If dealing with confidantes who trust him depending on the trust, only the second step would need to be used, if he wanted the information. The third step was for those whom he would need forcefully gather information, Soul Search. When using Soul Search, if the other party still had soul strength, Rex would have to compete with that person. Rex wouldn't suffer that much from the battle, only that he would not be able to use it again for a while on the same person and that he would have to recover in closed doors.
He would only use this skill if the other party was in a weaker state than him that is in soul strength. Rex used this skill on Burton only after his cultivation was abolished which meant his soul strength had weakened. Afterall, cultivation and soul were connected to each other in a way.
When one reached the Soul Forging Realm(5th Realm), they could use their spiritual consciousness to escape during times nearing death. As Cultivation realms increase, the lifespan of people increase as well. Only when reaching around two hundred years old would one be considered as an adult in the eyes of the strong.
The reason why he was suspicious of Burton would be that when he viewed him with his eyes, he was able to see that his loyalty was quite low for a person of his status. Of course that was only to him so he used his Abyssal touch while giving the vial to him and he was able to figure out more.
__ __ __
The morning sunlight pierced through the windows, it was already the next day. Wearing a comfortable suit, he was ready for spending time with his mother. The last time he had gone out together with his mother was a long time ago at least in terms of mortal age.
As he came down the stairs, he looked at his mother who was wearing a white blouse paired with a light blue skirt that reached her ankles. Along with a matching light blue hat adorned with a soft white ribbon. All in all, she looked like a young girl who was going out on a date.
Seeing her appearance, Rex was a bit stunned, he never really saw his mother wear things like these like a young girl. When he was young, his mother usually wore her business clothes because she had to take care of him while taking care of business. As for his father, except on rare occasions, he never existed in his life. Rex didn't care about him either. Rather than a father, he would rather treat him as a stranger.
"Mom, you look beautiful"
"And you're as charming as ever, my dear"
Isabella replied with a warm smile. Isabella led him to the garage which looked like a museum of luxury, with rows of gleaming vehicles reflecting the sunlight that streamed through the glass ceiling. Rex felt that he could even hear the sound of a Shing as if the cars were glistening.
He was a little stunned as he looked at the rows of cars. He didn't have much recollection of these cars from his childhood but seeing them made him wonder whether his mom was a car enthusiast. Isabella made her way toward one of the cars. It had a jet black body, the surface so polished it gleamed like a mirror. It's sharp curves and aerodynamic form speaking of speed. The low growl of its engine as Isabella started it was enough to send a thrill down his spine.
"Get in, dear"
Isabella called, her voice tinged with amusement as she saw him standing there, entranced. Rex slid into the passenger seat. The interior was equally as impressive. As the engine purred beneath them, Rex couldn't help but glance around at the other cars in the garage.
Many were similar in design, the similar properties being sleek, fast, and undoubtedly expensive. It was like stepping into a shrine dedicated to the gods of speed.
"Mom"
"Are you a car enthusiast?"
Rex asked curiously to which Isabella smiled beautifully as she adjusted her sunglasses. "Why do you ask?"
"Well... this garage is impressive"
He said as he looked around the myriad cars which were present in the garage. She chuckled, noticing the way his gaze lingered on the vehicles.
"Do you want one?"
Rex blinked and shook his head quickly.
"No, no. I was just curious. I'm not really into cars."
"Pity, I was thinking you would feel the same with mom"
"But if you ever change your mind, just say the word"
"I already have an idea for which one to give you"
As they pulled out of the garage and onto the estate's private road, the car's engine roared, and Rex felt himself sink slightly into the plush seat. Isabella drove with precision, her hands steady on the wheel, but the speed at which she handled the vehicle was something else entirely.
The moment they hit the main road, Rex realized something she wasn't just a casual driver, she was someone who loved speed, a speedster or so he thought in his mind. The car surged forward, passing smoothly through traffic. The world outside blurred slightly as they accelerated, and Rex gripped the edge of his seat, his heart thumping.
"Mom!"
He exclaimed, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and alarm as he saw his mother looking at him casually as if she was playing a game. He worried whether there would be a crash. Isabella continued glancing at him, a playful smile at her lips.
"What? Too fast for you?"
"You're definitely enjoying this"
Rex muttered, his knuckles tightening around the door handle. The roads leading to the mall were filled with people walking around. The occasional rumble of the car engine accompanied them as they passed by and pedestrians on the sidewalks turned their heads to admire the car. They couldn't see what was inside through the glass but seeing this car was already enough for them to know that the person inside would be rich and powerful. When they reached the mall's parking lot, he sighed in relief. Though he got used to the speed halfway it still give him a bit of a shock.
"Mom, you really love speed, don't you?"
Isabella's smile deepened as she reached for her bag.
"Maybe, do I?"
Isabella had a look as if she was wondering whether it was true or not. Rex shook his head with a smile on his face. He hadn't expected this side of his mother.
As they stepped out of the car, a small group of people passing by couldn't resist stealing glances at them. Some admired the car, while others whispered among themselves looking at the two of them from time to time. Afterall as handsome and beautiful as they were, it was worthy to attract such attention. Isabella, unfazed by the attention, linked her arm with Rex's, pulling him toward the mall entrance.
Rex looked back at the car one last time before stepping inside the mall, a thought crossed his mind. He didn't fully understand his mother's fascination with cars or speed, but he now knew that his mother liked such cars.
Isabella and Rex entered the mall. The entire scene was filled with energy as shoppers roamed around everywhere, chattering as sounds filled the mall. The entire mall was very large, so despite the large amount of people, it still felt as if there was still quite a lot of space. The air conditioning was comfortable and the air smelled clean and nice.
As they strolled through the mall, looking around the shops, they passed by a luxurious watch shop and Isabella's gaze fell on Rex's wrist. Noticing its emptiness, she stopped abruptly,
"Rex, don't you think it's about time you got yourself a watch?"
She asked, tilting her head toward the shop.
"Me? I'm fine without one"
Rex said casually.
"Come on"
"A man needs at least one good watch to show off"
Without waiting for his agreement, she grabbed his arm and led him toward the store. He understood what his mother said, a watch was one of the few things a man only had to show off.
As they entered through the door to the stall which opened automatically, a young saleswoman greeted with a professional smile.
"Welcome! How can I assist you today?"