Meeting up with the rest of his ladies took three more days of walking and fighting.
During this time, the ladies had more opportunities to hone their combat skills as the last attack of the creatures made it painfully obvious that their close-quarters combat skills were not nearly sufficient to face any stronger opponents.
With that in mind, Paul let them fight with the beasts as well as a bunch of hobgoblins they stumbled upon.
He himself was not idle and also took his turn to gain more experience and try out some new techniques he picked up from the ladies in the Blue Lotus City.
After reuniting with the rest of his ladies, they immediately changed their direction and made their way to the capital, using the jump spells to save time whenever they could.
On their way, Anna and Elaina suggested that they could save a lot of time if they went separately, as the elves' territory was not exactly close to the capital, and it was far from their route.
-So you all want to go with Elaina to the elves' territory?
Paul asked, surprised at their proposal.
Not like he didn't see the benefits of such an approach, as it would indeed shorten the time they needed to stay in the beginning realm.
-It's not like we don't want to accompany you, but right now, you can't even cultivate with us without risking being sent to the ascension realm, so the faster we wrap everything up, the faster we can leave.
Irine said, not hiding her frustration with this arrangement.
-Also, with your power level, it would take an exceptional idiot to start any trouble with you, even if you are alone.
Bing Mei added.
-Not to mention that, while you are dealing with all the stuff in the capital, we would be just sitting there doing exactly nothing.
Natalie chimed in.
-Ladies, calm down.
Paul laughed and raised his hands in the gesture of surrender.
-If this is what you want, then I see no problem with it, and you are right about shortening our stay in the beginning realm.
He said, stopping the ladies from piling up more arguments in support of their idea.
Additionally, he would also enjoy traveling alone for a while, using this time to create a surplus of the Yang vials while he was at it.
-Just make sure not to get sent on another rescue mission by Sei when you two are alone.
Lady Peacock warned him with an expression suggesting that the two of them would regret it if they tried anything like that.
-You're never planning to let me live this down, are you?
Sei asked, materializing next to his wife.
-It depends. Just keep him safe and away from trouble.
Peacock stated with a smile.
-That won't be easy, since as you surely noticed, Paul is a magnet not only for women but also for trouble.
Lord Sei shook his head and sighed.
-Then your job is to keep him out of trouble as much as possible.
Xiao Su supported her reincarnation soul.
-Also, Paul, try to stop being a hero while we are gone.
She added, looking sternly at her man.
-I don't plan on getting pulled into any drama.
As for heroics, I'm even less interested.
Paul said sincerely.
-My plans include informing the emperor about what happened in the Blue Lotus City, getting some more shopping done, and that's it.
Once I'm done with that, I'm coming straight to you.
He presented his plans.
-Yeah, like I'd believe that there won't be any complications.
Anna snorted.
-Like Lord Sei said just now, you are a magnet for women and trouble, so even if you try to avoid them, they will most likely find you sooner or later.
-Hey, don't jinx me.
It's not like I'm actively looking for trouble.
Paul defended himself.
-We know, and we just want you to take care of yourself.
Lady Peacock said, making it as clear as possible.
-Alright, I promise to do my best, and you should do the same, since you also have a knack for getting into trouble.
They continued this discussion for a while longer before going to sleep.
The next morning, Paul gave the ladies all the transport spells he had on him before they departed.
-What about you?
Natalie asked, receiving her spells.
-I can just make more, and also I can simply cast them, so you don't need to worry about it.
Paul smiled, seeing the worried expressions of all the ladies lightening up.
He also left his whole supply of vials with them, as they would not be able to cultivate in this realm anyway.
After saying their goodbyes, they departed, leaving him alone with Sei.
-Finally, some peace and quiet.
The reincarnation soul said.
-Yeah, but we also need to get going.
The faster we take care of our matters in the capital, the faster we can leave this realm.
Paul said and started walking.
Without the ladies around him, he got attacked more often, despite his cultivation level.
But since the corpses could earn him a decent amount of money and he also wanted to hone his combat skills, he didn't complain about it.
Additionally, he could now let loose with some more destructive techniques, which he didn't dare to use, afraid that the ladies could be caught in them by accident.
A week later, he finally arrived at the capital of the beginning realm.
Paul had no problems getting inside the city, as the guards didn't even spare him a second glance.
The reason for that was simple: there were way too many mercenaries and adventurers coming and going through the gate, so the guards could not question them all.
After renting a room in one of the better inns in the city, Paul changed into his black clothes and went out to arrange a meeting with the emperor, or at least someone from the court, to explain the matter of the Blue Lotus City once and for all.
Of course, he could not simply walk to the gate of the imperial castle and state his business, so he went to the nearest guard station and explained the situation to the guard on duty, who immediately sent him to the guard captain.
-Young man, I'll arrange for you to enter the palace tomorrow, to present the evidence before his majesty.
The captain said after hearing Paul out and reading through the evidence he brought with him.
Paul was happy to have an opportunity to solve this matter so quickly.
He thanked the captain, informed him where he was staying, and left.