Chapter 22: Spirit Hunting Forest
Lin Mo accepted the dean's olive branch without hesitation.
Gratitude showed plainly on his face. "Thank you, Dean. I'll work even harder when we return. I won't let you down!"
Dean Wang nodded, satisfied. He did not say more, only closing his eyes to rest.
The following afternoon, the carriage finally arrived at its destination, a Spirit Hunting Forest 400 li northeast of Nuoding City.
The carriage stopped at a checkpoint along the forest's perimeter.
Lin Mo stepped down beside Dean Wang, and the sight in front of him instantly captivated him.
A towering wooden palisade stretched as far as the eye could see, as if it fenced in the entire forest.
In front of the fence was a broad clearing scattered with simple barracks and watchtowers.
Armored soldiers in standard gear patrolled the camp's edges with spears in hand, every face alert.
The atmosphere here was far grimmer and tenser than in Nuoding City.
Dean Wang, clearly familiar with the place, led Lin Mo straight toward the checkpoint gate.
A guard moved to question them, but the dean had already raised a peculiar token.
The metal plaque glittered under the sun. It bore the emblem of a sword, a hammer, and a dragon.
It was a hunting token issued by Spirit Hall, essential for entering a state run Spirit Hunting Forest.
After verifying it, the guard's expression turned respectful, and he quickly stepped aside.
At that moment, a middle aged officer strode out from a nearby barracks.
When he saw Wang Zongchang, surprise lit up his face.
"Dean Wang? What brings you to the Spirit Hunting Forest at this time of year?" he called, clearly taken aback.
"I thought a busy man like you stayed holed up cultivating at Nuoding Academy. You only show up for the annual group hunt, leading the students yourself."
Wang Zongchang laughed, exchanged a few pleasantries, then gently guided Lin Mo forward.
With undisguised pride, he said, "Old Li, I'm here for our newest find."
"See this boy? Lin Mo, the genius we found this year at Nuoding Academy."
He paused, waiting until curiosity flashed in the officer's eyes, then continued.
"Less than a year after his Awakening, he has already climbed from Innate Rank 6 Spirit Power straight to the Rank 10 bottleneck."
"As dean, I couldn't bear to see that talent wasted, so I'm breaking precedent and personally escorting him to obtain the most suitable first Spirit Ring."
"Oh?" Officer Li exclaimed. "From 6 to 10 in under a year?"
He studied Lin Mo from head to toe.
As a 4 ring Spirit Ancestor himself, his perception was sharp. He could not identify Lin Mo's exact Spirit, but he could sense steady qi and a solid foundation. This was clearly no ordinary student.
More importantly, Dean Wang had come in person and spoke so highly of him.
Officer Li's smile widened. He cupped his hands in congratulations.
"Haha, sincere congratulations, Dean Wang. Nuoding Academy has truly struck gold this year. With such a standout student, you'll outshine every other elementary Spirit Master academy around."
"I'll take your kind words, Old Li," Wang Zongchang replied with a smile.
After a brief exchange, they passed the checkpoint and entered the forest.
The air instantly turned cooler and damper. Dappled light filtered through the dense canopy overhead.
All around, strange insect buzz and bird calls echoed, lively, yet laced with danger.
Lin Mo took in every detail. This was his first real visit to a Spirit Beast forest.
Still, he kept safety in mind.
With a thought, a flash of red light summoned Charmander to his side.
The little fire type sniffed the rich air, tail flicking. Its blue eyes scanned the surroundings warily as it let out a low growl.
It stayed close, guarding Lin Mo's heel.
To outsiders, Lin Mo was merely a Spirit Scholar with an external Beast Martial Soul. All his visible combat strength lay in Charmander.
His own body was fragile and needed protection, an impression he was perfectly happy to maintain.
Dean Wang noticed Lin Mo's caution and nodded in approval.
"Stay close. We're going straight to the 100 year Spirit Beast zone. The 10 year Spirit Beasts on the outer edge are useless to you now."
"Yes, Dean." Lin Mo answered, quickly following behind.
Wang Zongchang kept his word.
He bypassed the outer region entirely and led Lin Mo deeper, toward the area where 100 year Spirit Beasts roamed.
As they advanced, the forest grew quieter. The trees became taller. A faint pressure seeped into the air, pressing down like an unseen weight.
Lin Mo stayed alert, but his Spirit Power also stirred with excitement. Anticipation burned in his eyes.
Next would be his first absorption of a Spirit Ring, a milestone every Spirit Master had to face.
He could not help wondering.
After the ring fused, what kind of first Spirit Ability would Charmander obtain?
.....
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