene was getting too lively, Lin Chen quickly coughed lightly, first subtly withdrawing his arms from Dugu Yan and Xiao Wu's embrace, then carefully lifting Di Qiu'er off his back and patting her head reassuringly before turning to Ning Rongrong and retorting unhurriedly, "Who do we have here? It's our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's Miss Rongrong. What brings you to this remote mansion? Could it be that you've run away from home again and are causing trouble?"
"You're the one who ran away from home! I didn't!" Ning Rongrong instantly bristled, her cheeks puffed out, glaring at him angrily.
In her haste, she blurted out, "My dad sent me here to see you and, incidentally, to win you over and get you on good terms with our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Ning Rongrong covered her mouth, her face instantly turning bright red, her eyes filled with regret, wishing she could take back what she had said.
Upon hearing this, Lin Chen's playful smile deepened, and he looked at her with amusement.
He naturally understood Ning Fengzhi's intentions; she had taken a liking to his talent and potential and wanted to use this opportunity to win him over.
However, he didn't care about this at all and was too lazy to expose her.
He immediately stepped aside to make room for her and said, "Come in first. I've already instructed the servants to prepare dinner. Let's eat first and talk about it afterward."
Everyone took their seats.
At the large dining table, only Lin Chen and Dugu Bo were men; the other five were all beautiful young women, making the scene exceptionally lively.
As soon as she sat down, Di Qiu'er's gaze was immediately drawn to the fragrant food on the table.
Having never tasted much refined human cuisine, she completely forgot about her earlier unpleasantness and immediately switched into foodie mode.
Her little hands moved so fast that she could almost leave a blur as she picked up food.
Her mouth was stuffed full as she ate with great relish, completely disregarding her image, as if she was afraid someone would snatch her food away.
Lin Chen had anticipated the little girl's appetite, and upon seeing this, he immediately summoned the servants who were waiting nearby and ordered in a deep voice, "Continue serving the dishes, no need to stop."
"Yes, young master!" The servant bowed and replied hastily, secretly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.
He was secretly relieved that young master Lin Chen had the foresight to instruct the kitchen to prepare more ingredients and keep cooking without stopping.
If the usual amount of food had been prepared, it would not have been enough for this young lady, which would have been a laughing stock.
At the dinner table, Di Qiu'er buried her head in her food, eating with great relish.
The others couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable, wolf-down-her-me-down-her-food-like manner, and the previously tense atmosphere instantly became relaxed and cheerful.
The laughter and chatter at the dinner table gradually subsided.
Lin Chen put down his chopsticks and looked at Dugu Bo, who was leisurely sipping tea.
He spoke seriously, "Old monster, I want to go to Yuexuan, the etiquette school in Tiandou City, to study music and etiquette. With your status as a guest of the Tiandou royal family, you should be able to arrange for me to get in, right?"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, put down his teacup, and looked puzzled: "Yuexuan? That place teaches aristocratic etiquette, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—all refined pursuits. You've never been interested in these things, so what are you doing there?"
Lin Chen did not answer directly.
His aura suddenly changed, and a pale red killing god domain silently spread out.
A powerful killing intent, cold and bone-chilling, carrying endless bloody wind, instantly filled the entire dining room.
The bowls and chopsticks on the table trembled slightly.
Everyone present felt a tightness in their hearts and a chill ran through their bodies.
Even the playful Di Qiu'er stopped what she was doing and looked on in astonishment.
In an instant, Lin Chen dispelled the Killing God Domain, and the terrifying killing intent instantly subsided.
He looked at everyone and slowly said, "Naturally, it's to control this Killing God Domain.
I just came from the City of Slaughter, and my body is too full of murderous aura, making it difficult to control the power of the domain.
Only a place as elegant and peaceful as Yuexuan can wear down my murderous aura and help me completely control this power.
After all, we are about to prepare for the All-Continent High-Level Soul Master Elite Competition, and I'm afraid I might lose control during the competition and hurt or even kill people."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo suddenly understood, and his expression became serious. He nodded emphatically: "So that's how it is. This matter is of utmost importance. Don't worry, I will speak to the royal family tomorrow and guarantee that you will be admitted to Yuexuan."
After hearing this, everyone understood.
The murderous intent just now was truly terrifying, and they also understood the necessity for Lin Chen to go to Yuexuan.
After dinner, as night deepened, Dugu Bo immediately instructed his servants to prepare two guest rooms for Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling, who were staying overnight. The two accepted without hesitation.
Everyone dispersed, but Lin Chen followed Xiao Wu into her room.
The room was warm and cozy.
Xiao Wu closed the door, her cheeks slightly flushed, her heart beating faster than usual.
She lowered her head and twisted the hem of her clothes, her mind filled with shy fantasies.
She thought Lin Chen had something private to say and was even prepared to get close to him.
But Lin Chen's first words stunned her, and all her romantic feelings vanished.
"Xiao Wu, have you seen Tang San while I was away?"
Xiao Wu was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening.
She was instantly both angry and annoyed, her cheeks flushing red, her heart filled with grievance. She had been speculating for so long, only to find out Lin Chen had asked about someone else.
