# Chapter 6: The Boss of Room 7
The small dormitory room suddenly felt even smaller as Tang San and Lin Feng faced each other, the familiar tension of an impending spar filling the air. Xiao Wu had scrambled onto one of the beds, her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.
"Are you two seriously going to fight in here?" she asked, though her tone suggested she was more fascinated than concerned.
"Don't worry," Tang San said, settling into his combat stance. "We've done this countless times back in the village."
Lin Feng grinned, rolling his shoulders casually. "Besides, we're just determining the pecking order. Can't have Tang San thinking he's automatically the boss without proving it."
Tang San studied his friend carefully. There was something different about Lin Feng's posture, a subtle confidence that seemed... enhanced somehow. But he pushed the thought aside and assumed his fighting stance.
The two friends began circling each other in the limited space, their movements fluid and practiced. This was a dance they'd performed hundreds of times before, yet Tang San immediately noticed something was off.
Lin Feng's first strike came with surprising force. Tang San barely managed to deflect it, his arm stinging from the impact. *That was stronger than usual,* he thought, his purple eyes narrowing with concentration.
"Getting rusty, Tang San?" Lin Feng teased, following up with a series of rapid punches.
Tang San weaved between the attacks, but each near-miss felt more dangerous than he remembered. Lin Feng's speed seemed enhanced, his movements more fluid and precise. When Tang San counterattacked with his own combination, Lin Feng's defensive reactions were unnaturally sharp, as if he could predict every strike.
"What the—" Tang San grunted as Lin Feng's grip strength proved far superior when they briefly grappled. He was forced to use his Tang Sect techniques to break free, something that had never been necessary in their previous spars.
Xiao Wu watched in fascination, her rabbit ears twitching with each exchange. "Wow, you're both really strong! But the golden-eyed one seems..." She paused, trying to find the right words.
"Different," Tang San finished, breathing harder than he expected. His analytical mind was working overtime, cataloging every change in his friend's abilities. Lin Feng's reflexes were at least twice as sharp as before, his balance was perfect, and his stamina seemed endless.
"Ready for the real show?" Lin Feng asked with that familiar predatory grin. "I think it's time you met someone."
A golden light began to emanate from Lin Feng's body as he summoned his martial soul. But instead of the small, frail Sickly Cub Tiger that Tang San remembered, something magnificent materialized beside Lin Feng.
The tiger that appeared was no longer a sickly cub. It stood as tall as Lin Feng's waist, its muscular frame covered in lustrous fur that gleamed with metallic highlights. Stone-like armor plating protected its vital areas, and its claws shimmered with an almost wind-like distortion around their edges. The creature's eyes held an intelligence and ferocity that made even Xiao Wu gasp.
"What..." Tang San's voice was barely a whisper. "Lin Feng, what happened to your martial soul?"
The evolved tiger prowled forward, its movements accompanied by subtle wind currents that rustled papers in the room. It didn't attack immediately, instead circling Tang San with predatory grace, as if evaluating its opponent.
"Surprised?" Lin Feng chuckled. "He's grown quite a bit, hasn't he?"
Tang San quickly summoned his Blue Silver Grass, the purple-tinged vines emerging from his palms. But facing the magnificent tiger before him, his plant martial soul seemed almost inadequate.
The battle that followed was unlike anything they'd experienced before. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass attempted to bind and entangle the tiger, but the creature's metallic claws sliced through the enhanced vines with ease. When Tang San managed to land a binding, the tiger's stone-like armor absorbed most of the constricting force.
Most impressive was the tiger's speed. Enhanced by wind-like properties, it moved with fluid grace that made Tang San's evasion techniques seem sluggish in comparison. Every leap and pounce was accompanied by subtle wind currents that actually aided its movement.
"This is incredible!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, completely absorbed in the battle. "That tiger is amazing!"
Tang San found himself being systematically outmaneuvered. His Blue Silver Grass was strong, but the evolved tiger possessed too many advantages. Its metallic claws were twice as hard as normal, its armor provided exceptional defense, and its wind-enhanced speed made it nearly impossible to pin down.
After several minutes of intense combat, Tang San's breathing was labored while Lin Feng and his tiger seemed barely winded. The writing was on the wall.
"I yield," Tang San said finally, dismissing his Blue Silver Grass. The evolved tiger immediately ceased its aggressive posture, sitting calmly beside Lin Feng as if it had been a house cat all along.
Lin Feng dismissed his martial soul with a satisfied grin. "Good match, Tang San. You've improved too."
