Setting Off, Star Dou Forest!

"Master, Master!"

Hu Liena suddenly jumped up from her chair, scurried over to Bibi Dong's side, and tugged at her sleeve, shaking it back and forth.

"I want to go along for this soul ring hunt too!"

"I'm already a level 25 Soul Grand Master; I can protect our little junior brother!"

"I also want to see the Star Dou Forest and gain some experience!"

Bibi Dong, helpless against her tugging, tapped her on the forehead.

"You, you just can't sit still."

"Fine, I'll take you along this time. It'll be a good chance to see if your training over the past six months has slacked off."

"But we have an agreement: once we reach the Star Dou Forest, you are not to run off. You will follow instructions. Do you hear me?"

"I hear you! Thank you, Master!"

Hu Liena beamed with joy, turning her head to tilt her chin triumphantly at Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao shook his head helplessly and bowed to Bibi Dong once more.

"Thank you for your trouble, Master."

"You are my disciple; naturally, I must plan everything properly for you."

Bibi Dong's tone was gentle.

"Return to Qinghui Hall first and adjust your state."

"Focus on stabilizing your soul power to ensure there are no mishaps when absorbing your soul ring."

"I will send word to Mo Chen, instructing him to screen for the most compatible soul beasts according to your requirements and draft a hunting list."

The Star Dou Forest is the largest habitat for soul beasts on the Douluo Continent.

The outer perimeter is mostly frequented by soul beasts under a thousand years, making it suitable for obtaining soul rings.

Ling Xiao understood this and asked, "Master, when shall we depart?"

"Three days from now."

"Early in the morning three days from now, we will depart from Martial Soul City and head to the Star Dou Forest."

"I will arrange for Ju Gui to accompany us, ensuring this trip is absolutely secure."

Two Title Douluo!

Generally speaking, when a soul master hunts for their first soul ring, having a single Soul King lead the team is more than enough.

Bibi Dong had actually arranged for two Title Douluo to accompany him, and with Bibi Dong herself being a Title Douluo, the level of protection was off the charts!

In the entire Douluo Continent, perhaps only the Pope's personal disciple could receive such treatment.

Ling Xiao was also somewhat surprised, his tone filled with gratitude.

"This disciple thanks you for your trouble, Master."

"Very well, you may both go."

Bibi Dong waved her hand.

"Nana, you should also focus on improving your cultivation these next few days. Don't be flustered when we get to the Star Dou Forest."

Hu Liena blushed, stuck out her tongue, and pulled on Ling Xiao.

"Understood, Master! We're leaving now!"

The two of them took their leave together and walked out of the Pope's Main Hall.

As soon as they were out the door, Hu Liena couldn't help but pat Ling Xiao on the shoulder and laugh.

"Not bad, little junior brother! Master actually arranged for two Title Douluo to accompany you!"

"When I hunted for my second soul ring, I only had one Title Douluo following me!"

"Don't be afraid when we go to the Star Dou Forest in three days."

Hu Liena patted her chest, promising with great confidence.

"Although your senior sister can't beat a Title Douluo, dealing with a hundred-year soul beast is more than enough!"

"Then I thank you in advance, Senior Sister."

Ling Xiao nodded slightly, not refuting her good intentions.

The two chatted all the way until they parted at a fork in the path.

Closing the hall doors, silence returned to the room.

Ling Xiao walked to the window and raised his hand to look at his palm.

As his mental energy sank into his dantian, the phantom of the Demon Fruit Tree swayed slightly.

Ling Xiao slowly withdrew his gaze and walked over to sit on the meditation cushion.

Closing his eyes, he began to circulate the Heavenly Origin Soul Art, calming his mind and stabilizing his soul power.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

As dawn broke, the team had already assembled.

A specially made carriage, entirely black, was escorted by eight black-armored guards.

At the very front of the procession stood two men of extraordinary bearing.

One, clad in a brocade robe with chrysanthemum patterns, had a handsome face and a perpetual smile, the Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan.

The other was hidden in the shadows, exuding a ghostly aura, the Ghost Douluo, Gui Mei.

