Douluo: Soul-Breaking Gun

Chapter 7: Exploring Heaven Dou City

Since managing such a large group of children was challenging, Yang Zhentian, Potian's father, and five other adults would take small groups of ten or so kids out at a time. The rest remained at the estate, supervised by Potian's second grand-uncle, Yang Wushuang.

Someone had even brought in building materials from outside, seemingly planning to add a few more rooms around the courtyard. Although the Po Clan owned multiple properties in Heaven Dou City, Yang Wushuang showed no intention of relocating the group to any of them.

Noticing this, Potian began to understand. It seemed his family had intentionally sent the younger generation to Heaven Dou City as a form of refuge. Had his grandfather also received some warning?

Life continued as it had at the Po Clan's grounds. Every morning, Yang Wushuang led the children in practicing the Soul-Breaking Spear Technique, as if spurred on by something urgent, pushing everyone hard enough to make some of the kids groan in misery.

Despite the intense training, the promise of outings kept everyone excited, each child eagerly awaiting their turn to go out and explore. After all, they were still children.

Finally, yesterday, it had been Potian's turn to go out and explore Heaven Dou City—the largest city in the world. Unlike the other children, who went in groups, he had his mother, Niu Jinfeng, all to himself, though he noticed his father's longing look. The other families went out as trios, yet here he was left behind, watching his wife and son enjoy the day without him.

But Potian and Niu Jinfeng paid no mind, happily setting off together.

"Mom, did you come to Heaven Dou City often before?" Potian asked.

His mother replied proudly, "Of course! Do you know who your mother is? I'm a mighty Soul Emperor, and I was a renowned beauty back in the day. Your dad brought me to Heaven Dou City many times while trying to woo me."

"Mom, you're still a beauty."

"Well said! At least you know how to please your mother. Today, I'll show you some of Heaven Dou City's best sights," she replied, beaming.

"So, Mom, what's so great about Heaven Dou City? The past few days have felt pretty ordinary."

"Oh, you're too young to understand what makes Heaven Dou City fun."

Seeing Potian's puzzled look, Niu Jinfeng continued, "Heaven Dou City is the capital and heart of the Heaven Dou Empire. It's said to have a population of over ten million, which makes it a bustling place."

"There are three main attractions in the city."

"First is the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena, where soul masters from all over Douluo come to compete. It's the only place where non-soul masters can watch soul masters battle. There are three types of battles: friendly matches, which prohibit serious injuries; life-or-death duels, used to resolve unresolvable disputes; and wager matches, where opponents agree on terms beforehand, with referees overseeing the fight."

"The Heaven Dou Spirit Arena is the highest-ranking arena, with battles going up to the Soul Emperor level. The arena is thrilling and packed with spectators. Tonight, I'll take you there to see it firsthand."

"The second attraction is the Heaven Dou Auction House, the largest auction house in the Heaven Dou Empire. Rare and valuable items are sold there, sometimes even priceless spirit bones. Even if you don't buy anything, it's an impressive place to see."

"And finally, there's the sheer bustle of Heaven Dou City itself."

Potian asked in confusion, "Why would the city's bustle be fun?"

Niu Jinfeng chuckled. "You just don't understand yet. A bustling city means shopping and food! In Heaven Dou City, you can find anything you could ever want, even rare soul tools and spirit bones. And the food here is famous across the continent. No matter what you crave, you'll find it here, and it's all delicious."

Potian couldn't help but think to himself, Shopping and food are irresistible to women, no matter the world.

Niu Jinfeng then took Potian on a shopping spree. She transformed into a shopping fanatic, buying anything she liked, from all kinds of clothing to various jewelry. Gold soul coins, considered precious by commoners, meant little to high-ranking soul masters, especially one from a prominent family like Niu Jinfeng.

Of course, she didn't forget Potian, buying him clothes, toys, and even little sets of armor, which left him speechless.

The entire afternoon passed in a flurry of shopping. His mother clearly knew the city well, picking up even some rare items.

For dinner, they didn't return to the estate. Instead, they went to the largest hotel in the area.

As expected of Heaven Dou City's premier hotel, the building was grand inside and out. Gold and jade adorned the walls, and rare ghost orchids decorated the lobby. Despite the many guests dining, the atmosphere was refined and quiet, with an air of elegance.

It was clear that this hotel attracted nobility, soul masters, and the more refined members of society.

Niu Jinfeng led him to a private room. Glancing at the menu, Potian couldn't help but gulp. The prices were astonishing, with some dishes costing hundreds of gold coins, equal to an ordinary family's lifetime expenses. And the prices for spirit beast meat were even more outrageous.

Given Potian's young age, his mother didn't order any rare spirit beast meat, instead choosing simpler dishes.

With the table set with aromatic dishes, Potian felt his mouth water and dug in, eating heartily, while his mother ate more conservatively.

Afterward, with his stomach full, Potian sipped some tea to help with digestion. The food at Heaven Dou Grand Hotel was expensive, but the flavors did live up to the price. It was no wonder the hotel was so popular.

"Mom, are we heading back now?"

"It's still early! Nighttime is when Heaven Dou City is at its best."

"Next, we'll go to the Heaven Dou Auction House, and after the auction, we'll head to the Spirit Arena to catch some of the last battles."

From this, Potian learned that the Heaven Dou Auction House and the Great Spirit Arena both held their events in the evening. The auction lasted a shorter time, while the Spirit Arena's battles continued into the late night with multiple rounds.

(End of Chapter)