When they first entered the Star Dou Great Forest, the trees and weeds were still relatively sparse, but as they ventured deeper, the vegetation grew increasingly lush.
Two hours later, towering ancient trees blotted out the sky and sun. Only scattered patches of light filtered through gaps in the overlapping foliage, casting swaying flecks upon the thick carpet of rotting leaves. The air was damp and heavy, mingling the scents of soil, humus, and the distinctive freshness of various plants, occasionally laced with the rank musk of unknown beasts and the fragrance of flowers. The faint beast roars and birdsong drifting from afar added to the sense of danger in the primeval forest.
"Maintain formation!" Lei En commanded in a low voice, his expression turning serious.
Lei En naturally took the lead at the very front of the group.
"Ling Ren, scout the flank. Keep watch on both sides and the rear!"
"Understood!" Ling Feng replied.
Ling Ren ranged slightly behind the group on the right, his sharp gaze continually sweeping the shadows between the trees.
"Ji Qiu, stay in the center. Watch for anything unusual ahead and overhead, and protect Xiao Yun." Though Ji Qiu had been somewhat haughty earlier, Ji Qiu immediately settled into the task upon entering the forest, watching the surroundings warily, especially the thick branches and dense canopies.
"Xiao Yun, follow behind me."
"Mm!" Su Yun answered softly.
"Brother Lin Shuo," Lei En said, looking at Lin Yan, "stay behind me to one side. You're both our main offensive point and our second line of defense. Be ready at any moment to handle threats that break through the front, or to support Ling Feng's side."
"All right," Lin Yan replied briefly. His hand rested lightly on the sword hilt at his waist the entire time. Though he had not released his Martial Soul, his presence was like an unsheathed blade, its edge held in check as he keenly sensed everything around him. His position was just right, allowing him to support Lei En directly ahead at any moment while also covering the flank.
In this formation, the group advanced cautiously into the forest. The first stretch was relatively peaceful. Only a few weak Ten-Year Soul Beasts, such as Sniffing Rabbits and Bell Sheep, were startled by the group's presence and darted deep into the undergrowth, disappearing from sight.
As they ventured deeper, the Soul Beasts they encountered began to grow aggressive.
"Left side! A pack of Ten-Year Wind Wolves!" Ling Feng warned in a low voice.
"Not good, they've spotted us. Prepare for battle."
Before the words had faded, seven or eight Wind Wolves burst from the bushes, their eyes glowing green and their fangs bared. They moved quickly, bringing a foul wind with them.
"I'll handle them!" Ji Qiu snorted coldly. The First Soul Ring lit up. "Entanglement!" Several vines swiftly thrust out of the ground, precisely wrapping around the hind legs of the leading Wind Wolves and sending them tumbling clumsily to the ground, slowing their assault.
Lei En immediately stepped forward and charged fiercely with his shield, knocking away the next two Wind Wolves that lunged at them. The cracking of bones was clearly audible. Lin Yan strode forward, shifted his body to evade a Wind Wolf's snapping lunge, and swept his sword, precisely slashing through a wolf's neck. The Wind Wolf whimpered and immediately crumpled. Ling Ren flashed past like a specter, his dagger flickering with cold light as he finished off the wolves restrained by Ji Qiu. The battle began in an instant and ended just as quickly. Dealing with Ten-Year Soul Beasts like these was not difficult for this well-rounded team of Soul Masters.
"Keep moving," Lei En said gravely, shaking nonexistent blood from his shield.
Along the way, they encountered several more waves of Soul Beast attacks. A Hundred-Year Mandala Snake launched an ambush from its hiding place in the canopy, but Ji Qiu's vines detected it in advance and disrupted its trajectory before Lin Yan cut it in two with a fierce flash of sword light. There was also a Hundred-Year Iron-Armored Mole with a hard shell that burrowed out of the ground. Only after Lei En activated his second Soul Skill, Rock Shock, was it stunned, and Ling Ren finally delivered the finishing blow.
Not every battle was effortless.
While passing through a wetland, they disturbed a group of over thirty Ten-Year Poison Water Toads led by two Hundred-Year Poison Water Toads. Densely packed arrows of venom shot toward them like rain, covering an enormous area, and Ji Qiu's vine barrier struggled to cover every gap. Lei En held the front, and his shield soon began sizzling under the corrosion. Ling Ren tried to rush the two Hundred-Year toads, only to be forced back by their concentrated fire.
At the critical moment, Lin Yan wielded his sword amid swirling sword light, actually deflecting or diverting most of the venom arrows aimed at him and at Su Yun and Ji Qiu behind him, greatly easing the pressure on the team. In the end, Ji Qiu took a risk and used the second Soul Skill, Poison Thorn Lash, to whip one Hundred-Year toad away from a distance. Lei En seized the chance to activate his first Soul Skill, Shield Bash Charge, and knock over the other. Only then was the crisis resolved.
After this somewhat harrowing battle, everyone gained a more direct understanding of Lin Yan's strength. His exquisite swordsmanship was not only powerful in single combat, but also remarkably effective in chaotic melees and when protecting his teammates.
During a lull in the fighting, everyone took a brief rest. Su Yun hurriedly used her Soul Skill, and gentle specks of healing light sank into their bodies, easing their minor injuries and fatigue.
As Ling Ren wiped the grime from his face, he could not help looking at Lin Yan, who was cleaning his blade. He asked curiously, "Brother Lin Shuo, your swordsmanship is incredible! You're practically... practically like a legendary sword master. Do you... do you have some connection to the legendary Lord Sword Douluo Chen Xin?"
The question clearly piqued Lei En's and Ji Qiu's curiosity as well. Even Su Yun looked over, blinking her large eyes.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, hailed as the Titled Douluo with the greatest offensive power, stood at a pinnacle that all Tool Martial Soul masters, especially Sword Martial Soul masters, looked up to.
Lin Yan paused in wiping his blade, then shook his head and said frankly, "No. I come from an ordinary background and have no connection whatsoever to Senior Sword Douluo. I've simply practiced swordsmanship since childhood."
His tone was calm and certain, making people believe him almost despite themselves.
Ji Qiu curled a lip. Though no further challenge came, Ji Qiu still muttered, "Really...? Your swordsmanship doesn't look as simple as just 'practicing since childhood.'"
Lei En laughed heartily and patted Lin Yan's shoulder. "Connection or not, Brother Lin Shuo, your skills are the real deal! This time, Xiao Yun needs to hunt a Soul Beast. Next time, perhaps we'll be helping you obtain a Soul Ring! When the time comes, we'll certainly do everything we can to help!"
Ling Ren smiled too. "Exactly! With Brother Lin Shuo here, our 'Rock' team has gotten a lot stronger!"
Su Yun chimed in softly, "Mm! Lin Shuo is amazing!"
After fighting side by side and having this exchange, the atmosphere within the team was noticeably more harmonious, and their mutual trust and coordination were quietly growing.
Though Lin Yan said little, he occasionally offered a few words. Whether about the characteristics of Soul Beasts or little tricks for surviving in the forest, he always had some illuminating piece of knowledge to share, drawing exclamations of wonder from the others and making them even more curious about his origins. But since Lin Yan said no more, neither did they ask further.