Registering the Soul Hunting Trip

Mo Yuan kept his gaze fixed on the crystal's gleam, carefully sensing the dense, steady fluctuations of soul power within. The shock in his eyes lingered, his heart filled with awe and gratification.

He really broke through!

Five days of secluded cultivation, advancing through level after level, yet his foundation remained solid. It was truly remarkable.

Only after a long while did Mo Yuan slowly put away the testing crystal and suppress his surging emotions. His gaze toward Lin Chen grew still more approving and earnest as he said steadily:

"Excellent! The younger generation truly deserves respect! Five days of arduous cultivation, and you've reached level thirty, with a solid foundation and abundant soul power, without the slightest instability. Such speed of refinement and such depth are truly rare!"

He offered his heartfelt praise, then grew serious as he instructed:

"Go back and rest properly. Think carefully about the attributes, age, and skill direction of the third Soul Ring best suited to your martial soul, and prepare thoroughly. Get a good night's rest. Tomorrow morning, I'll personally take you to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for the most suitable third Soul Ring."

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Lin Chen bowed solemnly in thanks, his heart filled with reassurance and anticipation.

With a level-seventy Battle Soul Saint personally protecting him, his safety on the trip to the Star Dou Great Forest was assured. He could devote himself without reservation to securing a top-tier Thousand-Year Soul Ring that perfectly suited his fox martial soul's dual water and wood attributes!

After bidding Mo Yuan farewell, Lin Chen turned and returned to his dormitory.

Once inside, he carefully checked his supplies, healing potions, and protective items, making certain he had everything needed for tomorrow's journey, without a single omission.

With all his supplies checked and packed, Lin Chen relaxed in body and mind. He lay down on the bed, turned onto his side, and gently embraced Liuli, who nestled docilely beside him.

His mind at peace, drowsiness swept over him again. Holding the docile Liuli, Lin Chen slowly closed his eyes and drifted into restful sleep, awaiting tomorrow's Soul Ring hunt in the Star Dou Great Forest.

After a peaceful night's rest, dawn broke, and morning mist spread across the entire Soto Intermediate Spirit Hall Academy.

Flecks of morning sunlight pierced the layers of branches and leaves, spilling onto the academy's Bluestone paths and dispelling the lingering chill of the night.

Early-rising students emerged from their dormitories one after another. The sounds of training, chatter, and laughter rose and fell, filling the Academy, silent through the night, with vitality and the bustle of daily life.

Unlike the relaxed ease of most students on campus, Lin Chen had already brought himself into peak condition that day.

He had awakened at the first faint light of dawn.

Beside him, the Two-Tailed Fox nestled quietly at the head of the bed. Its entire body was luminous, translucent white, its glasslike fur glowing softly in the morning light. Its gentle eyes followed Lin Chen's every movement.

Lin Chen raised a hand and gently stroked Liuli's soft fur. With a slight shift of thought, he gave a few simple instructions, then withdrew his martial soul into his body to nurture it before opening the door and leaving the dormitory.

The early morning still held a faint chill. The breeze brushed his face, crisp and refreshing, sweeping away the sluggishness of sleep.

With steady steps, Lin Chen followed the familiar paths through the grounds, heading straight for Mo Yuan's cultivation courtyard.

After a night of rest and reflection, his mind had grown calmer and steadier. The joy of reaching level thirty had already faded, replaced by anticipation and caution.

The Star Dou Great Forest was recognized throughout the Douluo Continent as a sacred haven for soul beasts. Its territory stretched boundlessly, sheltering countless species across an immense range of strengths. It held innumerable opportunities—and concealed endless dangers.

Compared with the Soul Hunting Forest, the Star Dou Great Forest's resources and dangers were on an entirely different level.

Moving swiftly, Lin Chen soon arrived outside Mo Yuan's secluded courtyard.

Unlike the usual half-closed gate, the courtyard entrance stood wide open that day. Spiritual energy swirled within; clearly, Mo Yuan had already finished his morning meditation and made his preparations, ready to depart at any moment.

