10 Heavenly Dou City

Three days passed quickly with Alex advancing his cultivation to rank 17 on the second day. His parents couldn't help but sigh and shake their heads at his rapid progress. Geniuses of his generation would only be reaching his soul rank when they were 9 or 10 years old, so he is several years ahead of them and it will only grow as the years go on.

As the sun broke over the horizon, Alex and his parents could be seen making their way to Shrek City's local train station in order to board a train headed for Heavenly Dou City. Due to a mixture of their family's wealth and status, they were able to organise a private room on the train for the three of them. The overall length of the trip from Shrek City directly to Heavenly Dou City would last around 4 hours which was considerably short due to the recent upgrades done to both the train tracks and trains themselves. Luckily these upgrades were finished only months earlier as otherwise the trip would extend another 3 hours in length.

During the short 4 hour train ride looking through the carriage windows you could see a family of three sitting in a private carriage with one child cultivating and the parents cuddling up against each other napping, with happy smiles on their faces. It was a shame that this scene was forever missed in the eyes of man, as when the sun broke through the clouds and shone on this couple, they looked like peaceful divine angels that have descended from heaven.

As they arrived closer to their destination, Alex arose from his cultivation happy at his progress through his next rank and the rises in strength he has received so far. At every stage his bodily strength increases at an exponential rate. This allows for his body to be ten times the normal physical capabilities of a power system spirit user when he will reach the esteemed Titled Douluo level. However, this strength is even before the use of external means increases such as medical fruits and cultivation herbs which goes to show the techniques superiority and its supreme benefits its user receives. He slowly got comfortable once again as he enjoyed the serenity life has to offer.

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Walking through Heavenly Dou City, Alex couldn't help but notice the differences between it and Shrek City. The most obvious difference would be the Spirit Pagoda in this city only consisted of 30 layers, causing it to be over half in height as the one he was used to seeing daily. However, the Blacksmith Association had a much bigger building here, as Heavenly Dou City was this continents headquarters. The building was almost as tall as the Spirit Pagoda, which is a significant feat and shows their wealth and importance in the city.

Looking at the sights, specifically the Blacksmith Association in the distance, Alex thought, 'Wait if this is their headquarters wouldn't that mean we might see the Divine Blacksmith Zhen Hua? Oh wait that would make sense as Dad said that Mum is upgrading her armour. Should I try and become his disciple? I was planning on asking Shrek Academy's Blacksmith Association President Feng Wuyu as I always found him a funny guy not to mention he was an Eighth Ranked Saint Blacksmith. However, now that I think of it, shouldn't I just go for the best in everything? It is a little greedy, but I am sure that even Tang Wulin could have progressed a lot better with the resources available through Zhen Hua. I appreciate his loyalty to his masters though. I can't really do anything about it right at this moment so let's just see how it goes. If we get to meet him when I am here I will try my best and if not I can always ask my Dad for tips on approaching him at a later date.'

"Who are we going to see father?" Asked Alex. 'I thought it was that guy called Mu Ye as he also lived here but I didn't think he knew father very well it the story. Well he knew my father, but he was on the verge of hating him and Shrek Academy. Shrek Academy did mess up the Body Sect in Douluo Dalu 1 and 2 though so it was fairly acceptable. Well I can't just rely on the story for everything as if I am going purely of what I remember in the story, I shouldn't have even been born. If we are going to see that old man Mu Ye however…" He thought smiling.

"Just a friend. Try not to upset him too much as we are asking for his help." His father replied. "Well maybe just a little haha."

"Don't be an idiot" Ya Li says shooting a glance to her husband. "And that goes for you too sweetie alright?" She said, sounding like a request but both males knowing that it was a demand. They both nodded obediently.

As they finally arrived closer to the Blacksmith Association building you could see two massive hammers crossing over the doorway, giving the whole building an intimidating effect. Under these hammers, people could be seen constantly filing in and out of the building. Off to the side there was a landing bay for Mecha Masters to land and secure their Mechas on as they entered the association.

