White Clothes Sword, White-Clothed Guest

"Strong?" The old pharmacist smiled. "That's hard to say. If we're only talking about a Soul Master's strength, then a Soul Saint is indeed quite powerful. But I heard their admission requirements are extremely strict: under twelve years old, with Soul Power above rank twenty. Even disciples from major sects might not meet those conditions. Of course, some say it's just a gimmick to scam people out of registration fees. Who knows? Anyway, quite a few young Soul Masters from other places have been heading there these past few days, hoping to try their luck."

"Of course, if you want a good learning environment, it's best to choose somewhere else. That place isn't somewhere ordinary people can stay."

"I see." Zhou Qiubai nodded. "Thank you, shopkeeper."

Carrying the medicinal herbs, he left the apothecary.

Shrek's recruitment meant Tang San would be arriving soon.

That meant he should start making preparations as well.

The Suotuo Auction House stood in the north of the city, a grand, circular three-story building. Entrance

Zhou Qiubai tightly gripped the credential the Seven Treasure Goods Firm had given him and briskly entered the consignment area through the side door.

A maid in a qipao carefully verified the credential, then handed him a numbered plaque. Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. "You may take a seat in the hall or watch the auction from a private room on the second floor. Your lot is number seventeen and will likely go up for auction around three quarters past the hour of Xu."

If nothing else, the name of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect alone was enough to make people take him seriously.

Zhou Qiubai chose a spot by the railing on the second floor.

More than half the guests had already gathered in the hall, over two hundred people in total.

There were wealthy merchants dressed in lavish clothes, composed Soul Masters, and several young sect disciples who stood out especially.

Once everyone had arrived, the auction slowly began.

A woman in her thirties stepped onto the stage, her red gown gleaming brilliantly beneath the lights.

Just a few simple opening remarks stirred up the atmosphere in the hall.

The first few auction items were all fairly ordinary goods.

A Soul Tool capable of enhancing fire-attribute soul skills, an ancient book, and a set of light armor made from the hide of a century-old Spirit Beast all sold for anywhere from dozens to several hundred Gold Soul Coins.

Zhou Qiubai watched quietly, secretly marveling to himself.

What a shame!

He couldn't afford any of it.

But finally, it was his turn.

"This is a bottle of liquid extracted from a thousand-year-old plant-type Spirit Beast." She raised a small jade bottle, its surface glimmering with a warm silver sheen under the lights. "Our appraisers have confirmed that this spiritual liquid contains pure energy and can slightly increase the recovery speed of Soul Power. It is especially suitable for Soul Masters at a bottleneck."

She paused briefly, a smile curling across her lips. "The starting bid is three hundred Gold Soul Coins."

The hall fell silent for a moment. Anything produced by a plant-type Spirit Beast was clearly of exceptional quality.

"Three hundred fifty!"

"Four hundred!"

"Four hundred fifty!"

Only when the price reached six hundred Gold Soul Coins did the bidding gradually begin to thin out.

That was no small fortune.

He let out a quiet breath, secretly sighing to himself.

With this money, he would not have to worry about cultivation resources for quite a long time.

The auction continued, but Zhou Qiubai had already lost interest.

He rose to his feet and slowly left the Auction House, stepping onto the streets of Suotuo City as the lanterns began to light up.

The night grew deeper, yet the city only became livelier.

Laughter drifted from taverns, the entrances to gambling dens blazed with light, and roadside stalls gave off the aroma of all kinds of delicious food, making mouths water.

He found a noodle shop that looked clean and ordered a bowl of beef noodles.

After finishing his noodles, he sat on a bench by the street, watching the passing crowds as he began planning his next move.

He had already bought all the ingredients for the medicinal bath, and now he had money as well. Next, he needed to consider practical combat training.

Before coming to Suotuo City, he had heard of the Great Soul Arena's reputation.

Soul Masters could register to compete, and the victors could not only win prize money...

He had not heard anything else.

Should he go or not?

Zhou Qiubai pondered for a moment before gradually coming to a decision.

Go.

But not yet.

