The Harem of Power: A Journey Across World’s

Part 1: Farewell to the Forest

The Star Dou Forest was alive with its usual vibrancy as sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, painting the ground with dappled patterns of light. It had been their home, their sanctuary, and a place that held memories of battles, growth, and bonds. But now, the time had come to leave it behind and step into the world of humans.

Rylan stood at the edge of the forest, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Behind him, Xiao Wu and her mother, Yanli, were engaged in a playful yet bittersweet exchange with Er Ming and Da Ming—the Titan Great Ape and the Sky Blue Bull Python. These two mighty 100,000-year-old soul beasts had been Xiao Wu's sworn brothers, guardians who had protected her since her birth.

"Are you sure about this, Xiao Wu?" Er Ming rumbled, his deep voice tinged with concern. His massive form towered over the group, yet his demeanor was gentle as he knelt to look into her eyes.

Xiao Wu nodded firmly. "Yes, Er Ming. I need to grow stronger, and I can't do that if I stay here forever. The human world is where I'll face the challenges that will shape me."

Da Ming, with his serene and wise presence, lowered his enormous head. "It won't be easy, Xiao Wu. Humans are… complicated. But we understand your decision. You've grown so much, and we're proud of you."

Yanli, in her mature human form, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Da Ming's horn. "We'll be cautious, Da Ming. Rylan will be with us, and he's already taught us so much about surviving among humans."

Er Ming's golden eyes shifted to Rylan, who remained silent but watchful. "You'd better keep your promise, human," the great ape growled.

Rylan met his gaze without flinching. "I will. Xiao Wu and Yanli are under my protection. No harm will come to them as long as I'm alive."

Er Ming let out a huff, his immense shoulders relaxing slightly. "Fine. But if anything happens…"

"It won't," Rylan interrupted, his tone firm but respectful.

---

The Farewell

As the group prepared to leave, Xiao Wu ran up to Er Ming and wrapped her arms around his massive hand. "Don't be mad, big brother. I'll visit whenever I can. You and Da Ming mean so much to me."

Er Ming's expression softened as he gently patted her head with a single finger. "Just don't forget about us, little sister."

Da Ming lowered his head further, allowing Xiao Wu to hug him as well. "Take care of yourself, Xiao Wu. And remember, no matter how far you go, this forest will always be your home."

Yanli watched the heartfelt scene with a mixture of pride and sadness. She had made the same decision once—to leave the forest for the human world. Now, her daughter was taking the same step, but this time, they would face it together.

Rylan, observing the interactions, felt a pang of guilt. He knew their departure was necessary, but he couldn't ignore the weight of responsibility that came with guiding them into the unknown.

"Are we ready?" he finally asked, breaking the moment of silence.

Xiao Wu nodded, her eyes shimmering with determination. Yanli placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder, and together, the three of them turned away from the only home they had ever known.

---

The Journey Begins

The journey through the forest was quiet, each of them lost in their thoughts. Yanli occasionally glanced back, her heart aching as the familiar sights of the Star Dou Forest faded into the distance.

Rylan, walking slightly ahead, kept his senses alert. The human world wasn't far, and he wanted to ensure their transition was smooth. They couldn't afford any mistakes, especially with Xiao Wu and Yanli's true identities as soul beasts.

"Mother," Xiao Wu's voice broke the silence, "what do you think the human world will be like?"

Yanli smiled faintly. "It's… different. It's busy and loud, but it has its own charm. You'll see."

Rylan added, "It's a place of opportunity, but also danger. You'll need to learn quickly to navigate it."

Xiao Wu tilted her head. "Is it really that dangerous?"

Rylan stopped and turned to face her, his expression serious. "Xiao Wu, you and your mother are 100,000-year-old soul beasts. If anyone discovers that, they'll stop at nothing to hunt you for your soul rings and bones. You can't afford to let your guard down, not for a second."

Xiao Wu's playful demeanor shifted as she absorbed his words. "I understand," she said quietly.

Yanli placed a comforting arm around her daughter. "Don't worry, Xiao Wu. We'll be careful, and we'll have each other."

---

A Gift of Knowledge

That evening, as they set up camp just outside the forest, Rylan decided it was time to teach them something that would help them blend in better in the human world.

"Before we reach Nuoding City, there's something I want to teach you both," he said, motioning for them to sit by the fire.

Xiao Wu plopped down eagerly, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"A skill," Rylan began, "to suppress your aura. It'll make it harder for other soul masters to sense your true power or identify you as soul beasts."

Yanli's eyes widened. "You know such a technique?"

Rylan nodded. "It's something I learned from my system. It won't make you completely undetectable, but it'll give you an edge."

Over the next few hours, Rylan guided them through the process. It required intense focus and control, something that came more naturally to Yanli than Xiao Wu.

"Focus on your breathing," Rylan instructed. "Picture your aura as a flame. Now, imagine dimming that flame until it's barely visible."

Xiao Wu scrunched her face in concentration. "This is harder than it looks!"

"You'll get it," Yanli encouraged, her own aura already diminishing under Rylan's guidance.

By the time the lesson ended, Xiao Wu was able to partially suppress her aura, though it was clear she'd need more practice. Yanli, on the other hand, had mastered the technique quickly.

"This will help us a lot," Yanli said, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Rylan."

Rylan simply nodded. "It's the least I can do. We need every advantage we can get."

