Plan Ahead

Tang San followed beside Cinderella. When he saw Yu Xiaogang, he merely nodded in greeting, his expression still unnaturally calm and distant for his age.

His gaze swept over Yu Xiaogang with a trace of scrutiny, then returned to Cinderella.

Yu Xiaogang cleared his throat and forced what he thought was a kindly smile. "Tang San, Xian Di, there's something I need to tell you. I'll be leaving Notting City soon to handle some personal matters in Heaven Dou City."

He paused to study their reactions, then dangled the bait. "Heaven Dou City is the imperial capital. It's prosperous, full of Soul Masters, and home to the finest Soul Master Academies on the continent, along with countless markets and resources. Notting City can't compare. You're both exceptionally talented, but staying in this small city will limit your horizons. Would you like to come with me and see more of the world?"

He looked at them expectantly, especially Cinderella.

What young person wouldn't long to visit a bustling imperial capital?

And a clever girl like Xian Di ought to understand that Heaven Dou City meant more opportunities and resources.

Sure enough, Cinderella's face showed just the right measure of surprise and longing.

"Heaven Dou City? Grandmaster, do you mean it? Can we really go?"

Pleased with himself, Yu Xiaogang stroked the beard he didn't have and nodded with studied restraint. "Of course. If you're willing, I'll speak to the academy and take you along. On the journey, I can continue guiding your training and tell you about the Soul Master World."

To Yu Xiaogang's surprise, Cinderella did not agree at once. She turned to Tang San and asked softly, "Tang San, what do you think?"

Tang San was thinking about Heaven Dou City.

He was tempted, but not by its prosperity,