13 Suotuo City (1)

The Balak Kingdom was located in the south of Heaven Dou Empire and bordered the Fasinuo Province. Though it was merely a third larger than Fasinuo Province, it was one of the four great kingdoms of the Heaven Dou Empire. In fact, its king was the younger cousin of the Heaven Dou Emperor. Moreover, the southern portion of the Balak Kingdom bordered the Star Luo Empire resulting in a large and powerful military presence.

Originally the Heaven Dou Empire had been formed of 10 provinces. This was later divided among the four great kingdoms to form six political powers: the Emperor faction controlling five provinces, each of the kingdoms controlling one, and a single duchy controlling the smallest province in the distant and eastern side of the empire.

Though the four kingdoms and one duchy were officially subject to the Heaven Dou Empire's rule, these five states had long ago become independent. Aside from the annual tribute, they were completely self-governed by their own factions. If it weren't for the incredibly powerful Imperial army, perhaps a civil war would have already occurred to split the empire.

Star Luo Empire was also facing a similar situation with independent subjects. So while the two empires seemed to be political and military behemoths, they were both in the declining age. Perhaps, a single minor argument could rapidly transform into a continent wide conflict that would throw even the most reclusive and isolated village into turmoil.

Balak Kingdom had two important cities. First was the political and industry center and capital where the king resided called Balak City. The other held the largest granary within the kingdom called Suotuo City. Both cities boasted massive garrisons and were vital to the kingdom's strength and survival. Suotuo City was very large and even housed a level three Spirit Hall. Compared to the one in Suotuo City, the level one Spirit Hall in Nuoding City seemed shabby.

Today in the afternoon, three youths under the fiercely shining sun entered the west gate of Suotuo City. From a glance, the three of them were in their young teens, did not carry any luggage, and were two boys and one girl.

Of the two boys, one wore pale blue clothes that were simple but fresh. He looked to be twelve or thirteen years old. In addition to his clothes, around his waist was a belt inset with 24 pieces of jade. His hair was jet black and hung down to his shoulders. Though his facial features couldn't be considered extremely handsome, they gave people an easy-going impression. His figure was rather slim and if it weren't for the boy next to him, he would have been considered quite tall for his age at 1.7 meters (~5'7").

The other boy was incredibly tall. At nearly 185cm (~6'), the boy was also incredibly muscular. If seen from behind, a stranger would have instantly added several years to the boy's age. If it weren't for his young and smooth facial features, he would never be able to convince anyone of his age. He had dark brown hair cut short. His dark blue clothing were also simple but clean. His left hand was adorned with a single ring and on his waist, he wore a dagger dwarfed by his size. The dagger was of strange craftsmanship; it had been fashioned with a spiral blade. Normally his tall and sculpted figure would have been rather attractive to many girls however, his face could only be described as a travesty.

The girl between the two boys was the complete opposite of the second boy. Her silky smooth long black hair was combed and braided, hanging down to her lower back. Slightly taller than the first boy, she wore slightly tight pink clothes. She had long slim legs and thin waist. Sharply contrasting the second boy, she had curved eyebrows, bright and intelligent big eyes, and a soft and fair little face. Though she was young, any observer could tell you that she would grow to become an incredibly attractive woman within five to ten years. Her radiance completely overshadowed even the massive frame of the second boy, not to mention the slimmer boy.

The girl raised her hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead and grumbled, "Finally! We finally reached Suotuo City. I don't know what the heck Grandmaster is thinking. Clearly all the intermediate spirit master academies had expressed their intentions to recruit us unconditionally, but he asked the two of you to take an examination here at some rundown academy that doesn't have enough students to separate them into grades.

The slim boy smiled slightly as he said, "Teacher asked us to come take the examination but he didn't say anything to you. You insisted on following. Fortunately this academy is in Balak Kingdom which borders our Fasinuo Province, otherwise wouldn't you be complaining even more?"

The girl gave him a cold stare, "How selfish! Everything isn't for your sake. Didn't I swear to be your younger sister to the both of you? The examination is two days from now. No matter what, the two of you have to accompany me to explore in Suotuo for these two days. This way you can soothe the injuries to my small young heart."

The boy couldn't help but laugh and said, "The formidable Nuoding Academy's supreme boss for six years in a row, still has a small young heart? If you told those younger brothers of yours, I don't know whether they would immediately go jump into the river."

