Arrival in Heaven Dou

The carriage rolled along the road for several days.

At last, their journey ended, and the majestic sprawl of Heaven Dou City appeared before the three of them.

As the imperial capital of the Heaven Dou Empire on Douluo Continent, the city had stood at the heart of imperial rule for over six hundred years. Its defenses seemed impregnable. Walls stretched for miles like a winding dragon, palaces rose in tiers, and carriages crowded the streets. Four distinct districts divided the capital: the outer city, the inner city, the imperial quarter, and the palace city. Towering walls of bluestone and massive rock loomed over them all, their imposing presence commanding the land in every direction.

The empire's nobles, elite soul masters, great sects, and royal academies all gathered here. An important center of the Heaven Dou Empire, it possessed a prosperity no border town or ordinary city could match.

The three stepped down from the carriage, paid a few silver soul coins to enter, and passed into the bustling capital.

Shops lined both sides of the street without end. Restaurants, apothecaries, soul-tool shops, pastry shops, and treasure pavilions stood shoulder to shoulder, their banners fluttering above a dazzling array of goods.

Vendors called out, coach bells rang, and passersby talked over one another. The sounds blended into a rolling clamor that filled the long street.

Bustle and color met the eye everywhere, and the lively spirit of the city seemed to rise into the sky.

Jiang Baiyu surveyed Heaven Dou City with keen interest. Since arriving in this world, he had never seen a city so prosperous.

Zhu Zhuqing, by contrast, looked unmoved. She had grown up around scenes like this.

Su Wu gazed at the familiar streets of the imperial capital, his eyes full of nostalgia.

He, too, had roamed the city in his youth. Here he had made many old friends and known the carefree days of racing horses through spring streets, whip in hand, with fresh leaves stirring in the willow-scented breeze.

There had even been an old flame: Ye Suxin, bearer of the Nine-Hearted Begonia. Both possessed plant-type martial souls, and both were healers. Whenever they spoke of herbs, Soul Power, or the art of treating wounds, they found themselves of one mind. They could both sense the vitality of plants, and both had devoted themselves to saving lives. A bond had grown between them.

But fate had played a cruel trick. By the time they met again, she had married someone else. What had begun as a youthful understanding had never become more.

They parted, and all contact between them ceased.

Su Wu's eyes clouded with memory. Given the peculiar nature of the Nine-Hearted Begonia, she might no longer be alive. He sighed.

I should visit the Ye Residence if I get the chance. After a moment of sadness, Su Wu took the two children to the Rose Hotel.

The hotel stood only three stories high. Its entire exterior was a vivid rose red, and its gently curved silhouette resembled a huge rose blooming quietly amid the busy streets. Even from a distance, it was striking.

Inside, the decor was more refined, built entirely around white, silver, and rose red.

The white walls were clean and soft-toned, the silver carvings delicate, and touches of rose red brought warmth to the quiet, elegant rooms. A faint rose fragrance lingered in the air, setting visitors at ease.

As soon as the three entered, a young woman looked them over and approached. "Hello. Are you Lord Su Wu, Young Master Jiang Baiyu, and Miss Zhu Zhuqing?"

When they confirmed it, she promptly led them to the top floor. Beyond a heavy, carved rose-gold door lay a spacious foyer. A burgundy velvet carpet with a subtle pattern covered the floor, muffling their footsteps, while gilded wall lamps cast a warm glow from either side.

Red and white roses bloomed in generous clusters, their faint fragrance filling the air. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, scattering pinpoints of light across the rose-gold trim. Luxury showed in every detail.

"This entire top floor is yours. The suite has a private dining area, and the rooms are over here." The young woman led them to one side. At the sight of so many rooms and such lavish furnishings, even Zhu Zhuqing stared in astonishment.

"It can accommodate up to forty people, so there's plenty of space. If you need anyone, just pull this bell cord." She pointed to a cord nearby.

"As for the cost, the young master has already paid. I hope you enjoy your stay." She bowed and quietly withdrew.

At this extravagant display, Su Wu and Zhu Zhuqing turned to Jiang Baiyu. "Little Yu, this..." Su Wu knew Qian Renxue was Spirit Hall's young mistress, but he had not expected her to spend so freely.

Jiang Baiyu felt a little helpless himself. Who could have guessed Qian Renxue would go this far?

