Chapter 41: Explanation to Wang Dong

The next day, Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong went to class as usual, and when the morning classes ended, Tang Wulin discovered an unexpected figure at the classroom door.

Wang Dong, how did you get here?

Yes, the person peeking into the classroom from the door was indeed his former good roommate, Wang Dong.

Seeing Tang Wulin, Wang Dong first visibly sighed in relief, then quickly became furious.

Tang Wulin, where did you run off to? Why didn't you return to the dormitory! I thought you had been assassinated again!

Er...

Tang Wulin was momentarily at a loss for words.

A few days ago, when he had made up his mind to leave the academy, he feared startling the snake and did not explain the situation to Wang Dong.

Wang Dong differed from him and Huo Yutong; Wang Dong was a young master from a wealthy family, with his own concerns, and certainly could not just up and leave like they could.

Then yesterday, because he kept thinking about what Wang Yan said regarding the blood essence soul ring, he had originally planned to go say hello but ended up forgetting.

Now seeing Wang Dong, he realized that this guy was still completely in the dark.

Just as Tang Wulin looked at the angry Wang Dong, unsure how to respond, Huo Yutong came to the rescue.

Wang Dong, do you have something to ask Wulin?

Facing Huo Yutong, Wang Dong's attitude became much more restrained.

Well, this guy didn't return to the dorm all day yesterday, I was worried sick, so I came to check on you guys in class.

Oh, that. Huo Yutong said without changing expression: "Do you remember when we were assassinated and Wulin's body burst forth with a golden soul ring? That soul ring was seen, and an elder of the academy took a liking to his talent, so he let Wulin stay with him; these past two days they've been studying the wonderful uses of that golden soul ring."

Oh, I see.

Wang Dong had nothing to say.

Tang Wulin stared, dumbfounded, from the side.

Huo Yutong's remark was actually quite clever; it skillfully concealed their original plan to skip class and explained Tang Wulin's current situation, instantly dispelling Wang Dong's anger.

Her words hid nine truths among one, and she spoke so naturally that there was no way to tell from her expression; if Tang Wulin didn't know the truth, he would surely have been easily fooled by her.

These past days he had only seen the timid Huo Yutong, never imagining she had this side.

What Tang Wulin didn't know was that this was actually Huo Yutong's normal state.

The reason she acted so weak in front of him is because he knows her softest part; to her, he is merely a special presence.

When facing someone like Wang Dong, whom she isn't close with, she naturally puts on a protective mask, a result of her years of hardship, making her far more composed than most peers.

Wang Dong thought it over, but he was still somewhat angry.

He snorted displeasedly.

Hmph, Wulin, if you're capable, come fight me; I want to see what could fascinate you so much that you can't even spare a day to explain the situation to me.

Are you sure? I'm quite strong now.

Tang Wulin looked at him in surprise.

Wang Dong revealed an arrogant smile.

Of course, you haven't seen me attack much, so you might not know, but I am indeed very strong.

I know that much.

Tang Wulin had seen Wang Dong's soul ring configuration in the assassination incident two nights prior.

One yellow and one purple soul ring combination is obviously not something an ordinary person could have; this guy is definitely far stronger than he appears.

But Tang Wulin is not afraid of him.

Alright then, let's go to the Dou Hun Qu; can you pay?

Coincidentally, he is now curious about how strong his power has become, and was looking to find a fellow soul master to test himself against; Wang Dong's arrival is like a sleepy person bringing a pillow.

No problem.

Wang Dong wasn't short on this small change, so he readily agreed. The two immediately set off for the Dou Hun Qu, while Huo Yutong planned to use the noon time to study soul tools in the Soul Tool Department, and thus would not join them for the fun.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Huo Yutong left their sight, Wang Dong wore a teasing expression and edged closer to Tang Wulin.

Sigh, Wulin, how far have you progressed with this little girl?

Tang Wulin choked, giving him a helpless glance.

Don't be so lewd in your thoughts; I and she are pure and clean, with no special relationship.

Hehe, don't give me that." Wang Dong wore a mischievous grin: "You don't understand women; from my observation, her glance just now at you was clearly different from how she looks at others; she definitely feels affection for you now, and if you step forward and confess, she will surely accept—victory is just one step away.

Tang Wulin retorted unhappily:

What nonsense is this? I don't understand women, but do you?

!" Wang Dong started, averting his gaze guiltily: "Cough cough, as a young master, you have no idea how many women I've been with; I naturally understand women's thoughts best.

Oh?

Tang Wulin gave him a doubtful look.

He always felt that this guy was hiding something.

The two jokingly made their way to the Dou Hun Qu; after Wang Dong paid twenty gold soul coins according to the rules, they entered the inner area of the Dou Hun Qu.

Tang Wulin couldn't help but complain to Wang Dong:

Isn't the academy too black-hearted? Charging twenty gold soul coins for a single match—who among ordinary soul masters could afford that?

You know, Huo Yutong can earn nine silver soul coins a day selling grilled fish without counting costs; subtract the cost of the fish and her net profit is even less.

After deducting daily living expenses, for her to come fight in the Dou Hun Qu, she'd likely need to sell grilled fish for several months.

Wang Dong shrugged.

After all, those who can get into our academy are generally either rich or noble; folks like you and Yutong who are relatively poor are the minority. Moreover, when we want to advance further in higher grades at the academy, victory records in the Dou Hun Qu are essential; later, the fees you'll have to pay to be forced to come here and fight will be even higher—it's said that just to go from fourth to fifth year you need at least ten victories over peers of the same year, and higher years require even more; the academy doesn't cover expenses, so for us occasional sparring matches it's just a drop in the bucket.

Tang Wulin was startled.

Going by what you say, doesn't that mean advancing would require at least a hundred gold soul coins or more?

Tang Wulin's sparring fee was paid by Wang Dong; put another way, under normal circumstances a match costs ten gold soul coins per person, so ten matches cost one hundred gold soul coins.

According to this rule, how could those poor commoner students possibly afford it, ah? Twenty gold soul coins already cover a common family of four's annual expenses, and one hundred gold soul coins equal five years' expenses for such a family.

Commoner students are very likely to be expelled for being unable to pay the Dou Hun Qu admission fee.

Wang Dong nodded.

"Mm, you're right, so you need to save up more money in advance; if really necessary, you can borrow from me."

"..."

Tang Wulin couldn't help but fall into silence.

It seems the Academy's problems are far worse than he thought.

The two arrived at the match platform, and only a few people were in the spectator stands.

Tang Wulin crooked his finger at Wang Dong.

"Come on, let's finish quickly."

"Heh, you're quite confident."

Wang Dong laughed angrily, he stomped his foot, a pair of dazzling wings sprouted from his back, and he instantly shot up into the sky.

By the way, the designated punching bag for the newcomer period: Wang Dong.

Heh heh heh, did you think escaping without getting beaten up when you enrolled meant you'd gotten off easy? By the way, when I looked over the Dou Hun Qu description, I saw the fees weren't properly listed.

All I can say is, don't blame me for complaining when even Tang Buddha Ancestor himself hasn't figured out the money system.

(End of chapter)