He needed to find somewhere to stay first, prepare the medicinal bath, and adjust himself to his best condition.

Then he would visit the Soul Fighting Arena and see what it was like.

Most of Suotuo City's inns were clustered in the south of the city, stretching along the bustling Changle Street.

With his bag of medicinal herbs on his back, Zhou Qiubai walked from one end of the street to the other, checking the prices and conditions of every inn.

He first entered the cheapest communal lodging, which cost only five Soul Copper Coins per night.

But the room could cram in more than a dozen people, and the air was thick with a mixture of sweat, foot odor, and snoring. It was no different from a pigsty.

Zhou Qiubai took one glance and decisively turned around.

In the end, his gaze settled on the entrance of Clear Bamboo Inn.

The proprietor was a middle-aged man in his fifties, dressed in a long blue-cloth robe and busy working an abacus behind the counter.

"Shopkeeper, how much for a private room?" Zhou Qiubai asked, his voice carrying a trace of anticipation.

The shopkeeper looked up and examined him, seemingly trying to figure out his identity. "Three Silver Soul Coins a night for a private room, hot water included. For a long-term stay, it's seven Gold Soul Coins a month."

Seven Gold Soul Coins came out to just over two Silver Soul Coins a day, which was indeed cheaper than renting by the night.

But Zhou Qiubai instinctively wanted to haggle. "Six Gold."

The shopkeeper shook his head. "Small business. Can't go any lower."

"Then six and a half Gold. If that won't do, I'll find another place." Zhou Qiubai made as if to leave.

"Wait!" The shopkeeper hurriedly stopped him. A conflicted look crossed his face before he finally sighed. "Fine. You seem like a decent fellow, so let's call it the price of making a friend."

Zhou Qiubai was delighted. He took out six Gold Soul Coins and five Silver Soul Coins and handed them over.

The shopkeeper accepted them and counted them carefully before taking out a brass key from a drawer. "Room Three, Building B, second floor. The window faces south, so it's quiet. If you need hot water, just tell the attendant."

"Thank you." Zhou Qiubai took the key and went upstairs eagerly.

The room was not large, but it had been kept very clean.

After dinner, he had the attendant heat up a large tub of water and carry it upstairs.

The medicinal bath had to begin as soon as possible.

He took out the herbs one by one and mixed them in the proper proportions.

Zhou Qiubai undressed and climbed into the tub.

It hurt. It hurt terribly.

Just kidding.

He had endured for sixteen years. Was he supposed to fear this?

He opened his eyes, climbed out of the wooden tub, dried himself off, and changed into clean clothes.

He pushed open the window. The night breeze drifted in gently, carrying the fresh scent of bamboo leaves.

He had a place to stay, the medicinal bath had begun, and he had enough money for the time being. Next, it was time to visit the Great Soul Arena.

He touched the White Clothes Sword at his waist. Its blade was faintly cool, yet smooth to the touch.

Early the next morning, after breakfast, Zhou Qiubai went out to ask for directions to the Great Soul Arena.

He went downstairs and asked the shopkeeper, "How do I get to the Great Soul Arena in the city?"

The shopkeeper was busy with his accounts and did not even raise his head. "Turn right when you leave, turn left at the second intersection, then walk straight for three hundred steps and you'll see it. It's easy to recognize. It's brightly lit at night."

After a pause, he added, "You're a Soul Master, aren't you, sir? First time going?"

"First time."

"Then let me give you a warning." The shopkeeper finally looked up, his expression growing more serious. "That Soul Fighting Arena may look glamorous, but it's a chaotic place with all sorts mixed together. Winning brings glory, but losing... at best, you'll suffer broken bones and torn muscles; at worst, you'll lose your life. There may be referees watching, but fists and feet have no eyes, and soul skills have even less. If you're not short on money, don't go joining in that excitement."

Zhou Qiubai smiled faintly. "Thank you for the warning, shopkeeper. But some things have to be tried."

The shopkeeper shook his head and said nothing more.

Good advice could not save someone determined to die. Looks like he would earn the room fee for nothing.