These two boys and one girl were exactly Tang San, Durand, and Xiao Wu from Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy. Four years had passed and they had at long last successfully graduated from Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy. Of course with their talents, Nuoding Academy intended to recommend they immediately enter an intermediate spirit master academy. They had even gone to the extent of having several famous academies issue invitation letters, providing the trio with an abundance of options for their future.

However, Grandmaster had ordered Durand and Tang San to turn down those invitations and go to Suotuo City in the south. There they were to find Shrek Academy and attempt their enrollment examination. After six years of instruction, Tang San had long since taken Grandmaster as a father figure, especially since his true father, Tang Hao, had simply disappeared. Even though Durand couldn't honestly say that he was as devoted to Grandmaster, he had come to treat Grandmaster with respect and saw Grandmaster as more of an uncle figure. Even if Durand had no clue about the benefit of entering Shrek Academy, he trusted Grandmaster enough to believe that he knew what was best for Durand. Therefore the two of them had accepted the order without the slightest hesitation.

Over the last six years, Tang San, Durand, and Xiao Wu's relationship had become extremely close, like blood siblings; since Tang San and Durand had chosen to be here, then Xiao Wu naturally followed. Before leaving Nuoding Academy, Grandmaster had told his disciples that he must go to the imperial capital and would meet them at Shrek Academy.

The six years at Nuoding had been extremely busy for Tang San and Durand: morning lectures with Grandmaster, afternoon work at the smithy or tailor's shop, and evening cultivation in their rooms. They rarely had free time. The both of them often meditated through the night, replacing their sleep with cultivation. Tang San had even gained a healthy and strong physique from his blacksmith work that was just hidden by his clothing. Durand on the other hand, had amassed a small fortune working at the tailor's shop by recreating the simple clothing from Earth like T-shirts.

"What six years? You saw HIM defeat me in our third year!" exclaimed the Xiao Wu, giving a menacing glare while pointing at the tall, muscular boy.

Durand, who had been joyfully watching the other boy suffer, suddenly had a coughing fit.

"Uhhhh, how did I get in trouble?" he asked in a daze.

"Whatever! Do the two of you promise?" asked Xiao Wu with a pout.

Tang San laughed again and said, "Whatever you wish. Since we have travelled so far, shouldn't we find a place to stay first before exploring?"

Durand interjected, "And get something to eat."

Xiao Wu smiled. Tang San and Durand rarely went against her words. Since they had established a sibling relationship, Tang San and Durand had taken care of her like a big brother, often spoiling her.

Suotuo City was much bigger than Nuoding City and was much livelier. On the street, patrolling soldiers could be seen everywhere with a bustling stream of people passing by nonstop. The three of them quickly found some small snacks at the street vendors before looking for a place to stay.

Xiao Wu soon discovered a very unique looking hotel. It was three floors tall, and though it couldn't be considered large, the entire exterior adornment was completely rose red and was styled and decorated to resemble an enormous rose. It easily gave people looking at it a certain feeling.

"Rose Hotel. Little San, Brother Durand, let's stay here!" pointed Xiao Wu.

"Okay," agreed Tang San. Having had worked these last several years and received the monthly stipend from Spirit Hall, Tang San had gathered a respectable size in savings. Though it was nothing compared to Durand's small fortune from selling T-shirts, it was much better than Xiao Wu's savings which was non-existent. Xiao Wu's extravagant spending had caused Tang San to take over her income in order to allow her to be able to save a little.

"Err…" Durand was speechless.

(That is a love hotel. There is no way I'm going to sleep in crusty sheets. The washing ability in this world isn't even as good as my previous world's washing ability. Even if this is where we meet Dai Mubai, I'd rather fight a dragon than have to sleep in a stain covered room,) thought Durand.

"Hmm I don't think this hotel suits me. It doesn't seem very clean to me," Durand said to the other two. "I think I will just find another place to stay."

Xiao Wu frowned in confusion and asked, "What is so unsuitable about it? And the outside of the hotel looks spotless."

Tang San similarly seemed clueless and shot Durand a questioning look. However, Durand simply shrugged and bade them goodbye. Before walking away to find a cleaner hotel, he promised to meet them at their hotel at sunrise. It would be embarrassing to have to explain as a twelve year old how he knew what love hotels without explaining that he was actually a hundred year old grandpa reborn into the world.

