Departure

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They left the village in the morning and arrived at Ulto Town by noon.

"I wonder if there are any carriages available in town right now."

"Let's go in and check."

Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor walked around the town, but after making a full round, they didn't spot a single carriage.

With no other choice, they decided to eat lunch at a small restaurant near the town gate while discussing their next move.

"Xiao Ming, what do we do if there are no carriages? Should we walk after lunch, or stay here until tomorrow morning?" the Blue Silver Emperor asked.

"Let's wait a bit longer. Maybe a carriage will arrive in the afternoon," Lin Yongming said, feeling just as helpless.

They had asked around and learned that most carriage drivers preferred staying in larger cities. Towns like Soto City had carriages available at all times, but small towns like Ulto had far fewer.

After lunch, they wandered around town again, but still, there was no sign of a carriage. The town itself was rather empty, with very few people walking about.

Finally, around 4 PM, a simple wooden carriage entered the town gate.

"Xiao Ming, a carriage is here! Let's go before someone else hires it!" the Blue Silver Emperor nudged Lin Yongming.

"Let's go!" Lin Yongming nodded, and the two of them jogged over.

"Mister, are you still taking passengers out of town?" the Blue Silver Emperor asked.

"Hm? Oh! It's you two!" The driver looked at them in surprise.

Because of their distinct features—especially Lin Yongming—the driver quickly recognized them.

Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor also realized that this was the same driver they had hired last time.

"Where are you headed this time?" the driver asked.

"Oh, it's you, Uncle! We're going to Star Dou Forest again," Lin Yongming replied with a smile.

"Star Dou Forest, huh? I'm afraid I can't go today. I've been driving nonstop for two days and haven't had a proper rest. The trip to Star Dou Forest takes two days and nights," the driver said, exhaustion visible on his face.

"How about this—if you're not in a hurry, I'll rest tonight and pick you up first thing in the morning. Just tell me where you'll be staying, and I'll come get you at sunrise. How does that sound?"

"Xiao Ming, this uncle looks really tired. It's already past 4 PM, so why don't we leave tomorrow morning instead? We can stay at the town's inn tonight," the Blue Silver Emperor suggested.

"That works. If you're too tired, Uncle, the journey will only take longer anyway. Let's set out tomorrow morning. We'll be staying at that inn over there," Lin Yongming agreed. After all, getting a spirit ring wasn't something that needed to be rushed.

"Thank you both for understanding. Don't worry—I'll be at the inn by 7 AM sharp. The fare is the same as last time: one and a half Gold Soul Coins," the driver said gratefully. He could tell they were soul masters—otherwise, they wouldn't be going to Star Dou Forest.

"Sounds good, Uncle. See you tomorrow morning," the Blue Silver Emperor confirmed.

The driver then headed home, while Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor made their way to the inn they had stayed in last time.

Over a year had passed, but the prices remained unchanged.

Once again, they booked a twin room.

Planning the Next Spirit Ring

Sitting on the bed, the Blue Silver Emperor turned to Lin Yongming and asked, "Xiao Ming, what kind of spirit beast are you planning to hunt for your next spirit ring?"

"Still a thunder-attributed spirit beast," Lin Yongming answered.

"You're really committing to a specialization. Since this is your third spirit ring, have you thought about getting a defensive spirit ability? That way, in battle, you'll have a better chance of survival," she suggested.

"My martial soul is thunder-attribute. If I get a defensive skill, it might not be compatible with my abilities, and I'd be wasting a valuable spirit ring slot. That would be a huge loss," Lin Yongming shook his head with a smile.

"That's true. You're an artifact martial soul user, not a beast martial soul user—so defensive rings might not suit you. Ah, this is so frustrating," the Blue Silver Emperor sighed.

"Don't worry, Sister A-Yin. The best defense is a strong offense. This time, I want to hunt a speed-based soul beast—perhaps a flying one. That way, I can increase my mobility, dodge attacks, and strike quickly," Lin Yongming explained casually.

"That makes sense. Only you can truly understand your own martial soul. You may only be eight years old, but you already have a solid plan for your future growth," the Blue Silver Emperor said approvingly.

"You're only thirteen—not that much older than me," Lin Yongming shot back.

"Hmph! Still daring to talk back? Don't forget, your parents entrusted me to watch over you. If you don't listen to me, I'll report back to them and have them spank you when we return!" she teased, crossing her arms.

"Heh! Sorry to disappoint you, but my parents have never spanked me," Lin Yongming chuckled.

"Hmph! Whatever, I'm ignoring you now. It's so hot today—I'm going to take a bath first," the Blue Silver Emperor said as she walked into the private bathroom.

Lin Yongming didn't respond, but he sighed inwardly. Bath time was always the hardest moment for him.

Because of his Heart Eyes ability, even with the door closed, he could still sense the perfect curves of the Blue Silver Emperor's growing physique.

Half an hour passed, and she still wasn't done. Lin Yongming walked to the bathroom door and said, "Sister A-Yin, take your time. I'm going downstairs to buy dinner."

"Go ahead, but don't buy too much," she responded.

Lin Yongming left the inn and went to a nearby restaurant, ordering four dishes—one meat, two vegetables, and a soup. About half an hour later, he returned to the inn with their meal.

As he opened the door, a soft breeze carried the faint scent of fresh grass.

The Blue Silver Emperor had finished her bath and was sitting on the bed, drying her damp hair with a towel.

"You're back. Put the food on the table," she said.

"Sister A-Yin, finish drying your hair first," Lin Yongming reminded her.

"Tch, you little brat. I'm just hungry, alright?"

With a small pout, she moved to the window, using her soul power to dry her hair quickly.

"Mmm! This smells amazing! Is this a specialty dish from one of the restaurants?" she asked, sniffing the food eagerly.

"Eat up. Afterward, we should meditate for a while and get some rest. We have to wake up early tomorrow," Lin Yongming said.

They quickly finished their meal.

Lin Yongming then took a quick bath before returning to his bed to meditate, while the Blue Silver Emperor had already entered a deep cultivation state.

Two hours later, they both stopped at the same time, as if in sync.

"Xiao Ming, it's already past nine. Go to sleep," the Blue Silver Emperor reminded him.

"Alright, goodnight, Sister A-Yin."

"Goodnight."

As the lights went out, the room was engulfed in darkness, with only a faint glow of moonlight filtering through the window.

However, just a few minutes later, a strange noise came from the neighboring room.

"...What is that sound?" Lin Yongming frowned.

"Kid, don't listen. Shut off your senses and go to sleep," the Blue Silver Emperor warned.

"…"

Lin Yongming obediently sealed off his perception and drifted off to sleep.

The Journey Begins

The next morning, as soon as the rooster crowed, Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor quickly packed up and left the inn.

The carriage driver was already waiting for them at the entrance.

"Up so early, you two?" the driver greeted as he jumped down from the carriage.

"Uncle, let's get going," Lin Yongming said.

"Alright then—off to Star Dou Forest we go!"

With that, the carriage set off on their journey.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 100 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 100 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.