Sunrise and sunset—another new day had begun.
Within the mixed region of the Star Dou Great Forest.
The morning mist had yet to disperse, and the forest was filled with the damp scent of grass and trees. Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, scattering mottled golden rays. Everything was as tranquil as if it had yet to awaken from sleep.
Bang—!
A sharp, piercing gunshot suddenly rang out, shattering the quiet morning of the Star Dou Great Forest!
The shrill whistle of the bullet tearing through the air ripped apart the morning mist and struck a Soul Beast drinking water nearby with perfect accuracy.
Blood splattered instantly, staining the bluestones by the stream red. The Soul Beast let out a miserable cry and crashed to the ground. After struggling a few times, it went still.
"Sister Rongrong, this Soul Beast is exactly ten thousand years old. It should be a fine choice for your fourth Soul Ring."
Li Xiaoyao put away his Flintlock Pistol and turned to look at Ning Rongrong beside him.
"A ten-thousand-year fourth ring..."
Ning Rongrong's gaze fell upon the Ten Thousand Year Soul Beast. A flicker of eagerness flashed through her eyes, though it was accompanied by a trace of hesitation that was difficult to detect.
She had long since taken the secret formula passed down through Brother Xiaoyao's family. Her physical condition far surpassed that of Soul Ancestors of the same rank, and she also had a Hundred Thousand Year Soft Bone Rabbit Soul Bone with her.
Whether it was her physical strength, her capacity to withstand Soul Power, or even her spiritual state, all had been reinforced and stabilized considerably by the nourishment of the Soul Bone. In theory, she fully possessed the foundation needed to absorb a ten-thousand-year fourth Soul Ring.
But