Soul Land World – Suotuo City
Suotuo City pulsed with life under the warm sunlight, its medieval architecture harmonizing with modern touches, giving the city a unique charm. The cobblestone streets were lined with red-brick buildings and sloped roofs, while food stalls and small carts crowded the sides, filling the air with the aroma of spices and savory dishes. The wide river dividing the city in two glittered under the sun, spanned by ornate stone bridges where locals and tourists strolled leisurely, soaking in the serene view.
Yu Tian paused in front of a cart selling grilled meat, the rising smoke carrying the scent of fiery spices. He glanced at his outfit—a sleeveless black shirt that showed off his toned muscles, loose black pants paired with sleek sneakers—then whispered as he touched his hair, tied into a man-bun:
"Truly, it's been a long time since I've worn something like this."
His long black-and-white hair, tipped with gold, was tied tightly, but a few rebellious strands—especially the short fringe falling over his forehead—gave him a wild edge. His gleaming crimson eyes flickered with curiosity as he scanned his surroundings. Though he was accustomed to ATG World's traditional robes and ancient rituals, Soul Land World was different—a strange blend of old and new, making him feel as if he were caught between dream and reality.
Zhuqing laughed lightly, her voice chime-like as she said:
"It suits you well, Brother Tian."
She wore long black stockings that matched her short green skirt, while her white off-shoulder blouse highlighted both her smooth skin and bold personality. Her straight black hair cascaded neatly over her shoulders, with a few loose strands framing her face, and her subtle makeup accentuated her wide, bright eyes. She seemed utterly exhilarated, like a child discovering the world for the first time.
"Damn... this meat is incredible," Yu Tian muttered, grabbing a skewer and biting into it fervently, closing his eyes as if the flavor transported him to another dimension. "The taste... it's something you won't find anywhere else."
Zhuqing giggled, nibbling on a steamed dumpling from a paper bag. "Have you tried that stall over there? Their shrimp and ginger dumplings are tender inside and crispy outside."
They wandered slowly through the rows of bustling stalls, the air thick with the scents of barbecue, spices, and fresh bread. Here, a cart sold hot rice porridge; there, a booth displayed sugar-glazed fruit candies; another offered skewers of grilled meat dunked in a rich, dark sauce.
"I swear, I'm starting to consider settling here just for the food," Yu Tian said, grabbing another skewer from a nearby stall. He chewed quickly before asking, "What's this?"
"Star Luo Empire-style grilled liver, marinated in a rich spice blend... delicious, isn't it?" Zhuqing murmured, her voice soft as an evening breeze, then slowly raised her hand to her lips.
In the glow of sunset, as the last amber and crimson rays brushed the sky, the light reflected off her ivory-smooth skin, casting a golden halo around her. Her tongue darted lightly to the tip of her finger, catching the remnants of the dark sauce in a slow, deliberate motion. Her eyes, tilted toward Yu Tian, watched him from beneath thick lashes.
That simple gesture seemed designed to ignite the senses. Her silky hair draped over her shoulder as her lips parted slightly in a quiet smile, carrying a hint of mischief—fully aware of its effect.
Yu Tian felt something stir inside him—not hunger, but something far more primal. For a moment, he forgot the taste in his mouth. He was mesmerized, trapped in the details of that moment—her breath, her gaze, even the damnable way her finger moved.
From a corner, the melody of a folk band swelled into the air, nostalgic notes weaving through the scents of spices and caramelized sugar. The orange glow of lanterns swayed with the strings, wrapping the scene in an irresistible warmth.
Zhuqing suddenly stopped, as if the music had touched something deep in her soul. She turned slowly, her hair swaying behind her, eyes gleaming with something beyond mere amusement. Her next steps weren't just walking—they were a silent dance, exuding feminity enough to disarm even a warrior's blade.
Yu Tian followed without thinking, the spicy taste still on his tongue, but another heat rising in his chest. He smiled faintly, utterly captivated—not just by the atmosphere, but by her. By her teasing glances, the gentle sway of her waist, the way the music became a backdrop to a scene he couldn't describe, only knew he never wanted to end.
"Would you like to dance?" Yu Tian asked softly, extending his hand as if afraid to break the spell.
Zhuqing looked at him, her eyes still reflecting the sunset spilling over the square. At first, she said nothing—just smiled. A small, warm smile, enough to melt any hesitation. She placed her hand in his, her fingertips brushing his lightly, as if the touch alone was its own dance.
"I'm not sure I'm any good at dancing..." he whispered, leading her to the center of the square, his steps slow and tentative.
"It's enough that you're here now," she replied, her voice soft as the evening breeze, stepping closer until their breaths mingled.
Yu Tian didn't need to follow any steps. The music, the light, the scent, the heat between them—everything wove its own rhythm. She moved with him, slowly, as if the world had slowed just for them.
In that moment, there were no stalls, no noise, no strangers.
Just them... and their hearts beginning to beat to their own melody.
After their impromptu dance, the two decided to rest at a riverside café. The breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the water mirrored the warm hues of the setting sun.
Yu Tian sat on a wooden bench, the aroma of roasted coffee blending with the twilight air. He sipped his iced tea slowly, watching Zhuqing across from him, her cheek resting gently on her palm.
Her gaze drifted to the passersby beyond the window, the flickering lights along the sidewalks, the sky melting into a sea of tranquil colors. And amid it all, her smile—small, quiet, not quite laughter, but brimming with serenity, as if her heart had found a rare moment of peace.
Then—
"Well, well. What do we have here?"
A cold, sharp voice cut through the calm.
...
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