Evil Soul Master

Wang Yan hesitated before asking, "Elder Xuan, aren't you coming?"

Xuan Zi waved a hand and smiled faintly. "These old bones of mine have no interest in dealing with those nobles and dignitaries." Before his words had even faded, he turned into a streak of light and vanished.

"Let's go!" At Wang Yan's command, his companions immediately followed. As they approached the military camp, a squad of fully armed soldiers came toward them and shouted vigilantly, "Who goes there?"

Dai Yueheng calmly stepped out from the group. The soldiers instantly relaxed upon seeing his familiar face. They sheathed their weapons and saluted respectfully. "Young Master!"

Dai Yueheng gave a slight nod. "These are my companions from Shrek Academy's inspection corps. Go inform my father at once." His voice was calm and powerful, especially solemn before the austere military camp.

After a short while, a tall, powerfully built man strode out. He stood as straight as a pine, with a resolute and heroic face. Every movement carried the authority and sense of duty unique to a general. Dai Yueheng bowed respectfully. "Father."

That was right. The man before them was the father of Dai Huabin and Dai Yueheng—Duke Dai Hao. The moment Huo Yuhao saw him, his gaze became complicated and deep. A barely perceptible flicker of hatred passed through his eyes, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists. Neither Wang Dong nor Lin Qianyi missed that subtle change. "Yuhao, don't act impulsively," Wang Dong reminded him softly. "Yuhao, calm down," Lin Qianyi added with concern. Huo Yuhao turned his head slightly and let out a quiet breath. "I'm fine."

"These are the teachers and team members of Shrek Academy's inspection corps," Dai Yueheng introduced to his father. Wang Yan was the first to bow respectfully. "Greetings, Duke White Tiger." Dai Hao laughed heartily. "Haha, no need for such formalities. I have long heard that Shrek Academy is extraordinary, and seeing it today, the reputation is indeed well deserved. The students your academy produces are all exceptionally gifted. They are sure to achieve greatness in the future." His words carried sincere admiration for Shrek Academy.

However, Ma Xiaotao frowned slightly and stepped forward. "Duke, forgive my boldness, but are women incapable of achieving great things?" The atmosphere immediately froze. Dai Hao clearly had not expected such a question. After a brief stunned pause, he hurriedly explained, "Of course they can. Though those as exceptionally gifted as you are rare, miss, that alone proves that women can likewise achieve extraordinary accomplishments." His words held a measure of sincerity and apology as he tried to make up for the oversight in his earlier remarks.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Duke White Tiger arranged lodgings for everyone to rest temporarily. When the soldiers led them to their destination, the lavish spread of dishes on the table immediately drew everyone's attention. Xiao Xiao, Huo Yuhao, and the others had eyes full of surprise and anticipation.

"All right, everyone has been tired all day. Come eat," Wang Yan said warmly, breaking the brief silence. Everyone took their seats around the table, with Lin Qianyi happening to sit beside Ma Xiaotao. Ma Xiaotao kept placing food onto her plate, taking meticulous care of her.

"Sister Xiaotao, this is already too much," Lin Qianyi said softly, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.

"Exactly, junior," Xixi agreed with a nod.

Xiao Xiao joined in as well. "That's right, eat a little more."

Lin Qianyi smiled slightly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "I'm not as skinny as Sister Xiaotao says." Her voice was gentle yet warm, while Ma Xiaotao's affectionate smile made the meal feel especially cozy.

Just then, an injured soldier hobbled back into the camp with the support of his companion. The moment Wang Yan and the others saw this, their expressions darkened, and the atmosphere abruptly turned grave.

"What happened?" Wang Yan asked with a frown, his voice tinged with urgency and concern.

The soldier panted heavily, enduring the pain as he pulled a bloodstained map from his clothes and held it out. "This is... the map we managed to bring back. This was all we could do..." His voice was weak and trembling, yet he still tried his best to speak clearly.

Wang Yan took the map. After a single glance, he swiftly made his decision. "All right. We will set out for the Ming Dou Mountain Range immediately."

Beibei hesitated before asking softly, "Shouldn't we inform Elder Xuan?"

Wang Yan sighed, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes. "Elder Xuan has important matters to handle. There's no time to waste. We'll set out first." With that, everyone exchanged glances, then left the military camp together and headed toward the unknown, leaving only dust drifting in the wind.

Night shrouded the Ming Dou Mountain Range, and an eerie chill permeated the surroundings. As the group advanced beneath the faint moonlight, they discovered a Wenlan Tree lying across the ground. Though part of its trunk had already decayed, it still gave off an air of resilience.

"This is a Wenlan Tree," Wang Yan explained in a low voice. "It grows in deep, shadowy forests. Its wood is extraordinarily hard and normally will not decay even after decades. To Yin-Cold System Soul Masters, it is an exceptionally rare treasure."

Ma Xiaotao furrowed her brow in confusion. "Teacher, what do you mean?"

Lin Qianyi's sharp gaze swept over the ground as she pondered. "Teacher Wang means... the enemy is nearby? The signs of decay on this trunk are very fresh, which means someone tampered with it not long ago. And these messy footprints..."

Wang Yan pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Correct. It seems we have already approached our target. Everyone, stay alert."

The group arrived at a concealed valley. Wang Yan said solemnly, "We will proceed according to Qianyi's plan. If we rashly enter the cave, then just as she said, even if we complete the mission, our casualties will surely be severe. We'll split into two groups. One group will lure the enemy, while the other observes. The Death God Envoy will not show himself personally; he will definitely send his subordinates to investigate first. Xiaotao, Yueheng, you will be in that group."

Ma Xiaotao nodded. "Understood." She knew this journey was dangerous, yet there was no fear in her eyes.

Lin Qianyi lightly bit her lip. "But... where should we make a disturbance?" Wang Yan looked at her. "Use your martial soul to create some commotion. Make the wind stir."

"Leave it to me." Lin Qianyi took a deep breath and quietly left the cover. The surroundings were unnaturally silent, setting alarm bells ringing in her heart. After summoning her martial soul, she carefully controlled the wind and gently pushed over a dead tree, producing a dull crash. She then swiftly darted behind a large boulder to hide.