Moonlight Pavilion

"Ah, we're finally here."

Su Xuan looked at the towering city ahead and let out a sigh.

The ancient city gates exuded an imposing, archaic aura. Above them were two large characters, gleaming like gold paint: "Heaven Dou."

Su Xuan and his group entered the city.

Su Xuan dismounted and walked over to Gu Yuena's carriage.

Perhaps because they knew they would be arriving at the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire tomorrow, one of the rare prosperous places on the Douluo Continent, Gu Yuena and the other two had unusually not stayed up late.

Su Xuan stepped inside. This young ladies' chamber held almost no secrets from him.

Looking at the three curious girls, Su Xuan coughed into his fist. "Ahem. Na'er, Zhuqing, Senior Sister, I need to make a trip to Moonlight Pavilion later to handle some matters. Why don't you go look around on your own first? We can meet up at Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City tonight, all right?"

Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuqing frowned. Neither of them wanted to be separated from Su Xuan.

It was Hu Liena's first time in this city, and she was rather excited. She put an arm around each of the other two girls' shoulders.

"It's fine, Yuena, Zhuqing. We'll see each other again tonight anyway. Let's go have some fun first."

Su Xuan shot Hu Liena a grateful look. His senior sister's timely assist was truly invaluable.

Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuqing nodded. After all, they were sensible girls.

"Oh, and take that little Rabbit with you too."

"Fine, fine. Go take care of your business."

Hu Liena readily took on the task.

Su Xuan still trusted Hu Liena's ability to get things done. Feeling relieved, he flashed a broad smile at the dependable Hu Liena. "Then I'll leave it to you, Senior Sister."

"Hahaha, don't mention it. Go on, get busy."

After saying that, Su Xuan left.

Zhu Zhuqing looked at Hu Liena. "What are we doing next?"

Hu Liena's eyes lit up. "Is that even a question? Of course, we're going shopping!!!"

Gu Yuena glanced at Su Xuan's departing figure and stopped dwelling on it. This was the greatest city in the world aside from Spirit City—just thinking about how many beautiful clothes there must be made Gu Yuena swallow guiltily. Mm, ah, she wanted them all...

Su Xuan and Tang San sat in the same carriage.

Su Xuan asked, "Do you know anything about your aunt?"

Tang San shook his head. "The letter Father left behind only mentioned her identity and left me a single message."

Su Xuan nodded. It seemed there was some kind of code, so he would not concern himself further.

"My promise of three favors still stands. If you need help with anything, take this token to any Spirit Hall branch and find me."

Su Xuan tossed Tang San a token. It was gold and red, covered in intricate patterns, and looked anything but ordinary.

Tang San glanced at Su Xuan, who was resting with his eyes closed. After hesitating for a moment, he looked at him and said, "...What about my teacher?"

Su Xuan opened his eyes, a trace of amusement in his pale golden gaze. "Tang San, I hate Yu Xiaogang, but I won't hate you because you're his student. On the contrary, I admire the respect you show your teacher. Humans are creatures whose emotions always obscure their reason."

Su Xuan stood up and shook his head. "That is quite foolish. Hating the house because of the crow is prejudice. We cannot deny a person because of prejudice. So when I look at you, I do not see Yu Xiaogang's disciple. I see a good student who respects his teacher. Of course, that does not conflict with my disgust for Yu Xiaogang."

Tang San fell silent. Su Xuan's perspective had shaken him. After giving it careful thought, Tang San realized that these words were remarkably right. There were simply too few clear-headed people in the world.

Tang San looked at Su Xuan and said sincerely, "Your perspective has taught me a great deal."

"Hahaha, don't mention it. No one is perfect. One should examine oneself thrice each day, constantly reflect on one's actions, correct one's mistakes, and strive harder where there are none."

Tang San truly found himself somewhat convinced by this peer. Su Xuan was proud and possessed formidable strength and a powerful background, yet in his dealings with others—aside from Yu Xiaogang—he was not arrogant at all. Instead, he was humble and courteous, clear-minded in his actions, honorable in character, ever self-reflective, and diligent in striving forward. Other than seeming to have some issues when it came to emotions, he was nearly a perfect person.

Tang San finally began to doubt. He had always respected the Master, but they had only known each other for two months, and their bond as teacher and student was not especially deep. Yet Su Xuan, who was almost perfect, despised his teacher so deeply. But his teacher was merely an ordinary Soul Grandmaster. Could it be that his teacher had truly done something so abhorrent that even someone like Su Xuan loathed him for it?

Su Xuan had no idea that Tang San regarded his character so highly. If he knew, he would surely blush a little. After all, he was not that good. Could only say that a fan's imagination about their idol was far too frightening?

"We've arrived, Your Highness."

"Good. Tang San, you're about to meet your aunt. How do you feel?"

"My feelings are complicated. I can't really put them into words."

Su Xuan knew that Tang San had probably thought of Tang Hao again, so he did not say any more pointless words. He got out of the carriage and headed straight toward Moonlight Pavilion, while Tang San stopped overthinking and hurried after him.

They had arrived at the busiest area in the center of Heaven Dou City.

Before them stood a five-story building. Even in Heaven Dou City, it counted as a rather tall structure.

The building's first impression was one of elegance. Its overall architectural style was somewhat antique, and the plaque bore only two simple words: Moonlight Pavilion.

Not many pedestrians came and went from Moonlight Pavilion, but it was clear that those entering and leaving were either lavishly dressed or carried exceptional bearing. There were both men and women.

Su Xuan narrowed his eyes. His standards had become quite high after several years of training in Spirit Hall. This small building was not something money alone could acquire. It seemed Tang San's aunt had quite an extraordinary identity.

Su Xuan smiled. What did it have to do with him? He turned back to Tang San and said, "Let's go."

The moment the two reached the entrance, they were stopped. Two young men dressed in green blocked their way. Both were fairly handsome, and their appearance was so meticulously arranged that it was nearly flawless.

The young man on the left said calmly, "I'm sorry, friend, but please stop. Moonlight Pavilion does not receive those who are improperly dressed."

The young man on the right, meanwhile, immediately recognized the expense and distinction of Su Xuan's clothing. At Moonlight Pavilion, he had received countless nobles and dignitaries.

Su Xuan's features were exquisitely handsome, his appearance unmatched, and his bearing exceptional. He was undoubtedly a true distinguished guest.

The young man on the right wore a smile so perfect that no flaw could be found in it and asked softly, "May I ask what business brings this distinguished guest here?"

The blatant difference in treatment angered Tang San somewhat. His ability to keep his temper in check had not yet reached that level.

Su Xuan smiled and pulled Tang San to his side. "He is my friend. May I bring him inside? We have urgent business with your Moon Xuan Pavilion Master."