Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Missed Opportunities
On the surface, the Four Great Kingdoms and the Duchy appeared to be under the rule of the Heaven Dou Empire.
However, in reality, these regions were kingdoms within a kingdom, operating with near-complete autonomy aside from paying tribute.
The Heaven Dou royal family's control persisted only because they held substantial military power. Without it, internal strife would have erupted long ago.
The Star Luo Empire faced a similar situation, though Yun Feng, familiar with the original story, knew their apparent instability was a façade. The balance maintained by the Spirit Hall prevented open conflict for now, but who could say when the entire continent's dynamics might suddenly change?
The Balak Kingdom had two major cities: Balak City, where King Kundera resided, serving as the political and economic hub; and Soto City, located in the fertile Lima Plains, known as the kingdom's granary.
Both cities were heavily fortified and played crucial roles in the kingdom's stability. Soto City was particularly prominent, evidenced by the third-tier Spirit Temple located there.
---
By the time Yun Feng and Zhu Zhuqing reached Soto City, the sun was blazing high in the sky.
Yun Feng looked up at the grand city walls and sighed.
"Architecture always reflects the culture and history of a place, no matter where you are."
He didn't linger long, though. After a brief glance, he passed through the gates following a routine inspection by the guards.
Inside, sunlight filtered through thin clouds, illuminating the cobblestone streets bustling with people and carts.
Shops selling armor and weapons lined the streets, their sharp metallic scent mingling with the aroma of grilled meat from nearby food stalls.
A vendor selling sausages had lit his fire, the sizzling and crackling sounds enticing passersby with their fragrant aroma. Nearby, lantern-lit taverns hosted drunken revelers who sang loudly at the doorsteps.
The lively streets were filled with stalls displaying vibrant flowers and fresh produce, creating a cheerful, festive atmosphere.
---
"Zhuqing, do you want to try some sausage?" Yun Feng asked casually.
By now, Zhu Zhuqing had grown familiar with Yun Feng. Gone was the cold, aloof front she'd initially put up. Instead, she offered him a rare smile.
"I wouldn't mind trying. It's been years since I had any."
Yun Feng nodded, bought two sausages from a nearby stall, and handed one to Zhu Zhuqing. They strolled through the bustling streets, leisurely enjoying their snacks as they explored the city.
After days of hard travel, both needed this moment of relaxation. They wandered down streets and through alleys, savoring the sights, sounds, and smells of Soto City.
By evening, the city transformed. Lanterns lit up narrow alleys, casting warm glows on the streets. From behind opened doors, scantily clad women stepped out, calling out to potential patrons. The ambiance shifted, becoming sultry and suggestive.
Yun Feng noticed Zhu Zhuqing's gaze fixed on something ahead. Following her line of sight, he spotted two men—one tall and one short.
Their conversation carried over.
"Fatty, just enjoy yourself. Today I'm giving you the chance to broaden your horizons. Stop bragging about your so-called phoenix from the countryside!"
"Boss Dai, if you're treating, you're always right!"
Yun Feng instantly understood why Zhu Zhuqing had frozen in place.
It was Dai Mubai.
The pair watched silently as Dai Mubai and his companion entered one of the smoky establishments. Surrounded by women fawning over them, they soon disappeared from sight.
The temporary lightheartedness Zhu Zhuqing had found during their stroll evaporated. Her face darkened, and she stood still for a long moment before forcing a smile at Yun Feng.
"It's getting late. Let's find a place to stay."
She cast one last glance in Dai Mubai's direction before turning away.
Yun Feng sighed and shook his head.
"Given the opportunity, and he still couldn't measure up."
Such a beautiful fiancée, and he left her behind to cavort with common women. It was a textbook case of abandoning gold for dirt.
Still, it wasn't Yun Feng's place to interfere. He followed Zhu Zhuqing as they found a nearby inn to spend the night.
---
Back in their rooms, Yun Feng had intended to speak with Zhu Zhuqing, but she stopped him with a quiet request.
"I'm fine. I just need some time alone. Please, get some rest."
Yun Feng respected her wishes and returned to his room. There, he immersed himself in his daily cultivation routine.
He cycled through his techniques: Ghostfiend Blood Tribulation, Threefold Rakshasa Transformation, Thunderclap Fist, and Soul Domination Technique.
Unbeknownst to him, his cultivation inflicted its usual toll on his enemies. Tang San, Tang Hao, and Yu Xiaogang, his frequent targets, found themselves overwhelmed by the effects.
This time, however, all four techniques hit simultaneously.
Tang Hao, already weakened, struggled to maintain his composure. Facing Zhao Wuji, who stood bewildered, Tang Hao's frustration boiled over. His attacks lacked power, his punches barely scratching Zhao Wuji's defenses.
Zhao Wuji, confused but smug, wondered if the legendary Clear Sky Douluo was a fraud.
Tang Hao, embarrassed and drained, forced out a warning before retreating.
"A minor warning—don't cross my son again, or next time, my fists won't be so light!"
He stumbled away, leaving Zhao Wuji and Flender baffled.
---
The next morning, Yun Feng and Zhu Zhuqing departed the inn and exited Soto City through the southern gate, continuing toward their destination: Shrek Academy.
On the way, Yun Feng asked, "Zhuqing, after seeing Dai Mubai like that, why are you still going to Shrek Academy?"
Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment before replying.
"If not Shrek, where else would I go?"
"I'm from the Star Luo Empire. Joining an academy in the Heaven Dou Empire might not even be an option. And even if they accepted me, the royal family would likely hunt me down."
"As for the Spirit Hall, it's not realistic either."
Her explanation answered Yun Feng's lingering questions. It finally made sense why Dai Mubai, with all his resources, had
chosen such an unremarkable academy. Shrek's independence from larger factions made it an ideal refuge.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/GodofTL236
Thanks!