Entering the Tower

The Realm Patrol cruised smoothly along the broad streets of Eastsea City. Keeping an eye on the road, Huo Yuhao began explaining the situation to Tang Wulin and Na'er in the back seat, as well as Tang Ziran in the passenger seat.

"Before we arrive, let me give you a general overview of the rules for purchasing Soul Spirits at Eastsea City's Spirit Pagoda. It's quite different from Aolai City's, and there are many more options." Huo Yuhao's voice was steady and clear, carrying a reassuring strength.

"First is the most common category: fixed-price purchases." He raised one finger. "There are around two hundred types of ten-year white Soul Spirits available here. Depending on factors such as rarity, ability focus, and growth potential, prices range from seventy thousand to one hundred fifty thousand Federation credits. There are about fifty types of hundred-year yellow Soul Spirits, priced between one million and two million Federation credits. The advantage of this method is that the choices are clear. You get what you pay for, there's practically no risk, and if you like one and have enough money, you can take it home."

"One... million?" Tang Wulin gasped softly from the back seat. Clinging to the front seat's backrest, his blue eyes widened into circles. He subconsciously touched the thick stack of Federation credits in his little bag, the savings that held more than three years of his family's hard work. It had once seemed like an enormous fortune, but compared to this, a heavy pressure and a trace of reluctance rose in his heart. "That's so expensive..."

"Yes. Raising and capturing hundred-year Soul Spirits requires resources and technology far beyond what ten-year Soul Spirits need, so naturally they cost more." Huo Yuhao saw the little boy's shoulders droop slightly in the rearview mirror and continued gently, "That's why the second category has become more common. It gives more people a chance: random draws. Pay four hundred thousand Federation credits for one chance to draw a random hundred-year Soul Spirit. Its type and quality are entirely random. Or pay thirty thousand Federation credits for one random ten-year Soul Spirit. This method costs less, but risk and opportunity go hand in hand. You might draw something exceptional, or something that isn't very suitable."

As they spoke, the vehicle turned through a bustling intersection. In the distance, an imposing octagonal tower came into view. Its body was made from special silver-white alloy and Soul Guidance glass, with a faint halo flowing over it beneath the sunlight. Its base was thick and solid, while every ten floors narrowed slightly upward. Its lines were smooth yet powerful, its tip piercing the sky. It stood far taller than any surrounding building, like a silent giant overlooking all of Eastsea City. Even from afar, its grandeur and the aura of precision fused with modern Soul Guidance technology were enough to leave one awestruck.

"Wow—!" Tang Wulin and Na'er exclaimed at the same time, pressing themselves against the car windows and staring unblinkingly at the landmark. Tang Ziran and Lang Yue also took deep breaths. Compared to the tiny branch in Aolai City, the colossal structure before them was like a child's building blocks.

"That is the East Sea Spirit Pagoda, and it's only a branch tower." Huo Yuhao spoke at just the right moment, with a faint note of emotion in his voice. "The Celestial Spirit Tower, where the Spirit Pagoda headquarters is located, is said to be even more unimaginable. All right, we're almost there." He smoothly drove into the Spirit Pagoda's massive multi-level parking structure.

After parking, the five of them got out. Looking up at it from close range, the Spirit Pagoda felt even more oppressive. Streams of people entered and exited through the enormous entrance, orderly yet full of vitality.

"The final option," Huo Yuhao said as he led them toward the entrance, revealing the most important information, "might suit your budget and needs perfectly—'self-selection,' by entering the 'Ascension Platform.'"

"Self-selection? Ascension Platform?" Tang Ziran immediately asked. The term sounded far more appealing than the first two methods.

"That's right." Huo Yuhao nodded and explained in detail, "Pay three hundred thousand Federation credits, and you gain one opportunity to enter the Junior Ascension Platform. The Ascension Platform is a special space created through Soul Guidance technology, one that closely simulates a real soul beast forest. Entrants can explore within it and use their own perception, affinity, and even luck to seek out and attract the Soul Spirit most compatible with them. The greatest advantage of this method is that the Soul Spirit you find is usually highly compatible with your martial soul and personality, with greater potential for future growth. Of course, there are risks—if you're 'defeated' by a simulated soul beast inside the Ascension Platform, you'll be forced out early, and your money will be wasted. But don't worry. The Junior Ascension Platform has protective measures and will place participants in relatively safe starting areas."

