There is no better way to relieve mental stress than sleep.
"This environment is much better than the Star Luo Empire's capital," Zhu Zhuqing casually remarked as she observed the diverse crowd on the broad street.
This wasn't her first visit to this city. During the last Soul Master Tournament, she had come as a member of the Shrek Academy team to participate in the Heaven Dou Division preliminaries. Before that, she had also visited the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy with her teachers to seek qualification for the tournament. It was then that she reunited with Su Cheng and later went to the Sunset Forest's Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to consume immortal herbs, laying a solid foundation for her future development.
However, during those times, either because she was busy or moving with the academy team, she had no time to explore the city. Today was the first opportunity she had to truly look around.
The broad, clean streets were lined with shops, bustling with an endless stream of people. Although her expression remained cold, there was a trace of joy at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
Su Cheng noticed this change in Zhu Zhuqing. She had indeed changed a lot. She was no longer as gloomy and repressed, appearing more lively. Although her habitual cold expression remained, her aura was now vibrant and lively. This kind of soulful relaxation and freedom could not be faked.
"After all, the environments of the two countries are quite different. Come with me, I'll take you somewhere." Saying this, he took her soft hand and walked towards the center of Heaven Dou City.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at their intertwined hands without a word, then casually looked around, a slight, almost imperceptible smile appearing on her lips.
They walked to the most prosperous area of Heaven Dou City and stopped in front of a quaint and elegant building. This five-story building was quite tall, even in the bustling Heaven Dou City. The sign above simply read "Moon Pavilion."
Few people came and went, but it was clear that those who did were all well-dressed and had an excellent temperament, many of them even possessing soul power. Even the two young men welcoming guests at the door were handsome and extraordinary in demeanor.
As they entered the first floor, a faint fragrance greeted them. The screen wall was carved from fine boxwood, and two three-meter-high exotic orchids stood in front of it. Although just a step away, it felt like entering a different world.
Zhu Zhuqing was a bit surprised. This place was indeed quite unique. Elegant and serene, though the materials and layout were extraordinary, the style was extremely low-key.
Walking past the screen wall, they entered a spacious hall. The floor was paved with large gray tiles, and the surrounding furnishings were all made of various expensive woods. At the front, behind a wide desk, stood several plainly dressed yet beautiful young women. On either side of the desk were exquisite wooden staircases.
They didn't linger on the first floor but headed straight upstairs. As they stepped onto the second floor, melodious music reached their ears. Neatly arranged tables and chairs filled the area, with many guests quietly sipping tea and listening to the music, creating a refined atmosphere.
Su Cheng glanced around and then led Zhu Zhuqing towards the stairs leading to the third floor, intending to explore further. He was also curious about this place, as he had never visited it before despite spending so much time in Heaven Dou City.
However, as they reached the staircase, they were stopped by an attendant. "I'm sorry, but the third floor and above are only open to Moon Pavilion members and soul masters with three rings or more. Please show your credentials."
Su Cheng hesitated. The attendants were ordinary people, so revealing his aura wouldn't help. The only way was to display his soul rings, but both his and Zhu Zhuqing's soul rings were too conspicuous. Revealing them would likely draw unwanted attention.
"Forget it, the environment on the second floor seems nice," Zhu Zhuqing said, noticing his difficulty. She didn't care much about going upstairs. Luxuries had long lost their appeal to her. The Moon Pavilion's environment was indeed impressive, but it only slightly surprised her. The conditions in Spirit City were clearly much better.
"Alright," Su Cheng nodded. They were just exploring, and the upper floors likely just had better musicians. Neither of them cared much about that.
"Su Cheng?!" A surprised male voice came from the staircase. Su Cheng turned to see Yu Tianheng appearing around the corner.
"Senior, what a coincidence," Su Cheng said with some surprise. He hadn't used his senses, so seeing Yu Tianheng here was unexpected. He didn't know that Yu Tianheng had graduated from the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy after the last Soul Master Tournament. It wasn't a coincidence that they met here, as Yu Tianheng often visited the Moon Pavilion lately.
After Dugu Bo joined the Spirit Hall, Dugu Yan followed and enrolled in the Spirit Hall Academy, which ended her budding relationship with Yu Tianheng. This didn't affect Dugu Yan much as she had a Titled Douluo grandfather, but it was harder for Yu Tianheng to accept. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's internal relationships were not harmonious, and as the heir of the clan's main line, his performance was not outstanding. Missing the opportunity to connect with a Titled Douluo left him in a more awkward position within the clan.
Su Cheng had once used the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to pull Qian Renxue out of the Heaven Dou Royal Family's mess, indirectly strengthening their ties. To further cultivate connections with the Heaven Dou upper class and to build his grandson's network, the clan leader, Yu Yuanzhen, assigned Yu Tianheng the task of liaising with the Heaven Dou nobility. The Moon Pavilion became his primary venue for interacting with the empire's elite.
Su Cheng didn't think much about Yu Tianheng's reasons for being here and casually asked, "Senior, can you take us upstairs for a tour?"
Yu Tianheng was taken aback but quickly agreed with a smile, his demeanor somewhat obsequious. He could no longer regard Su Cheng as an equal.
In the past year, Su Cheng's name had spread across the continent, known as the youngest elder in Spirit Hall history. Initially, many doubted the authenticity of this claim until various Spirit Hall branches confirmed it.
Some said Spirit Hall was promoting its ambitions by highlighting Su Cheng's achievements, though he hadn't won the tournament. Yet, an elder's title was indisputable, making Su Cheng a distinguished guest wherever he went.
Yu Tianheng led Su Cheng upstairs, feeling conflicted. Although there were frictions between the top three sects and Spirit Hall, no one could deny Spirit Hall's power. He never imagined that his former schoolmate would rise so quickly in Spirit Hall, becoming a key elder within a year. Even knowing that Su Cheng might have helped Dugu Bo join Spirit Hall, he dared not complain.
As they ascended, Yu Tianheng noticed the silent woman beside Su Cheng and asked uncertainly, "Are you Zhu Zhuqing?"
If Su Cheng and Qian Renxue were the stars of the last Soul Master Tournament, Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San, and the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall also gained considerable fame, especially Zhu Zhuqing. Her strength made her stand out among the younger generation. Although not as widely known as Su Cheng, she was recognized among her peers. Her appearance and temperament had changed significantly since a year ago, making Yu Tianheng unsure.
"Hello," Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly.
"Are you two...?" Yu Tianheng's gaze fell on their clasped hands.
"Yes," Su Cheng nodded, not denying it.
A smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's cold cheeks, which stunned Yu Tianheng.
Su Cheng didn't know that after they left, the originally quiet atmosphere on this floor suddenly became noisy.
Almost everyone cast their eyes in the direction of the stairs and started talking about it.
Just now, Yu Tianheng saw Su Cheng and shouted in surprise. Moreover, he himself is a frequent visitor to the Moon Pavilion. As the theoretical future heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he is already well-known.
Who else could be the young man who surprised him so much, except for "Su Cheng," who once studied at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?
Almost all the people who come and go in the Moon Pavilion are high-ranking figures in the Heaven Dou Empire. They are either nobles with extraordinary family backgrounds or officials with great power.
Even though many of them are not soul masters, they have inextricable ties with the soul master world.
How could they not have heard of the name of the most prestigious young soul master on the continent in recent years?
The attendants guarding the stairs also looked at each other subconsciously.
Then one of them hurriedly ran upstairs.
As service staff here, they deal with high-ranking officials all year round, so they are naturally good at dealing with people.
Now that an elder of the Spirit Hall is here, they have to inform the hall's owner no matter what.