But Tang San was staring at his friend with a mixture of shock and confusion. "Lin Feng... how? When I left you this afternoon, you w# Chapter 5: The Hunter's Arrival at Nuoding Academy
The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone path as Tang San and Lin Feng approached the imposing gates of Nuoding Academy. The grand school stood before them like a testament to Soul Master education - tall stone walls adorned with intricate carvings of various martial souls, and towering spires that seemed to pierce the very heavens.
"So this is Nuoding Academy," Tang San murmured, his eyes taking in every detail of the impressive architecture. Despite his adult mind, he couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation.
Lin Feng whistled appreciatively, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. "Not bad at all. Look at the size of this place - there must be hundreds of students here." His lips curved into that familiar predatory smile that Tang San had grown accustomed to. "This should be... interesting."
As they passed through the gates, they were greeted by the bustling activity of academy life. Students of various ages moved between buildings, some engaged in heated discussions about soul skills, others practicing basic stances in the courtyards. The air hummed with soul power fluctuations from countless young Soul Masters honing their abilities.
A stern-looking instructor approached them with registration papers. "Tang San and Lin Feng, I presume? You're assigned to dormitory room 7. Here are your schedules and academy guidelines. Classes begin tomorrow at dawn."
After completing the formalities and receiving directions to their dormitory, the two friends made their way through the academy grounds. The dormitory building was a modest three-story structure, clean and functional rather than luxurious.
"Room 7," Tang San read from their key as they climbed to the second floor.
Lin Feng stretched casually, his muscles rippling beneath his simple clothes. "Hey, Tang San, you go ahead and get settled in. I want to explore the school a bit, get a feel for the place." His golden eyes held that familiar glint of anticipation. "You know how I am - I like to know what I'm working with."
Tang San nodded understandingly. He'd learned to recognize when Lin Feng was in one of his 'hunting' moods. "Alright, but try not to cause too much trouble on our first day."
Lin Feng laughed, the sound rich and confident. "Me? Cause trouble? I'm just going to make some friends."
---
As Tang San disappeared into their room, Lin Feng's expression shifted into something more focused, more predatory. The academy was a treasure trove of potential - dozens of young Soul Masters with various martial souls, each representing a possible enhancement to his own abilities.
*Time to see what this place has to offer,* he thought, making his way toward one of the training courtyards where he could hear the sounds of combat practice.
The courtyard was filled with first and second-year students sparring under the watchful eye of an instructor. Lin Feng observed from the sidelines, his keen eyes analyzing each martial soul manifestation, cataloging strengths and weaknesses.
"Hey, you're new here, right?" A cocky voice interrupted his observations.
Lin Feng turned to see a boy about his age with spiky brown hair and an arrogant smirk. "Wang Lei," the boy introduced himself. "I've got a rank 8 innate soul power and a Steel Fist martial soul. Want to spar? I promise I'll go easy on you."
Lin Feng's smile widened. "Sure, I'd love to."
The first defeat came quickly. Wang Lei's Steel Fist martial soul enhanced his punching power, but Lin Feng's superior speed and technique made the fight one-sided. As the boy hit the ground, unconscious, Lin Feng felt the familiar system notification.
**[System Notification: Opponent defeated! Plunder initiated...]**
**[Plunder Options:]**
1. **Martial Soul: [Steel Fist] - Basic Enhancement Type**
2. **Technique: [Iron Knuckle Strike] - Concentrated force technique**
3. **Physical Talent: [Dense Bone Structure] - Enhanced bone durability**
*The martial soul might integrate well,* Lin Feng mused, selecting the first option.
**[Plunder Result: [Steel Fist] martial soul integrated into [Sickly Cub Tiger]. Enhancement: 2x original power. Martial Soul Evolution: Your [Sickly Cub Tiger] has begun its first mutation, gaining metallic traits with double the original Steel Fist's hardness and striking power. The sickly cub grows slightly stronger.]**
Lin Feng felt his martial soul shift within his soul sea. When he manifested his tiger briefly, the small, frail cub showed hints of metallic gleam in its claws that were twice as hard as the original Steel Fist martial soul, though it remained clearly a sickly young tiger.
The pattern continued throughout the afternoon. Lin Feng moved from courtyard to courtyard, challenge to challenge. His approach was always the same - friendly, confident, never malicious. He positioned these encounters as friendly spars, tests of skill between fellow students.
The second victory came against a girl with a Vine Whip martial soul. Her binding techniques were impressive, but Lin Feng's enhanced speed made her attacks ineffective.
**[Plunder Result: [Enhanced Flexibility] technique integrated into [Ghost Shadow Step]. Enhancement: 2x original flexibility. Your movement technique now incorporates fluid, vine-like evasions with 400% enhanced flexibility compared to normal.]**
The third defeat was a boy with a Stone Shield martial soul - defensive type, but lacking in offensive capabilities.
