Soul Hunting Operation

Soul Hunting Operation

No matter how deep the night was, tomorrow's sun would still rise on time.

No matter what stories unfolded tonight, they would be buried in this profound darkness. When tomorrow's sun rose on schedule, it would still be a new chapter, waiting for everyone to leave behind their own stories upon its pages.

A rapid knocking at the door startled Tang San awake.

It also woke Dai Mubai and the others sharing the dormitory with him.

Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Tang San.

The four of them lived in a standard student dormitory at Blue Tyrant Academy.

Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and another unfamiliar girl were also Blue Tyrant Academy students, living in another standard student dormitory.

Blue Tyrant Academy had thirty dormitory buildings.

Each building was five stories tall, with ten dormitories on every floor.

A standard student dormitory housed four people.

Ten dormitories meant forty people.

Five floors meant two hundred people.

Thirty dormitory buildings meant six thousand people.

Of course, excluding graduated students, Blue Tyrant Academy definitely did not have six thousand students. At present, it had just over four thousand students. The reason these four thousand-plus students could occupy all thirty dormitory buildings, with some still proving insufficient, was mainly because of Blue Tyrant Academy's survival-of-the-fittest school rules.

One building had fifty dormitories.

Thirty buildings had fifteen hundred dormitories.

Was that a lot?

First, according to Blue Tyrant Academy's class system, every class had one hundred students. If there were extra students, the surplus from each grade would be evenly distributed among the existing classes.

Second, the class monitor of every class was the strongest person in that class and received a private dormitory.

Below the class monitor were five committee members.

The academic committee member was the person with the highest Soul Power Level in the class. If the class monitor had the highest Soul Power Level, then it went to the next person down.

The Soul Tool committee member was the person with the deepest research progress into Soul Tools in the class. The same applied: if the position conflicted with that of the class monitor, it went to the next person down.

The martial arts committee member was the person with the greatest progress in Stellar Martial Path within the class. The same applied: if the position conflicted with that of the class monitor, it went to the next person down.

The theory committee member was the person with the deepest research into martial souls, Soul Guidance Technology, and Stellar Martial Path in the class. They served as an assistant to the class teacher, effectively a teaching assistant.

In short, the king of talking and a theory master.

The treatment committee member was publicly elected from among students with support-type martial souls. Since it was a public election, most treatment committee members were pretty female students.

In short, the class flower or class heartthrob.

The academic, Soul Tool, and martial arts committee members required no one's approval. The theory committee member depended on the homeroom teacher's decision, while the treatment committee member depended on a vote by all students in the class.

These five class committee members received double dormitories.

With more than four thousand students and one hundred students per class, there were more than forty class monitors and over two hundred class committee members. That immediately allocated more than one hundred and forty dormitories. Due to the existence of the Heaven, Earth, and Human Rankings, what should have been more than one hundred and forty dormitories was reduced by roughly half, because Three Rankings Students had all moved to Back Mountain. No matter how nice a dormitory was, it could not compare to a villa. After deducting the remaining seventy-plus dormitories from the total of fifteen hundred, there were only fourteen hundred or so left. These fourteen hundred-plus dormitories had to accommodate the three thousand seven or eight hundred students remaining. Crowding in was perfectly normal.

If students had enough credits, they could also pay credits for the special privilege of a private dormitory, provided there were vacant dormitories available.

That was why Blue Tyrant Academy was so fiercely competitive.

Because everyone was a commoner Soul Master.

Therefore, the strong naturally deserved better treatment.

The advantage of standard dormitories was that they were free.

The downside was that four people sharing was inconvenient.

Even those two hundred-plus class committee members were competing for private dormitories. Naturally, the remaining three thousand-plus students were madly scrambling for dormitories as well.

Once you had eaten refined grain, you no longer wanted to eat coarse husks.

Tang San, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and the others had only joined Blue Tyrant Academy yesterday. They had not even had time to report to their classes, so even if they wanted private or double dormitories, they had no way to obtain them.

And last night, they had parted on bad terms.

Because of their respective teachers, Tang San and Ma Hongjun had fallen out. Dai Mubai stood with Tang San, so Oscar could only stand with Ma Hongjun.

Though they lived under the same roof, they were already united in appearance but divided at heart.

Hearing the knocking, Dai Mubai, who lay in the bunk above Tang San, irritably turned over and casually ordered, "Xiao Ao, go open the door..."

Ma Hongjun glared and raised a hand to stop Oscar, who was about to climb down from the top bunk.

They were both on the top bunk. Why should Oscar have to open the door just because Dai Mubai said so?

Why didn't Dai Mubai go himself?

Ma Hongjun had plenty of problems and many flaws.

But he also had one virtue: he was loyal enough.

He knew perfectly well that he could not beat Dai Mubai or Tang San. Still, he gave a defiant snort, told Oscar not to come down from the upper bunk, put on his slippers, and got up from the lower bunk to walk toward the door.