Lin Chen did not barge in. He raised a hand and lightly knocked on the gate, his manner respectful and proper.

"Come in."

Mo Yuan's steady, calm voice came from within, as warm and resonant as ever. It carried no oppressive authority, yet naturally possessed the composed presence of a teacher.

At his invitation, Lin Chen entered and looked up to see Mo Yuan already fully prepared.

That day, Mo Yuan had exchanged his usual loose, plain cultivation robe for a fitted, practical outfit of dark teal. Its fabric was tough and durable, suited to long journeys and wilderness exploration.

He had completely restrained his aura. Only deep within his eyes lay the profound reserves unique to a Soul Saint. He looked capable and composed, his presence imposing.

Noticing Lin Chen's arrival, Mo Yuan raised his eyes and briefly swept his gaze over him.

The young man stood tall and carried himself steadily, his aura concentrated and restrained, without a trace of youthful impetuousness. Even on the verge of entering a premier Secret Realm to hunt for a Soul Ring, he remained calm and collected, showing neither panic nor excessive excitement.

Such temperament and self-control.

A flicker of approval crossed Mo Yuan's eyes. He nodded slightly and said softly:

"You're here early. You look ready."

"I wouldn't dare slack off. Sorry to have kept you waiting, Teacher."

Lin Chen bowed slightly, his tone humble and composed.

"No matter."

Mo Yuan waved a hand, his tone calm.

"The journey is long, and the dangers of the Star Dou Great Forest are unpredictable. It's only right to prepare in advance. Come with me to the dean's office to register our trip."

Under Academy regulations, students who reached level thirty and needed a mentor to accompany them on a Soul Ring hunt had to obtain the dean's personal approval and register their departure. The procedure was especially strict for trips to premier Secret Realms such as the Star Dou Great Forest; such journeys could never be undertaken on a whim.

Having finished speaking, Mo Yuan stepped forward first.

Lin Chen followed close behind. Walking one ahead of the other at an unhurried pace, they passed through courtyard after courtyard and between buildings, avoiding the groups of students training in the early morning as they headed toward the Academy's central administrative area.

The Soto Intermediate Spirit Hall Academy occupied extensive grounds. Its central area lay far from the students' training grounds and was solemn and quiet. Stone pillars and plaques engraved with Spirit Hall motifs stood everywhere, displaying the order and authority of an Academy directly under Spirit Hall.

Few students ordinarily had permission to set foot here. Only mentors and senior administrators could come and go.

Neither spoke along the way. A short while later, they reached the door of the dean's office.

The entire office building was stately and traditional, built of Bluestone. Its weathered walls stood solid, conveying the weight of accumulated years.

The entrance was quiet and deserted. Only a gentle breeze stirred the greenery along the corridor, amid the solemn stillness.

Mo Yuan stopped before the door, raised a hand, and knocked lightly.

"Please come in."

A warm, resonant voice came from inside, steady and strong, carrying the presence unique to a high-ranking soul master.

Mo Yuan opened the door and entered, with Lin Chen close behind, his head lowered and eyes cast down in accordance with student etiquette.

The office was spacious and bright, its furnishings simple and orderly, with no unnecessary lavish decorations. There was only a broad solid-wood desk and two rows of chairs for visitors. Various soul master texts and maps of Secret Realms lined the walls. The scent of books mingled with spiritual energy, lending the room a quiet, solemn atmosphere.

The dean nodded slightly and raised a hand to indicate that they could dispense with formalities. His gaze settled on Mo Yuan as he asked softly:

"Mo Yuan, have you come so early because of something important?"

Mo Yuan straightened and reported the facts in a steady voice:

"Dean, Lin Chen recently entered seclusion for intensive cultivation and has successfully reached level thirty in soul power. I've come today to register our departure. I intend to take him personally to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for a suitable Soul Ring and help him advance to Soul Elder."