Setting Out to Hunt Soul Beasts
"What's going on with you?!" Chen Xin asked, voicing the biggest question in everyone's mind. Although Titled Douluo long lifespans, no one had ever heard of anyone being able to rejuvenate to such an extent, with even their primordial aura undergoing such a dramatic change.
Liu Erlong, Ning Rongrong, and the others also gathered around, their faces filled with shock and curiosity. Ning Rongrong, in particular, had her mouth slightly open and her Glazed Tile eyes wide open. She looked at Dugu Bo, then subconsciously glanced at Yan Zu, who stood calmly to the side, and a certain guess began to form in her mind.
Faced with Chen Xin's shocked gaze and the curiosity of the crowd, Dugu Bo simply smiled calmly and waved his hand, "It's nothing, just a chance encounter that cured a long-standing ailment and brought some improvement." He downplayed Yan Zu's contribution, which was also a tacit understanding between him and Yan Zu.
Chen Xin was no ordinary person; he knew there must be some earth-shattering secret involved, far beyond what could be summed up by the phrase "a chance encounter." This "chance encounter" was probably of an extraordinary level.
Seeing that Dugu Bo was unwilling to elaborate, he didn't press further. Everyone has their own opportunities and secrets. He simply gave Dugu Bo a deep look and nodded. "Congratulations. It seems our chances of success on this trip have increased even further."
Dugu Bo laughed heartily, full of vigor. "Don't worry, with me here, as long as we don't encounter any hundred-thousand-year-old beings, protecting these little brats should be no problem."
The two Titled Douluo exchanged a brief conversation, setting the tone for the meeting. Although the others were still curious about Dugu Bo's changes, they dared not ask further. The Poison Douluo's reputation was not to be trifled with, and Soul Hunting was the priority at present.
"Everyone is here." Chen Xin spoke calmly, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Our objective is clear: to obtain the Eighth Soul Ring for Erlong, and to obtain advanced Soul Ring for Rongrong, Oscar, and Zhu Zhuqing. The Star Dou Great Forest is fraught with danger. Even with me and the Old Poison here, you must not slack off in the slightest. Follow orders in all actions and do not leave the group without permission. Understand?"
"Understood!" everyone replied in unison, their expressions solemn.
"Let's go." Chen Xin said succinctly, and with a swift movement, he had already darted out of the academy like a sword light. His speed seemed slow, but in an instant, he was already a hundred meters away. Dugu Bo chuckled, his figure transforming into a green shadow, and silently followed. Liu Erlong shouted, "Follow up!" and the others immediately unleashed their movement techniques, closely following behind.
Yan Zu and Xiao Wu walked side by side, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing on the left and right respectively, while Oscar, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling lagged behind.
The Little Jade jade pendant on Yan Zu's shoulder seemed particularly excited about this long journey. Its jade-colored scales shimmered with a warm luster in the morning light, and an auspicious aura quietly spread, easing the fatigue of the group as they traveled.
The blue sachet at his waist swayed gently with his movements, and a faint fluctuation came from Ah Yin's mind, as if he felt both familiar and complicated about returning to the Star Dou Great Forest.
With two Titled Douluo leading the way, the journey was extremely smooth. When they encountered any low-level Soul Beast that didn't know their place, they were often driven back by an invisible sword aura from Chen Xin or a poisonous mist casually flicked out by Dugu Bo before they even got close. The group only needed to focus on traveling.
During a rest stop along the way, Yan Zu took out the Gazetteer of Mountains and Rivers " that he had received as a system reward and carefully read through the information about the Soul Beast in the Star Dou Great Forest mixed zone.
"In the southeast of the mixed zone, there is a Shadow Canyon," said Yan Zu, "Where Shadow Leopard are said to roam. These Soul Beast are extremely fast, their attacks inflict mental shock, and they are mostly between three and six thousand years old. Perhaps they would be suitable for Zhu Zhuqing." Yan Zu pointed to the map.
A mark on it said.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's cool eyes brightened slightly, and she nodded a little. "The Shadow Leopard does indeed have something in common with my Star Netherworld Spirit Cat Martial Soul."
Chen Xin glanced at the atlas in Yan Zu's hand, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had roamed the continent for many years and had never seen such a detailed and unique atlas of Soul Beast. However, he did not ask any further questions, but simply said, "In that case, let's go to Shadow Canyon first."
With a clear goal in mind, the group didn't delay any longer and, under the protection of Chen Xin and Dugu Bo, headed straight for Shadow Canyon. The deeper they went into the forest, the dimmer the light became, with towering ancient trees blocking out the sun. The air was filled with the smell of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the occasional roars of beasts became even deeper and more terrifying.
About two hours later, the group arrived at a treacherous canyon. The canyon walls were steep and filled with deep caves, making it difficult for sunlight to penetrate. This made the canyon cold and damp all year round, making it an ideal habitat for the Shadow Leopard.
"The aura is mixed, but there are definitely traces of Shadow Leopard activity, and more than one." Dugu Bo squinted, sensing the faint fluctuations in the air. "Their age ranges from two thousand to five thousand years. Little girl, what age do you want?"
Zhu Zhuqing replied without hesitation, "The one with the highest age, five thousand years old." Her gaze was firm. After the Star Netherworld Spirit Cat Martial Soul evolved, her physical strength and mental power had been greatly enhanced, and she was confident that she could absorb power beyond her level.