But inwardly, he had made up his mind that he would definitely move out of this dormitory someday. He could take Xiao Ao with him, but he absolutely had to separate from Tang San and Dai Mubai, those two no-good bastards, lest he catch whatever they had.

Still fuming, he pulled open the door and saw Flender's stern face.

Behind Flender stood Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, and the other teachers.

The anger on Ma Hongjun's face instantly turned into a stiff smile.

The speed of that expression change caught Flender completely off guard.

He dared to be angry but did not dare to speak, making Zhao Wuji and the others laugh.

However, they had important business to discuss. They had not come to watch Ma Hongjun perform a face-changing act.

"Go tell Mubai and the others to gather downstairs at the teaching building immediately." Flender estimated the time and added, "Within ten minutes. Wear your school uniforms."

Since the door was open, Dai Mubai and the other three inside the dormitory heard Flender's voice as well. Looking through the doorway, they saw Flender, Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, and the other Shrek Academy teachers.

In an instant, Dai Mubai, Tang San, and Oscar realized the urgency of the situation. They hurriedly dug out the Blue Tyrant Academy uniforms issued to them yesterday and shut the door. After a flurry of chaotic preparation that sounded like people and horses tumbling over one another, the four of them, having only washed their faces, rushed downstairs. On the way, they ran directly into Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing, who were also heading toward Blue Tyrant Academy's teaching building in confusion.

"You got notified too?"

"What happened?"

"Why the rush?"

Flender had explained things in haste, then turned and left after finishing.

Dai Mubai and the others still had no idea what was going on.

Seeing that Ning Rongrong's group had come too only made them more confused.

Because men were forbidden from entering female student dormitories for any reason, and loud noises were prohibited within fifty meters of the dormitory buildings, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, and the others had struggled to find a female student heading downstairs for morning exercise who was willing to relay their message. After spending considerable effort, they finally called Ning Rongrong's group downstairs and explained the situation face-to-face. Their later, hurried notification of Dai Mubai's group was because they had lost time on Ning Rongrong's side. Thus, Ning Rongrong and the other two knew far more than Dai Mubai's group.

"It's not a big deal, but I don't know why the dean and the others are in such a hurry..." Ning Rongrong said as they walked. "Do you remember what Ye Qingcang said yesterday?"

"Enough with the suspense..." Zhu Zhuqing glanced at the unfriendly looks in Dai Mubai, Tang San, and Ma Hongjun's eyes, tugged Ning Rongrong's sleeve, and explained for her. "Didn't Ye Qingcang say yesterday that he had reached level forty? We're gathering below the teaching building today because he's going to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for his fourth soul ring."

"What does that have to do with us?" Dai Mubai could not understand. "With his strength, it's not like he needs us to cover him, right?"

"Exactly!" Ma Hongjun scratched his head. "If we were level-thirty or level-forty Quasi Soul Elders or Quasi Soul Grandmasters, going Soul Hunting alongside Ye Qingcang would at least make the trip worthwhile. But none of us need a soul ring. Why are they asking us to come along?"

"Because of immortal herbs!"

"Because of the special significance of this Soul Hunting trip!"

"Because of the generous rewards from this journey!"

After passing through the park ahead and walking along Flower Path, Ning Rongrong rounded the lake beside the Pavilion in Water and could already see the sparse figures in front of the teaching building. "According to the dean, Yu Xiaogang was the first to discover the Soul Hunting recruitment notice. If you brought your Jade Seal Machine, you can look it up in the community section. Ye Qingcang is calling on all students whose Soul Power is full but who have not yet obtained a soul ring to participate in this Soul Hunting Operation. The basic reward is a soul ring, the advanced reward is a soul bone, and the maximum reward is an immortal herb. He guarantees every student's safety. Yu Xiaogang was tempted after seeing the recruitment notice and went to ask Dean Liu Erlong. Unexpectedly, Dean Liu Erlong refused. Left with no choice, he dragged the dean over to plead with her. No one knows what the dean and Dean Liu Erlong said in that room. They only know that when the dean came out, he came out with a result..."

"So the result is that we get to go Soul Hunting with them?" Oscar described his fantasy thoughtfully. "Could Dean Liu Erlong have agreed to give us a soul bone, or maybe several soul bones?"

"I care more about the immortal herbs." Tang San, who had not said a word until now, finally spoke to reinforce his presence. "As far as I know, immortal herbs are extraordinarily rare medicinal plants capable of directly increasing Soul Power. What makes them precious is that their Soul Power-enhancing effect does not harm the body. Instead, they strengthen the foundation and nourish the essence. There's no need to mention soul bones. Everyone can see how greatly they improve a Soul Master's strength. If Dean Liu is truly willing to part with a soul bone or an immortal herb, then it would not be hard to explain why the dean and the others agreed."

"Directly increase Soul Power?" That was Zhu Zhuqing.

"And strengthen the foundation and nourish the essence?" That was Ning Rongrong.

"Even getting a soul bone would be nice." That was Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar, who were immersed in fantasy and already delighted beyond themselves.

