The morning light was faint, and the dawn mist had yet to lift.
A young figure had appeared at the south gate of Spirit City.
Ling Xiao rode alone, carrying only a simple pack.
He held a long spear wrapped in cloth and rode a fine black steed, moving with effortless grace.
He had left a letter for Ling Xi and Linglong, then slipped quietly out of Spirit City.
The golden sun rose in the east, and morning light spilled across the road, stretching the young man's shadow long.
The black horse made its way toward the Heaven Dou Empire at an unhurried pace.
Its hooves shattered the morning dew, leaving faint prints on the bluestone road.
Ling Xiao didn't look back.
His mental power had long since spread out, taking in every movement around him.
Several hundred meters behind him, a presence flickered in and out, following like a ghost.
It was Ghost Leopard Douluo.
If any danger arose, he could appear before Ling Xiao in the blink of an eye.
Ling Xiao gave the reins a light flick. The black horse let out a long neigh, its hooves flying as it raced ahead.
Along the way, he traveled by day and rested by night, never rushing.
Ling Xiao wasn't in a hurry to reach his destination.
He used the journey to take in the customs and ways of life across Douluo Continent.
He passed through bustling towns teeming with traffic, and walked through remote villages with barely a soul in sight.
He saw commoner Soul Masters risk their lives for a Ten-Year Soul Ring, and noble youths throw their sect's weight around, acting like tyrants.
These vivid glimpses of life were sights he could never have witnessed behind Spirit Hall's towering walls.
After several days on the road, his understanding of this world was no longer limited to the original story and what he had read in books.
Douluo Continent had grown more vivid and real in his mind.
The sights and encounters along the way had made his disposition increasingly steady.
And through day-and-night meditation, his Soul Power had drawn another step closer to level twenty-five.
Several days later, a towering city appeared on the distant horizon.
Its walls stood dozens of meters high, built from enormous blocks of stone. The weathered marks of time gave them a stern and imposing air.
The Heaven Dou Imperial Family's flags snapped in the wind above the city gates, their display magnificent.
Traffic crowded the gates, and a sea of people streamed through.
Caravans, Soul Masters, and commoners came and went without end.
The royal knights guarding the city gates had keen eyes, scanning the passersby with utmost vigilance.
This was the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire: Heaven Dou City.
One of the two great centers of power on Douluo Continent.
Ling Xiao reined in his horse. The black steed rose onto its hind legs with a whinny, then stopped.
He gazed at the mighty city before him, a flicker of emotion passing through his dark eyes.
This was where the story of Yu Xiaogang and Tang San unfolded.
It was the home base of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the seat of power of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
Ling Xiao dismounted and led his horse toward the gates with the crowd.
Before entering, he took a half-face mask from his pack and put it on.
The mask was finely carved, its edges etched with subtle flowing-cloud patterns. It covered the upper half of his face perfectly.
His smooth jaw, pale lips, and deep, bottomless eyes remained visible beneath the mask.
He was only eight, and his refined, otherworldly looks drew too much attention. That could attract unwanted notice.
His status as the Pope's personal disciple was far too sensitive in Heaven Dou City.
If his identity were exposed, countless eyes would turn his way, disrupting his plans.
The gate guards gave his belongings a cursory inspection.
Though he was young, he carried himself with distinction. They didn't dare slight him, and soon let him into the city.
The moment he crossed the gates, a tumult of voices washed over him.
The broad bluestone streets ran straight and smooth, lined with rows of closely packed shops.
The streets teemed with people, and Soul Masters in all manner of attire could be seen everywhere.
They gathered in groups of three or five, talking loudly about hunting Soul Rings and the matches at the Great Soul Arena. The place was alive with commotion.
The bustling street life of Heaven Dou City had a warmth and vibrancy all its own.
Ling Xiao led his horse along the main street at an easy pace.
He deliberately kept his presence subdued, but his bearing was difficult to hide.
The boy stood straight and walked with unhurried composure.
Though only eight, he carried the grace and dignity of someone long accustomed to holding power.
The half-face mask added an air of mystery, prompting many young women along the way to glance back and sneak looks at him.
Ling Xiao paid them no mind and kept his gaze fixed ahead.
His eyes swept over the buildings on either side, and soon settled on his destination.
It stood in the heart of Heaven Dou City, right beside the Great Soul Arena.
A magnificent ten-story building rose from the ground. Its entrance was built of white marble, and the roof was carved with a design of stars scattered across the heavens, shining brilliantly in the sunlight.
It was one of the finest hotels in Heaven Dou City: the Starry Sky Hotel.
Not only was it luxurious and heavily guarded,
but more importantly, it stood just one street away from the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena, making it convenient for his plans.
Ling Xiao led his horse to the hotel entrance.
A doorman hurried over at once, respectfully taking the reins and leading the horse to the stables to see to its care.
Another attendant bowed and showed him into the hotel lobby.
The lobby was elegantly decorated in luxurious style, with a huge crystal chandelier hanging in the center, glittering with brilliant light.
The receptionist saw him come in. Though he was young and wore a mask, she didn't dare treat him lightly.
She gave him a professional smile and asked respectfully, "Welcome, sir. Would you like to check in?"
Ling Xiao replied coolly, "Yes."
The receptionist promptly asked with a smile, "What kind of room would you like? We have standard rooms, deluxe suites, and a top-floor suite with a view."
Ling Xiao said, "A top-floor suite with a view. I'll take one."
The receptionist's respect deepened at once.
The top-floor suite with a view was the hotel's finest room, and it came at a steep price.
She hurriedly said, "Certainly, sir. Please wait a moment while I arrange that for you. May I ask your name?"
Ling Xiao answered casually, "Lin Xiao."
He had used a homophonic alias. It concealed his identity without sounding awkward.
The receptionist quickly completed the formalities, then presented the room card to him with both hands. "Your suite is on the far east side of the tenth floor. Here's your room card. Would you like me to arrange for an attendant to show you up?"
Ling Xiao took the card and casually tossed her a gold coin. "No need. I'll go up myself."
The receptionist caught the coin, her smile growing brighter as she bowed and thanked him repeatedly.
She was certain that the masked young guest must be a young master from some top-tier family.
The elevator rose to the tenth floor.
Ling Xiao stepped out, followed the corridor to the suite at the far eastern end, and unlocked the door with his room card.
The room was spacious and luxurious, with a living room, bedroom, and private cultivation room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows covered an entire wall, offering a view over most of Heaven Dou City.
Below lay a bustling main street, full of traffic and noise.
Just across the street, the circular structure of the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena stood in clear view, like an ancient beast crouching low.
Farther away, the glazed tiles of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace gleamed with a golden sheen in the sunlight.
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