The corridor groaned like an old man complaining about his back as Tang Yan and Tang San waddled their way to Dorm 7, the esteemed residence of work-study students. The air had a charming aroma that could only be described as "vintage gym sock meets herbal tea." A dozen pairs of eyes squinted at them with just the right mix of skepticism and curiosity—kind of like how one looks at a suspicious food item at a potluck.
Stepping out from the crowd was a guy who looked like he could bench press a cow. "Wang Cheng," he announced, arms crossed like he was blocking a door. "Dorm boss."
Tang San, ever the diplomatic one, took a step forward with a nod. "Why do dorms need bosses?"
Wang Cheng's arms unfolded like an origami crane. "Because we're commoners. And nobles think they can parade around here like they own the place. A strong dorm boss prevents bullying. It's like a sitcom, but with fewer laugh tracks and more elbowing."
Tang Yan leaned over. "He's got backbone. I'm into it."
Tianmeng chimed in, "Honor? In a dormitory? What treasure have I stumbled upon?"
Without missing a beat, Tang San said, "Then I challenge you."
The duel commenced, and it was over quicker than a bad punchline. Wang Cheng was strong, sure, but Tang San moved with the grace of a cat on a hot tin roof—while also being quiet, like the cat was plotting a coup. In under a minute, Wang Cheng was out of breath, sprawled on the floor like he'd just lost a game of Twister.
Panting, he laughed. "Dorm's in good hands now. Good luck, boys!"
The rest cheered—one enthusiastic guy even pulled out a kazoo. Tang Yan threw a golf clap—a classy touch. "Nice. Dorm Boss San, first of his name!"
Suddenly, the door burst open like a scene from a high-energy movie. In bounced a girl who could only be described as a walking pixie, dual scorpion braids bobbing like they had a mind of their own. "I'm Xiao Wu! And I challenge the dorm boss!"
Tang San blinked. "You want to fight?"
"Of course! That's tradition, right?" she grinned, practically bouncing on her toes.
All the boys turned to Tang San as if they were expecting a grand fireworks display.
Tang Yan grinned wide. "Go on, Brother. Win or lose, this is history! Or at the very least, prime embarrassing material."
System: "Host's matchmaking scheme detected. Activating wingman mode."
Tianmeng added, "Oh, this is going to be golden. I brought snacks."
Reluctantly, Tang San nodded, because what's a little friendly combat among future dorm mates?
And just like that, it began. And ended. With a boom. Xiao Wu danced around him like she was at a rave, twisting and twirling with all the finesse of a wind-up toy. In less than 30 seconds, Tang San found himself on the ground, staring up at the ceiling, his pride floating somewhere out of reach.
The dorm erupted in fits of laughter.
Tang Yan's eyes sparkled like he just discovered treasure. "Oh-ho? Brother, is this your first time losing to a girl?"
Tang San sat up, dazed as if he'd just come out of a deep sleep. "She's… really fast."
System: "Fast? That's all you got? You practically let her toss you around!"
Tianmeng elbowed him. "Host has entered the stunned-teen stage. Monitoring will continue."
Xiao Wu dusted her hands, reveling in her victory. "If your big brother lost, what will a little one like you do?"
Tang Yan's smile froze faster than ice cream in winter. "Repeat that?"
He turned to Tang San. "You lost... to that?"
Tang San defensively replied, "She's... unique."
"Time to set the record straight," Tang Yan declared, puffing out his chest like a peacock.
"You win, I'll call you Sister Xiao Wu. I win, you serve my brother. Forever. Or until I say stop."
Xiao Wu crossed her arms, a fire in her eyes. "Bring it on!"
Ten seconds. That's all she lasted. Pinned in midair, held by her braids, and spun like a top until she finally waved the white flag.
"You cheated!" she exclaimed, exasperated.
"You're just not used to real precision!" Tang Yan shot back with smugness.
Tianmeng: "Host has unlocked achievement: Matchmaker Menace."
"Congratulations, Brother," Tang Yan said, obviously very pleased with himself. "You now have a rabbit maid!"
"Oh great," Tang San groaned. "You set me up again."
"With love." Tang Yan winked, and everyone else snickered.
As night wrapped around them, Xiao Wu suddenly realized a critical flaw in her plan: she had no bed.
Tang Yan, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, shoved his mattress beside Tang San's, announcing, "You and my brother will share. Bonding exercise."
Xiao Wu twitched like a cat faced with a bath, while Tang San's eyes widened in horror. "Yan!"
"Don't thank me too soon. I'm planning your wedding menu next!" He grinned mischievously.
System: "Please forward seating chart. Also, bunny stew: too soon?"
In a more serious corner of the world, Yu Xiaogang scrutinized a martial soul certificate in hand, muttering to himself, "Blue Silver Grass with innate full soul power… Something doesn't add up. Could he be… a twin martial soul wielder?"
But just as he was about to probe Tang San further, the not-so-stealthy Tang Yan swooped in like a superhero, snatching his brother away. "Nope. No testing today. Bye!"
Tianmeng commented with a chuckle, "Smooth retreat. Classic maneuver."
Meanwhile, nearby, a group of guardians, enjoying the show from the sidelines in spirit form, exchanged amused glances.
Gu Yuena took a sip of tea, heartily enjoying the drama. "I like that girl. She's fierce. Maybe a little too fierce."
Ah Yin chuckled. "Did you see how uncharacteristic Tang San was? He's usually as calm as a cucumber in a salad."
Bi Ji smirked, "Looks like someone's heart skipped a beat!"
Tang Hao sighed, shaking his head in amusement. "She's got the blood of a strong beast. That explains a lot. If they end up together… I wouldn't oppose it."
But he continued, "That aside, Yu Xiaogang might be flawed, but I still think he's the right kind of person to teach them. He can cover for them."
Gu Yuena raised an eyebrow and sipped again, "He gets one mistake. No more."
Ah Yin and Bi Ji chimed in with their expressions of agreement, their heads nodding along.
And as the forest breeze blew gently around them, chaos and camaraderie reigned, the night filled with laughter, mischief, and endless foreshadowing.