Journey to the Star Dou Forest

"Boss, why did we choose to go to the Star Dou Forest this time?"

Ma Hongjun leaned against the carriage window, listless, watching the scenery fly by outside with a bored expression on his face.

The carriage had been traveling for over a month, yet they were still days away from the Star Dou Forest; the long journey made him feel incredibly weary.

These days, aside from his daily training, he had almost nothing to do, and his heart was already growing restless.

Ning Rongrong put down the book in her hands, glanced at Ma Hongjun, and curled her lips slightly with a hint of disdain.

"Idiot, the Star Dou Forest is much larger than the Sunset Forest, and its soul beast resources are far richer."

"Although the Sunset Forest has plenty of soul beasts, it still pales in comparison to the Star Dou Forest."

Even though she held a book, her mind was no longer on the pages.

During this time, she had noticed Dugu Yan always reading quietly, so to avoid appearing too restless herself, she had forced herself to pick up a book to put on a show.

However, the dry text made it impossible for her to calm her mind.

Dugu Yan gently closed the book in her hands, looked at Ma Hongjun and Ye Ruilin with a calm gaze, and spoke in a detached tone.

"The soul beast resources in the Sunset Forest are indeed limited. If you want to find a more suitable soul ring, the Star Dou Forest is the better choice."

Her voice was soft, yet carried an unquestionable certainty.

Ma Hongjun scratched his head, a look of sudden realization appearing on his face, before he turned to Ye Ruilin, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Boss, do you have any ideas for your second soul ring this time?"

He believed that with the uniqueness of Ye Ruilin's martial soul, if there was a soul beast he truly favored, he would surely encounter it this time.

Ye Ruilin shook his head slightly, his expression calm.

"I don't have any specific ideas yet."

He truly had no clear plans regarding water-type soul beasts.

Dugu Yan's gaze flickered slightly as she softly suggested.

"I think the Mermaid Tribe is a good choice. As a powerful race among water-attribute soul beasts, the Mermaid Tribe is not only skilled at controlling water but also proficient in mental attacks; perhaps they could provide you with a decent soul skill."

Dugu Bo, hearing his granddaughter's words from afar, nodded slightly and added.

"If we are talking about water-attribute soul beasts, the ice attribute is also a good choice."

"For example, the Ice Bear King, a powerful soul beast from the Far North, can control ice and snow, and its defensive power is extremely formidable."

His voice was very low.

Ye Ruilin pondered for a moment and shook his head.

"The Far North is too far away. Let's just look for a suitable soul beast in the Star Dou Forest this time."

Seeing Dugu Yan speak up, Ning Rongrong's face flushed red, and she frantically searched her mind for any water-type soul beasts she knew.

Refusing to be outdone, she hurriedly interjected.

"I think the Spirit Snake is also good! This kind of soul beast is as clear as crystal, skilled in illusions and water-type attacks, and they have habitats within the Star Dou Forest."

Her tone was hurried, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Bone Douluo had been looking out the window, but upon hearing Ning Rongrong's words, the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile.

He turned his head and spoke slowly.

"The Spirit Snake is indeed a good choice; its abilities are on par with the Mermaid Tribe, and there are fixed territories for them within the Star Dou Forest."

Seeing Bone Douluo supporting her, Ning Rongrong beamed and nodded repeatedly.

"That's right, that's right! Brother Ye, the Spirit Snake is really suitable for you!"

Watching everyone rack their brains to recommend soul beasts for him, Ye Ruilin felt a warmth in his heart, and the corners of his mouth rose slightly.

"Let's just leave it to fate this time; I hope to encounter a soul beast that suits me."

He truly had no specific target.

Meanwhile, in the core area of the Star Dou Forest, the Lake of Life.

The Sky Dream Ice Silkworm curled up by the lakeside, its body trembling slightly as it scanned the surrounding group of powerful fierce beasts with a vigilant gaze, secretly lamenting in its heart.

"It's over, it's over, this time it's truly over..."

Its voice was as low as a mosquito's hum; it dared not make a sound.

Di Tian stood at the head of the fierce beasts, staring coldly at the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, his voice low and majestic.

"Tian Meng, you have quite the nerve, don't you? You still dare to try and escape?"

His gaze was as sharp as a blade, as if it could pierce through the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's heart.

Upon hearing this, the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm immediately put on a pitiful expression, its eyes brimming with tears as it said.

"Oh my, Brother Di Tian, you've misunderstood! How could I possibly escape? I was just going to grab something to eat."

"Look, haven't I come back already?"

Its voice was extremely sycophantic, yet deep down, it felt a secret relief that it hadn't chosen to flee outright this time.

Although the opportunity was rare, after weighing the pros and cons, it still decided to return.

After all, if it were caught by this bunch of vicious fellows, it would likely end up with no place to be buried.

"Look, this is what I gathered."

Sky Dream Ice Silkworm rolled its eyes, then shook a pile of miscellaneous junk off its body.

Glistening stones, oddly shaped fruits, and even a few feathers of unknown origin.

Its face was plastered with a fawning smile.

"It's just that I was too hungry lying here, so I went out to find something."

As it spoke, it deliberately put on a look of grievance.

Bi Ji stood to the side, nodding gently with a soft voice.

"Big Brother, this fellow did indeed go out to find some things and returned immediately."

Upon hearing Bi Ji's words, Di Tian's expression softened slightly, and he waved his hand impatiently.

"Enough. From now on, stay here honestly and stop playing tricks."

"Since you've come to my Star Dou Forest, don't even think about leaving."

His gaze remained icy, carrying a warning tone.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"

Tian Meng wiped the cold sweat from its forehead and hurriedly promised.

It knew clearly that this group had never lowered their guard against it.

Had it taken even a single step away today, Di Tian likely wouldn't have let it off so easily.

A flicker of thought crossed the depths of Tian Meng's eyes as it secretly glanced at the surrounding fierce beasts, calculating in its heart.

It seems I need to come up with a foolproof plan...

Star Dou Forest was so vast; if the plan wasn't meticulous enough, it would likely be dragged back by these fellows again very soon.

Its gaze swept over Di Tian, Bi Ji, and the other fierce beasts, and it groaned inwardly.

Although it put on a facade of obedience, it had already begun plotting its next move.

"Big Brother Di Tian, rest assured, I, Tian Meng, will absolutely not run around again."

Sky Dream Ice Silkworm smiled obsequiously, its body leaning slightly forward to appear exceptionally respectful.

It knew that only by making these fierce beasts lower their guard would it have a chance to escape.

Di Tian let out a cold snort, his gaze sweeping over Tian Meng like a blade.

"It had better be so. If I catch you acting up again, you know the consequences."

His voice was low and cold, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

Tian Meng nodded repeatedly, though it sneered inwardly.

Hmph, once I find an opportunity, I will definitely leave this hellhole.

Bi Ji stood to the side, looking at Tian Meng with a gentle gaze, and said softly.

"Tian Meng, just stay here with peace of mind."

"This is the safest place for you."

Tian Meng disagreed in its heart, but its face remained piled with smiles.

"You're right. I will definitely stay here honestly from now on and never run around again."

Its tone was sincere, as if it had truly abandoned the idea of running away.

However, Tian Meng's mind was racing at high speed.

It knew that it had to find the right moment to completely shake off the surveillance of these fierce beasts.