As the morning sun climbed high overhead, the Soul Power fluctuations across the training ground gradually subsided.
After a morning of focused instruction, every member of the Shrek Seven Devils had made visible progress.
Xiao Wu's close-range Soft Bone techniques had become even more unpredictable, and her nimble footwork had grown swift and agile. The flaws in her moves were gone. Though she was panting with exhaustion, she still stuck close to Lin Chen, blinking her lively eyes in admiration. "Brother Chen, you're just too amazing! I feel like I've gotten so much stronger all at once!"
Lin Chen gently patted the top of her head, his tone warm and natural, with the indulgence one might show a younger sister. "Keep honing what you've learned, and practice more from now on. Your combat skills can still improve another level."
Nearby, Zhu Zhuqing withdrew her Martial Soul, fine beads of sweat glistening on her brow. She deliberately reined in the sharp aura of her Hell Spirit Cat Martial Soul. Her gaze toward Lin Chen remained cool, yet held a trace of warmth. She silently moved aside and adjusted her Soul Power, engraving the footwork techniques he had just taught her deep in her mind. The tips of her ears turned faintly red without her noticing, but she said nothing, responding to his instruction only through her actions.
Ning Rongrong held the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda as colorful Soul Power flowed through it with increasing steadiness. Her precision and control over her support abilities had improved greatly, and the arrogance she'd once displayed was gone. She walked over to Lin Chen, her voice gentle and obedient, her young-lady temper entirely faded. "Lin Chen, I can provide stable support now. I won't hold the team back anymore."
Watching the three girls before him, each with her own bearing yet all centered around him, Lin Chen gave a slight nod. His expression stayed composed, and he struck just the right balance: offering them due recognition without crossing any boundaries.
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar had also fully stabilized their condition. Under Lin Chen's guidance, Dai Mubai's White Tiger footwork had grown several times more nimble, the evil fire within Ma Hongjun had become much more docile under the Soul Power method, and Oscar could now form sausages nearly ten percent faster. All that remained in their eyes as they looked at Lin Chen was complete submission and respect.
As the group rested, Flender and Zhao Wuji approached side by side. Their eyes swept over the seven, all in excellent condition, and filled with approval.
Flender's hawk-like gaze settled on Lin Chen, his voice full of trust. "Lin Chen, the seven of you are working together better and better. The academy has decided to send you back to the outer reaches of the Soul Beast Forest for another round of team combat training. Hunt suitable Hundred-Year Soul Beasts and build up your combat experience. You'll still be in charge of the team."
Training in the Soul Beast Forest was an essential part of a Soul Master's growth. It tested the team's progress, improved their combat skills, and was also key to obtaining Soul Rings and increasing their strength.
Lin Chen immediately bowed and accepted the order. "I'll follow your instructions, Dean. I'll lead everyone to complete the training successfully and ensure their safety."
"Teacher Zhao will secretly accompany you to keep you safe. He won't intervene unless you're in mortal danger." After giving that reminder, Flender turned and left with Zhao Wuji, entirely confident in leaving the team to Lin Chen.
Everyone immediately prepared to set out. In less than half an incense stick's time, they were on their way to the Soul Beast Forest.
Along the way, Lin Chen methodically assigned their formation as before: Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun at the front as the Power Attack types; Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing covering the flanks and scouting for enemies; Ning Rongrong and Oscar providing support in the middle; and Lin Chen guarding the rear and keeping control of the whole field.
The formation was rigorous, and their roles were clear. No one objected. They followed Lin Chen closely and quickly entered the Soul Beast Forest.
The trees and undergrowth were dense, the roars of Soul Beasts rose and fell all around them, and the air was thick with danger.
With their earlier training experience and Lin Chen's precise commands, the group made smooth progress, avoiding several unnecessary clashes with Soul Beasts. They moved steadily and in good order, without the slightest panic.
