One month later, outside Soto City.
A black carriage of understated yet elegant design slowly approached the gates of Soto City. Though unassuming in appearance, it was forged from rare alloys and engraved with intricate Soul Guidance patterns.
Pulling the carriage were two Soul Beast Steeds, renowned for their exceptional endurance, advancing with steady, measured strides.
Looking out through the carriage window, Zhu Zhuqing gazed at the city before her. Even within the western region of the Star Luo Empire, Soto City could be considered a prosperous metropolis.
Its towering yet rugged gatehouse, bluestone-paved streets, bustling crowds dressed in every imaginable style, and the rows of shops and restaurants filling the air with mingled aromas and lively chatter, all of it possessed a kind of raw, unrefined vitality.
Yet after growing accustomed to the sights of Gengxin City, Zhu Zhuqing could not help but feel a subtle sense of disparity.
She spoke softly, calmly describing what she saw.
"Brother Lin Xia, is this Soto City? It looks nowhere near as smooth or prosperous as Gengxin City."
Following her gaze, Lin Xia smiled with quiet confidence and satisfaction.
He set aside the Soul Guidance tablet he had been using to study a map detailing the distribution of rare mineral deposits within the Heaven Dou Empire, then leaned comfortably against the carriage's cushioned seat.
"Naturally."
His tone carried a sense of justified pride, but there was no arrogance in it. It was simply the statement of an obvious fact.
"Gengxin City represents five full years of painstaking planning and construction. During those five years, Soul Guidance technology underwent countless breakthroughs and refinements. From basic Soul Guidance lighting and vehicles to the core energy network, city defense systems, and communication matrix, every advancement has been woven into the very veins of the city."
Lin Xia began counting on his fingers.
"Take these roads, for example."
He pointed through the window at the uneven bluestone pavement outside, where horse manure could still be seen in places.
"The main roads in Gengxin City are paved with special Soul Guidance alloys. They're self-cleaning, temperature-regulating, and shock-absorbing. Rainwater never accumulates, ice never forms during winter, and Soul Guidance vehicles travel across them smoothly, quickly, and almost silently."
"Now look at the lighting."
He motioned toward the kerosene lamps that had just been lit as dusk settled over the city, their flames releasing thin trails of black smoke.
"Gengxin City's Soul Guidance neon lights are brighter, pollution-free, and capable of displaying a dazzling variety of colors. They even adjust their brightness automatically according to the time of day and pedestrian traffic, creating flowing rivers of light. At night, the entire city shines as brightly as daylight while remaining breathtakingly beautiful."
"And then there's the environment."
Lin Xia gestured toward the dust blowing through the streets and the occasional piles of litter.
"Gengxin City's automated cleaning Soul Guidance puppets and dust-removal arrays operate around the clock. The air carries only the cool scent of refined alloys and the pure fragrance of energy crystals. You'd never find dust or this sort of stale atmosphere there."
"Not to mention the quality of life."
His eyes sparkled with pride as he spoke of everything they had achieved.
"A unified public welfare system, a convenient citywide Soul Guidance public transportation network, Soul Guidance communications covering the entire city, advanced Soul Guidance medical support, as well as free basic Soul Guidance education and technical training."
"All of these have dramatically improved efficiency and the quality of life for the residents, naturally driving the city's vitality and economic prosperity."
"Soto City may have its own history as a frontier city built upon traditional commerce and mercenary activity, but when it comes to development philosophy, technological integration, urban comfort, and overall efficiency."
He smiled faintly.
"It simply belongs to a different era than Gengxin City."
Zhu Zhuqing listened attentively to every word Lin Xia spoke. His confident, radiant expression was reflected in her cool, clear eyes.
She did not think he was boasting in the slightest.
Instead, her heart was filled with admiration and wholehearted agreement.
The man before her possessed not only overwhelming strength and extraordinary foresight, but also the ability to change the world with his own hands and create the future itself.
Gengxin City was living proof of that miracle.
She nodded firmly.
