Entering Spirit Hunting Forest

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.

Lin Kun got up early, changed into his most practical clothes, and packed the dried rations and water he had prepared a few days prior. Tang San was also ready. The two met at the entrance of the Seventh Dormitory, exchanged a look, and without a word, walked out.

Master Yu Xiaogang was already waiting at the academy entrance. He was still wearing his simple, fitted attire, accompanied by a strange creature with pale purple fur all over its body. It looked like a small dog but was more stout, resembling a pig and a dog at the same time – his Martial Soul, the Three Beat Cannon.

Upon seeing the two, the Three Beat Cannon let out a couple of "Luoluos." Its large eyes held a hint of simple and honest curiosity. When it looked at Lin Kun, its nose twitched a few times, as if sensing the faint aura of the Book Spirit on him.

"Teacher." "Master."

Tang San and Lin Kun bowed simultaneously.

The Grandmaster nodded, his gaze swept over the two, lingering for a moment on Lin Kun. He seemed somewhat surprised by Lin Kun's full of vigor and spirit, which was unlike a child with only Level 3 Spirit Power. "Are you both ready? Then let's go. Our destination is the Spirit Hunting Forest, about four hundred li northeast of Nuoding City. The journey will take about two days. Remember, once we enter the forest, obey my commands at all times and do not act without authorization."

"Yes!" The two responded in unison.

Along the way, the Grandmaster spoke little, spending most of his time resting with his eyes closed or contemplating something. Tang San followed closely, remaining silent and constantly vigilant.

Lin Kun strove to keep pace with them, all the while observing his surroundings and silently using his Book Spirit to record the plants and occasional small animals he saw. His Insight Skill was activated intermittently. Although it consumed mental energy, it was essential for completing the mission and for his own safety.

[Wild Rabbit, no Spirit Power, ordinary animal.] [Crooked Neck Tree, ordinary plant, loose wood.] [Ten-year Blood-Stopping Grass, ordinary medicinal herb, can mildly resolve blood stasis and stop bleeding.]...

Simple pieces of information were continuously recorded and analyzed. The light crystals of the Book Spirit flickered slowly but steadily, accumulating data.

During breaks, the Grandmaster would briefly explain some wilderness survival skills, such as how to identify directions, find water sources, and which plants were poisonous. Tang San listened attentively and asked questions from time to time. Lin Kun also concentrated on memorizing; this was life-saving knowledge.

Two days later, a vast, undulating primeval forest that seemed to stretch endlessly appeared before them.

Tall trees blotted out the sky, vines intertwined, and the air was filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation. Faintly, they could hear the heart-pounding roars of beasts and chirping of insects from the depths.

The Spirit Hunting Forest had arrived!

The forest perimeter was enclosed by a massive steel fence, over ten meters high and appearing extremely sturdy. Outside the fence, numerous soldiers patrolled and stood guard, their armor gleaming, spears in hand. Their formation was neat, exuding a chilling aura.

The entrance was a grand archway, with designated personnel responsible for verifying identities and permits. The Grandmaster presented the special permit issued by the Spirit Hall. After careful inspection, the soldiers respectfully allowed them passage.

Passing through the archway was like entering another world. The light instantly dimmed, and the air became more humid and stuffy. The layer of fallen leaves underfoot was thick and soft, rustling with every step. The surroundings were eerily quiet, with only the sighing of the wind through the leaves and the hissing of unknown insects, which only added to the eeriness and pressure.

"Stay close to me," the Grandmaster's voice was low, his expression grave. "Three Beat Cannon, lead the way."

"Luoluo!" The Three Beat Cannon cried out twice and waddled forward, its nose constantly sniffing the ground and the air.

Tang San immediately released his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul, a faint blue light swirling in his palm, his eyes sharply scanning the surroundings. Although he didn't have a Spirit Ring yet, Martial Soul possession could still provide some improvement in perception.

