The Star Dou Great Forest was like a giant beast, swallowing everyone whole.
The two women who had been holding onto Ye Qiu finally let him go.
"Stop!"
Zhao Wuji, walking at the very front, raised a hand.
Everyone stopped as he instructed.
Zhao Wuji's expression was serious as he re-emphasized a few things.
"Listen up, all of you! Once we're inside, no one is to leave my side by more than twenty meters. If you encounter a Spirit Beast, do not act without my command! Is that clear?!"
"Understood, Teacher Zhao!"
Ma Hongjun and the others weren't new to this; they were well aware of these rules.
"Ning Rongrong, Oscar, come over to my side."
The support system Spirit Masters in the team naturally needed special care, as they didn't possess much offensive power.
After entering the forest, they hadn't walked many steps before the sunlight became scarce.
The team's formation also changed.
Dai Mubai and Tang San were responsible for leading the way.
With his Purple Demon Eye, his vision was wide, and his tiger claws cut through things like slicing melons and vegetables.
Zhao Wuji held the center, with Ning Rongrong and Oscar by his side.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ma Hongjun were on the flanks.
As for Xiao Wu, she seized the opportunity to cling to Ye Qiu.
The two were at the very end of the team, engrossed in their affection.
Zhao Wuji's eyelids twitched wildly at the sight.
But they hadn't left his twenty-meter radius, so he couldn't say much.
Along the way, Oscar seemed very excited.
After all, he was about to obtain the Third spirit ring he had longed for.
The upper limit for an ordinary person's Third spirit ring was seventeen hundred years.
The outer zone mostly contained Hundred Year Spirit Beasts, with Thousand Year Spirit Beasts appearing only occasionally.
The Mixed Zone was an area where Thousand Year and Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beasts coexisted.
A spirit ring couldn't just be judged by its age; its suitability also mattered.
Along the way, everyone encountered many Hundred Year Spirit Beasts, some living in groups, others solitary.
Zhao Wuji showed no intention of ordering an attack, simply taking detours to continue forward.
To find a suitable Spirit Beast for Oscar, the group was already nearing the boundary between the outer zone and the Mixed Zone.
Thousand Year Spirit Beasts also became more common.
It was now midday, and everyone was starting to feel a bit tired.
"Alright, everyone stop and rest for half an hour!"
Zhao Wuji understood that going further in would increase the risk of danger.
Therefore, he had everyone rest before entering the Mixed Zone.
"Ye Qiu, let me have a drink!"
"Slow down~"
Ning Rongrong sat beside Ye Qiu, leaning on his shoulder, and snatched the water bottle he had just put to his lips.
Xiao Wu leaned on the other side, munching on the carrots Ye Qiu had prepared for her.
Zhu Zhuqing was more reserved; she sat nearby, leaning against the same tree trunk as Ye Qiu.
Oscar distributed Sausages to the others.
His food was indeed quite good; Ye Qiu had tried it, though the Spirit Incantation was thought-provoking.
Ignoring Tang San and Dai Mubai's hatred towards him, Ye Qiu secretly activated his Spirit, occasionally glancing in the direction they had come from.
Only when he clearly saw that person still silently following did he relax.
Taking back the water bottle Ning Rongrong returned, Ye Qiu also took a few big gulps.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, using the Blue Silver Emperor Spirit Ability to relieve her fatigue.
Seeing Dai Mubai's persistent look, a playful mischievousness arose in Ye Qiu's heart.
He suddenly handed the water bottle to Zhu Zhuqing beside him.
"Zhuqing, do you want some?"
"Mm~"
Although she had water prepared in her spirit tool, she didn't refuse.
Her cool face softened slightly, and she took a few small sips without any sign of dislike.
Pfft!
Dai Mubai's tiger eyes widened, and the Sausage in his hand was crushed to a pulp.
…
After resting for a little over half an hour.
Zhao Wuji's gaze suddenly became sharp and powerful.
He stood up with a sudden movement, not forgetting to call out to the others.
"Everyone stand up, something's approaching!"
Hearing his voice, everyone immediately reacted.
With great tacit understanding, Ye Qiu and the others protected Ning Rongrong and Oscar in the middle.
Ye Qiu also glanced over, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.