Thanks to the Soft Bone Rabbit's keen senses, Xiao Wu would occasionally warn them of nearby Soul Beasts, nimble and dependable. Zhu Zhuqing relied on the extreme speed of her Hell Spirit Cat to scout ahead several times and report back precise information. Ning Rongrong kept her mind on high alert, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda ready at all times; whenever she sensed a fluctuation in Soul Power, she prepared to release her support abilities. Dai Mubai and the others were also on guard, following Lin Chen's orders to the letter.
As they moved deeper into the forest, a Blazing Tiger with a century of cultivation suddenly sprang from the bushes. Flames coiled around its scarlet body. Its savage gaze locked onto the group as the pressure of a Hundred-Year Soul Beast spread through the air.
"A Power Attack Beast Martial Soul—perfect for practice." Lin Chen's expression remained calm as he immediately gave his orders. "Dai Mubai, hold it off head-on. Ma Hongjun, suppress it with fire from the flank. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, circle around and strike from behind. Ning Rongrong, activate your full-attribute support. Oscar, prepare Recovery Sausages!"
His commands were clear and delivered in one smooth breath.
The group didn't hesitate for a moment and moved at once.
Ning Rongrong was first to activate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Colorful light fell over every combatant with precision, boosting their attack, speed, and defense. Oscar immediately tossed out Recovery Sausages to replenish everyone's Soul Power. With Martial Soul Possession, Dai Mubai charged the Blazing Tiger, his White Tiger claws crashing toward it. Ma Hongjun unleashed a Phoenix Fire Line, flames sweeping forward. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing became two streaks of light, darting in from either side with swift, precise attacks.
Their teamwork was seamless, their assault flowing like water. It was the result of Lin Chen's training.
Though the Blazing Tiger was savage, the group's coordinated assault gradually drove it into a disadvantage, leaving it in a sorry state.
But just as the battle was drawing to a close, a violent surge of Soul Power suddenly came from another part of the forest. Three dark figures darted out and charged toward the battlefield, their target the supporting Ning Rongrong!
The newcomers were all dressed in black, their faces sinister and their Soul Power substantial. They clearly meant no good and had obviously come for the Shrek group.
"Watch out!" Lin Chen's eyes turned cold. He moved in an instant, becoming a streak of dark shadow as he placed himself in front of Ning Rongrong at top speed.
Ning Rongrong's face paled, and she instinctively grabbed Lin Chen's sleeve, relying on him completely.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing immediately turned back and guarded Ning Rongrong from either side, their expressions wary.
The black-clad men had planned to ambush the weakest member, the support-type Soul Master, and throw the team's formation into disarray. They hadn't expected Lin Chen to react so quickly, and for a moment, they were stopped in their tracks.
The leader spoke in a sinister voice. His eyes swept over the group before settling on Lin Chen. "Kid, you're sharp. Hand over the Soul Beast materials you're carrying, and give us that little girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Do that, and we'll spare your lives!"
Dark Soul Power slowly surged around Lin Chen. His gaze was cold as ice, and his voice left no room for argument. "You're asking for death."
At a glance, he saw through them: they were the usual band of Soul Master bandits who preyed on people in the Soul Beast Forest. They were all Soul Grandmasters. On an ordinary day, they might have been able to bully common students, but before him, they were no more than a pack of chickens and dogs.
Hidden in the forest, a figure quietly kept out of sight. It was Tang San.
As he watched the scene unfold, a vicious smile curled his lips. He had secretly paid these men to target Lin Chen and take revenge on the Shrek group. He wanted to watch Lin Chen get into trouble and suffer humiliation with his own eyes!
Lin Chen's peripheral vision flicked toward the shadows. He had already seen through everything, and he sneered inwardly.
Tang San's little trick was utterly pathetic before him.
His Soul Power abruptly erupted, and the full pressure of his Ink Shadow Spirit Cat Martial Soul bore down on them. Without the slightest hesitation, he gave his order. "Everyone, work together! Finish this quickly and leave no survivors!"
A fierce battle with the bandits erupted in an instant. Lin Chen would use this chance to shatter Tang San's scheme completely and once again display his overwhelming strength, earning even greater trust from the three girls by his side and winning the complete submission of the entire group!
Before you continue