Heaven Dou City, Starry Sky Hotel

The dawn light was faint, the morning mist had yet to dissipate.

A young figure had already appeared at the south gate of Martial Soul City.

Ling Xiao traveled alone with his horse, his luggage simple.

He held a spear wrapped in cloth in his hand, rode a magnificent black horse, his movements fluid and natural.

He left a letter for Ling Xi and Linglong, and then quietly departed Martial Soul City.

The Golden Crow rose in the east, and the morning light spilled onto the road, stretching the young figure long.

The black horse trotted unhurriedly in the direction of the Heaven Dou Empire.

Hooves crushed the morning dew, leaving shallow prints on the bluestone slabs.

Ling Xiao did not look back.

His spiritual power had long since spread out, taking in all the movements around him.

Hundreds of meters behind him, an aura, faint and elusive, followed like a ghost.

It was Ghost Leopard Douluo.

Should any danger arise, he could appear before Ling Xiao within a breath.

Ling Xiao gently flicked the reins, and the black horse neighed, its four hooves flying as it galloped forward.

Along the way, he traveled by day and rested by night, unhurriedly.

Ling Xiao did not rush his journey.

He used this trip to take in the customs and traditions of the Douluo Continent.

He passed through bustling towns with heavy traffic and also trod through remote villages with sparse population.

He saw common soul masters risking their lives for a ten-year soul ring, and also saw noble youths who acted tyrannically by relying on their sect's power.

These vivid scenes of human life were sights that could never be seen within the high walls of the Martial Soul Hall.

After several days of travel, his understanding of this world was no longer limited to the original plot and written records.

The time of Douluo became increasingly vivid and three-dimensional in his heart.

His state of mind grew more stable with the sights and experiences along the way.

His soul power also drew closer to level twenty-five through day and night meditation.

After several days, a majestic giant city appeared at the edge of the horizon.

The city walls, dozens of meters high, were built of massive stones, their surfaces etched with the marks of time and weather, imposing and majestic.

The flags of the Heaven Dou imperial family fluttered on the battlements, exuding grandeur.

The city gate was a scene of heavy traffic, with people flowing like a river.

Merchant caravans, soul masters, and commoners came and went incessantly.

The royal knights guarding the city had sharp eyes, scanning the passing crowds with strict vigilance.

This was the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City.

One of the cores of the two great empires on the Douluo Continent.

Ling Xiao reined in his horse, and the black horse reared up, letting out a neigh, and stopped in place.

He looked at the magnificent city before him, a flicker of emotion flashing in his dark eyes.

This was where the story of Yu Xiaogang and Tang San took place.

It was the foundation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the center of power for the Heaven Dou imperial family.

Ling Xiao dismounted, led his horse, and followed the flow of people towards the city gate.

Before entering the city, he took a half-face mask from his luggage and put it on.

The mask was exquisitely carved, with flowing cloud patterns etched along the edges, covering the upper half of his face.

It revealed a well-defined jawline, pale thin lips, and a pair of eyes hidden behind the mask, deep and unfathomable.

He was only eight years old, with a refined and ethereal appearance that was too eye-catching and could easily attract unwanted attention.

His identity as a direct disciple of the Pope was too sensitive in Heaven Dou City.

Once exposed, it would inevitably attract countless prying eyes and disrupt his plans.

The guards at the gate briefly checked his luggage.

Seeing that although he was young, he carried himself with an extraordinary demeanor, they dared not be negligent and quickly let him into the city.

Stepping through the city gate, the clamor of voices washed over him.

The wide bluestone street was straight and flat, with shops lining both sides.

The street was bustling with people, and soul masters in various attire could be seen everywhere.

They gathered in groups of three to five, talking animatedly about hunting soul rings and the matches in the Great Soul Arena, creating a lively atmosphere.

The vibrant prosperity of Heaven Dou City's streets had an added touch of worldly charm.

Ling Xiao led his horse, walking slowly along the long street.

He deliberately restrained his aura, but the temperament he carried was difficult to hide.

The youth's posture was upright, his gait composed.

Even at only eight years old, he carried the graceful bearing of one long accustomed to high positions.

Coupled with the half-face mask that added a touch of mystery, he drew frequent glances from many young maidens along the way, who stole looks at him.

Ling Xiao turned a blind eye to this, walking forward without shifting his gaze.

His eyes swept over the buildings on both sides, and he quickly locked onto his target.

In the center of Heaven Dou City, adjacent to the Great Soul Arena.

A magnificent ten-story building rose from the ground, its main entrance built of white marble, the roof carved with patterns of stars that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.

It was none other than one of the top-tier hotels in Heaven Dou City, the Starry Sky Hotel.

This place was not only luxuriously appointed but also had tight security.

More importantly, it was only a street away from the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena, which would be convenient for his future actions.

Ling Xiao led his horse to the front of the hotel.

A diligent bellhop immediately came forward, respectfully taking the reins to lead the horse to the stables for careful tending.

Another attendant bowed to lead the way, welcoming him into the hotel lobby.

The lobby was decorated with luxury and elegance, a massive crystal chandelier hanging in the center, shimmering with colorful light.

The receptionist saw him enter, and even though he was young and wearing a mask, she dared not be negligent.

She revealed a standard professional smile and spoke respectfully: "This guest, may I ask if you need to check in?"

Ling Xiao responded indifferently: "Yes."

The receptionist hurriedly asked with a smile: "What kind of room type would you like? We have standard rooms, luxury suites, and the top-floor panoramic suites."

Ling Xiao: "The top-floor panoramic suite, one room."

Upon hearing this, the respect in the receptionist's eyes deepened.

The top-floor panoramic suite was the hotel's most premium room type, and the price was not cheap.

She quickly said: "Very well, guest, please wait a moment, I will process this for you immediately. May I ask how to address you?"

Ling Xiao said casually: "Lin Xiao."

He used a homophonic pseudonym, which neither exposed his identity nor felt awkward.

The receptionist quickly finished the paperwork, held the room card with both hands, and respectfully handed it to him: "Guest, your room is the panoramic suite on the far east side of the tenth floor. This is your room card. Would you like me to arrange an attendant to take you up?"

Ling Xiao took the room card, tossed a gold coin over, and said indifferently: "No need, I will go up myself."

The receptionist caught the gold coin, the smile on her face becoming even brighter as she bowed repeatedly to thank him.

She was certain that this young guest in the mask must be a young master from some top-tier noble family.

The elevator rose to the tenth floor.

Ling Xiao stepped out of the elevator, walked along the corridor to the suite on the far east side, and swiped the room card to open the door.

The room was spacious and luxurious, complete with a living room, bedroom, and an independent cultivation room.

An entire wall of floor-to-ceiling glass windows brought most of the scenery of Heaven Dou City into view.

Beneath his feet was the bustling long street, filled with heavy traffic and the clamor of crowds.

Just a street away, the circular building of the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena was clearly visible, like an ancient beast crouching in wait.

Further in the distance, the glazed tiles of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace shimmered with a gilded luster under the sunlight.