The morning in Suotuo City was much more bustling than in Seven Treasure City. As dawn barely broke, the streets were already filled with traffic—the calls of vendors, the rumble of cart wheels, and the chatter of pedestrians intertwined, brimming with the vitality of everyday life.
Marco walked with Qing Yu on the cobblestone streets, soaking in the city's unique atmosphere. Unlike the refined luxury of Seven Treasure City, Suotuo City felt more rugged and full of life. The buildings lining the streets were mostly two or three stories high, their exteriors weathered, bearing the marks of time. The shopfronts were not as meticulously designed as those in Seven Treasure City, but they made up for it in variety, offering everything from daily necessities to items for Soul Masters.
Perched on Marco's shoulder, Qing Yu curiously looked around. It seemed quite comfortable in the lively environment, occasionally letting out clear chirps that drew glances from passersby.
"Little one, quiet down," Marco gently patted Qing Yu's small head. Qing Yu obediently lowered its head, but its eyes still darted around, clearly full of curiosity about the new surroundings.
Marco strolled aimlessly and soon found himself on a relatively quiet street. The buildings here were noticeably more refined, and the street was cleaner. At a corner, he spotted a uniquely styled hotel—its exterior painted a romantic rose-red, with an elegant rose-patterned sign hanging at the entrance. It was the Rose Hotel mentioned in the original story.
The hotel attendant gave Marco a strange look upon noticing Qing Yu on his shoulder. After all, it was rare to see someone checking into a hotel with a Soul Beast.
"A quiet room," Marco handed over the gold coins.
The attendant hesitated for a moment before accepting them. "Sir, does your... bird require any extra care?"
"No need, it's very quiet," Marco replied indifferently.
The room was cozy and comfortable, with a window overlooking the streets of Suotuo City. Marco set down his luggage, and Qing Yu immediately flew to the windowsill, curiously observing the world outside.
By evening, Marco stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky. Based on his calculations, it would still be several years before the Shrek Seven Monsters enrolled, but Shrek Academy should already exist. He decided to visit the legendary academy on the outskirts of the city the next day.
Early the next morning, Marco headed west, following the descriptions from his memory. After passing through several streets, he arrived at a secluded alley and found Flender's small shop.
The shopfront was narrow, with a sign whose lettering had faded. Pushing the door open, a musty scent greeted him. Inside, various odd items were displayed: fragments of broken Soul Tools, peculiar ores, unidentified animal bones, all covered in a thin layer of dust.
The shopkeeper was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, intently polishing an artifact. Hearing the door, he looked up, a glint of sharpness flashing behind his lenses—it was Flender, the Four-Eyed Owl.
"Feel free to look around," Flender said before lowering his head again, but Marco could sense he was secretly observing him.
Marco slowly wandered around the shop, his eyes scanning each item. Finally, in a corner shelf, he spotted a piece of dark golden metal. Its surface was covered in intricate patterns, and even through the dust, he could feel the unique energy it contained.
"Boss, how much for this?" Marco picked up the dark metal and asked.
Flender adjusted his glasses, thinking to himself: This kid has a good eye, actually spotting this piece of scrap metal I picked up from an ancient tomb. Maintaining a calm expression, he said, "Five hundred Gold Soul Coins. Though it looks ordinary, it was found in an ancient ruin."
Marco chuckled inwardly; Flender truly didn't recognize the true value of this Pan Crystal. He replied calmly, "Three hundred. It has cracks on it."
Flender was taken aback and took a closer look at Marco. This young man spoke with uncommon poise, and the bird on his shoulder didn't seem ordinary either. Could he be a scion of some great family out for training? Testing the waters, he said, "Young man, you have a sharp eye. But three hundred is too low. How about four hundred?"
After some haggling, they settled on three hundred and fifty Gold Soul Coins. As Flender took the money, he became even more convinced: This kid is definitely not ordinary. What average Soul Master would spend so much on a piece of scrap metal?
