Chapter 164: Arrival at Soto City
Soto City was located within the Balak Kingdom.
Although it wasn't as politically and economically significant as the kingdom's capital, Balak City, it was still one of the most important cities in the region.
Situated on the fertile Lima Plains, Soto City had long been known as the Granary of Balak, making it a vital part of the kingdom—second only to Balak City itself.
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Outside Soto City, after several more days of travel, Lin Ye and his companions finally arrived by carriage.
After paying the entry fee at the western city gate, the carriage, driven by Golden Crocodile Douluo, slowly rolled into the bustling streets of Soto City.
Compared to Spirit City, where Lin Ye had lived for nearly five years, Soto City lacked the compact majesty and strict order of Spirit Hall's domain. However, it was much larger in scale and far livelier.
The streets were packed with people, their chatter blending into a constant hum. Vendors called out to potential customers, their energetic shouts filling the air—something that Spirit City never had.
"Master, where should we go now?"
As he guided the carriage through the crowded streets, Golden Crocodile Douluo turned his head slightly and asked Lin Ye.
"Find an inn first. Let's park the carriage and take a break."
Lin Ye lifted the curtain, observing the streets and buildings around him as he spoke calmly.
"Yes, Master."
Golden Crocodile Douluo acknowledged the command and began scanning the street for a suitable inn while steering the carriage forward.
"This is Soto City?"
Inside the carriage, Zhu Zhuqing, who had been meditating, opened her eyes. Curious, she lifted the curtain and looked outside.
"What do you think? It's quite lively, though I suppose it's still a bit lacking compared to your Star Luo Imperial City."
Lin Ye turned to her with a faint smile.
"Star Luo Imperial City is indeed grand and imposing, but to me, it always felt suffocating. I never had the time to appreciate it. In comparison, Soto City feels… better."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression was complicated as she responded.
Just then, Golden Crocodile Douluo's voice came from outside the carriage.
"Master, what about that inn?"
"Where?"
Lin Ye leaned out slightly, scanning the surroundings.
"There."
Following Golden Crocodile Douluo's direction, Lin Ye spotted a grand, luxurious inn. Above the entrance, a large sign read:
Violet Orchid Grand Hotel
"Looks good. Let's check it out."
Lin Ye nodded slightly, and Golden Crocodile Douluo immediately steered the carriage toward the hotel.
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As the carriage pulled up in front of the Violet Orchid Grand Hotel, a young attendant dressed in a black-and-white uniform greeted them with a bright smile.
"Welcome, honored guests! How may I assist you?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo dismounted, his voice steady as he handed the attendant a gold spirit coin.
"Find a place to park the carriage and feed the horses."
The attendant fumbled slightly while catching the coin. Seeing the gleaming gold in his palm, his eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yes, of course! Please rest assured, sir, I will take the utmost care of your horses!"
Meanwhile, Lin Ye and Zhu Zhuqing also stepped down from the carriage.
"Let's go inside."
With Zhu Zhuqing and Golden Crocodile Douluo following him, Lin Ye strode toward the hotel entrance.
Another attendant at the door quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Honored guests, please come in!"
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Inside the hotel, the grand lobby exuded elegance. The trio walked past the luxurious décor before arriving at the front desk, where a well-groomed female receptionist in a black-and-white uniform greeted them politely.
"Honored guests, are you looking to book a stay?"
Though Golden Crocodile Douluo's black robe concealed his appearance, Lin Ye and Zhu Zhuqing's refined looks and noble attire made it clear they were people of status. The receptionist's attitude became even more respectful.
"Three of your finest rooms."
Lin Ye didn't even ask about the price. He simply made the request.
The receptionist hesitated slightly before explaining with a professional smile, "Sir, our finest suites are ten gold spirit coins per night. Are you sure you'd like three rooms?"
Lin Ye waved off her concerns and placed a heavy pouch on the counter.
"There are about a thousand gold spirit coins in here. Book them for a month."
The receptionist's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the gold spilling from the pouch. With practiced efficiency, she retrieved some registration forms, filled them out, and handed Lin Ye three golden plaques with keys attached.
"Sir, these are your room keys and numbers."
Lin Ye took them and, with a flick of his wrist, made them disappear into his storage item.
"A Spirit Master…"
The receptionist's heart skipped a beat. As an employee of a prestigious hotel, she had seen her fair share of wealthy individuals, but the ability to store items like that confirmed Lin Ye's status as a Spirit Master. Her demeanor became even more deferential.
"By the way," Lin Ye suddenly said, "I need some information. Do you know of a tavern in Soto City that opened within the last few years? It's run by a woman, and there should be two females there—one older, one younger."
The receptionist hesitated, looking uncertain.
"This… I'm afraid I don't know much about taverns, sir…"
Before she could finish, another hotel attendant eagerly stepped forward.
"Sir! I know! I know!"
Lin Ye turned his gaze toward the young man, his tone calm but intrigued.
"You do?"
The attendant nodded enthusiastically.
"Take me there. If it's the place I'm looking for, these are yours."
With a thought, Lin Ye retrieved a handful of gold spirit coins from his storage jade, their golden luster gleaming in the dim hotel lighting.
The attendant's eyes widened, his breathing quickening as he stared at the pile of wealth before him.
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