As Alex looked around, appreciating the pure beauty and shining metal building, he noticed a large man who stuck out from the crowd. His head stuck out over the crowd observing everyone who was entering the building. Alex couldn't help but wonder how this man got so tall. As Alex was looking at him, the man's vision turned and happened to intersect with his line of sight. For half a second it was as if time froze before the man vanished and appeared right in front of his face. Alex recoiled in shock and got into his best fighting stance, even though he had never fought someone before.

Yun Ming quickly tensed, about to defend his son, before realising who it was, "I would rather you not scare my son like that you old fart," sending a scowl his way.

The man turned his vision from Alex to the couple, "Haha it is good to see you Ya Li. You are as beautiful as ever. I wish I could say the same about you Ming…" The man said as he sent back a similar scowl as he looked back at his father.

Now that Alex got a close up look of the man he saw several obvious contrasting qualities. He looked like a wizened man in his early fifties. However, his face contrasted with the rest of his body as he was easily over six foot and ten inches, had a full black set of hair without a single grey and exuded an aura that just shouted, 'don't mess with me, because I will smash you.' Not to mention his extremely ripped body, being easily seen even though he wore slightly baggy clothes. The man almost as if he felt Alex's gaze on him, once again turned towards him. His scowl instantly transformed into a friendly smile, showing off the man's perfectly white teeth. Alex however, only felt that he was being seen as a fabulous gift waiting to be opened, which sent shivers down his spine.

Seeing as they weren't getting anywhere, Yun Ming decided to speak up for everyone, "Let's get out of the street before we talk, Mu Ye. Is there a spare room in the association for us or are we going to be using the Shrek Academy's apartments?"

"I'm glad you asked. I took it upon myself to organise the finest hotel in Heavenly Dou City for your stay. It is very close to the association so we can stop by over there prior to starting our work." He replied.

Yun Ming nodded, "Very well, lead the way."

As they walked further into the city, Alex once again was absorbed in the atmosphere and culture. As he opened up his senses to their maximum capacity, he could subtly smell the odour of coal dust and molten metal wafting through the air as it was expunged from the association's chambers. It really set the scene for this adventure as it slowly kindled a fire within himself to begin his blacksmithing journey.

Back in his old world before he was reincarnated into this universe, Alex loved reading novels that explored various blacksmithing and craftsmanship routes. He always thought that it was one of the best ways for an individual to pour their heart and soul into a project and watch as it turned into something unbelievable. That was one of the main reasons behind his wishes, as he knew that he needed extreme strength, talent, mental capability, willpower and most importantly resources. Now that he has all of the most important things to be a successful blacksmith, he is determined to rise to the top and become the first ever individual to exceed the rank of divine blacksmith.

Finally after 10 more minutes of walking through the busy commercial streets, the four people arrived outside a 4 story hotel building called 'The Divine Sleep'. It stood out from the rest of the commercial buildings, being made entirely from a high class brick with various fitting and overlays snaking along its walls. There were two Mecha masters stationed outside its doors, ready to step into action at a moment's notice. As they walked past these masters and into the hotel, they both gave noticeable nods to all three adults in Alex's group of four, clearly aware of their identities.

Upon entering the building Alex couldn't help but open his eyes, almost like full moons as he took in the sight. The building was a lot deeper than he realised, having decorative pillars running down front carpet. There were several rooms Alex was able to just make out, branching off of the main reception leading to the dining areas and private lounges. As they walked into the centre of the foyer, Alex could see a well-dressed man speedily moving over towards them. He had to give the man some praise as even at his current speed, he exuded grace and seemed to glide along the floor.

"Good morning Madame Li, Sir Ming, Sir Ye. I am the manager of The Divine Sleep so any questions or assistance you may need, you may call me and expect an answer straight away. Your booking arrangements have all been settled so if you would follow me up to your rooms." The manager said pleasantly with a kind, welcoming smile on his face at all times.

Seeing the manager's actions Alex couldn't help but realise the déjà vu. 'Is this going to be a normal occurrence when I always enter a building with my Mum and Dad? There always seems to be someone in a hurry to meet them on their arrival. Now that I think of it, wasn't Mu Ye the same?' He looked at Mu Ye out of the corner of his eye, having a sneaky suspicion that he was actually very excited to see his parents even if he didn't let that on. Shaking his head he hurriedly caught up to his parent as to not lose them in the hotel.