Following Tang San's lead, Xiao Wu gradually learned the nuances of human behavior. She took his teachings to heart.
After leaving Balak Forest, the two found a small restaurant. Tang San asked the chef to prepare the Wood Spirit Mushroom. The rich, life-filled flavor replenished their strength. Only after a satisfying meal did they prepare to return to Nuoding City.
As their carriage passed the outskirts of Soto City, Tang San lifted the curtain and glimpsed Shrek Academy recruiting students.
But he didn't stop. He simply asked the coachman to enter the city.
Compared to Nuoding, Soto was much larger, with more advanced markets—including shops selling soul tools.
Tang San had long wanted to study soul guides, but even with 20,000 gold soul coins, he couldn't afford many high-end items. Still, one thing was clear: storage-type soul tools were a practical priority.
Carrying heavy gear around every time he hunted soul beasts? Inconvenient.
So, he headed straight for the Seven Treasure Pavilion, a branch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan here in Soto.
Even though it was just a branch store, it was far grander than any regular merchant.
The floor gleamed with polished marble. Display counters were crafted from transparent glass, filled with neatly arranged life-type soul guides in various shapes.
Sometimes, Tang San truly couldn't make sense of the Douluo Continent's technological level.
They had carriages for transport and used runners to deliver news—yet could produce glass counters and sophisticated soul tools?
He guessed it was likely that clans like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect possessed soul guide technology capable of producing these materials. But while life-type soul tools were available for sale, the deeper principles behind them seemed lost.
It reminded Tang San of something from his previous life—concrete.You could mix cement, sand, gravel, and water in certain proportions and get a usable material. But why those ratios worked, chemically? Most people didn't know.They just used it because it worked.
Likewise, the current generation of soul tool craftsmen likely replicated working patterns without understanding their true mechanisms.
"If it functions, that's enough," seemed to be the prevailing philosophy.
Xiao Wu browsed with wide eyes, intrigued but clueless. Most of the soul tools meant nothing to her. Tang San, however, could guess their uses—their forms resembled appliances from his past life.
Perhaps product design—when aimed at solving similar physical needs—naturally converged in form, even across worlds.
"Two young guests, may I help you with anything?"A smiling attendant approached. "We carry a wide variety of life-type soul guides at reasonable prices. I'm sure we can find something to suit your needs."
Despite their simple clothes, the pair were clearly not ordinary children. Their appearance alone—Tang San's quiet composure, Xiao Wu's bright and elegant beauty—set them apart. Especially Xiao Wu, with her long, silky hair and immaculate cleanliness. No child from a poor family would be so well groomed.
They must be young masters or mistresses in disguise.
Tang San nodded politely."Hello. I'm looking to buy two storage-type soul guides, each priced under 20,000 gold soul coins. Do you have anything suitable?"
The attendant's eyes gleamed—confirmation. No ordinary child threw around five digits of gold soul coins like that.
"Of course! Please have a seat over at the rest area. I'll bring you several suitable options to choose from. Feel free to enjoy the complimentary refreshments while you wait."
"Thank you," Tang San replied, leading Xiao Wu to the nearby seating area.
Unlike Tang San, Xiao Wu had no reservations. She immediately took a plate and loaded it with pastries, cookies, and sweets. Then she grabbed two cups and filled them from what looked like a juice dispenser with orange-yellow liquid.
"Here." She handed Tang San a cup, then happily munched on pastries, cheeks bulging like a squirrel.
When the attendant returned carrying three boxed sets of storage soul tools, his steps faltered slightly at the sight of their table—piled high with sweets. For a moment, he questioned his earlier judgment.
Did I misread them? Is she really just here for free snacks?
Still smiling, he set the boxes down and began his pitch.
"Allow me to introduce our options:
First, we have a set of Storage Rings. Each ring features a white gemstone with half a cubic meter of space. The price is 5,000 per ring, 10,000 total.
Second, the Glazed Bracers, worn on the wrist. Each features a red and a blue gem, with one cubic meter of space each. They're priced at 9,000 per piece—18,000 for the pair.
Third, this is the White Jade Belt. It holds four clear gems, each with half a cubic meter of space—two cubic meters total. Originally, this would cost more, but because each gem only stores half a cubic meter, the set is priced at 20,000 gold soul coins."
Tang San considered the options.The Glazed Bracers were sleek, but the White Jade Belt allowed for better categorization: one gem for daily items, one for food, one for money, one for soul beast remains.
Cramped space, yes—but organization mattered.
He made his choice.
"I'll take the last one."
Tang San handed over the two soul cards given by Ning Rongrong, along with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect token.
With the 70% discount, it was more than affordable.
The attendant verified the token's authenticity, swiped the cards, and returned them with a respectful smile.
"Thank you for your purchase. These two White Jade Belts are yours."
Tang San took the box, handed one to Xiao Wu, then opened his own and began organizing his belongings into the four slots.
He immediately felt lighter.
Xiao Wu strapped the belt around her waist, then began stuffing pastries into it experimentally, giggling the whole time.
The attendant twitched.
She never… took them back out.
Weren't the snacks supposed to be free... for eating?
Still, policy was policy.
And so, while Xiao Wu gleefully stashed another cookie and slurped orange juice, Tang San leaned back slightly, satisfied.
Their journey might just be beginning—but at least now… they'd be traveling light.