He looked at Tang Wulin, whose eyes had already begun to shine, and reached out to ruffle his hair. "Normally, this 'self-selection' qualification costs five hundred thousand Federation credits, and you have to apply and wait in line far in advance. But today happens to be a lucky coincidence. A friend of mine—Teacher Wu Changkong from the East Sea Academy Intermediate Division—is bringing his students into the Ascension Platform for their midterm practical assessment. I told him about your situation, and he agreed to let Wulin enter with his students' team. Since it's on the way, the cost will only be the base three hundred thousand. This is a rare opportunity."

"Enter that Ascension Platform... and find a Soul Spirit myself?" Tang Wulin processed the information, secretly clenching his little fists. He was nervous about the unknown space, but even more eager to give it a try. He knew that compatibility with a Soul Spirit was crucial. If he could find the one most suited to him... "Uncle Huo, I'll be especially careful and stay safe!" he promised loudly, his heart full of gratitude.

Huo Yuhao smiled. "I believe you. Remember, once you're inside, listen to Teacher Wu's instructions."

Just then, a black Soul Guidance sedan with sharp, rigid lines stopped beside them. The door opened, revealing a pair of long legs first. Then Wu Changkong emerged before them, dressed in a fitted black outfit, with silver hair, purple eyes, and a cold, austere presence. Behind him, six boys and girls around twelve or thirteen years old filed out of the car, all energetic as they curiously looked around.

"Teacher Wu!" Huo Yuhao stepped forward to greet him.

"Boss Huo." Wu Changkong nodded to him, his voice as cool and concise as ever. His gaze then swept over the four members of the Tang family behind Huo Yuhao.

"Hello, Boss Huo!" The six students clearly all knew Huo Yuhao—after all, Yuling Grilled Fish was one of the most popular food spots around East Sea Academy—and they greeted him with smiles. One clever-looking short-haired boy even asked, "Boss Huo, you're at the Spirit Pagoda today too? Did you find some new inspiration for grilled fish made with soul beast ingredients?" His words drew a round of soft laughter from the other students.

Huo Yuhao laughed as well and introduced them. "These two are Tang Wulin's parents, and this is his younger sister, Na'er. And this..." He placed a hand on Tang Wulin's shoulder and gently guided him forward. "This is Tang Wulin from Aolai City, the boy I mentioned to you. He's here to choose a Soul Spirit today, so I'll have to trouble Teacher Wu and everyone to look after him."

Wu Changkong's gaze fell upon Tang Wulin. It was calm, yet incredibly penetrating, as though he wanted to see through him inside and out. After a moment, he gave an almost imperceptible nod and extended his hand toward Tang Ziran. "Mr. Tang, hello. Boss Huo has mentioned your son many times. He said the boy has a steadfast temperament and good talent. I look forward to his performance today."

Tang Ziran hurried forward to shake his hand, somewhat flattered. "Hello, Teacher Wu! Thank you so much for giving Wulin this opportunity. He's still young and doesn't understand anything. Please put in extra effort to guide him!"

"It's my duty." Wu Changkong's answer was brief. He then turned to the students behind him. "This is Tang Wulin. He will enter the Junior Ascension Platform with us today to find his first Soul Spirit. Once inside, you are his seniors, so look after him, but don't interfere too much. Let him experience it for himself. Understood?"

"Understood, Teacher Wu!" the six students answered in unison, their curious gazes all falling on Tang Wulin, who looked several years younger than them and somewhat immature.

"Wulin, follow Teacher Wu and your older brothers and sisters. Listen carefully and stay safe." Huo Yuhao patted Tang Wulin's back.

"Mm! Uncle Huo, Dad, Mom, Na'er, I'm going in!" Tang Wulin took a deep breath and tried his best to look calmer as he jogged to the back of the six-student group.

The students immediately gathered around him, and the atmosphere became lively. The short-haired boy who had joked earlier leaned closer and asked with a grin, "Tang Wulin? That's a pretty nice name. If Boss Huo thinks so highly of you, are you especially good at cooking? Did you inherit his skills?" The other students also laughed kindly.

