Spirit Arena

As gravity training came to a close, a lone figure dragged himself through the school gates like a defeated general returning from war. It was Dai Mubai—though anyone who saw him now might not recognize the proud White Tiger. No, this was a deflated kitten. His Shoulders slumped, every ounce of strength seemingly drained from his limbs, he looked decedent. Without greeting anyone, he quitely shuffled off toward the dorms.

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed at the pitiful sight. Her brow furrowed, her fists clenched, her confusion soon gave way to renewed determination. Her gaze shifted to Tang Yin with burning intensity, eyes burning with newfound resolve. Tang Yin, feeling the heat of her stare, glanced around warily Noticing nothing strange, he shrugged and chuckled softly to himself as he watched the tiger slink away with his tail between his legs.

He smirked. "Looks like the tiger's run out of stripes."

Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow. One glance at Dai Mubai was enough for him to scoff. "Tch. Look at this guy. Can't even walk straight. He's been whoring around so much he's got jelly for legs. Completely drained. Pathetic" he grumbled loudly. Then, turning to Tang Yin and Oscar, he pointed a thick finger. "You two better not follow his example."

Tang Yin and Oscar nodded quickly like obedient boys. Oscar muttered under his breath, "As if I could afford those expensive brothels…"

Unfortunately, that wasn't quiet enough.

Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong both heard it and immediately sprang into action. In perfect sync, they each grabbed one of Oscar's sleeves and yanked him away from Tang Yin, shielding their friend from any potential moral contamination.

Oscar flailed in protest. "Hey! I was just complaining! Even if I had the money, I wouldn't spend it in a brothel!"

The girls weren't buying it. They continued scolding Tang Yin just in case, warning him not to let Oscar be a bad influence. Tang Yin watched the drama unfold with mild amusement, nodding solemnly as if taking every word to heart. He wasn't, but it was fun to pretend.

Just as the drama died down, a gust of wind swept in. Flender arrived, swooping in from the direction of the teacher dorms with his usual windblown flair and a slightly hunched back.

Tang Yin squinted and smirked. "Huh, looks like he deeply cares for his disciple's health. Too bad I'm not sorry for that fat chicken."

A moment later, Meng Yiran arrived, light on her feet and brimming with charm. She greeted Rongrong and Zhuqing politely before casually snuggling up next to Tang Yin.

Flender straightened up and barked, "Oscar! Go fetch Tang San and Dai Mubai. We're heading into the city."

Yu Xiaogang arrived just behind him, strolling leisurely with his hands clasped behind his back, trying far too hard to look wise and important.

Oscar sprinted off and returned a few minutes later with only Tang San.

"Dean," he said, panting, "Dai Mubai said he's not well and feeling weak. He's resting in bed."

Flender frowned but waved it off. "Let him rest," he said, though the disappointment in his voice was clear.

Then, loudly enough to shake the grounds, he shouted, "Everyone, follow me!"

He leapt into the sky, flying toward Soto City. The others followed swiftly, with Yu Xiaogang huffing to catch up, looking winded but doing his best to keep up appearances.

As they flew, Zhu Zhuqing & rongrong glanced at the Tang yin. "Where are we going?" who shrugged his shoulder "How would I know?"

As they flew, Oscar asked worriedly "Dean, isn't this too soon?"

Flender just gave a secretive smile and picked up speed.

Tang Yin rolled his eyes. Here we go again with the cryptic act. Still, he followed obediently.

Tang San, ever curious, turned to his new roommate. "Oscar, do you know where we're going?"

Flender, clearly enjoying the suspense, finally spoke in an overly grand tone. "Somewhere you can both train… and earn money."

Just as Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth to chime in with some 'expert commentary,' Before he could get a word out, Tang Yin cut him off.

With a dramatic pose, hand to chin and finger raised like a detective, he said, "A place where Soul Masters can both train and make money? Has to be Soto City's Spirit Arena, right?"

Yu Xiaogang glared at him like Tang Yin had stolen his spotlight. Which, to be fair, he had. Still, he gave a reluctant nod while glaring daggers at Tang Yin.

The girls, however, were impressed. For a moment, they viewed Tang Yin in a whole new light—He wasn't just a strong good-looking guy anymore—he was a smart & strong good-looking guy.

(Seriously though, what's with Soul Land girls being into every guy with a 'scholarly uncle' vibe? Just look at Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong. Maybe it's because most male Soul Masters act like battle maniac)

Soon, the group arrived at the Spirit Arena. The thunderous roar of the crowd could be heard even from outside. As they entered, Flender told them to register.

Yu Xiaogang struck his signature pose—hands clasped behind his back, chin lifted—and declared, "Register under false names to protect your real identities. It's important to hide your identities and soul ring abilities from enemies."

He clearly expected nods of approval.

Instead, Tang Yin completely ignored him and wrote down his real name.

Yu Xiaogang and a few others stared at him, confused.

Tang Yin sighed. "If the enemy is really that determined, a fake name won't cut it. The Spirit Arena would probably sell our info in a heartbeat for the right price anyway. So why bother? The whole 'fake identity' thing is really useless."

The silence that followed was broken only by the sound of Flender muttering, "Well… he's not wrong."