**[Plunder Result: [Stone Shield] martial soul integrated. Enhancement: 2x original defensive capability. Martial Soul Evolution: Your [Sickly Cub Tiger] gains defensive stone-like plating with double the original Stone Shield's durability. Second mutation stage achieved.]**
Each victory brought whispers from the watching students. "Who is this new guy?" "He's beaten three people already!" "His martial soul must be really powerful!"
Lin Feng continued his systematic hunt. The fourth through eighth opponents contributed techniques and abilities that enhanced his existing skills, all with 2x enhancement:
- **[Enhanced Reflexes]** (2x speed) integrated into his **[Combat Instinct]**
- **[Improved Balance]** (2x stability) enhanced his **[Ghost Shadow Step]**
- **[Stamina Recovery]** (2x recovery rate) boosted his **[Tiger Constitution]**
- **[Sharper Eyesight]** (2x visual acuity) improved his **[Predator's Gaze]**
- **[Enhanced Grip Strength]** (2x gripping power) strengthened his **[Tiger Claw Technique]**
His ninth victory came against a student with a Wind Blade martial soul.
**[Plunder Result: [Wind Blade] martial soul integrated. Enhancement: 2x original wind speed and cutting power. Martial Soul Evolution Complete: Your [Sickly Cub Tiger] has fully matured into [Armored Wind-Steel Tiger]. The frail cub has evolved into a magnificent mature tiger with metallic claws (2x steel hardness), stone-like armor plating (2x defensive strength), and wind-enhanced speed (2x wind acceleration). You gain the full constitution of a mature tiger beast with all enhancements doubled.]**
By the time the sun was beginning to set, Lin Feng had established quite a reputation. Students whispered his name with a mixture of respect and wariness. But he wasn't done yet.
"You're that new student everyone's talking about."
Lin Feng turned to find a large, muscular boy approaching him. Unlike the others, this one carried himself with genuine confidence rather than arrogance. His presence felt... substantial.
"I'm Zhao Wuji," the boy said, extending a meaty hand. "Second year, rank 9 innate soul power. I heard you've been making rounds, and I figured it was time someone gave you a real challenge."
Lin Feng's golden eyes lit up with genuine interest as he shook the offered hand. The grip was firm, respectful. "Lin Feng, first year. What's your martial soul?"
"Titan Black Bear," Zhao Wuji replied with pride. "It's a rare beast-type martial soul. Gives me incredible strength and defensive capabilities."
*Jackpot,* Lin Feng thought, his pulse quickening. A rare beast-type martial soul - exactly what he'd been hoping to find.
"I'd be honored to spar with you," Lin Feng said sincerely.
The fight that followed was Lin Feng's most challenging yet. Zhao Wuji's martial soul manifestation was impressive - his body became covered in thick, dark fur, his muscles swelling with incredible power. Each of his strikes carried enough force to crack stone, and his defensive capabilities were formidable.
Lin Feng found himself pushed to his limits. His enhanced speed and accumulated improvements served him well, but Zhao Wuji's raw power was overwhelming. One solid hit would likely end the fight in the larger boy's favor.
The battle became a deadly dance - Lin Feng darting in and out, landing precise strikes while avoiding the devastating counters. His claws, now enhanced with metallic hardness, managed to find gaps in Zhao Wuji's defense, but the bear-type constitution meant each wound healed quickly.
After nearly ten minutes of intense combat, Lin Feng finally managed to land a decisive blow - a perfectly timed strike to a pressure point that sent Zhao Wuji crashing to the ground, unconscious but unharmed.
The watching crowd erupted in amazed whispers. Zhao Wuji had been one of the strongest second-year students, and this new first-year had defeated him!
**[System Notification: Opponent defeated! Plunder initiated...]**
**[Plunder Options:]**
1. **Martial Soul: [Titan Black Bear] - Rare Beast-Type**
2. **Technique: [Bear's Crushing Embrace] - Devastating grappling technique**
3. **Physical Talent: [Titan Constitution] - Massive strength and endurance boost**
Lin Feng paused, his mind racing. The martial soul would normally integrate with his Savage Tiger, creating some kind of hybrid enhancement. But having a second martial soul... that was incredibly rare and valuable.
*Twin martial souls,* he decided. *The versatility would be worth more than integration.*
He selected the first option.
