The next day!
After a night of rest, the group, now fully recharged, set off again. Zhao Wuji led the way, with Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing still running on foot.
As for Chen Yuan and Ning Rongrong, they continued to fly on the sword. However, this time they didn't fly as fast, maintaining a steady pace about ten meters above the group.
This meant that whenever the others looked up, they could see the two flying in the air, like a pair of celestial lovers.
After traveling about 100 kilometers, the Star Dou Forest was now within sight. Chen Yuan and Ning Rongrong descended to the ground to regroup with the others.
Before entering the forest, Tang San quickly made some arrangements: "I'll take the lead, with Xiao Wu by my side. With one control-type and one strong attack-type, we can handle any sudden situations. Ma Hongjun will take the left flank, and Zhu Zhuqing the right, to guard against any dangers from the sides. Oscar and Ning Rongrong, as support-type spirit masters, are the most vulnerable, so stay in the middle. Chen Yuan, you're the strongest, so please stay at the back to protect Ning Rongrong and Oscar. Also, if things get urgent, we'll need your support."
No one had any objections, and even Chen Yuan accepted the arrangement willingly. The only thing he was interested in during this spirit beast hunt was the possibility of encountering that Man-Faced Demon Spider that exceeded the usual limits.
Zhao Wuji stood with his arms crossed, not too far but not too close either. He wouldn't intervene unless a thousand-year spirit beast appeared.
With that, the group officially entered the Star Dou Forest.
Oscar hesitated for a moment before chanting, "I have a big sausage."
After repeating the incantation twice, his soul power condensed into two sausages in his hands.
He handed one to Ning Rongrong and the other to Chen Yuan, forcing a smile. "You haven't tried my sausages yet. They have a restorative effect, and it's a full recovery. It's best to stay in peak condition in the Star Dou Forest. As the support-type spirit master being protected, I need to do my part."
Ning Rongrong didn't take the sausage. The thought of the disgusting incantation made her roll her eyes in disdain, not even wanting to look at it.
Chen Yuan, however, took the sausage and said, "Thanks!"
Then he turned to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, take it. Ignore the useless incantation. These sausages are made of pure soul power. In the dangerous Star Dou Forest, we really need to stay in peak condition at all times."
After saying this, he set an example by eating the sausage. The taste wasn't bad, and as soon as it entered his mouth, it turned into a warm flow, quickly restoring his body.
Seeing that Chen Yuan had eaten it, Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth and finally took the sausage. After taking a few deep breaths to mentally prepare herself, she ate it. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized the sausage's effects were indeed impressive.
Oscar was pleasantly surprised. He had thought they wouldn't accept his offer because of the incantation, which was why he had hesitated. He immediately shot a grateful look at Chen Yuan.
After glancing at Chen Yuan a few times, Oscar mustered the courage to ask a question. "Chen Yuan, you look about the same age as us. How old are you, and how are you so strong?"
As soon as he asked, everyone except Ning Rongrong perked up their ears, curious about the answer.
Chen Yuan, seeing their interest, casually replied, "I'm about the same age as Rongrong. I'll be twelve in a little while. As for my strength, it's partly due to rigorous training under a Titled Douluo, and partly from constantly pushing my physical limits. I wouldn't recommend you try to imitate me, though. It's a sure way to get yourself killed."
Chen Yuan's advantages had been built step by step through discipline, persistence, hard work, and foresight. It wasn't something just anyone could replicate.
When he finished speaking, everyone gasped. Not even twelve years old—that meant he was only eleven. This wasn't just a monster; this was a true prodigy.
Everyone reacted differently, but they were all deeply impressed. Tang San, in particular, felt a mix of emotions. He had reincarnated from his previous life, trained in the Mysterious Heaven Technique since childhood, possessed twin martial souls, and had innate full soul power. He had even been carefully taught by a master. Yet, at twelve years old, he was only at the 29th level of soul power.
For the first time, Tang San had a profound understanding of what a true genius in this world looked like. He was still far behind, and they weren't even on the same level.
A bitter feeling rose in his heart—perhaps it was jealousy. Jealous of what? Tang San thought. Jealous of Chen Yuan's noble background, while his own father was just a blacksmith. Jealous that Chen Yuan had a Titled Douluo as a teacher, while his own teacher was only a 29th-level Great Soul Master. Jealous of Chen Yuan's talent… No, his twin martial souls were the pinnacle of talent on the continent.
In that brief moment, Tang San felt a flicker of resentment toward Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang. He even briefly considered cultivating his second martial soul. Though the thought was fleeting, it had quietly taken root in his mind.
At that moment, a rustling sound came from the forest ahead, and everyone immediately became alert.
Zhu Zhuqing activated her martial soul, two spirit rings rising beneath her feet. She leapt onto a tree branch like a nimble cat, looking in the direction of the sound. There, she spotted a snake-like spirit beast. After describing its appearance, Tang San's eyes lit up.
"It's a Phoenix-Tailed Chicken-Headed Snake. It has wings and is incredibly fast, a rare variant among snakes. Though it's non-venomous, it can chase its prey to exhaustion. From the description, it's about 1,700 years old. It's quite suitable for Oscar. If used as a third spirit ring, it might grant a speed-related ability. Prepare for battle. No matter what, we need to subdue it first."
The group quickly got into position, and soon they saw the Phoenix-Tailed Chicken-Headed Snake. Its speed was indeed remarkable.
Tang San used Blue Silver Grass to try and bind it, but the snake deftly dodged. Xiao Wu, feeling reluctant, didn't step forward to assist.
Tang San glanced at Xiao Wu but didn't blame her for not engaging. Her spirit skills and soft techniques weren't suited for fighting a seven- to eight-meter-long snake.
Ma Hongjun, empowered by his Flaming Phoenix, unleashed a Phoenix Fire Line. The intense flames, far hotter than ordinary fire, forced the snake to flee to the other side.
But on the other side, Zhu Zhuqing was waiting. She activated her Netherworld Hundred Claws and Netherworld Thrust simultaneously, her body turning into a shadow as she matched the snake's speed.
With a tearing sound, the two figures clashed and separated. Zhu Zhuqing had torn one of the snake's wings, causing it to let out a pained cry. Unable to maintain its balance, the snake began to plummet toward the ground.
However, Zhu Zhuqing also took a solid hit from the snake. She let out a muffled groan, her body falling helplessly toward the ground.
This was a great opportunity. Tang San used his second spirit skill, Parasite, causing the seeds embedded in the snake to grow and finally restrain it.
Even so, the snake, now on the ground and bound by Blue Silver Grass, continued to struggle.
As Zhao Wuji approached, he placed a hand on the snake's head. With his immense physical strength, he completely immobilized it.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing was falling toward the ground, unable to adjust her balance. She braced herself for a hard impact.
But when she was less than a meter from the ground, it felt as if someone had caught her from behind. However, when she turned around, there was no one there. The force that had held her dissipated—it had just been a ball of soul power. But it was enough to let her land gently, avoiding further injury.
After landing, Zhu Zhuqing looked at Chen Yuan. At this time and place, he was the only one who could have helped her. She bit her lower lip, her eyes flickering with emotion. *He's really a strong and gentle person,* she thought.
Meanwhile, Chen Yuan, after casually helping Zhu Zhuqing, turned his attention to the Phoenix-Tailed Chicken-Headed Snake. A smile spread across his face.
The Phoenix-Tailed Chicken-Headed Snake—everything was proceeding as expected. As long as they waited, that Man-Faced Demon Spider would eventually appear.
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,474
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