Looking at Lin Xia with eyes overflowing with trust and admiration, she spoke in a crisp, unwavering voice.
"Mm! Brother Lin Xia is absolutely right. Soto City may be lively, but compared to Gengxin City. it's like the difference between an unrefined ore and a divine weapon forged by your own hands."
"Brother Lin Xia, you're the greatest!"
"And only you could have created a place like Gengxin City."
Her words were filled with heartfelt praise and unconditional faith in Lin Xia.
Hearing such sincere and straightforward praise, Lin Xia couldn't help but feel a warmth rise in his heart.
He reached out and affectionately flicked the tip of Zhu Zhuqing's nose with a smile.
"Your mouth is certainly sweet today."
"Don't worry. Although Soto City can't compare with Gengxin City, it definitely has its own specialties. Once we've settled in, I'll take you to try the city's famous roasted meat and barley ale. We can experience the flavors of the western Star Luo Empire."
A faint blush appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's face. She had no objection to trying the local cuisine, but she quietly reminded him, "Brother Lin Xia if we're drinking..."
Subconsciously, she glanced at the miniature Tyranitar lying beside Lin Xia's feet, absentmindedly chewing on a specially made alloy chew bar.
Lin Xia immediately understood and laughed.
"Don't worry! I've learned my lesson!"
"We'll only have a tiny taste, absolutely no drinking too much!" And we definitely won't let Tyranitar drink any!"
He had no desire to relive another terrifying night of Tyranitar going on a drunken rampage.
"Mm."
Only then did Zhu Zhuqing nod in relief.
The carriage slowly passed beneath Soto City's towering gate.
The light dimmed briefly beneath the massive archway before they were engulfed once more by the bustling sights and sounds of the city within.
Lin Xia instructed the coachman to stop at a relatively clean and spacious inn in the city rather than choosing one of the flashy establishments such as the "Rose" or "Lovers' Hotel." Places like those were completely at odds with the serious purpose of their visit.
After settling their luggage, the two of them, accompanied by the miniature Tyranitar, stepped onto Soto City's main street.
Zhu Zhuqing had changed into a simple yet elegant set of black training clothes, perfectly accentuating her graceful figure and cool temperament. However, a lingering trace of solemnity remained between her brows.
Lin Xia wore a well-tailored dark silver outfit. Though understated, it could not conceal the composed bearing of someone accustomed to holding authority.
Walking side by side, they deliberately restrained their auras, yet their extraordinary presence still drew numerous glances of admiration and awe from passersby.
Soto City's liveliness was raw and unrefined.
The cries of street vendors, the booming voices of mercenaries, the rhythmic clatter of horses' hooves against stone, and the rattling of wagon wheels over uneven roads blended into one continuous chorus.
The air was thick with the scents of dust, cheap alcohol, spices, and all kinds of cooked food.
Accustomed to Gengxin City's clean efficiency and impeccable order, Zhu Zhuqing frowned almost imperceptibly.
"Brother Lin Xia this place..."
She spoke softly, a faint trace of detachment in her voice.
"It certainly is lively."
The corners of Lin Xia's lips lifted slightly as his gaze swept over the somewhat disorderly stalls lining the streets and the mismatched old and new buildings.
"Mm. It's certainly full of life, but that's about it."
"Compared to Gengxin City's orderly planning and the convenience and comfort brought by Soul Guidance technology, this place feels more like, a bustling marketplace."
His tone was calm, yet it carried the perspective of someone looking down upon something he had long since surpassed.
At that moment, Lin Xia's gaze casually swept across the intersection ahead.
Amid the bustling crowd, two figures turned onto a street lavishly decorated with flowers, giving it an especially romantic and extravagant atmosphere.
The young man wore a faded blue training outfit. His appearance was ordinary, but his eyes were calm and steady. Around his waist hung a belt inlaid with twenty-four pieces of warm white jade, its understated brilliance glimmering beneath the sunlight.
The young girl beside him radiated youthful energy. Her long scorpion braid swayed cheerfully behind her with every step, while her pink dress made her look bright, lively, and charming.
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