As Durand walked away, he happened to walk past a slightly older teenage boy accompanied by two very attractive twin girls. The man was just about 180 cm tall, taller than Tang San but shorter than Durand. He looked to be about 15 or 16 years of age, had broad shoulders, handsome features, and long straight golden hair rolling down to his waist. Most striking were his eyes; they were a deep icy cold blue and had double pupils. A simple gaze from the teenager made one feel as if it was cutting straight through one's body. With such physically attractive qualities, he drew the attention of strangers around him.

(So this is Dai Mubai,) thought Durand and committed the face to memory. After all, in a couple days, they would be fellow students at Shrek Academy. However, Durand did not attempt to introduce himself. After all, there was no possible reason for Durand, a complete stranger to speak with Dai Mubai.

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As Durand wandered through the city looking for an acceptable hotel to stay in, he often made stops at various stores to examine the merchandise. He didn't actually need to buy anything; he just wanted to browse the selection in one of the biggest cities in the southern region of the Heaven Dou Empire. A couple hours past by as Durand idled around the city; enraging the merchants who had wasted their time trying to sell him things he didn't need.

Soon, Durand found himself a little lost in a section of the city that wasn't as bustling as the market streets. In a quiet alley, he came across an old beggar. She had short white hair that was so dirty that it looked dark gray at first glance. Her wrinkled face showed the difficulties that had befallen her. Most of her teeth were cracked and chipped and if they weren't damaged, they were simply missing. Her body was thin like twigs from malnourishment as if she hadn't had a full meal for many months or even years. Even so, her eyes were bright and full of life. It seemed that even in the most difficult situation, she had not lost her will to live.

Approaching the old woman, Durand pulled from his space ring one of the thousands of prepared meals he had purchased from the karma store. In consideration of the old woman's teeth, the meal mainly consisted of soft foods like steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and boiled eggs.

"Grandmother, would you care for some food?" asked Durand in a friendly manner.

"How kind of you," croaked the old woman.

Just as Durand handed the food over to the old beggar, he happened to look straight into her eyes. Suddenly, a sharp gleam flashed through the old woman's eyes. A clap of thunder could be heard even though there wasn't a single cloud in the sky. In the alley, the woman and the food couldn't be seen anywhere.

Durand who was bent forward suddenly straightened up. On his face was an extremely confused expression. (Why was I bending forward? All I remember is walking down the alley bending forward and then I forgot why I had bent forward in the first place,) thought Durand.

Looking around on the floor in front of him, Durand thought (There's nothing on the floor so I wasn't bending forward to pick something up… What could it possibly be?)

Scratching his head in confusion, Durand continued walking down the alley. Unbeknownst to him, a small tattoo of a purple lotus had formed on the back of his neck. After flashing once, the tattoo dimmed and disappeared from vision. Behind Durand, an old woman seemed to float in the air. Her face was only slightly wrinkled and she had soft clean hair as white as snow. Wearing a slight smile, her white pearly teeth could be seen. It was odd, though she was effortlessly floating in the air, no one nearby seemed to notice her. It was as if she was completely invisible to the rest of the world. In her right hand was a short cane and curiously a small snake was wrapped around it sleeping. In her left hand, was a plate of hot food filled with hot and soft food that Durand had given to the old beggar just moments ago.

"What a nice young man. With twin spirits, one defensive and one healing, he should be quite talented. It seems like I've found a good seed," said the old woman with a smile. Turning around, as if to walk in the other direction, the old woman's body slowly faded away like dust blown away by the wind.

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As dusk approached, Suotuo City was covered in a gentle red and purple light. It was only until now that Durand had found a hotel to stay at. It was nearly 8 floors tall with dark blue decor. The entrance was hidden by the gardening in front, creating an exclusive impression on those who entered. The hotel he found was called The Regency, an upper class hotel catered for higher class citizens, like rich merchants, lower level nobility, and weaker end spirit masters. Though The Regency was not the best hotel in the city, it was still quite expensive; nightly rates ranged from 100 to 250 gold spirit coins. The rooms were extremely large and included a daily cleaning service. Most importantly, three meals were included with the room fees. Durand quickly paid for two nights in the smallest room at the hotel. After eating a large dinner, Durand returned to his room and began cultivating for the night.