"That's decisive." Chen Xin nodded approvingly. "Old Poison, you seal off the top of the canyon to prevent it from escaping. Erlong, you and I will drive it from both sides and force it into the open area at the bottom of the valley. Yan Zu, you all get ready."
Chen Xin's plan was clear and concise: to ensure Zhu Zhuqing obtained Soul Ring, to use this battle as a practical training ground for this young team, and to ensure absolute safety.
"Yes, Senior Sword Douluo (Teacher)!" everyone replied.
With the plan finalized, the two Titled Douluo and Liu Erlong immediately took action. Chen Xin's figure flashed, appearing like Gui Mei on the cliff top on one side of the canyon. The phantom of the Seven Kill Sword vanished in a flash, and the sharp sword intent enveloped the canyon like an invisible cage, mainly to prevent the Shadow Leopard from escaping and to exert mental pressure.
Dugu Bo then released the faint pressure of the Jade Phosphorous Poison Dragon Emperor. The green mist of poison blocked the sky on the other side and any possible escape routes like a veil. He deliberately controlled the poison, focusing on trapping the enemy.
Liu Erlong retreated behind the group, her Red Dragon Martial Soul Possession, seven Soul Ring appearing and disappearing, her powerful dragon might contained yet unleashed, like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment, providing support for the group.
The pressure from Titled Douluo was terrifying; chaos erupted instantly within the canyon.
A moment later, a figure as fast as black lightning, filled with a mixture of shock and anger, shot out from the cave at the bottom of the valley. It was the 5,000-year-old Shadow Leopard that had been disturbed!
It instinctively wanted to break through the blockade, but Chen Xin's omnipresent sharp sword intent and Dugu Bo's chilling poison barrier made it feel a fatal threat, and it was forced back to the more open area at the bottom of the valley.
"Prepare for battle!" Yan Zu shouted, instantly becoming the core of the team. "Rongrong, maintain your strength against Zhu Zhuqing throughout the entire battle..."
"Rapidly increase power while ensuring the Soul Power recovery of Sister Yanyan and Sister Lingling! Oscar, prepare your Clone Sausage and Recovery Sausage! Sister Yanyan, use your Jade Phosphor Purple Poison to control its range, slow it down, and interfere with its perception! Sister Lingling, focus on the condition of Zhu Zhuqing and Sister Yanyan, and be ready to treat them at any time!"
The battle lasted for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The Shadow Leopard was covered in wounds and its speed had obviously decreased. Zhu Zhuqing seized an opening and activated her Second Soul Skill, "Netherworld Hundred Claws." A sky full of claw shadows enveloped the Shadow Leopard, and the final blow precisely severed its throat.
The Shadow Leopard let out a mournful howl, its massive body crashing to the ground, and a deep purple Soul Ring slowly condensed.
Zhu Zhuqing was slightly out of breath, and there were several scratches on her body from the leopard's claws, but they were healing quickly under the nourishment of the Vitality Corridor. She walked to the Soul Ring, sat down cross-legged, and began to absorb it.
The process was somewhat difficult; the five-thousand-year-old Soul Ring possessed immense and chilling energy, and also carried a trace of spiritual impact.
However, Zhu Zhuqing was determined and had taken elixirs to improve her physical condition. In addition, Yan Zu assisted her with the Nine Yin True Qi, and she successfully absorbed the medicine without any major problems.
The pent-up medicinal power was released, her Soul Power directly increased to level 38, and she gained her Third Soul Skill Shadow Assault: Instantly merge into the shadows, the speed of the next attack increases by 100%, and comes with a strong armor-piercing and mental shock effect. If used at night or in a shadowy environment, the effect is increased by an additional 30%!
"A very good Soul Skill, very suitable for you." Yan Zu nodded in approval. This Soul Skill greatly enhanced Zhu Zhuqing's explosive power and assassination ability.
A rare smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's usually cold and aloof face as she nodded to Yan Zu: "Thank you."
The initial victory greatly boosted everyone's spirits. After a short rest, guided by the Gazetteer of Mountains and Rivers, they continued their search for a suitable Soul Beast for Oscar.
Yan Zu took out the "Gazetteer of Mountains and Rivers" again. His finger traced across the map, finally stopping at an area in the mixed zone marked "Confusion Hills".
"Here—there is a Soul Beast called Pink Lady. According to records, it is a peculiar social Soul Beast, a mutated leader of the " Pink Girl "Soul Beast clan. Its emergence requires devouring hundreds of its own kind and possessing more than three thousand years of cultivation to have a chance of successfully evolving, making it extremely rare."
The Pink Lady resembles a giant scorpion, entirely pink, and can release a pink poisonous mist that excites, drives other Soul Beast mad, and even causes them to lose their minds. Her true form also possesses the talent to stimulate life potential and significantly boost combat power for a short period. Her Soul Ring are likely to grant Oscar a powerful temporary attribute-boosting Soul Skill. If Oscar can form a contract with her, she can provide support and also protect herself; her future development is worth looking forward to.
The group headed towards the Confusion Hills. Before even reaching the core area, a faint, sweet scent tinged with a hint of restlessness began to permeate the air. The hills were covered with brightly colored and strangely shaped flowers and plants, and occasionally, low-level Soul Beast could be seen behaving erratically, tearing at each other, clearly influenced by the environment.
"Everyone be careful, suppress your Soul Power fluctuations, and try not to inhale too much air here. Rongrong, you can apply some resistance support to everyone. Sister Yanyan, pay attention to the changes in the poisonous fog," Yan Zu instructed in a low voice.