Arrival in the Sun Moon Empire

Three days later, the caravan finally reached the border of the Sun Moon Empire.

Huo Yuhao lifted the carriage curtain and froze.

The sight before him completely overturned his imagination. Countless glowing soul tools were embedded in the towering city walls, and the entire city glittered in the night like the dazzling neon lights of a modern metropolis.

"Damn, so this is the legendary soul tool empire?" Huo Yuhao could not help but marvel.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Captain Lei Ming said with a smile as he walked over. "I had the same expression the first time I came here."

[Thought Palace] activated instantly.

[Analysis Target: Soul tool configuration of the border city]

[Observation Results: City wall defense systems, street lighting systems, traffic control systems—all fully soul-tool-based]

[Technological Level: Far beyond expectations; widespread adoption has reached civilian-grade levels]

[Conclusion: This nation's soul tool technology has penetrated every corner of society]

"Captain, what are those things the soldiers are holding?" Huo Yuhao pointed at the guards by the city gate.

Every one of those soldiers was well-equipped, with at least three or four soul tools hanging from their bodies. Even ordinary gate guards had such gear.

"Third-grade offensive tools, second-grade defensive tools, and detection devices," Lei Ming said casually. "This is the border. It's normal for the equipment to be a little better."

Huo Yuhao secretly clicked his tongue. In the Star Luo Empire, only elite troops had equipment like this, but here it was standard issue?

The caravan slowly approached the city gate, and an official in uniform walked over.

"Routine inspection. Please present identification."

Lei Ming handed over their documents. The official examined them carefully, then looked at Huo Yuhao. "This young brother looks unfamiliar."

"He's a soul engineer we just recruited," Lei Ming explained.

"A soul engineer?" The official's eyes lit up. "Young man, could you show me?"

Huo Yuhao took out his modified detector and activated it with ease. Pale blue light spread outward, covering a range of fifty meters.

The official drew in a sharp breath. "This modification craftsmanship... who did you study under?"

"I'm self-taught."

"Self-taught?" The official stared at him in shock. "With your level of skill, you should be attending the Royal Academy!"

He hurried into the guard post and took out an exquisite plaque. "Here, this is a VIP pass. During your stay in Mingde City, every soul tool shop will give you a discount."

Huo Yuhao accepted the plaque, secretly delighted. He had not expected technical skill to be so valued here.

Once inside the city, an even greater shock awaited him.

Every shop along the streets displayed all kinds of soul tools at their entrances. From basic lighting devices to complex offensive equipment, they had everything.

"This is Soul Tool Street," Lei Ming introduced. "Pick whatever you want to buy."

Huo Yuhao entered a shop, and the owner enthusiastically came over.

"What would you like, sir?"

"Just looking around."

The owner glanced at the VIP plaque on his chest, and his attitude became even more respectful. "You're a soul engineer? Then you must take a look at our newest stock!"

He took an exquisite box from behind the counter. Inside lay a ring.

"A fifth-grade storage ring. It has a full cubic meter of space and even comes with an automatic sorting function!"

Huo Yuhao was stunned. [Thought Palace] rapidly analyzed the ring's structure.

[Analysis Results: Spatial folding technology, soul power self-circulation system, intelligent recognition device]

[Technology Rating: Three levels beyond expectations]

[Value Assessment: Priceless treasure]

"How much?"

"The original price is fifty thousand gold soul coins. With your discount, it's forty thousand."

Huo Yuhao nearly lost his balance. Fifty thousand gold soul coins were enough to buy a castle!

"Too expensive."

"Then take a look at this." The owner brought out a bracer. "A third-grade defensive tool. It can withstand the full-force strike of a five-ring soul master."

Huo Yuhao carefully examined the bracer's construction as [Thought Palace] spun madly.