They were not allowed to study Stellar Martial Path.

They were not allowed to study Soul Guidance Technology either.

Unexpectedly, what was lost in one place could be gained in another.

"Master." As the Shrek Seven Devils hurried toward the front of the teaching building, Violet printed out the list of personnel participating in this Soul Hunting Operation through a printer on the roof. "Your mother asked me to tell you that there will not be a fourth time. Also, this is her transaction with Flender. You only need to take them along to broaden their horizons. There is no need to give them any resources, including soul bones. And she wishes to apologize to you."

"No more than three times... This is only a transaction?" Ye Qingcang stood on the rooftop terrace with his eyes closed, feeling the breeze blowing against his face. "It seems Flender is an honest man. He told the truth, otherwise Mother would never have agreed to this transaction. If they want to come along, let them. I'm even somewhat looking forward to them trying something. Given Yu Xiaogang's personality, he must be trying to use this forest trip to stir Mother's memories of the Golden Iron Triangle's adventures across the world back then. I just wonder whether Mother can hold herself back."

"If she can't hold herself back..."

"If she can't, I'll be very disappointed..." Ye Qingcang interrupted Violet, overlooking the assembled group in front of the teaching building. "And very heartbroken!"

"I won't disappoint you, nor will I make you grieve for me..." Looking at Ye Qingcang's upright back, a trace of heartache flashed through Violet's eyes. "And I certainly won't leave you with any worries!"

"You should live for yourself." After saying this, Ye Qingcang already knew how Violet would answer. He waved a hand and changed the heavy subject. "Everyone's here!"

Violet straightened up.

Her gorgeous Soul Tool light wings unfolded.

Since she was traveling far away, she had changed into the Blue Tyrant Academy Enforcement Team uniform: Tactical Boots, black trousers, and a brown long-sleeved vest. She had removed the tie and cufflinks, then put on a floor-length black-and-gold cloak. The upper half of the cloak was controlled by a zipper, while the lower half was open for ease of movement. A dark-red vertical sword insignia was emblazoned on the back, symbolizing an Enforcer's identity and also indicating that this Enforcer had hunted Evil Soul Masters outside the academy.

Quasi Enforcers who had never hunted Evil Soul Masters also wore black-and-gold cloaks, but the vertical sword insignia on their backs was white. Only after hunting an Evil Soul Master listed on a wanted notice could a Quasi Enforcer, after submitting the mission, obtain a tube of blood dye extracted from the Evil Soul Master's corpse and specially blended by Blue Tyrant Academy's logistics department, then splash it onto the black-and-gold cloak made from special materials to dye the insignia red.

Ye Qingcang's clothing was exactly the same as Violet's.

Only the cut differed.

If there was any distinction, it was shown on their cloaks.

Violet's cloak bore a red vertical sword insignia.

Ye Qingcang's cloak bore a gold vertical sword insignia.

Meanwhile, in front of the teaching building, the Blue Tyrant Academy students who had paid credits to participate in this Soul Hunting Operation were also divided into three types by their clothing: Enforcers with red vertical sword insignias engraved on their backs, Three Rankings Students wearing platinum cloaks, and ordinary students with only school uniforms and no cloaks.

"Distribute the standard Flight Soul Guidance Devices." If Violet's light wings were breathtakingly beautiful, then Ye Qingcang's ability to walk through the air without using Soul Power left everyone with only one direct impression: shock. "Students who possess Flight Soul Guidance Devices above level five may use their private Flight Soul Guidance Devices. Those without Flight Soul Guidance Devices, or whose private Flight Soul Guidance Devices are below level five, come here to collect standard Flight Soul Guidance Devices."

The Enforcers wearing black-and-gold cloaks and the Three Rankings Students wearing platinum cloaks did not move at all. Only a handful of ordinary students stepped forward to collect standard Soul Tools.

Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong, Tang San, and the others were forced to enjoy the attention of the crowd.

"Obey orders, follow command, and take responsibility for your own lives and the team's lives." Holding the list, Ye Qingcang gave the final summary. "This Soul Hunting operation includes fifty-two people: forty-three students, eight teachers, and one private asset. Among them are one Titled Douluo, one Soul Douluo, three Soul Sages, and four Soul Emperors. The Soul Hunting period is expected to last one and a half months. Departing from Heaven Dou City, we will pass through Xilu City, the Star Dou Great Forest, Sunset Forest, and Jialing Pass before finally returning to Heaven Dou City. Those with objections may withdraw..."

Ye Qingcang waited ten seconds.

Seeing no one speak, the level-seven Flight Soul Guidance Device on his back sprayed out blazing light and soared into the sky.

Light wings of various colors unfolded one after another.

Some were feathered wings, while others were flames of light.

Everyone took flight.

Destination—the Star Dou Great Forest!

Thank you all for your guidance.

I didn't think it through when writing. The first figure was wrong, so everything after it was wrong too. It has already been corrected, so you can refresh and take another look. I won't make the same mistake next time. (*)