"Young man, you're not from around here, are you?" Flender probed.
"Just passing through on my travels," Marco replied briefly.
Flender nodded, calculating in his mind: This young man has a steady demeanor and not-weak Soul Power fluctuations. If only I could recruit him for our academy... But then he reconsidered—given Shrek Academy's current conditions, they probably couldn't retain such a talent. He sighed inwardly and gave up on the idea of recruitment.
Leaving the small shop, Marco continued westward through the city. Passing through a stretch of farmland, he indeed came across a dilapidated village. A few crude thatched huts, a weed-infested training ground, and that iconic plaque—Shrek Academy.
Though he had mentally prepared himself, seeing the legendary academy in such a rundown state still surprised Marco somewhat. He observed from a distance for a while, sensing Soul Power fluctuations within the academy, but on a small scale, clearly indicating few students.
"So this is the place that will nurture the Shrek Seven Monsters in the future..." Marco murmured softly. Qing Yu seemed to sense something too, letting out a soft chirp.
In the afternoon, Marco took a break at a tea house. The conversation of several Soul Masters at the neighboring table caught his attention.
"Did you hear? Last night at the Great Soul Arena, a formidable newcomer won five matches in a row!"
"Was it that Soul Honour whose Martial Soul is the Ironclad Rhinoceros? His defense is incredible!"
Marco listened quietly. These conversations gave him a preliminary understanding of the Soul Master standards in Suotuo City.
As evening fell, Marco headed toward the Great Soul Arena. The closer he got, the more Soul Masters filled the streets, all evidently heading to watch or participate in matches.
The Great Soul Arena's architecture was imposing; even in Heaven Dou City, such a large-scale dedicated Soul Master arena was rare. The entrance was bustling with crowds, Soul Masters of various Martial Souls coming and going, creating a lively atmosphere.
Marco bought a ticket and entered the spectator area, finding a relatively quiet spot to sit. Qing Yu seemed uneasy with the bustling scene, pressing close to Marco's shoulder.
In the arena, a Soul Honour-level duel was underway. Two Soul Masters were locked in a fierce battle, with flashes of colliding Spirit Abilities occasionally illuminating the field, drawing cheers from the audience.
Marco observed quietly, noting that the Soul Masters in Suotuo City were indeed quite skilled. Though not on par with the elites of Heaven Dou City, they were rich in practical experience and fought with more ferocity.
After several matches, the announcer loudly declared: "Next up, Soul Honour 'Iron Wall' with the Ironclad Rhinoceros Martial Soul versus Soul Honour 'Swift Wind' with the Wind Wolf Martial Soul!"
The match began, and the Ironclad Rhinoceros Soul Master displayed astonishing defensive capabilities. Though his attacks weren't particularly fierce, they were steady and methodical, completely unlike a newly promoted Soul Honour. Though his opponent's Wind Wolf Martial Soul possessed great speed, it still paled in comparison against his defense.
Ultimately, the Ironclad Rhinoceros Soul Master secured victory through his steady combat style. As he left the arena, his gaze swept across the spectator stands, and Marco could sense the steadiness within that look.
During the following matches, Marco witnessed various different Martial Souls and combat styles. Though the skill levels varied, every Soul Master demonstrated their unique characteristics.
After the matches concluded, Marco followed the crowd out of the Great Soul Arena. The night sky over Suotuo City was brightly lit, but unlike the daytime bustle, the city at night carried an additional sense of mystery.
Returning to the Rose Hotel, Marco stood by the window gazing at the distant starry sky. Qing Yu had already fallen asleep, her small head tucked beneath her wings, appearing utterly peaceful.
The experiences of this day in Suotuo City gave Marco a more genuine understanding of this world. Unlike the aristocratic atmosphere of Heaven Dou City, this place felt more down-to-earth, and the living conditions of Soul Masters here were far more diverse.