Then came a faint smile.
"Zhu Zhuqing! See what it is!"
Hearing Zhao Wuji's command, Zhu Zhuqing didn't say a word.
Claws extended from her hands; the straight trees were like flat ground to her.
In a few breaths, she had already reached a tree branch.
"It's a flying snake, about three meters off the ground, with a large blood-red crest on its head, and a fan-shaped tail!"
Based on Zhu Zhuqing's description, Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up.
His voice was a bit excited.
"It's a Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent! Its crest has many wonderful uses! Oscar, you're in luck!"
"How long is this Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent, and what color are its wings?" Tang San was also a bit surprised by Oscar's luck; this type of Spirit Beast was extremely rare.
Zhu Zhuqing replied, "Light red wings, about seven meters long!"
"Excellent, Oscar! This is exactly a Thousand Year Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent, its cultivation should be around fifteen hundred years!"
Tang San thought for a moment and then affirmed.
Although Yu Xiaogang's cultivation theories were a mess, he had indeed taught Tang San a lot about Spirit Beast knowledge.
Or rather, he had urged him to read many books.
Oscar's peach blossom eyes lit up, and a lewd smile immediately appeared on his face. "Then I'll trouble everyone later!"
"No problem! Didn't we come all this way just to help you, kid? You can just treat me to a few meals later!"
Ma Hongjun patted his chest, then rubbed his hands and chuckled.
"Stop arguing! Zhu Zhuqing, check its current location."
"It's here!"
The Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent was fast; by the time Zhao Wuji wanted to ask again, it was already nearing the base of the tree!
As Zhu Zhuqing spoke, she had already leaped down from the tree.
Her First spirit ring lit up under her feet, and the sharp claws on her hands gleamed with cold light, striking downwards towards the blood-red crest.
Just as she described, its body was over seven meters long, topped with a large crest on its head.
Its movement speed was very fast; Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Rush Stab was dodged, hitting its body with a dull thud.
Its body sank slightly.
Tang San also seized the opportunity to activate his First Spirit Ability, Binding.
Underneath the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent, Blue Silver Grass grew wildly, tying it up completely.
In desperation, it spat a mouthful of colorful mist towards Zhu Zhuqing.
Dai Mubai's eyes lit up, and he was about to rush over.
But Ye Qiu's voice rang out.
"Zhuqing! This snake isn't poisonous!"
Zhu Zhuqing's dodging movement paused, and she immediately extended her claws to continue attacking the large snake.
"You! Be careful…"
Dai Mubai's expression changed.
But Zhu Zhuqing paid no heed; she trusted Ye Qiu unconditionally.
"Seven Treasure has a name, first is strength, second is speed!"
Ning Rongrong also reacted in time; her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda appeared in her hand, and two streams of light flew towards Zhu Zhuqing.
Her body suddenly felt much lighter, and her strength was very abundant.
Her only yellow spirit ring flashed under her feet.
It was another Hell Rush Stab.
It pierced through the colorful mist, lightly brushing her beautiful face, and indeed, there was no discomfort.
On top of the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent's head, the blood-red crest, larger than its head, suddenly lit up.
The considerable energy stored within was released, and its speed and strength began to increase.
Its slippery body, covered in fine scales, could not be pierced by the barbs on Tang San's Blue Silver Grass at all.
It quickly escaped and dodged Zhu Zhuqing's attack.
"Second, First Spirit Ability, Phoenix of Bathing Fire! Phoenix Fire Wire!"
Fatty Ma Hongjun also immediately took action; his Second Spirit Ability increased the intensity of his flames by thirty percent.
A scorching Phoenix Fire Wire immediately shot out from his mouth towards the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent.
Ma Hongjun's aura seemed to have some suppressive effect on the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent.
The large snake's body stiffened, and it actually dropped quite a bit.
In just an instant, it was about to dodge again.
"Second Spirit Ability, White Tiger Light Wave!"
Dai Mubai spat out a milky white beam of light, also attacking it.
"Hissha~"
Fatty's scorching flames burned a large wound on the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent's tail.
It twisted its body wildly, making it impossible for Zhu Zhuqing to lock onto it.
Ye Qiu looked at Xiao Wu beside him, who was in low Spirits, and the icy power he had condensed on his fingertips dissipated.
