NOVEL NEXT Chapter 61: Suotuo City
Balak Kingdom, located in south Heaven Dou Empire, bordering with Fasinuo Province. Speaking of this kingdom, its actual area was only four thirds of Fasinuo Province, subordinate to Heaven Dou Empire. Within the borders of Heaven Dou Empire it was one of four great kingdoms. Balak's king Kundela was the current Heaven Dou Empire's king's younger cousin.
Southern Balak Kingdom bordered directly on Star Luo Empire, consequently, among Heaven Dou Empire's four kingdoms, Balak Kingdom's military strength was the most powerful, and it could also be said to be the gateway to Heaven Dou Empire.
Heaven Dou Empire originally had ten provinces that were later divided among the four great kingdoms forming six powers: the Empire itself directly controlled five provinces, the four great kingdoms each controlled one, and there was still one duchy second only to kingdoms, occupying the smallest province on the Empire's eastern side.
On the surface, the four great kingdoms and one duchy must all be subject to Heaven Dou Empire's rule, but in fact, these five states long ago already became nations within a nation, besides the necessary tribute, they were all entirely independent. If not for Heaven Dou Imperial Family controlling a large number of troops, perhaps a civil war would long ago already have appeared.
Star Luo Empire also had similar circumstances, consequently, while the two empires looked to be strong forces, in fact both were in decline. If someone spoke badly, that day the entire Continent's situation would abruptly transform.
Within Balak Kingdom were two most important cities, one was Balak king Kundela's resident capital Balake City, here was the heart of the entire Balake Kingdom's politics and industry. And the other city was located at the richest granary within the borders of Balak Kingdom called Suotuo City.
These two cities both had massive garrisons, and were the entire Kingdom's highest priority.
Suotuo City was a large city, this bit could be seen from Spirit Hall's allocated as the third ranked Lord Spirit Hall.
Currently just past noon, the blazing sun shining fiercely, at Suotuo City's west gate entered one handsome youth. By looks, they he only appear to be ten-some years old, not carrying any luggage.
His presence commanding the attention of those he passed. His tall, athletic build was draped in simple yet elegant robes, exuding an aura of refined power. His dark, flowing hair framed a face that was both handsome and intense, with sharp, well-defined features that hinted at the strength and wisdom he possessed. His eyes, deep and thoughtful, seemed to observe everything with a calculating gaze, reflecting his years of rigorous training and experience. This boy is none other then Feng Xuan.
As he walked through the city gates, the bustling streets of Soutuo City came alive around him. The sounds of merchants haggling, the clatter of horse-drawn carts, and the chatter of city dwellers filled the air. Yet, Feng Xuan moved with a calm, deliberate stride, his focus unwavering as he navigated the crowded streets.
His clothes, though understated, were tailored to perfection, enhancing his broad shoulders and lean physique. The subtle glint of a pendant around his neck, a memento from his master Shivarjuna, hinted at his deep connection to his roots and the power he wielded. He carried no weapons visibly, yet the aura he exuded made it clear that he was a formidable spirit master, one who needed no introduction.
As he passed through the city, the people couldn't help but steal glances at him. Some were drawn to his striking appearance, while others sensed the strength that lay beneath his calm exterior. Feng Xuan, however, paid no mind to the attention he garnered. His thoughts were focused on his mission—visiting Shrek Academy to meet Zhu Zhuqing and assess whether this place could further his growth. Despite knowing that Shrek's ideals might not align with his own, his curiosity and the need to explore all options compelled him to visit.
Just as he was about to move he heard Familiar voice.
"Finally reached this Suotuo City. I truly don't know how Grandmaster thought, obviously quite a few intermediate spirit master academies expressed they would unconditionally recruit us, yet he asked you to come take the examination here at that not even separating grades worn down academy."
The boy smiled slightly, saying:
"Teacher asked me to come take the examination, but did not ask you to come, who asked you to insist on following. Fortunately Balak Kingdom borders on Fasinuo Region, if not wouldn't you have to be complaining even more?"
The girl stared coldly at the boy,
"Truly without conscience, everything is not for your sake. Who asked you to be my big brother? Anyway the day after tomorrow we can take the examination. No matter what, you must accompany me to play in Suotuo City for these two days, make good the injuries to my young and small heart."
The boy couldn't help but laugh and said:
"The formidable Nuoding academy's supreme sister for six years in a row, still has a young and small heart? Let those younger brothers of yours see that, I do not know whether they would immediately go jump into the river."
This boy and girl, were exactly Tang San and Xiao Wu from Nuoding primary spirit master academy.
Time passed, and they at long last successfully graduated from Nuoding primary spirit master academy. Of course with their talents, Nuoding academy intended to recommend they immediately enter intermediate spirit master academy, even to the extent of having several famous academies issue invitation letters, giving an abundance of places to choose from.
But Grandmaster demanded Tang San turn down the invitations, and go to this south Suotuo City place known as Shrek Academy to enter for examination.
Six years of instruction, regarding Grandmaster, Tang San long ago already respected him like a father, let alone understanding him, what Grandmaster asked him to do this it was certainly for his good. Therefore, he complied without the slightest hesitation.
When leaving the academy, Grandmaster told Tang San he must go to the imperial capital, then afterward would come find them.
Xiao Wu pouting said:
"Regardless, do you promise?"
Tang San laughed, saying:
"As you want. Only, having travelled so far, aren't you tired? We should first find a place to stay and speak again. Also it's almost noon, so eat first, right."
Xiao Wu smiling said:
"This is just about right."
Tang San very rarely went against her words. Ever since the two people established a sibling relationship, he all along took care of her like a big brother, although he was very busy, the unexpectedly displayed consideration still gave Xiao Wu a pleasurable kind of feeling.
Suotuo City compared to Nuoding City must be much bigger, and naturally also must be much livelier. On the street, everywhere could be seen patrolling soldiers, a bustling stream of people were passing by nonstop.
Just as she was about to move she felt familiar present.
"Huh, Why I am feeling that Brother Feng is nearby?" Thought Xiao wu.
Feng Xuan don't want to meet her for now so he use illusion to hide himself.
The two first simply ate some small things, and afterwards looked for a place to stay. Soon Xiao Wu discovered a very unique hotel.
The hotel was three floors tall, and although the size could not be considered too large, the exterior adornment was completely rose red, the entire hotel building style was like an enormous rose, very easily able to give people looking at it a certain feeling.
"Rose Hotel. Little San, we'll stay here."
Xiao Wu pointed.
Tang San unnecessarily said:
"I hear you."
Working these several years, adding to the stipend given by Spirit Hall, he by now could be considered as having some savings. Xiao Wu never cared about amounts of money, spending extravagantly, so in order to not let her overspend, she simply let Tang San hold her income, letting him put it away. Having him control some, she still could save a little.
Walking into the Rose Hotel, the first sensation was a smell of rose fragrance, a scent penetrating deeply into the heart and bringing a somewhat hidden warmth feeling, making people's hearts free from worry.
The interior decorations of the hotel only had three kinds of color: white, silver and rose red, warm and unique, very easily giving people a good feeling.
Tang San walked up before the counter,
"Trouble you to give us two rooms."
The clerk behind the counter hastily stood up, taking a look at Tang San, again looking at Xiao Wu, eyes revealing some envious light,
"Sir, must it truly definitely be two rooms?"
Tang San nodded,
"Is something wrong?"
The clerk's eyes showed some uncertainty,
"I'm sorry, we only have one room remaining here."