The Sunset Forest lay shrouded in a thin mist year-round.
Last night's rain had followed them here, dripping steadily from the edges of broad leaves. The carriage wheels pressed two deep ruts into the mud, which filled with water almost as soon as they passed.
Ning Fengzhi had parted ways with them before they entered the forest. As sect master, he could not linger outside Spirit City. Before leaving, he entrusted Ning Rongrong to Chen Xin, then gave Bai Jin a pointed look.
"Rongrong has a quick temper. Sorry for the trouble, but please keep an eye on her."
Bai Jin nodded at once. "Don't worry. Big tempers are my specialty."
Behind him, Ning Rongrong ground her teeth.
The group followed a moss-covered animal trail deeper into the forest. After searching for most of the day, Bai Jin suddenly stopped before a slope strewn with rocks and pulled aside a hanging vine.
Fresh scrapes marked the stone, with dark yellow mucus clinging to their edges. Nearby, great swaths of tree roots had been torn up, and shallow pits held murky water.
Chen Xin glanced over the signs. "A Black-Shelled Dragon Turtle."
"Around six thousand years old." Bai Jin crouched and rubbed a little mud between his fingers. "Healthy appetite. It ate a Rock Boar last night."
Ning Rongrong summoned the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, her eyes lighting up.
"A defensive Soul Beast. It's perfect for my Fourth Soul Ring."
Chen Xin frowned. "Its age is close to your limit."
"Grandpa Sword, I've eaten an Immortal Herb. My body's been stronger than an ordinary Support Soul Master's for a long time." Ning Rongrong's voice was earnest. "During the competition, all I could do was stand in the back and watch everyone get hurt. I want to win this Soul Ring