Preparations Before Soul Hunting (Please Keep Reading)

Early in the morning, Su Yu arrived at the classroom excitedly. Sitting in his seat, he stared intently at the door, waiting for his deskmate to arrive.

However, even after the teacher stepped onto the podium, Aornia still had not entered the classroom.

Su Yu found this somewhat strange.

Over the past two months of knowing each other, Su Yu had repeatedly egged Aornia on, telling her that a life without skipping class was incomplete.

Although Aornia had been very tempted, she had still chosen to remain in the classroom.

Yet today, she had actually chosen to skip class too—and without Su Yu urging her to do so!

Su Yu's expression shifted uncertainly. He had no idea why she had behaved so differently from usual.

After thinking for a moment, Su Yu rose directly to his feet. After making up an excuse for the teacher, he headed out of the classroom.

Compared to the advanced division, Heaven Dou Royal Academy's junior division within the city was indeed much smaller, but it still had quite a few sights to see.

About half an hour later, Su Yu stood before a certain building with a very peculiar expression.

Other than this place, he had searched every corner of the academy.

Looking at the three large words Library on the plaque, Su Yu muttered, "So you really didn't come to class?"

Just as Su Yu was about to turn and leave, Aornia's voice suddenly rang out.

"Su Yu?"

Su Yu froze in place, then slowly turned around and looked at his deskmate as she emerged from the library.

With a solemn expression, he walked up to Aornia.

"Hey! What demon are you, to dare transform into my dear deskmate and toy with me?!"

Aornia was clearly a little bewildered by Su Yu's behavior. Only after a moment did she react. "What are you talking about? I am me."

Seeing that Aornia's mood had improved, Su Yu stopped joking around. He led her to a secluded spot and asked curiously, "Why did you suddenly think of going to the library? That doesn't seem like you!"

At the mention of this topic, Aornia's mood sank again, and her voice became muffled. "Su Yu, what kind of soul beast do you think I should hunt for my first soul ring?"

The moment she said that, Su Yu felt dizzy. Could pies really fall from the sky for no reason?

After the excitement passed, Su Yu narrowed his eyes. He remembered that two months ago, Aornia had clearly planned to obtain her soul ring according to her family's arrangements, just like her older brothers and sisters.

But now, she had broken from her usual behavior, spending time alone in the library and even asking for his opinion!

Countless thoughts flashed through Su Yu's mind. He felt a trace of sympathy, but put on an excited expression.

"Heh heh, let me tell you the truth. For the past two months, you thought I was skipping class."

"In truth, I was going to the advanced division's library, consulting the Soul Beast Illustrated Handbook, and secretly competing behind the scenes!"

Aornia tilted her head and asked curiously, "What does competing mean?"

"Uh... not important!"

Su Yu took out a notebook from his Storage Soul Tool and handed it to Aornia.

"Look, these are the notes I've made recently. They're all soul beasts suitable for you!"

Aornia opened the notebook and began looking through the soul beasts listed inside.

Snap!

Aornia shut the notebook in her hands, her eyes full of delight and gratitude. "Su Yu, I thought you were only joking back then. I never expected you to really help me find so many soul beasts suited to me..."

Su Yu smiled. "Of course. Su has always treated others with sincerity."

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Yu changed the subject and asked, "When are you planning to go soul hunting?"

Aornia hesitated. "I... I plan to ask the teacher for help..."

Su Yu sneered inwardly, and his impression of Marquis Full Moon worsened by a few degrees.

"Don't go looking for the teacher yet. I'll ask Brother Xue and see whether he can send someone to help you hunt a soul beast."

Aornia thought for a moment but did not refuse. "Su Yu, thank you... Thank you for helping me find suitable soul beasts, and thank you for being willing to help me obtain a soul ring..."

In response to Aornia's thanks, he said nothing. He simply reached out and patted her head.

At that moment, an ill-timed growl came from her stomach, making Aornia blush even more deeply.

Su Yu coughed lightly and said, "I spent the past half hour searching the whole academy for you. You've made me hungry!"

"Come on, eat with me."

"And while we're at it, we'll make some preparations before soul hunting!"

Without waiting for Aornia to respond, Su Yu directly took her hand and led her toward the academy gates without giving her any choice.

"Normally, going to a soul beast forest requires preparing a lot of things."

Aornia asked curiously, "What do we need to prepare?"

Su Yu thought for a moment and said, "First, the most important and basic things: enough food and water, as well as tents."

Aornia asked curiously, "Can't we eat soul beasts or simply camp out in the open?"

"We can, but sometimes it's best to avoid battle whenever possible and keep ourselves in peak condition."

"Likewise, when conditions allow, better rest can help Soul Masters recover their strength and relax mentally."

"Then there are all kinds of medicines with different effects—medicine for treating injuries, detoxifying poisons, repelling insects, and so on. We need to prepare some of everything."

"After all, not every soul-hunting team has a healing-type Soul Master."

"Besides, the Soul Hunting Forest is filled with dangers. They may not even be able to guarantee the safety of a healing-type Soul Master..."

Aornia nodded thoughtfully, wearing an expression that said she had learned something.

"But there will definitely be people specifically responsible for preparing those things, so the two of us don't need to worry about them!"

As they spoke, the two left the academy and arrived at a restaurant.

Su Yu led Aornia to a private room on the second floor and ordered a table full of exquisite dishes.

After thinking for a moment, Su Yu took out a piece of hundred-year Whale Rubber.

After roasting it with an ordinary flame until it softened, he sprinkled it evenly over the dishes.

During this time, with Chi Xue's help, Su Yu had already confirmed that as long as the Whale Rubber was old enough and its quantity was properly controlled, it could be added to everyday dishes to gradually improve one's physique without placing too great a burden on the body.

After finishing all this, Su Yu explained to the curious Aornia across from him, "It's a special kind of seasoning. Give it a try."

Smelling that faint, unusual fragrance, Aornia nodded.

The instant it entered her mouth, a faint fishy taste spread through it, making Aornia frown.

Then, a strange fragrance burst across the tip of her tongue, turning into wisps of warm currents that flowed throughout her body.

"Su Yu, what is this? The flavor is so unique. I've never had anything like it before..."

"A secret recipe. I can't let it spread."

"Hmph!"

Aornia pursed her lips. She did not press the matter further, instead focusing on the delicious dishes before her.

Meanwhile, Su Yu sat beside her, resting his chin on his right hand as he admired Aornia's profile.