We finally arrived at Soto City in the Barak Kingdom after a journey of seventeen days.
The time matched my original estimate almost perfectly—it had taken about ten days after leaving Heaven Dou City for me to approach my breakthrough to Level 50, and the remaining days were enough to fully prepare my foundation.
Rin leaned against the carriage window, her eyes shining with curiosity as she watched the bustling streets and the endless stream of people. She had worked hard during the journey, so I decided to let her relax for two or three days. After breaking through to Level 15, I had instructed her to stabilize her cultivation and strengthen her foundation—just as I was doing myself after my own breakthrough.
While considering my fifth soul ring and what kind of soul beast would be most suitable, Rin suddenly tugged at my sleeve and asked innocently, "Brother, look. Why are there men and women entering that Rose Hotel together? Do they have special snacks inside? Is that why so many people are going there?"
I was smiling faintly as I listened—until I heard the words Rose Hotel.
My expression froze.
I turned my gaze toward the building. So it's that kind of place, I thought calmly. Rin looked at me with pure curiosity, clearly waiting for an explanation.
My tone cooled slightly, though not unkind. "Rin, you're still too young to understand those things. You'll know when you're older—when you reach my age."
She pouted immediately, cheeks puffed in annoyance, and lowered her head with a small huff.
I let it go.
After paying the remaining fee to the carriage owner, we wandered through the streets, enjoying the unique sights of Soto City. While Rin was distracted by the noise and colors, I spoke quietly so only Anne could hear.
"Anne, find us a place to live. Somewhere suitable for one or two years."
A soft voice replied, "Master, we currently have thirty thousand gold coins. Should I look for a simple residence, or something similar to the property we purchased in Heaven Dou City?"
"Just something practical," I replied. "No need for extravagance."
Anne vanished without another word.
Rin suddenly looked up at me suspiciously.
"Brother… are you daydreaming again? You've been becoming more and more—"
"More and more what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She stiffened, then answered timidly, "More… handsome. And more awesome."
I looked at her quietly. She immediately lowered her head, ears turning red like a kitten caught misbehaving.
I said nothing and continued walking. Along the way, we saw all kinds of things—some interesting, some unpleasant. We observed without interfering.
Anne's voice soon echoed in my mind. "Master, it's done."
I nodded slightly, then turned to Rin. "Let's go. We'll rest for now."
She looked at me curiously. "Are we staying in a hotel, or buying a house?"
"We're renting a house," I replied. "For about two years. Until you reach Level 20. You're only Level 15 now, and it will take time—not just for your cultivation, but also to find a suitable soul beast for you."
We arrived at a residential area between the outer and inner districts of the city. The house was modest but comfortable, large enough for a family of four. The rent was fifty gold coins for two years, payable in installments.
After making a few adjustments, we settled in. That night, we meditated before resting.
Ten days passed.
I fully stabilized my foundation and cultivation. During that time, Anne also broke through to Level 44. It was good—my subordinates growing stronger meant fewer uncertainties in my plans.
I said to Anne, "Purchase all necessary supplies. I'll enter the Star Dou Great Forest in three days to obtain my fifth soul ring. You'll take care of Rin while I'm gone. I'll leave her a letter before I depart."
Anne replied immediately, "Understood, Master. I'll prepare everything and look after Rin."
She left at once to begin preparations.
Two days later, Anne delivered all the supplies. I set out for the Star Dou Great Forest alone. It took four days to reach the town just outside the forest. I rested there for a day before entering.
The forest was dense and ancient, filled with towering trees. Near the outskirts, only weak soul beasts roamed—mostly ten-year-old ones. I was still far from the core regions.
As I moved deeper, the forest grew darker, the trees thicker, and the presence of soul beasts more oppressive.
Here, danger was no longer a possibility—
It was a certainty.