Fully Exploiting Potential

"You're taking this rather well, but unfortunately, I can't return to the forest for now.

I come from the Star Dou Great Forest, and I have quite a few enemies. My friends alone would find it difficult to protect me!"

Xiao Wu did not want to bring trouble to Da Ming and Er Ming. She knew very well what was in the inner region of the forest!

If she returned now, she would definitely be targeted by those Soul Beasts in the inner region!

After hesitating for a moment, she looked at Lin Hao and asked,

"By your logic, I can't stay in Notting City either. How about I follow you?"

"Follow me? No. Until you can conceal your Soul Beast aura, you're nothing but a huge liability.

Besides, I have serious business to attend to in Heaven Dou City. I can't keep focusing all my attention on you.

Most importantly, I gain nothing from helping you. Your soul ring and Soul Bone are of no use to me for the time being. This is a losing deal!"

Lin Hao shook his head and refused outright. Of course, he could not simply agree!

"I know. You humans never act without profit. I won't ask for your protection for nothing—I can pay a price!

There is a place within the Star Dou Great Forest with treasures capable of enhancing one's potential. I can take you there!"

Just as Lin Hao had expected, Xiao Wu offered up her bargaining chip.

He had always believed that a hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast could offer more than merely a soul ring and a Soul Bone!

They had lived for so long, and the Star Dou Great Forest had existed for countless years. There had to be some extraordinary treasures within it.

And these Soul Beasts were naturally excellent guides. He intended to cast a long line for a big fish—these were all part of Lin Hao's plans!

"You don't mean the Lake of Life guarded by the Sky Azure Bull Python, do you?

I've known about that place for a long time. I just don't have the ability to take anything from it yet!"

Lin Hao's expression froze as he asked in return.

"Of course not. I'm talking about a place I discovered myself. My true form is a Soft Bone Rabbit, and I usually like eating medicinal herbs rich in Soul Power!

I discovered that place by accident. It's inside an underground cave at the boundary between the outer and inner regions of the Star Dou Great Forest.

There's a small lake in that cave that resembles the Lake of Life, and it is brimming with life energy!

Not only were there all kinds of medicinal herbs already growing there, but I later transplanted many heavenly treasures from other places as well!

Before I took human form, I went there once more. The place is very well hidden. If you can protect me, I can take you there!"

Xiao Wu clearly understood her own situation. She also knew that Lin Hao was no good person, but she had no choice!

Hearing this, Lin Hao did not agree immediately. Instead, he smiled and asked again,

"Aren't you afraid that after my talent improves, I'll imprison you and keep you as a reserve soul ring?"

"I am! In fact, I think that possibility is quite likely. But what good would being afraid do? At least if I stay by your side, I can live longer!

And my instincts tell me that you're not a cold-blooded person. Maybe after we spend enough time together, you won't want to kill me!"

Xiao Wu gave a bitter smile. Ever since her identity had been exposed before a Titled Douluo, she had had no other choice!

"Thanks for the compliment. Then I wish us a pleasant cooperation!"

Lin Hao truly was not the sort of great demon who disregarded all bonds. Otherwise, he would not have discussed this with Xiao Wu—he could have simply imprisoned her and forced the information out of her!

"Pleasant cooperation!"

Xiao Wu nodded, feeling slightly relieved. At least her life was not in immediate danger for now!

"I'll be heading to Heaven Dou City soon. We'll go together then.

On the way, I'll take you somewhere safe, but it won't be a prison.

Until you can conceal your Soul Beast aura, you may have to stay there indefinitely.

I'll have people take care of your food, clothing, lodging, travel, and education!"

Lin Hao was the first to show his sincerity. What he liked most was a mutually beneficial partnership!

"I understand. It's getting late. Let's go back and rest!"

Xiao Wu nodded without any further objections. Wasn't this exactly why she had chosen to follow Lin Hao?

The two returned to the dormitory together. After casually chatting with Wang Sheng and the others for a few moments, they went to sleep, each with their own thoughts.

Another week passed in the blink of an eye. After arranging matters in Notting City, Lin Hao left directly. No one knew when he would return next.

Although Tang San and Yu Xiaogang were here, for Lin Hao, conquering the entire continent was the true path. Messing with Tang San and Yu Xiaogang was merely seasoning!

Besides, even if he was not in Notting City, his minions were. Lin Hao had left behind orders, so Tang San and Yu Xiaogang definitely would not have an easy time!

This time, he was not heading to Heaven Dou City alone. He bought a carriage and openly brought along a group of minions he had summoned during this period!

During that week, Lin Hao had not wasted any time either. He had Xian Lin'er secretly gather some highly valuable treasures.

Using those treasures, Lin Hao recruited eight special minions: one Soul Douluo, three Soul Saints, and four Soul Emperors.

They all possessed somewhat special abilities, serving as a supplement to the middle and upper ranks under his command!

At the same time, he recruited another two hundred and fifty ordinary minions, producing a total of thirteen Orange Minions: seven Soul Ancestors and six Soul Elders.

Lin Hao only took three Soul Ancestors from this group. He left the rest near Notting City to secretly take control of the surrounding cities!

Thus, there were twelve people heading to Heaven Dou City this time, plus Xiao Wu!

The journey took twenty days in total. Lin Hao took the opportunity to relax properly and take in the local customs and scenery along the way.

After all, the past few years had been far too stifling for him. The true path was to balance work and rest in cultivation!

Over those twenty days, Lin Hao scattered minions everywhere. Whenever he passed through a city, he left behind a group of minions to develop on their own and gather information along the way.

Not too many—dozens in small cities and over a hundred in large cities. He was planting a batch of hidden pieces in advance, preparing for the Commerce Association's future expansion!

Back and forth, he summoned over a thousand more ordinary minions, as well as thirty Orange Minions, who remained in the cities as those in charge.

As for the funds, they had all been provided by some kindhearted people. Lin Hao could hardly refuse, so he could only reluctantly accept them!

Among them was a batch of resources that could be used to summon special minions, though he had not used them yet!

Thus, by the time he reached Heaven Dou City, not only had his funds not decreased, they had become even more abundant!

Along the way, he also found a place called Tian City, where he left Xiao Wu behind. He also stationed one Soul Saint and two Soul Emperors there to protect her.

"Young Master, Heaven Dou City is just ahead. We'll be able to enter the city soon. Ni Bin has already sent people to receive us."

A minion riding outside approached the carriage window and spoke respectfully.

Lin Hao drew aside the curtain and saw a city gate, as well as armored soldiers with swords stationed on both sides. He said,

"The journey has been tiring. Let's head straight to the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association in Heaven Dou City."

"Yes, Young Master."

The minion responded, then led the three carriages into Heaven Dou City.

After the City Guard stepped forward to check their identification, they were allowed through without any melodramatic attempt to make things difficult for them!