A border town, too close to the Far North to escape its bitter cold, was hardly prosperous. But every year, many people came to explore the Far North, bringing a steady stream of customers. They also brought merchant caravans, and this place, unable to produce even the necessities of life, had become a gathering hub.
It was winter, the slowest season of the year. Huo Yuhao walked down the street, looking at the few pedestrians and shops. Nobody paid him any attention. He had wanted to test his new skill here, but there was no way to tell how well it worked in these surroundings. His second Soul Skill, Simulation, could effectively conceal the true age of his Soul Rings.
Now that he had reached the second ring, the Million-Year Soul Ring showed a faint golden hue. As Huo Yuhao grew stronger, the seal on the ring's age gradually loosened. But with this skill, few people could see through his Soul Rings. He could also explain away his former white rings by claiming he had been ashamed of them, and turn them all into Yellow Soul Rings. It was perfect.
A major boost in power was certainly a good thing, and it had solved Huo Yuhao's pressing problem. But now a second problem had emerged: how would he improve in the future? He was especially interested in learning about Soul Tools. And where would he get all the resources he needed to cultivate?
Cultivation wasn't as simple as one person training alone. All sorts of resources were essential, and the state, as an organization, gathered and supplied them to Soul Masters. Otherwise, the state could never exist. Everyone would be isolated, caring for no one but themselves. If cultivation alone were enough, why would anyone fight?
Take the Mysterious Water