---

The City Awaits

The next morning, the trio finally left the forest behind and stepped onto the road leading to Nuoding City. The sight of open fields and distant villages was a stark contrast to the dense foliage they had grown accustomed to.

As they approached the city gates, Xiao Wu couldn't contain her excitement. "So, this is a human city! It's so big!"

Rylan chuckled. "This is just a small city. Wait until you see the bigger ones."

Yanli pulled her cloak tighter around her, her senses on high alert. She hadn't been in a human city for decades, and the experience was both nostalgic and nerve-wracking.

"Remember," Rylan said as they entered the bustling streets, "blend in. We're just an ordinary family here."

Xiao Wu and Yanli nodded, their expressions serious. The human world was a new and unfamiliar place, but they were ready to face it together.

For Xiao Wu, this was the beginning of her journey as a soul master. For Yanli, it was a chance to protect her daughter while confronting her past. And for Rylan, it was the next step in a mission that would test his strength, wisdom, and resolve.

Part 2: Settling In and Adjusting to the Human World.New Beginnings in Nuoding City

The streets of Nuoding City were bustling with life, a sharp contrast to the serene and untamed beauty of the Star Dou Forest. Vendors shouted to advertise their wares, children darted through the crowds, and the aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted through the air. For Xiao Wu, Yanli, and even Rylan, it was a sensory overload.

"This place is huge!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, her wide eyes darting from one sight to another. She pointed at a brightly colored stall adorned with silk ribbons. "Can we go look at that, Mother?"

Yanli smiled indulgently, but before she could respond, Rylan stepped in. "We can explore later, Xiao Wu. First, we need to find a place to stay."

Xiao Wu pouted but nodded. She knew Rylan was right, even if she was eager to dive into the human world's wonders.

---

Finding a Home

Rylan led the group through the city, his sharp eyes scanning for a suitable residence. They needed somewhere quiet and secure, a place where Yanli and Xiao Wu's identities could remain hidden.

Eventually, they found a modest two-story house at the edge of the city. It was a little worn but spacious enough for the three of them. More importantly, it was in a quieter part of town, away from prying eyes.

"This will do," Rylan declared after inspecting the house.

Yanli nodded in agreement. "It's perfect. Thank you, Rylan."

Xiao Wu immediately claimed one of the upstairs rooms, spinning around in delight. "This is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to decorate!"

Rylan chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Don't get too comfortable yet. We still have a lot to do."

---

Blending In

Over the next few days, Rylan worked tirelessly to help Xiao Wu and Yanli adjust to life in the human world. He taught them how to use coins, interact with vendors, and navigate the city's customs.

"Remember," Rylan said as they walked through the marketplace, "you can't let anyone suspect what you are. Always act like an ordinary human."

Xiao Wu nodded seriously, though her attention was quickly stolen by a display of shiny trinkets. Yanli, on the other hand, was more composed, observing everything with a careful eye.

"Rylan," Yanli said quietly as they walked, "do you think we'll be safe here?"

"As long as we're cautious," Rylan replied. "But we should always be prepared for the unexpected."

---

A Popular Big Sister

Despite Rylan's warnings, Xiao Wu quickly became a popular figure in Nuoding City. Her bubbly personality and unyielding kindness drew people to her like moths to a flame. Children in the neighborhood adored her, often calling her "Big Sister Xiao Wu."

One afternoon, Rylan returned home to find Xiao Wu surrounded by a group of children, teaching them how to dance. Her laughter rang out as she twirled around, her pink dress fluttering like a flower in the wind.

"Xiao Wu," Rylan called, his tone half-amused, half-stern.

She stopped mid-spin and grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Rylan. I couldn't help it. They asked me to show them some moves."

Rylan sighed but couldn't stay mad. Her joy was infectious, and he knew it was a part of who she was.

---

The Plan for Xiao Wu's Future

As the days turned into weeks, the group began planning the next steps for Xiao Wu's development. It was decided that she would enroll at Nuoding City's Junior Soul Master Academy.

"Why do I have to go to school?" Xiao Wu complained one evening as they sat around the dinner table.

"Because," Rylan explained patiently, "it's the best way for you to grow as a soul master. You'll learn new techniques, gain experience, and make connections that could help us in the future."

Yanli nodded in agreement. "He's right, Xiao Wu. You'll also learn more about the human world, which will help us stay safe."

Xiao Wu groaned but eventually relented. "Fine. But I'm not wearing any boring uniforms!"

Rylan smirked. "I'll see what I can do."

---

Rylan's Role

While Xiao Wu prepared for school, Rylan spent his time training and keeping a low profile. Though he appeared to be a teenager, his maturity and presence often made people mistake him for someone older.

"Why don't you go to school too, Rylan?" Xiao Wu teased one morning.

"Because I don't need to," Rylan replied with a smirk. "I've already learned more than they could ever teach me."

Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue. "Show-off."

---

The Journey Ahead

As the day of Xiao Wu's enrollment approached, the group's preparations intensified. Yanli ensured Xiao Wu had everything she needed, while Rylan reviewed the Academy's rules and policies.

"Are you nervous?" Yanli asked her daughter the night before the big day.

Xiao Wu hesitated before shaking her head. "Not really. I'm more excited than anything. But…" She glanced at Rylan. "What if I mess up?"

"You won't," Rylan said confidently. "Just be yourself, Xiao Wu. You're stronger than you realize."

Xiao Wu smiled, her confidence bolstered by his words.

---

To Be Continued…