Chapter 16: Exploring Gaoling

Seeing the entrances of Gaoling town we lined up as we began to be processed. Having Dhara hide in the earth like last time.

From the end of the line to the front, we were able to pass with ease as we enter the town. After passing the guards Dhara came out and wrapped around me.

Walking around the town and what if offered we searched for an inn finding one that allowed pets to enter.Paying for the week we started to unpack and head to the hot springs. Not able to find one that allowed pets we decided to sneak Dhara in late at night when there was no one around.

After paying the fee to enter the hot spring James and I showered after finishing we went to the hot springs as I whistled for Dhara. After waiting for a bit Dhara pops out as I wash her before getting in the water.

As we'd enjoyed our time we began talking about the future and where we want to be. After talking we decided to leave the springs and go find something to eat for the night.

Finding a restaurant by our inn we were seated and ordered food getting a whole duck, pasta, and a side of dumplings as we ate giving a plate to Dhara to enjoy as well.

Finally, after stuffing our bellies we went back to the inn and slept for the night. Sleeping longer than usual we began our day as James left early in the morning to set up shop for his cabbages.

I left with Dhara to find a library looking for a while I could not find it. Swallowing my pride I ask for directions after asking I found the library.

Entering the library I asked for the history books and any spirit books they had. Hearing about spirit books the librarian thought for a minute pondering if they had any.

He went to the back of the counter to a small room where he took out one book. Sorry young man but this is all that I have.

Taking the book and thanked him as he pointed to the back corner of the store for the history books. As I walked I knew that I might as well finish the spirit book before anything.

As I read I could not find anything about the red spirit I saw but I did get a deeper understanding of them. As I flipped to the last page I saw a piece of paper sticking out peeling it revealing words that said the property of the Spirit library.

Reading this I decided to go back to the librarian to ask him. Seeing me come back "how else could I help you today young man". I asked if he ever heard of a place called the spirit library.

Hearing this he asked why I am asking about it. I handed the book back and told him that at the back cover of the book, a corner was sticking out as I pulled it and revealed words saying property of that library.

As his eye widened he grabbed the book he began to mumble "the legend is true". Asking about what legend he told me to follow him to the back as I did he served me a cup of tea.

Sitting down he held the book and began telling a story.

"Long ago there was a place called Wan Shi Tong's spirit Library. A place that held all the knowledge in the world owned by a Wan Shi Tong a person obsessed with knowledge."

"But because of the great extensive knowledge it held it was constantly attacked getting tired of it the Wan Shi Tong sunk his library into the ground to never be seen."

Asking where the library was at the old man could not answer handing me the book.

"Telling me that the last know location that my grandfather told me was somewhere in the Si Wong desert."

"I'll leave this book in your care for one day I hope that you find the library and return it to its original place."

Having such an event full day at the library I decided to leave and fill my stomach. Looking for a place to eat I decided on ramen going from stall to stall looking for a place that allowed pets in.

Finding one taking a seat and had my order taken of two large miso ramen with extra meat as my food arrived I handed one bowl to Dhara.

Eating in peace I then overheard two men talking about a fight ring underground.

Piquing my interest I finished my blow as I paid I tailed them to a large boulder at the edge of town.

Watching them knock five times rapidly as the ground underneath them opened a staircase.

As it shut behind them I began to concentrate and I began to feel small vibrations in the ground. I began to see a large arena and many people inside I had Dhara dig me a path there without setting any alarms.

Sliding through to the underground arena unnoticed I took a seat as I watched grown men fight one another knocking each other into the water surrounding the arena.

Seeing drinking and gambling as I watch the fight going on I wished I brought James knowing he would enjoy it.

As rounds passed soon came the final fight of the night as people began to rile up.

The announcer "on the left challenging the champion tonight is Boulder" as a large man with muscles came out

"And tonight's champion a girl able to beat anyone hear tonight the Blind Bandit".

A small girl with black hair and green Earth Nation attire on her a few years younger than me"

"Fighter are you ready" as the crowd got crazy "then begin!"

Boulder created a large boulder launching at the girl but dodging with ease she launched an earth wall at the man.

He caught it with his hands pushing him back a few feet but soon she launched another wall at him pushing him even further. As he was at the edge of the area he pushed the walls back to the girl she then created an edge wall around her breaking both walls in two.

Then launching it at Boulder seeing that he had no choice but to jump over it.

As he landed a boulder collided with his stomach knocking him over in the water. As the fight was short the announcer announced that Blind Bandit was the winner keeping her title.

As she bowed and blew kisses to the crowd as many people lost big when betting on Boulder. She announces is there anyone in the crowd that wants to fight me for the title?

Seeing that no one wants to enter the ring I decided to give it a shot I told Dhara to hide in the ground.

As I said "I'll give it a shot!" everybody looked at me seeing how I was a few years older than the girl.

As everyone bet against me hoping to win some of their money back. I bet on myself before entering the ring knowing I would win. Hearing someone accept her challenge a smile could be seen on her face as she waited for me to enter the ring.

Right before entering the ring, the announcer asked for my name I told him it was Jack. Introducing me to the crow "May the young man Jack survive after this fight".

Hearing this I gave him a death glare.

As he said, "Fight!"