Eastsea City stood beside the Vast Sea, a city known for trade. Compared with the great inland cities crowded with Soul Master sects, its Soul Master strength could only be called dismal.
Here, even a Six-Ring Soul Emperor counted as a person of some renown and drew reverent looks on the street. Every Titled Douluo in the city was a legend.
Xiao Ran and Xiao Cheng walked side by side through the streets of Eastsea City. Neither deliberately released his aura, but the bearing of strength that naturally radiated from them still made many passersby step aside without thinking.
"Dad," Xiao Cheng said, turning his head, "Grandpa must have it pretty easy as the tower master here, right?"
"Of course he does." Xiao Ran chuckled. "Eastsea City's Soul Master strength is weak. He might not need to make a personal appearance more than a few times all year. His greatest pleasure is probably drinking tea and playing chess with that old friend of his."
"If your grandfather knew his son and grandson had both come, he might be so happy he'd eat two extra bowls at lunch."
Xiao Cheng did not reply. He merely gazed at the city, unfamiliar yet faintly dear to him. He had few memories of Eastsea City. The last time he had come, he had been little; all he remembered was the fierce sea wind and how scratchy his grandfather's stubble had been.
The Spirit Pagoda stood in the heart of Eastsea City. Its tower was not particularly tall, but it had a solemn, imposing presence. Before Xiao Ran and Xiao Cheng reached the entrance, a steward hurried out from within. Recognizing Xiao Ran at a glance, he bowed slightly. "My lord, you're back! The tower master is upstairs with Elder Xu."
Xiao Ran nodded and