He sighed inwardly; since Spirit Saint Zhao Wuji was here, there was no need for him to intervene.
Instead, he took her small hand and smiled knowingly at her.
Xiao Wu also wrapped her arms around his arm, and the gloom on her face eased considerably.
Seeing that the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent was about to escape, Zhao Wuji finally made his move.
"Fifth Spirit Ability, Gravity Squeeze!"
"Fourth Spirit Ability, Fixed Tracking!"
A pressure from all directions fixed the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent, which was trying to fly away, in place.
With a Spirit Saint making a move, there was no way a Thousand Year Spirit Beast could escape.
Zhao Wuji's Fourth spirit ring flew out from under his feet, instantly enveloping it.
His body also rose from the ground, quickly appearing beside the large snake, and his giant hand, already transformed into a bear's paw, directly seized the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent.
"Great! It's done!"
Oscar, with his stubble, now showed the demeanor of a fourteen-year-old boy.
He jumped up excitedly.
"Alright, hurry up and kill it. Its spirit ring will be yours!" Zhao Wuji grinned, not expecting this Spirit hunting trip to be so smooth.
He pulled a dagger from his waist and threw it to Oscar.
"Just stab it in the soft flesh under its crest, and you can go straight to its brain!" Tang San instructed from the side.
He not only had a deep understanding of identifying Spirit Beasts and their ages, but also their weaknesses.
"Thanks, Little San!"
Oscar thanked him, excitedly pulling out the dagger, his hand trembling slightly.
Xiao Wu rested her forehead on Ye Qiu's shoulder, not daring to look anymore.
Just as Oscar was about to stab and succeed, an old, hoarse voice suddenly echoed in everyone's ears.
"Stop!"
Swish!
From the direction the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent had flown, two figures, one old and one young, swept out.
When they landed, spirit rings had already risen beneath their feet.
Both of these individuals were female.
The older one looked about sixty or seventy years old, with her white hair coiled and fixed behind her head with a hairpin; though her face had many wrinkles, her complexion was very good.
Her cloudy eyes gleamed, scrutinizing everyone in front of her.
In her hand, she held a three-meter-long snake-head staff, and six standard-configured spirit rings pulsed under her feet.
Accompanying her was a very beautiful girl of sixteen or seventeen.
She had short, ear-length black hair, and a neat, form-fitting black combat suit that tightly enveloped her well-developed body; her two slender, long legs were pressed together, making her appear quite tall.
Her dark brown eyes were fixed firmly on the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent held in Zhao Wuji's hand.
Her right hand also held a snake-headed staff, but it was only about two meters long, and two yellow spirit rings pulsed beneath her feet.
When Tang San and the others saw the six spirit rings on the newcomer, they were initially startled, but then calmed down after remembering that Zhao Wuji was by their side.
However, Zhao Wuji was not as calm as them; having roamed for decades, he naturally already guessed the identity of the newcomer.
Ye Qiu stood still, looking as if he had expected this.
Zhu Zhuqing and the others, who had just made a move, had not yet withdrawn their spirit rings, so the old woman naturally easily perceived their spirit power levels.
She was not calm either; her expression changed slightly.
She had initially thought it would be a walk in the park, but she never expected a Spirit Saint-level powerhouse to appear in the outer regions of the Star Dou Great Forest.
The children around her made her eyes widen in shock.
Although they were clearly younger than her granddaughter, their cultivation was no weaker; not only was there a white-haired one about to break through to Spirit Elder, but there were even two who were already Three-Ring Spirit Elders.
Realizing she had encountered a tough opponent, she didn't want to waste any more effort and directly announced her name.
"Respected Spirit Saint, I am Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang, may I know your esteemed name?"
"Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang!" Zhao Wuji looked as if he had expected it.
Snake Granny showed a polite smile, relieved in her heart; it's easier to handle things when names are known!
"Hehe, you flatter me, thanks to the recognition of my friends in the Spirit Master's world, they gave me this title. But before you, it is nothing!"
"Snake Granny, stop with the pleasantries. Your Gai Shi Long She title is not undeserved. We are both veterans of the World. I am Immovable Bright King Zhao Wuji! Just speak your mind!"