**[Plunder Result: [Titan Black Bear] acquired as second martial soul! Enhancement: 2x original power. You now possess twin martial souls - an extremely rare phenomenon. Constitution enhancement: +350% physical strength, +200% defensive capability, +150% healing factor (all doubled from original Titan Black Bear). New abilities: [Titan Black Bear Possesion].]**
The transformation was immediate and overwhelming. Lin Feng felt power surge through his body as his soul now housed two distinct martial soul forms. The sensation was intoxicating - he could feel the raw strength of the Titan Black Bear coexisting with the speed and agility of his Savage Tiger.
*Twin martial souls,* he marveled. *This changes everything.*
---
As the evening settled over Nuoding Academy, Lin Feng made his way back to the dormitory, his body still humming with newfound power. The other students gave him a wide berth now - word of his victories had spread quickly.
He pushed open the door to room 7, expecting to find Tang San unpacking or perhaps cultivating. Instead, he was greeted by an amusing sight.
Tang San was standing over a small figure on one of the beds - a girl with long, scorpion-braid hairstyle and an indignant expression. She appeared to be pinned down, though not harmed, and both of them looked like they'd been in a brief scuffle.
"Well, well," Lin Feng chuckled, his golden eyes dancing with amusement. "What do we have here? Tang San, did you just defeat our roommate for the 'boss of the room' title?"
Tang San looked up, slightly embarrassed. "This is Xiao Wu. She was already in here when I arrived, claiming this was her room and that she was the boss. We had a... disagreement."
The girl - Xiao Wu - glared up at both of them from her position. "Let me up! This is totally unfair! I was here first!"
Lin Feng laughed heartily, the sound filling the small room. "So Tang San is the boss now, huh?" He crossed his arms, his smile turning playful and competitive. "Well, that's interesting. But you know me, Tang San - I can't just accept someone else being the boss without testing it myself."
Tang San raised an eyebrow, recognizing the familiar challenge in his friend's tone. "Lin Feng..."
"Come on," Lin Feng grinned, his newly acquired power making him eager for another test. "One spar, right here, right now. Winner gets to be the boss of room 7. What do you say?"
Tang San sighed but couldn't help smiling. Even at Nuoding Academy, some things never changed. Lin Feng would always be Lin Feng - confident, competitive, and always ready for the next challenge.
"Alright," Tang San said, releasing Xiao Wu and taking a fighting stance. "But let's make it quick. I don't want to destroy the room on our first day."
Xiao Wu scrambled to her feet, looking between the two boys with wide eyes. "Are you both crazy? You're going to fight in here?"
Lin Feng's grin widened, his golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Don't worry, little rabbit. We'll be careful."
As the two friends faced off in the small dormitory room, neither could have predicted how this simple moment would set the tone for their entire time at Nuoding Academy - or how the bonds formed here would shape their destinies in the years to come.ere the same as always. But now..." He gestured at the space where the magnificent tiger had been. "Your martial soul has completely transformed, your physical abilities are enhanced, your reflexes are incredible. What happened during your 'exploration' of the school?"
Lin Feng's golden eyes danced with amusement. He stretched casually, as if the intense battle had been nothing more than light exercise. "What can I say? I made some friends, had some interesting conversations, learned a few things." He laughed at Tang San's expression. "Don't look so serious! Sometimes a little adventure is all it takes to discover what you're really capable of."
"That's not an answer," Tang San pressed, his analytical mind refusing to accept such a vague explanation.
"Maybe not," Lin Feng agreed with a shrug, "but it's all you're getting tonight." He yawned theatrically, though Xiao Wu noticed he didn't actually look tired despite the intense battle. "All this excitement has worn me out. I think it's time for sleep."
He moved toward one of the beds, leaving Tang San standing in the middle of the room with more questions than answers. The revelation that his closest friend had somehow undergone such a dramatic transformation in a single afternoon was unsettling, to say the least.
"Wait," Xiao Wu interjected, "if Lin Feng is now the boss of the room, where does that leave me?"
"You're still our roommate," Lin Feng said generously, settling onto his chosen bed. "But I think we can all agree on the hierarchy now." He grinned at Tang San. "Don't worry, I'll be a benevolent boss."
Tang San shook his head, still processing everything he'd witnessed. His friend's casual attitude about such a dramatic change was almost as puzzling as the transformation itself. But as he prepared for sleep, one thought dominated his mind:
*What exactly happened to Lin Feng during those few hours? And how much stronger is he going to get?*
As the room settled into quiet, Lin Feng closed his eyes with a satisfied smile. The day had been even more productive than he'd hoped. Not only had he significantly enhanced his abilities, but he'd also established his position without revealing the true extent of his system's capabilities.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opponents, and new opportunities to grow stronger. But for now, he was content to rest and let his evolved martial soul recover its energy.
The boss of Room 7 had been decided, and Lin Feng was already planning his next hunt.