Noisy.
That was everyone's first impression upon arriving outside the Soul Hunting Forest.
Shouts, haggling, and calls for teammates rose and fell one after another.
"Hand-order team! Need one assault-type soul master!"
"Hunting a hundred-year Ghost Tiger! Seven out of eight, need a healer!"
Yu Xiaogang led Tang San and the others through the packed crowd. Though he was plainly dressed, his face was filled with confidence.
"We're here." Yu Xiaogang stopped and looked at the vast forest enclosed by iron fencing ahead. "This is where the Empire raises soul beasts—the Soul Hunting Forest."
"Only those holding an entry order may enter."
Yu Xiaogang took a token from his robes.
Just then, a commotion broke out behind them.
"Move aside! Move aside! Are you blind?"
Two rows of Spirit Hall temple knights in silver armor forcibly shoved the crowd apart, clearing a wide path.
Immediately afterward, an extravagantly luxurious carriage decorated with golden patterns rolled over. Its curtain lifted, and a boy and a girl stepped down.
The boy wore golden robes, his face full of arrogance as he toyed with two iron balls. The girl wore fitted combat attire, her gaze icy.
They were Xiao Hongchen and Ju Zi.
The two teams met head-on at the forest entrance.
Xiao Hongchen's gaze swept over the token in Yu Xiaogang's hand, and his lips curled in disdain.
"Well, if it isn't Yu Xiaogang, the master said to be unrivaled in theory?"
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly. "You are...?"
Xiao Hongchen ignored him and turned his attention to Tang San. The system had informed him that this was the so-called "Child of the Plane."
"He doesn't look like much." Xiao Hongchen sneered as he played with a Heaven-Shaking Thunder in his hand. "You're still using cold weapons and a useless martial soul like