"She's that rich?" Zhu Zhuqing was surprised too. She could not help comparing herself to the girlfriend of the senior fellow apprentice she had yet to meet, but when it came to money, she had lost utterly.

After they settled in, Jiang Baiyu took out the Blue Silver Emperor and planted her in a flowerpot. Her leaves unfurled, adding the fresh scent of greenery to the rose-scented room.

Then the three prepared to explore Heaven Dou City.

Su Wu walked at an easy pace, studying the sights along the street and marveling at how much had changed over the decades.

Jiang Baiyu and Zhu Zhuqing walked beside him, their auras restrained and calm as they quietly took in the many faces of the capital.

People streamed endlessly along the broad street. Noble carriages, soul masters out gaining experience, merchants, and apprentices crossed paths amid the lively din.

When they reached a wide intersection, Jiang Baiyu happened to glance across the street through the moving crowd.

There, he spotted two people he had not expected to see:

Two girls were walking together. The one on the left had neatly cropped dark-purple hair and wore a simple, pale dress. Her features were cool and delicate, with eyes that tilted slightly upward at the corners. Her irises were a clear jade green, and faint green lines traced the outer corners of her eyes—a distinctive mark left by the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul. She had a quiet, reserved air, but as she shopped with her close friend, her face was full of smiles. None of a soul master's sharpness showed.

Beside her walked a girl in black wearing a wide-brimmed hat. She was the main reason Jiang Baiyu recognized them.

He had no intention of going over to make their acquaintance. That could wait until he reached Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

With that thought, Jiang Baiyu caught up with Su Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, and they continued on.

After buying a few things, the three were drawn by a commotion nearby. Following the sound, they saw a strange dome-shaped building. It bore no sign, only the image of a hammer.

At the sight, Su Wu said, "Oh, is there an auction today?"

They drew closer. Four graceful young women stood at the entrance to receive guests, and beside them was a large sign that read:

"Ten-thousand-year-old Whale Rubber, a treasure of the deep sea. A rare opportunity.

The Moonlight Divine Stone and many other rare treasures also await our honored guests!"

Jiang Baiyu's eyes lit up at the mention of ten-thousand-year-old Whale Rubber. Whale Rubber was excellent for strengthening the body, though people currently treated it only as an aphrodisiac, so it was not particularly valuable. A ten-thousand-year-old specimen was rare, however, and its effect on the body would be better still. He wanted to take a look.

"Grandpa, ten-thousand-year-old Whale Rubber. Shall we go in and see?"

Su Wu had watched Jiang Baiyu consume Whale Rubber for years. Of course he knew what it could do. Without betraying any reaction, he walked forward.

The three headed for the auction house's main entrance.

Two of the attendants immediately came to meet them, their smiles warm and polite.

"Welcome, honored guests. Today's lots are all high-grade items, and the auction house has a rule requiring proof of means before entry. Please show your soul master tokens or other proof of wealth. We hope you understand."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers curled slightly. She had fled from home and carried no valuable credentials.

But they had a Soul Douluo with them. Jiang Baiyu turned toward Su Wu.

Su Wu remained composed. He had no wish to flaunt his strength; he merely let his Soul Power flow outward. It did not erupt like a storm. Instead, the heavy, steady pressure of a Soul Douluo spread from him like the weight of a mountain.

The air around them seemed to freeze. The instant the two smiling attendants felt his aura, they trembled, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on their foreheads. Their practiced composure vanished. Even a trace of a Soul Douluo's pressure was more than an ordinary soul master could bear.

Both women hastily bowed low, their manner deeply respectful.

"We were discourteous! We failed to recognize an honored guest. Please forgive us, my lord!"

One attendant quickly stepped aside and gestured for them to enter, while the other signaled an attendant behind her. Before long, he hurried over carrying an elegant gift box in apology for demanding proof of means: a sealed box of Cloudmist Spirit Tea and two jars of Spirit Honey that nourished Soul Power.

"A small gift by way of apology. A private room has been prepared for you at once. Please come this way, my lord."

Faced with a rare Soul Douluo, none of them dared be negligent.

Su Wu nodded faintly. He took no offense at their questions; the rule was only natural, and he would not lose his temper over it.

Jiang Baiyu accepted the gifts, and Zhu Zhuqing followed behind the two of them. Guided by the attendant, who treated them with utmost respect, they passed through the ornate doors into the brightly lit, crowded auction house. From the carved window of their private room, they had a clear view of the entire auction stage below.