New Life

"At last. Looks like Old Sun's sense of direction was still spot-on. I didn't go the wrong way."

There were many cities near the Star Dou Great Forest.

Within the territory of the Heaven Dou Empire were Hagen-Dazs City, Sword City, and Dragon Rising City.

The reason Wukong had not chosen the first two and had instead picked the last was naturally due to careful consideration.

Sword City bordered Spirit Hall. Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo usually stayed in Sword City whenever they entered or left the Star Dou Great Forest.

Hagen-Dazs City, meanwhile, lay along the necessary route from major cities such as Heaven Dou City to the Star Dou Great Forest, and Titled experts often appeared there as well.

Dragon Rising City was different. It lay northeast of the Star Dou Great Forest, on the border and beside the sea.

Its location was rather remote, and Titled experts generally did not appear here.

At the same time, it was also very close to the Star Dou Great Forest. Many soul-hunting teams and merchant caravans stopped here to restock, making it quite prosperous.

That was why Wukong had chosen to live in this city at the beginning—steady development was the priority.

In the original story, after Tang Hao clashed with Spirit Hall, the Defense Clan was implicated as a result.

They too had valued Dragon Rising City's geographical advantages and chosen to relocate here.

But now, before the Defense Clan had moved in, Wukong had arrived first.

Before entering the city, Wukong put the Lovesick Heartbreak Red into the Hundred Treasures Pouch.

It would be difficult to encounter a Titled-level expert in a place like this.

So there was no need to keep the immortal herb on him at all times.

That would instead draw attention and invite unnecessary trouble for no reason.

As daylight fully broke, more and more pedestrians appeared on the main road.

There were farmers pushing wheelbarrows into the city to sell vegetables.

There were also fully armed mercenaries riding tall horses.

Wukong blended into the crowd and followed the stream of people toward the city gate.

He now looked like nothing more than an ordinary village child.

No one would notice him at all.

When he reached the gate, the guards were inspecting everyone entering the city one by one.

Ahead of Wukong was a merchant caravan. After paying the entrance fee, they entered without issue.

When it was Wukong's turn, a guard looked him over from head to toe.

"Kid, where are your parents?"

Seeing Wukong alone, the guard casually asked a question.

Wukong immediately put on a frightened, timid expression. "I... my dad works in the city. My... my mom told me to... to come find him..."

The guard did not make things difficult for a child. He waved his hand. "Go on in, go on in. Be careful by yourself."

"Thank you, big brother..."

Wukong thanked him repeatedly and quickly entered Dragon Rising City.

The moment he entered, an air of prosperity washed over him.

Shops lined both sides of the broad streets, while people came and went.

Cries of vendors and the sounds of haggling rose and fell one after another, making the place exceptionally lively.

The enticing aroma of meat drifted out from a bun shop.

The clang of hammering came from a blacksmith's shop.

Wukong took a deep breath of the air filled with the flavor of everyday life.

"Finally back in human society. I've missed this so much..."

Wukong rubbed his stomach and felt a little hungry.

But he had no small change on him. Using a Gold Soul Coin to eat at a breakfast stall would make it easy to reveal his wealth.

And dressed as he was now, he would truly be like a child carrying gold through a busy market—he would definitely attract the attention of those with ill intent.

Thus, Wukong endured his hunger and wandered the streets first, eventually finding a well-decorated clothing shop.

Clothes made the man, saddle made the horse. He would first disguise himself as a wealthy young master; then exchanging money at the bank, renting a room, spending money, and everything else would become much easier.

Wukong stepped into the clothing shop.

Although he was plainly dressed, he looked healthy and fair, with a calm and sensible air about him.

So the clerk still received him kindly.

"Little friend, where are your parents?"

Wukong's expression remained natural, and his tone was steady.

"I came alone. I want to buy clothes. Can't I buy clothes by myself?"

The clerk gave a bitter smile and patiently explained.

"That's not it, little friend. You can buy clothes alone, but buying clothes costs money. You should go home and bring your parents here."

Wukong reached into his clothes and directly revealed a glittering Gold Soul Coin.

"No need. I have money. Just help me pick out two outfits, something better quality."

The clerk's eyes immediately widened when he saw the Gold Soul Coin.

"A Gold Soul Coin! You actually have that much money?"

Wukong lifted his chin and pretended to be proud. "Mm-hmm. I saved this spending money for several years."

The clerk muttered inwardly.

Saved spending money? I don't believe it. He definitely stole it from home.

After all, one Gold Soul Coin was equivalent to more than half a year's expenses for an ordinary family.

And children usually saved Copper Soul Coins. Who would save Gold Soul Coins? He was obviously lying.

But the clerk was running a business and could not be bothered to meddle in other people's affairs.

As long as the money was good, who cared whether it had been stolen or robbed?

The clerk immediately put on an enthusiastic smile.

"Young master, this way, please. I'll pick out the finest fabric for you right away."

The clerk moved quickly and soon put together two fitting outfits for Wukong.

The material was soft, the craftsmanship was exquisite, and the styles were the most fashionable of the day.

Wukong changed into one of them and looked himself over in a bronze mirror.

The moment he put on those clothes, he immediately gave off the air of a young master.

Then came the payment.

The clerk did not deliberately raise the price to cheat Wukong.

He was also worried that after Wukong returned home, his parents would discover that he had stolen money, give him a vicious beating, and then drag him back to the shop to make trouble and demand a refund.

So the clerk honestly charged the original price.

The two outfits cost a total of six Silver Soul Coins.

The clerk gave Wukong four Silver Soul Coins in change.

Wukong tucked the change into his pocket, carried the other new outfit and his old clothes, and walked out of the clothing shop.

After leaving, he came to an empty corner.

With a thought, Wukong directly stored the clothes he was carrying in the Hundred Treasures Pouch.

Having changed into new clothes, Wukong was brimming with confidence as he headed straight for the largest inn in the city.

The inn was enormous. It not only served food but also provided lodging.

Wukong entered the main hall and slapped a Gold Soul Coin onto the counter.

"Get me a superior room."

Seeing the Gold Soul Coin and Wukong's attire, the proprietor did not dare neglect him.

He immediately arranged for a waiter to lead Wukong to a guest room on the second floor.

Wukong sat down in the room and ordered several dishes.

A plate of cold sliced lamb, a plate of braised pork ribs, and a large bowl of beef noodles.

After eating and drinking his fill, Wukong gave the waiter one Silver Soul Coin.

The extra money was a tip.

"Prepare a bucket of hot water for me. I want to bathe."

Having received the tip, the waiter beamed and bowed repeatedly.

"Certainly, young master. Please wait a moment. The hot water will be here right away!"

Wukong had spent the past few days traveling through the forest, exposed to the elements and exhausted in body and mind.

Now, all he wanted was to relax and rest properly.

Before long, the waiter returned with several people carrying a large bucket of hot water.

Wukong comfortably soaked in the hot bath and washed away all his fatigue.

After having the waiter remove the bath bucket, Wukong threw himself straight onto the bed.

He fell asleep the instant his head touched the pillow.

He slept straight through until the middle of the night.