Zhao Wuji wouldn't take these words seriously; this Snake Granny's partner was a Spirit Douluo named Meng Shu, known as the Dragon Duke.
Not to mention their Dragon Snake Co-attack could contend with a Titled Douluo, just the Dragon Duke alone was more than he could handle.
He, a mere Spirit Saint, knew his own capabilities; otherwise, he would have died several times over!
Snake Granny's expression also changed slightly, and she felt a bit worried. "So you are the renowned Immovable Bright King of the Spirit Master's world!"
Zhao Wuji's face showed some embarrassment; he indeed had some fame, but it was all ill repute.
If anyone else dared to say that, with his temper, he would have already greeted them with a bear paw.
But the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny were almost inseparable, so the Dragon Duke must be nearby!
He didn't want to fight unless absolutely necessary!
Snake Granny was also skilled at reading expressions, so she didn't say more and got straight to the point.
"I am a bit older than you, so I'll take the liberty of calling you Little Brother Zhao! Little Brother Zhao, you cannot kill this Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent!"
"Why! Do you intend to snatch it?" Oscar couldn't help but blurt out; this concerned his third spirit ring.
"You're the ones snatching mine…!"
The girl behind Snake Granny pointed her snake-headed staff at Oscar, her face filled with anger.
"Yiran!" Snake Granny gave her granddaughter a look, signaling her to calm down.
"Haha… Little brother, don't be anxious. You can check the snake's belly and under its wings; there are wounds I inflicted with my snake-headed staff."
Zhao Wuji frowned. After inspecting it, it was indeed as she said.
But there was no way he would just let go.
"How about it, Little Brother Zhao? Could you do me a favor and return this Spirit Beast to my granddaughter? I will surely remember this kindness and repay it someday!"
Snake Granny finally revealed her true intention.
"Elder Sister Chao, this puts me in a difficult position. My student also happens to need a third spirit ring!"
Zhao Wuji sneered inwardly; he, Immovable Bright King, did not have the habit of being taken advantage of.
"What's so difficult about it? This Spirit Beast was originally ours! If we hadn't wounded it first, you wouldn't have been able to catch it so easily! Hurry up and return it to me, or we won't be polite to you!"
As she spoke, the snake-headed staff in her hand was raised again, her phoenix eyes narrowed, clearly very angry.
"Little Brother Zhao, is there really no room for discussion?" Snake Granny's expression turned grim.
She knew very well that if it weren't for the deterrent of the Gai Shi Long She title, with Immovable Bright King's style, he would have probably already launched a deadly attack on them!
"I'm afraid I cannot obey! I suggest Elder Sister Chao leave quickly while it's still early!"
Zhao Wuji's expression also showed some helplessness, but he was secretly pleased.
He suddenly remembered that some of his students had very powerful backgrounds!
"Grandma! I must have this Spirit Beast…" Meng Yiran was anxious; hunting for spirit rings was no child's play.
Finding a spirit ring that suited oneself was not an easy task.
Chao Tianxiang also understood this. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke again.
"Little Brother Zhao, since both our parties contributed to capturing it, why don't we follow the rules of the Spirit Master's world? Let this young man and my granddaughter have a Spirit Battle to decide the ownership of this Spirit Beast. How about that?"
Zhao Wuji sighed helplessly.
"I'm sorry, I cannot agree…"
"Zhao Wuji, are you perhaps toying with me, or are you taking advantage of my old partner not being here?!"
Chao Tianxiang's face darkened; she had already compromised enough, but he still wouldn't budge!
"Hehe… Elder Sister Chao, how dare I intentionally toy with you? It's just that my student… he's a food system Spirit Master!"
Zhao Wuji told her that Oscar was a food system Spirit Master.
This surprised Chao Tianxiang again; she wondered where he found so many monsters.
She had never seen a food system Spirit Master cultivate so quickly.
With so many people, is there not a single normal one?!
"Teacher Zhao, why don't I take Little Ao's place? I'm currently level twenty-nine!"
Just as the situation reached a stalemate, Tang San voluntarily stepped forward.
But his movement also brought Ye Qiu, who stood behind him, into Meng Yiran's sight.