Lin Kun also took a deep breath and focused his mind. The Book Spirit vibrated slightly in his consciousness, seemingly "excited" by the dense life energy and latent Spirit Beast auras around them. He didn't hesitate to keep his Insight Skill active, and information flooded in from everything within his sight.

[Ten-year Solitary Bamboo, plant-type Spirit Beast, weak offense, decent defense, slow movement.] [Twenty-year Nether Cat, lurking in the bushes to the left, agile, claws carry a mild paralyzing toxin.] [Fifty-year Cave Spider, weaving traps underground fifty meters ahead, senses vibrations, spits sticky webs.]...

Most were low-level Spirit Beasts, but the analysis capability of the Book Spirit provided Lin Kun with more detailed information than ordinary insight skills! He could even detect hidden Spirit Beasts and traps in advance!

He felt a little relieved. This ability was incredibly useful in the Spirit Hunting Forest!

The Grandmaster seemed not to have noticed the Nether Cat and the Cave Spider; his attention was focused further ahead. The Three Beat Cannon suddenly cried out "Luoluo" towards the front, its voice carrying a warning.

"Something's approaching," the Grandmaster hissed, "Be on guard!"

Tang San immediately moved in front of the Grandmaster, Blue Silver Grass poised in his hand.

Lin Kun also tensed up, but through his Insight Skill, he saw more clearly: "Master, about thirty meters ahead, there's a pack of... about seven or eight ten-year Green Wolves. They're fast, with sharp teeth, but their defense is weak."

The Grandmaster turned back to look at Lin Kun in surprise. Thirty meters away, with trees obstructing the view, he had judged that something was approaching based on the Three Beat Cannon's sense of smell and his own experience. But Lin Kun could report the type, number, and general characteristics of the Spirit Beasts so clearly? Was it a coincidence? Or was it the special ability of his Book Spirit?

Tang San also glanced at Lin Kun with surprise.

Just then, seven or eight Green Wolves with glowing green eyes darted out from the bushes, baring their fangs and growling as they surrounded them.

"Three Beat Cannon!" the Grandmaster commanded.

The Three Beat Cannon inhaled, its body swelling slightly, then let out a strange "Luoluo" roar, expelling a faint yellow gas from its body towards the wolf pack.

The yellow gas seemed to have no lethality, but as soon as the wolves came into contact with it, they whimpered, turned, and fled as if encountering something terrifying, disappearing into the dense forest in an instant.

"My Three Beat Cannon Martial Soul has mutated; its direction is reversed. Its offensive power is very weak, but its aura has a strong dispelling effect on low-level Spirit Beasts," the Grandmaster explained briefly, then turned his gaze back to Lin Kun. "Lin Kun, how did you know so much?"

Here it comes! The test has arrived!

Lin Kun's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a calm expression, having already prepared his response: "Reporting to the Master, my Book Spirit seems to be particularly sensitive to the auras of Spirit Beasts. When they are close, I can vaguely sense their types and general strength. However, this doesn't work at long distances or for very powerful Spirit Beasts." He spoke half-truthfully, concealing his analysis ability and only claiming it was vague sensing.

A hint of understanding and interest flashed in the Grandmaster's eyes. "A perception-type ability? That's very practical, especially in the Spirit Hunting Forest. Very good, continue to remain vigilant and inform me immediately of any discoveries."

"Yes!" Lin Kun breathed a sigh of relief. The first hurdle had been passed. He had demonstrated some value without revealing too many of his trump cards.

Tang San's gaze towards Lin Kun also held a new layer of respect. Such a perception ability was indeed very useful in the wilderness.

The group continued deeper. With Lin Kun's "vague perception" and the Three Beat Cannon's dispelling effect, they avoided some unnecessary trouble, and their progress was not slow.

Lin Kun continuously recorded information on various Spirit Beasts, and the mission progress increased slowly. At the same time, he paid close attention to the movements of the Grandmaster and Tang San. He knew that the Mandala Snake would appear soon.

The real danger and opportunity were about to arrive. He had to maintain his utmost focus to deal with any changes.