"Brother!" With just one simple word, Xiao Wu shattered the silence between the two.
"Thank you, little sister." Tang San's voice trembled as he grasped Xiao Wu's hand.
Then, Tang San turned to Gu Chen and asked, "Big Brother Gu, would you be willing to be my elder brother?"
Ding!
"Detecting the host's current situation, initiating storyline choices:
A. Accept Tang San as a younger brother and establish a brotherly bond.
Rewards: Dew of Piercing Autumn Water, Soul Power Boost Card ×1 (Instantly increases soul power by one level for anyone below the Soul King level, but cannot be used on oneself).
B. Maintain an ordinary friendship with Tang San.
Rewards: Immortal Herb: Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum ×1, +100 Spirit Power.
Gu Chen hesitated. While he had intended to befriend Tang San, he had not anticipated that Tang San would want to formally acknowledge him as an older brother.
However, if he could establish this brotherly connection, then in the future, Tang San would undoubtedly support him over the Divine Realm.
One must not forget—Tang San was the kind of person who prioritized personal relationships over righteousness, sometimes even a little selfish.
A dual-god-ranked powerhouse was an invaluable asset!
"I choose A." Gu Chen silently decided.
Ding!
"Dew of Piercing Autumn Water and Soul Power Boost Card have been stored in the system inventory. Please check your items."
Gu Chen smiled at Tang San and said, "From now on, just call me Brother Chen."
Tang San suddenly asked, "Brother Chen, if one day, many people try to kill us, and you're unable to defeat them, what would you do?"
A ruthless glint flashed in Gu Chen's eyes. "If that day ever comes, even if I have to die, I'll tear a chunk of flesh from them to make sure they lose the ability to hunt you down."
Tang San was stunned, his tears spilling over. "Brother Chen!"
Gu Chen took Gu Yue Na's hand and said, "Gu Yue Na has been my little sister since childhood. Since I'm now your big brother, you should also call her sister, just like before—just call her Sister Na'er."
Tang San and Xiao Wu immediately responded in unison, "Sister Na'er!"
Xiao Wu had completely forgotten about any previous hierarchy. To her, Gu Chen and Gu Yue Na—once her former masters—had now become her big brother and sister.
"Tang San, I must ask you a question," Gu Chen's eyes narrowed. "If, in the future, we end up on opposing sides because of our ideals, what would you do?"
Tang San paused briefly before replying, "Don't worry, Brother Chen. If we must stand against each other, I will definitely spare your life."
Gu Chen could no longer hold back his smile. "Same here."
Five Years Later
The Balak Kingdom was located in the southern part of the Heaven Dou Empire, bordering the Fasinuo Province. Though called a "kingdom," its size was only three-quarters of Fasinuo Province. It was under the rule of the Heaven Dou Empire and was one of its four great vassal kingdoms.
Since the Balak Kingdom bordered the Star Luo Empire to the south, it had the strongest military power among the four vassal kingdoms of the Heaven Dou Empire. In essence, it was the empire's frontline defense.
Soto City was located in the heart of the rich and fertile Lima Plains within the Balak Kingdom, known as the "Granary of Balak."
It was just past noon, the sun blazing hot. Through the western gate of Soto City, four young figures—two men and two women—walked inside. They appeared to be in their early teens and carried little to no baggage.
At the forefront was a boy dressed plainly, with an average appearance so unremarkable that he could disappear into a crowd. Around his waist was a belt inlaid with twenty-four jade stones—this was the gift from Grandmaster when he accepted him as a disciple.
Beside him walked a girl with neatly tied scorpion braids trailing down past her calves. In the five years since, Xiao Wu had grown slightly taller than Tang San. She wore a light pink jacket that hugged her body tightly.
Behind them was a strikingly handsome young man.
His black hair was sleek and straight, his sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards, and his sharp black eyes were long and piercing. His thin lips pressed lightly together, his well-defined features radiating a cool charm. His tall and lean frame was refined rather than bulky—he was like a lone eagle in the night, exuding a cold and aloof demeanor that was simultaneously domineering and unyielding.
This was none other than Gu Chen. Ever since reaching the Soul Elder level, he had completely suppressed the violent aura of his Golden Dragon King bloodline, replacing it with an intense and chilling presence.
Of course, this was only towards strangers. When with his own people, Gu Chen remained friendly and warm—like a dependable big brother from next door.
Holding Gu Chen's hand was none other than Gu Yue Na, who had undergone a significant transformation over the years.
Her figure had blossomed into alluring proportions. The light purple dress she wore perfectly accentuated her captivating beauty.
Her delicate eyebrows twitched occasionally, while her amethyst-like eyes gleamed as they curiously observed the bustling city of Soto.
"We finally arrived at this so-called Soto City. I really don't understand what Grandmaster is thinking—so many Intermediate Soul Master Academies were willing to accept us without any conditions, yet he insists on making you apply for some random academy without even a proper ranking!" Xiao Wu huffed, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Tang San chuckled. "Grandmaster asked me to come, not you. Who told you to tag along? It's lucky that the Balak Kingdom borders Fasinuo Province, otherwise you'd be complaining even more."
Xiao Wu rolled her eyes. "So ungrateful! Brother Chen, Sister Na'er, and I came all this way just for you! Anyway, we're not starting school until the day after tomorrow. I don't care—you have to take me around Soto City to make up for the emotional trauma I've suffered. Right, Brother Chen?"
Gu Chen simply smiled and nodded.
Gu Yue Na, standing beside him, couldn't help but giggle at Xiao Wu's antics. Seeing her smile, Gu Chen wished he could freeze this moment forever.
The group found a place to eat a simple meal before searching for lodging. Before long, Xiao Wu spotted a particularly charming-looking hotel.
No need to say it—this was the Rose Hotel.
"Rose Hotel! Xiao San, Brother Chen, Sister Na'er, let's stay here!" Xiao Wu pointed at the hotel sign excitedly.
Gu Chen only smiled in response. He already knew what kind of place the Rose Hotel was, but he didn't mind at all.
The group entered the Rose Hotel, and Tang San stepped up to the front desk. "Excuse me, we'd like four rooms."
The receptionist immediately stood up, glancing between Tang San, Xiao Wu, Gu Chen, and Gu Yue Na. A hint of envy flashed in his eyes. "Sir, are you sure you want four rooms?"
Tang San nodded. "Is there a problem?"
The receptionist's gaze turned slightly suggestive. "I'm sorry, but we only have one room left."
Gu Chen stepped forward, retrieving a heavy pouch of gold soul coins from his system inventory and slamming it onto the counter. "Are you sure there's only one?"
The receptionist hesitated, looking embarrassed, then confessed, "Uh… we actually have two rooms left."
Gu Chen frowned slightly. Sharing a room with Tang San while letting Gu Yue Na and Xiao Wu share another—this arrangement was acceptable.
Seeing Gu Chen's expression, the receptionist quickly added, "Sir, don't worry—our rooms are very spacious, with excellent facilities. Two people per room is more than comfortable."
"Fine," Gu Chen handed over the pouch of gold soul coins.
At that moment, a sudden voice interrupted, "I believe that last room belongs to me."
(End of Chapter)