Early the next morning, with the sky only beginning to brighten, Jiang Nannan was already waiting at the academy entrance.
She was still dressed in that white fitted outfit, her long dark brown hair tied into a neat high ponytail. She looked more capable and resolute than she had the day before.
A small storage Soul Tool hung at her waist, filled with essential supplies. She had clearly made all the necessary preparations for departure.
When she saw Huo Chen approaching through the morning mist, she quickly went up to meet him, a trace of anticipation and nervousness in her amber eyes.
"Good morning, Teacher Huo."
"Morning." Huo Chen gave her a once-over and nodded in satisfaction. "Ready?"
"I'm ready."
"Then let's go."
Huo Chen stepped to her side, wrapped one arm around her waist, and gently drew her into his embrace.
Jiang Nannan's body instantly stiffened, and two blushes rose on her cheeks. Yet she did not pull away. She only lowered her head and softly said, "Teacher Huo, I'm holding on." Then she reached out and grabbed his lapel.
Huo Chen nodded. With the fingertips of his other hand, he lightly sliced through the air, silently opening a pitch-black spatial rift. Holding Jiang Nannan, he stepped into it.
Only a few breaths later, the two appeared in a dense forest within the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest.
Towering ancient trees blocked out the sky and sun, while the air was filled with the damp scent of earth and the faint fragrance of grass and leaves.
Deep beastly roars echoed through the distant woods.
Once Jiang Nannan had steadied herself, she looked around at her surroundings, drew a deep breath, then turned to Huo Chen. "Teacher Huo, what is our target today?"
"A Soul Beast with