Such an entourage, assembled to help a six-year-old child who had just awakened his spirit hunt for his first spirit ring.

Across the entire Douluo Continent, this was an unprecedented display of prestige.

"Little junior brother, hurry up! We're waiting for you!"

Beside the carriage, Hu Liena waved towards the city gates, her eyes filled with excitement.

Soon, a tall and straight figure approached.

Ling Xiao wore white, close-fitting attire, his black hair tied up, looking sharp and handsome.

He walked to the carriage and gave Hu Liena a slight nod.

He then bowed to Bibi Dong, who had just alighted from the carriage, "Master."

Bibi Dong had changed out of her magnificent Pope's robe today, wearing a purple long dress, her long hair cascading down naturally, like a seductive fairy.

She looked at the disciple before her and said gently, "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, Master, everything is ready," Ling Xiao replied.

"Then, let's get in the carriage."

Bibi Dong turned and entered the carriage first.

"The Star Dou Forest is quite a distance from Martial Soul City. We can use the journey to tell you more about the precautions for hunting spirit beasts and absorbing spirit rings."

Ling Xiao and Hu Liena followed closely, boarding the carriage.

The carriage interior was spacious and bright, with specially made stained-glass windows on both sides.

They could see the scenery outside clearly while also blocking out external sounds.

As soon as Hu Liena got into the carriage, she pressed herself against the window, looking out and chattering incessantly.

Ling Xiao, meanwhile, quietly flipped through the spirit beast illustrated book in his hands, his expression focused.

"Ling Xiao," Bibi Dong said, breaking the silence.

"I've already had the Soul Hunting Hall scout the area for this trip. The outer regions of the Star Dou Forest have many spirit beasts that meet your requirements."

Ling Xiao's heart leaped with joy, "Thank you for your trouble, Master."

Hu Liena patted her chest, "Don't worry, little junior brother! Senior sister will definitely help you successfully absorb your spirit ring!"

Bibi Dong playfully tapped her forehead, "Are you that capable?"

"When we arrive, you are not allowed to act rashly."

Hu Liena stuck out her tongue and shrunk her neck, not daring to speak further.

The carriage sped along, heading towards the Star Dou Forest.

From early morning to noon, and from noon to the setting sun.

Finally, the distant horizon was covered by a continuous sea of trees, and the Star Dou Forest had arrived.

The carriage stopped at the edge of the forest, and the group alighted one after another.

Before them, ancient trees towered, blocking out the sun. The thinnest trunks were thick enough for two people to embrace.

Dense foliage covered the sky, allowing only scattered patches of light to reach the ground.

The roars of spirit beasts could occasionally be heard from within the forest.

Beneath the calm forest canopy, danger lurked everywhere.

"Your Holiness, the Pope."

The Chrysanthemum Douluo strode over quickly.

"This is the list of spirit beasts compiled by the Soul Hunting Hall. Please review it."

He said, handing over a thin booklet.

Bibi Dong took it and passed it to Ling Xiao beside her.

"Take a look. I had the Soul Hunting Hall screen these spirit beasts according to your requirements."

Ling Xiao took the booklet and opened it to examine it closely.

The contents of the booklet were extremely detailed, with a thorough introduction for each spirit beast.

Among the plant-type spirit beasts were the Entangling Silk Vine, Illusion Flower, and Soul-Binding Grass, all specializing in restraint, illusions, and mental lockdown.

Spirit-type spirit beasts include the Phantom Heart Fox, Shadow Cat, and Soul Devouring Butterfly.

"Thank you, Master," Ling Xiao said, closing the booklet with a tone full of gratitude.

As his first spirit ring, Bibi Dong had truly been meticulous in every detail.

"Why are you being so polite with your Master?"

Bibi Dong waved her hand, her tone turning serious.

"Once we enter the forest, everyone stay alert."

"Gui Mei, you will lead the way. Yue Guan, you will cover our rear and protect these few."

"No one is allowed to act without my command."

"Yes! Your Majesty!" everyone responded in unison.