Tang Wulin's face immediately turned red, and he hurriedly waved his hands. "Huh? N-no... I'm actually not very good at cooking..." He often watched Huo Yuhao grill fish, but he rarely had the chance to do it himself.

Another girl, tall and wearing a ponytail, sized him up and smiled. "Little brother, you're so young, and you're already entering the Ascension Platform on your own? You've got some nerve. Don't run around once we're inside. Stay with us, and your big sister will protect you!" She patted her chest, looking very heroic.

"Thank you, Big Sister..." Tang Wulin thanked her softly, a little embarrassed, but warmth filled his heart. These older brothers and sisters all seemed easy to get along with.

"All right, stop teasing him." A boy who seemed the most composed spoke up. He nodded kindly at Tang Wulin. "Stay close to the group once we're inside. The Ascension Platform may be a simulated environment, but it feels extremely real, and the soul beasts are very lifelike too. Observe more, feel more, and look for fluctuations that make your soul power resonate. Don't force yourself if you encounter danger. Call for help or withdraw in time."

"Mm! I understand. Thank you, Big Brother!" Tang Wulin carefully committed his words to memory.

Watching Tang Wulin walk toward the Spirit Pagoda's grand dedicated entrance with Wu Changkong, surrounded by the group of youths, his figure gradually disappearing into the crowd, Huo Yuhao withdrew his gaze. He turned to Tang Ziran and Lang Yue, whose faces were full of worry, as well as Na'er, who watched quietly, and said, "All right. They'll probably be in there for several hours. The Ascension Platform has been reserved by East Sea Academy for assessments today, and the main hall is undergoing internal maintenance, so it isn't open to the public. I'll take you to the rest area in the side tower to wait. It'll be quieter there."

He led the three around the enormous crowds at the main tower and arrived at a much shorter but equally refined side-tower building. This was where everyday consultations, soul master registrations, and business matters were handled, so it was relatively quiet.

They had just entered the spacious, brightly lit first-floor lounge of the side tower when a kind-looking woman in her thirties, dressed in a Spirit Pagoda staff uniform, brightened and hurried over.

"Boss Huo? Oh my, what a rare visitor! What brings you here today? It's not time to deliver goods and settle accounts at the end of the month yet. Did you finally take a day off for yourself?" The staff member, Su Qin, was clearly familiar with Huo Yuhao and teased him with a smile. Huo Yuhao's Yuling Grilled Fish was a regular fixture on Eastsea City's food rankings. Many of its high-grade seafood ingredients even had to be ordered through special Spirit Pagoda channels, and over time, he had gotten to know quite a few staff members here.

Huo Yuhao smiled in reply. "Sister Su, I'm not here to talk business today. I brought a friend's child to choose a Soul Spirit. The boy entered the Ascension Platform with Teacher Wu's assessment team, so I brought his family here to wait."

"Oh, I see!" Su Qin suddenly understood and warmly looked at Tang Ziran, Lang Yue, and Na'er. "Welcome, welcome! There are tea and snacks in the lounge. Please sit wherever you like, no need to be formal. Oh my, this little girl is so beautiful. Silver hair and purple eyes—she looks like a little elf!" Her gaze settled on Na'er, and she couldn't help praising her, her tone full of affection.

Na'er raised her purple eyes and glanced at Su Qin. She gave a slight nod in greeting, remaining quiet as before.

Huo Yuhao led the three to sit on a soft sofa by the window. Su Qin quickly brought over several cups of clear tea and some delicate pastries, placing them on the small tea table. "Boss Huo's friends are our friends. If you need anything, just call me anytime. You chat—I'll be at the counter over there." Considerately leaving them space, she returned to her workstation.

The small lounge soon grew quiet. Through the window, they could see part of the main tower and the crowds flowing back and forth. The fragrance of tea lingered, and the pastries were exquisite, but Tang Ziran and Lang Yue's thoughts were clearly tied to the tower. Their eyes drifted toward the main tower from time to time. Na'er sipped her tea in small mouthfuls, her purple eyes calm as she seemed to be lost in thought.