Ye Qiu's lips curved into a faint smile as he held Xiao Wu's hand, quietly watching the show.
Meng Yiran's heart skipped a beat. Holding her snake-headed staff, she couldn't tear her eyes away for a moment.
His deep blue, medium-length, messy hair was like the color of the sky, still dazzling even in the dim forest.
His eyes were like clear lake water, or the distant starry sky, very deep and captivating.
His face was handsome and elegant, with distinct lines, defined features, and skin as smooth as silk. His fair complexion further highlighted his blue eyes.
They were so bright that her heart couldn't help but lighten.
His figure was tall and straight, with a straight back and broad shoulders, yet his posture was gentle and powerful.
He wore a white close-fitting suit, inlaid with silver threads, which reflected a faint glow in the dim environment, appearing somewhat ethereal and very noble.
Although his smile at this moment was a bit casual, it still made her feel the warmth of a spring breeze.
Meng Yiran's heart pounded.
Ye Qiu, however, cast a puzzled look at her.
Zhao Wuji and Chao Tianxiang had already discussed everything, so why was this girl staring at him in a daze?
When he looked at her, Meng Yiran felt her breath catch, and her snake-headed staff almost dropped from her hand, her face flushing red.
"Yiran, Yiran? Yiran!"
Chao Tianxiang called several times without a response. She turned around curiously and patted her granddaughter's shoulder.
"Ah!? G-Grandma! What's wrong?"
Meng Yiran averted her gaze, her heart still pounding rapidly, occasionally stealing a glance at Ye Qiu.
She felt she was falling in love!
"What's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No! I'm fine…" Meng Yiran gently shook her head and took a few deep breaths.
But she dared not look at Ye Qiu again.
"Don't worry, Grandma has already discussed it with Little Brother Zhao. As long as you defeat this young man named Tang San, that Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent will be yours!"
Chao Tianxiang and Zhao Wuji's ideas coincided.
Chao Tianxiang wanted to quickly retrieve the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent from Zhao Wuji's hands and end this matter.
And Zhao Wuji also wanted to resolve the issue as soon as possible, not wanting to wait for the Dragon Duke to arrive, as the situation would then be beyond his control!
So, after Tang San stepped forward, they immediately agreed.
They accepted this solution!
Tang San had already stepped out and stood beside Meng Yiran.
Two yellow spirit rings appeared beneath his feet, and Blue Silver Grass extended, swaying around him.
"Miss Meng, I am Tang San, my Spirit is Blue Silver Grass, a twenty-ninth level Two-Ring Battle Soul Grandmaster. Please guide me!"
"Little San, go for it!" Oscar cheered him on from the side; this concerned his third spirit ring!
Ma Hongjun also let out a shout.
"Yiran, go!" Chao Tianxiang urged.
To Tang San's anticipation, Meng Yiran merely gave him a cold glance.
She turned and took her grandmother's hand, pointing her snake-headed staff at Tang San.
"Grandma, I don't want to compete with him!"
"Hmm? Why?" Chao Tianxiang looked at her in confusion, completely bewildered.
"Don't you want the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent anymore?"
"Of course not! He's too ugly! I… I want to compete with him…"
Meng Yiran's face showed some shyness as she pointed her Snake Lance at Ye Qiu, who was watching the show opposite them.
Her eyes darted away, not daring to look directly.
"Too ugly?!"
Tang San's face darkened, feeling a little hurt.
Then he felt immensely insulted!
And cold sweat broke out on Ye Qiu's forehead.
Zhu Zhuqing and the other two girls' eyes were filled with deep resentment; they had already noticed Meng Yiran's strange gaze earlier.
Xiao Wu clutched his arm even tighter.
Chao Tianxiang also looked curiously at the young man before her.
Even her eyes flashed with a hint of admiration.
Seeing her granddaughter's shy expression, she, being an experienced person, understood the young girl's feelings.
Zhao Wuji and the others also looked at Ye Qiu somewhat strangely.
"Ahem~ Miss Meng, my spirit power is already level thirty-four!"
Ye Qiu coughed twice, his face also showing a strong sense of awkwardness.
He hadn't even activated his Spirit just now, had he?!
Are there so many people obsessed with looks in this World?
Wishing everyone a pleasant life!
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