She pouted, her tone tinged with a hint of petulance and reproach: "No! I've been here the whole time, I've never seen him!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chen understood.
It seemed the plot hadn't deviated too much.
In the original story, Tang San arrived at the Heaven Dou Royal Soul Master Academy with only about a year left before the start of the Continental Soul Master Tournament, meaning Tang San would arrive here within the next few days.
His expression turned serious, and he solemnly instructed Xiao Wu: "Remember this well, once you hear that Tang San is coming to the Heaven Dou Royal Soul Master Academy, immediately hide your whereabouts and do not let him find out that you are here, understand?"
Although Xiao Wu was full of doubts, she still nodded obediently and replied softly, "I understand, brother."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Wu looked up at Lin Chen, her eyes filled with tenderness and dependence.
She took the initiative to gently hold his hand, her voice soft and expectant: "Brother, you haven't spent much time with me in so long. Tonight, will you stay and sleep with me?"
Lin Chen froze, feeling the soft warmth of his palm. He panicked instantly, quickly pulling his hand back. His eyes darted away, and his voice was flustered: "Um... I have a lot of urgent things to take care of, so I won't stay with you. You should get some rest!"
Before he could finish speaking, he practically fled the room without waiting for Xiao Wu to say anything more, heading straight for his bedroom.
Watching Lin Chen's hasty retreat, Xiao Wu stood frozen in place, then stomped her feet in anger, her eyes slightly reddening.
She looked down at her hands, then touched her cheeks, filled with grievance and confusion, muttering to herself: What's wrong with me? Am I not pretty enough? Not cute enough? Why is my brother avoiding me like this…?
The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt.
She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling sullen and filled with a girlish sense of loss that she couldn't quite explain.
Lin Chen fled back to his room, finally able to completely relax after a tense night.
For the past two years in the Killing City, he had been surrounded by bloodshed and carnage, constantly on edge, guarding against malicious attacks.
He had never had a moment of peace, repeatedly teetering on the brink of death, his spirit already stretched to its limit.
Now, in the safe and comfortable bedroom, free from any danger, he fell into a deep sleep the moment his head hit the pillow, sleeping soundly through the night without a single dream.
He completely shed the fatigue, vigilance, and resentment accumulated over the past two years, enjoying a restful and restful night.
The next morning, as dawn broke and warm sunlight streamed into the room through the window, Lin Chen naturally awoke, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Even the cold, murderous aura that had surrounded him had faded considerably during his peaceful sleep.
After quickly tidying himself up and changing into simple everyday clothes, he set off with Dugu Bo, who was already waiting outside, for the renowned Yuexuan Academy of Etiquette in Tiandou City.
Located in a tranquil neighborhood in the heart of Tiandou City, Yuexuan is completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The entire courtyard is dominated by pure white and light sandalwood tones.
The buildings are simple and elegant, with gently upturned eaves and delicate orchid and cloud patterns carved on the window frames.
There is no trace of extravagance or ostentation, yet it exudes ultimate elegance in every detail.
The courtyard is filled with elegant black orchids and green bamboo, with a winding bluestone path and a babbling brook flowing around it.
A gentle breeze carries the faint fragrance of grass and trees, and a warm and peaceful atmosphere surrounds you.
Just standing outside the pavilion can instantly calm a restless heart. It is a pure land for self-cultivation.
With the prestigious status of Dugu Botian, a guest of the Tian Dou royal family, the two traveled without hindrance and without waiting.
They soon met the person in charge of Yuexuan, who was also the epitome of noble etiquette in the entire Tian Dou City—Tang Yuehua.
She wore a simple white long dress with subtle cloud patterns, her long black hair loosely styled into a gentle updo, adorned only with a plain mutton-fat jade hairpin.
Without any extra jewels or ornaments, her refined elegance only enhanced her ethereal beauty.
Her features were delicate and gentle, her eyes soft and clear, revealing a composure born of experience.
Her demeanor was dignified and graceful; every smile, every gesture exuded the ultimate elegance of aristocracy.
A gentle and warm aura surrounded her, devoid of any sharpness, yet possessing a dignified presence that commanded respect.
Dugu Bo's recommendation, coupled with Lin Yuan's status as a universally acknowledged genius in the world of Heavenly Soul Masters and noble circles—a young man with extraordinary strength and limitless potential—made Tang Yuehua, with her keen intellect, understand the significance of befriending such a talented Soul Master.
Accepting Lin Yuan would not only do Dugu Bo a favor but also build connections for Yuexuan.
She immediately smiled and readily agreed, personally handling Lin Yuan's enrollment procedures without any complicated formalities, arranging his exclusive study seat and corresponding music and etiquette lessons.
With everything settled, Dugu Bo left first, and Lin Chen officially began his cultivation journey at Yuexuan.
Immersed in this gentle and elegant world, he began to slowly hone the lingering murderous aura within him, focusing on mastering the God of Slaughter Domain, and silently refining himself in preparation for the upcoming Continental High-Level Soul Master Elite Tournament.
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