Although they had agreed on Snow Emperor's next destination, there was still one problem to solve.
That was how to arrange for Snow Emperor's godson, the Great North Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai.
Xiao Bai insisted that wherever Snow Emperor went, it would follow!
Naturally, Snow Emperor could not agree to this.
"Xiao Bai, you must understand. Although a Ferocious Beast can directly transform into a human form, that form retains some characteristics of a Soul Beast, and your Soul Beast aura is practically impossible to conceal..."
"We are going to one of the premier major cities of humanity. There will be no shortage of powerful human masters. If you go in looking like this, you'll be discovered immediately."
A giant bear, clearly the size of a small mountain, drooped its head sheepishly like a child in front of Snow Emperor.
"But Snow Emperor, you have transformed into a human now. Won't you be discovered if you go to the human world?"
Snow Emperor's brow furrowed slightly. She glanced at Huo Yuhao and said with certainty, "No. I believe Huo Yuhao will protect me."
Huo Yuhao's gaze swept back and forth between Snow Emperor and Xiao Bai. "It's not like there's no way."
"What way do you have?"
After a moment's hesitation, Huo Yuhao spoke up. "Um... it's simply waiting until Snow Emperor needs another Soul Ring, then letting Xiao Bai become your Soul Spirit."
"This..." Snow Emperor's gaze fell hesitantly upon Xiao Bai. She pursed her lips. "No. I will cultivate as quickly as possible and help him before Xiao Bai's heavenly tribulation arrives."
Huo Yuhao sensed a faint oddity.
That's not right... why are all the Ferocious Beasts of the Extreme North approaching their limit in this era? Isn't that too much of a coincidence?
After another round of bargaining, they finally convinced the Ice Bear King to stay honestly in the Extreme North Ice Plains and wait for Snow Emperor's return.
Considering the walk out of the Extreme North was far too long, Huo Yuhao pulled out a Class 5 flying Soul Tool he had made and gave it to Snow Emperor, teaching her how to use it along the way.
Despite it being her first contact with a Soul Tool, it had to be said that Snow Emperor's adaptability was extremely high. Soon, she mastered the operation of the flying Soul Tool.
However, Snow Emperor wasn't particularly happy; instead, her heart felt a chill.
"Isn't this the equivalent of growing wings!? Has human technology progressed to this extent..."
As the Ruler of the Extreme North, she naturally knew what flight meant for both Soul Beasts and Soul Masters.
Being able to soar through the sky with only a four-ring cultivation level thanks to this flying Soul Tool truly overturned Snow Emperor's understanding.
Flying beside her, Huo Yuhao said, "There's a saying: 'The world is created by lazy people.' I imagine whoever invented this flying Soul Tool must have been a lazy person too."
Snow Emperor turned her head away speechlessly. Wasn't he just saying that they, the Soul Beasts, were too busy diligently cultivating to have time to invent such convenient things?
Huo Yuhao simply smiled at Snow Emperor's reaction and said nothing.
He hoped this trip to the human world would bring some realization to these high-and-mighty Soul Beast Kings.
...
After resting several times and eating some dry rations, it took a full three days before the two reached the outskirts of Star Net City.
Looking at the massive silhouette in the distance, Snow Emperor crossed her arms, her eyes filled with a bit more anxiety and complexity.
"So this is a human city..."
Huo Yuhao reached into his belt-type storage Soul Tool and pulled out a blue-and-white bracelet, handing it to Snow Emperor. "This is a storage Soul Tool. Just wear it on your wrist. It can hold about 100 cubic meters of items, which should be enough for you for now."
"Oh, right. I put a few thousand Gold Soul Coins inside. It should cover your expenses while I'm not around."
He also had ring-type storage Soul Tools, but considering Snow Emperor was a girl, giving a ring abruptly would be far too easy to misinterpret.
"...Thank you."
After receiving it, Snow Emperor put it on her wrist. At first, she thought it was a bit large, but once she injected Soul Power, it automatically shrank to the width of her wrist, fitting perfectly.
This made Snow Emperor steal a few extra glances at Huo Yuhao. He's actually quite attentive...
Naturally, they couldn't use flying Soul Tools once they entered the range of Star Net City. As the capital, Star Net City's anti-air capabilities were no joke.
But as the young master of [Huo's Roasted Fish], and because Huo Yuhao was quite close to a certain member of the Imperial Family, they passed through the gate inspection smoothly even with Snow Emperor in tow.
Of course, he used Simulation to obscure Snow Emperor's appearance; otherwise, with her celestial beauty, it would be far too easy to cause trouble.
As he led Snow Emperor toward the roasted fish shop, Huo Yuhao suddenly lowered his head and stared straight at Snow Emperor's feet.
Snow Emperor was uncomfortable with his gaze and instinctively tucked her feet back.
"...What... what are you looking at my feet for?"
"Ah? Sorry, sorry. Uh... although I can use Simulation to hide our forms, it would be best for Miss Snow Emperor to go buy some clothes and shoes."
"I see..." Snow Emperor looked down at her bare feet, then at the people coming and going on the street who were all wearing shoes. She was indeed a bit out of place.
"Mhm. Then please, lead the way."
...
Upon reaching a women's clothing store in the northern district of Star Net City, Huo Yuhao automatically sat down on the lounge sofa.
Women have an incomprehensible talent for shopping. Even Snow Emperor, who had never been to the human world, fully displayed this innate gender skill.
Huo Yuhao only needed to pay.
Soon, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from behind him.
"Are you finished buying...?"
Then, Huo Yuhao's eyes met Snow Emperor's.
She was wearing a white short-sleeved sweater paired with a light blue skirt. On her feet were a pair of white crystal shoes, radiating an air that was both defenseless and endearing.
It was impossible to imagine her having such a side. Huo Yuhao could only watch with his mouth agape.
"...Don't just stare at me. It's my first time buying clothes, I'm just trying them on."
Snow Emperor turned her face away as she spoke, and only then did Huo Yuhao snap out of it, shaking his head repeatedly.
"No, no, no... it suits you very well."
"Is... is that so?"
After picking out several sets of pajamas and casual wear, the two settled the bill and left.
This was Snow Emperor's first contact with the human world. She looked around like a curious baby while Huo Yuhao patiently explained things to her.
As they neared the roasted fish shop, Huo Yuhao looked at Snow Emperor, felt a sudden impulse, walked over to a street vendor, and bought two sticks of Tanghulu.
"Here."
Snow Emperor instinctively took the Tanghulu, put a sugar-coated hawthorn in her mouth, and bit down.
"Mmm..."
Her blue eyes widened. This was her first time tasting something so sweet and sour.
Looking at Snow Emperor's blissful expression, Huo Yuhao felt like laughing but didn't dare.
How could the dignified Ruler of the Extreme North Soul Beasts give off the vibe of a little child? She was quite cute.