Soul Tool, the Girl

The next day.

As the rising sun climbed into the sky, golden, sand-like morning light spilled over the towering city walls. Suotuo City had already begun a new day.

The river shimmered with ripples, and the occasional bird flew through the air.

Compared with a small border city like Notting City, Suotuo City was far more prosperous. Its main road was broad enough for four horses to travel abreast, with neatly arranged buildings on either side in a uniform style that still carried the bold regional character of the borderlands. It was a refreshing sight. Pedestrians hurried along, traffic flowed constantly, and the rumble of carriage wheels rolling over the road sounded from time to time.

Yang Ming bought three breakfasts from a street vendor, keeping one for himself and handing the other two to Tang San and Xiao Wu.

"Try this. It's a local specialty of Suotuo City."

The two took a closer look. It was a meat-stuffed flatbread. The puffed dough was soft and fluffy, fried in oil until both sides turned golden before being removed. Chopped meat filling was placed in the middle. Though it looked somewhat greasy, its rich fragrance wafted over them, instantly whetting their appetites so early in the morning.

One bite revealed a crisp, delicious fried crust, tender and smooth meat filling, and some salted dried radish mixed inside. It was not as cloying as they had imagined; instead, a refreshing, pleasantly salty flavor spread across their tongues.

"So delicious!"

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up, and she finished the meat-stuffed flatbread in just a few bites.

Her cute tongue traced a circle around her lips. Clearly still wanting more, Xiao Wu looked at Yang Ming expectantly.

"Brother, buy me another one."

"You didn't bring money?"

Yang Ming's answer was as bluntly straightforward as