[Analysis Complete: Energy absorption principles, impact dispersion design, soul power feedback mechanism]

[Gain: Large amount of advanced technical theory]

[Status: Knowledge base update complete]

After making a round of the shops, Huo Yuhao's mind was crammed with new knowledge. These technologies could not be found anywhere in the Star Luo Empire.

"Well? Did you gain anything?" Lei Ming asked.

"What a huge haul," Huo Yuhao said with a sigh. "The technology here really is impressive."

"So what are you planning to buy?"

Huo Yuhao touched his money pouch. There were only three thousand gold soul coins inside—nowhere near enough to buy anything good here.

"I'll get some basic materials first."

He browsed several shops and bought some rare metals and soul power crystals, planning to make his own equipment.

Just as he was about to leave, a familiar voice came from ahead.

"Esteemed customer, our shop has everything you need."

Huo Yuhao looked up and froze.

Standing not far away was the mysterious cloaked man he had met in the merchant caravan!

Only now, the man had removed his cloak, revealing the face of a middle-aged man. He wore splendid robes, with the badge of a fourth-rank soul engineer pinned to his chest.

"Elder Mo?" Huo Yuhao called out tentatively.

The middle-aged man turned around. The moment he saw Huo Yuhao, a flicker of surprise flashed through his eyes.

"Young Friend Lin? What are you doing here?"

"I'm on my way to enroll at the Royal Academy. And you are...?"

"Haha, it's a long story." Elder Mo waved a hand. "Come on, let's find somewhere to have a proper chat."

The two went to a private room in a tea house, and only then did Elder Mo begin speaking.

"Young friend, I need to thank you first."

"For what?"

"If you hadn't warned me back then, I might really have fallen into those bandits' hands." Elder Mo smiled bitterly. "My real name is Mo Li. I'm a fourth-rank soul engineer in the Sun Moon Empire's military."

"The military?" Huo Yuhao was somewhat surprised.

"I used to be." Mo Li sighed. "Because of political struggles, I was forced to leave the imperial capital. This time, I've returned to make a fresh start."

Huo Yuhao nodded without asking further. Everyone had their own story.

"By the way, you said you're going to the Royal Academy?" Mo Li suddenly turned serious.

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

Mo Li lowered his voice. "Young friend, the academy's waters run deep."

"What do you mean?"

"On the surface, the academy is a place for training soul engineers. But in truth, its factions are complicated, with all sorts of forces intertwined." Mo Li's expression was grave. "In particular, there's a mysterious organization secretly controlling many things."

Huo Yuhao's heart tightened. "What organization?"

"I don't know the details. I only know they have immense influence—even the dean has to show them some respect." Mo Li shook his head. "With your talent, you'll definitely attract their attention once you enter."

"Then what should I do?"

"Keep a low profile. Then keep an even lower profile," Mo Li said earnestly. "Unless it's necessary, don't reveal all your strength."

Huo Yuhao nodded thoughtfully. It seemed this academy was far more complicated than he had imagined.

"But don't worry too much." Mo Li smiled. "With your abilities, as long as you're careful, you should be fine."

The two chatted for a while longer before Mo Li handed him a token.

"This is the emblem of my shop in Mingde City. If you need anything, come find me."

Huo Yuhao accepted the token, warmth rising in his heart. Having an acquaintance to look out for him in this unfamiliar place truly put him at ease.

When he returned to the inn, Captain Lei Ming was already waiting for him.

"Lin Mu, this is my letter of recommendation for the academy." Lei Ming handed him a letter. "And this set of soul tools is a small token of my regard."

Huo Yuhao accepted the gifts, deeply moved. Captain Lei Ming had indeed treated him well throughout the journey.

"I'll remember your kindness, Captain."

"What kindness?" Lei Ming patted him on the shoulder. "Meeting a genius like you is my good fortune."

Early the next morning, Huo Yuhao was to set off for the imperial capital.

Standing at the entrance of the inn, he looked back at Mingde City's bustling scenery, his heart filled with anticipation.

Royal Academy, here he came!