The dense forest blocked out most of the light. The air was damp and stifling, with only the occasional patches of sunlight filtering through gaps in the branches and leaves.
The newly entered freshman teams still carried the excitement and vigilance of stepping onto the competition grounds for the first time. In groups of three or five, they cautiously advanced through the forest.
Xiao Yan's team consisted of himself, Hu Jia, Bai Shan, and two other fairly capable Dou Shi.
This hastily assembled team was clearly far from harmonious. Hu Jia held a faint wariness toward Xiao Yan, while Bai Shan maintained surface-level politeness as he secretly observed him.
The five barely communicated, merely maintaining a basic formation as they explored ahead.
"Everyone, be careful. This Flame Energy Hunt Competition won't be simple."
Hu Jia lowered his voice and gripped his long whip tightly. Fiery red Dou Qi flickered over his body.
Bai Shan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the dim forest. "Elder Gu Long is personally overseeing it. I doubt he'll let us obtain Fire Energy easily."
Xiao Yan walked silently near the front. His Soul Power spread several yards around him, sensing every rustle of wind and grass.
The Dou Qi within him circulated slowly, while the power of the Mysterious Yellow Flame was also drawn forth, ready to unleash a thunderous strike at any moment.
He had a premonition that this trouble was very likely aimed at him.
Just as they passed through an especially dense patch of bushes, something unexpected happened!
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Several sharp whistles tore through the air without warning from both sides and above them!
They were not arrows, but Dou Qi energy beams condensed to the extreme.
They came in various colors, each corresponding to a different attribute. Their speed was