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After three days of travel, Ning Tianchen and his group entered a mangrove forest.
The trees here had red trunks and leaves, and even the ground soil was tinged with a faint red hue.
Huang Mengyu glanced at the pre-prepared route map and explained, "Esteemed guests, there is a special type of spirit beast in this forest called the Winged Spider."
According to his description, the Winged Spider was essentially a spider-type spirit beast. However, unlike all other types of spiders, it couldn't spin silk and possessed a certain degree of flight ability.
On the inner side of each of its spider legs were membranes that, when fully extended, allowed it to glide through the air for an extended period.
However, the Winged Spiders in this mangrove forest weren't very old. As long as they didn't jump onto the tree trunks and get spotted, they could pass through safely by staying close to the ground without encountering any danger.
Lone Wolf objected to his decision. "It's too dangerous. Why not detour around?"
Winged Spiders were social spirit beasts. If one of them in the group detected their presence, they would face an attack from a large swarm of Winged Spiders.
Huang Mengyu carefully examined the map and shook his head. "I'm afraid it's not possible. There are powerful spirit beasts roaming near the mangroves. Detouring would mean traveling further and encountering unpredictable risks."
The profession of being a guide was often passed down through families.
When the father retired, he would hand over all the maps to his son, passing them down generation after generation.
Many of the routes recorded on these maps hadn't been personally walked by the guides—they only knew that the path existed on the map.
Huang Mengyu was no exception.
When two guides disagreed, to ensure safety, they could only follow one person's plan.
Before entering the forest, it had already been arranged that Huang Mengyu would lead the first half of the journey.
Although Lone Wolf raised objections, seeing that Huang Mengyu was insistent, he didn't press the matter.
Most of the trees in the mangrove forest were as thick as ten people hugging together, and some were even taller.
This was undoubtedly a forest of giant trees.
Walking beneath them, sticky substances secreted by the tree trunks continuously dripped down.
If it landed on their bodies, especially their hair, it was difficult to clean off.
This was spirit beast territory, so Ning Tianchen and the others couldn't use soul power barriers. They could only cover their heads with their coats to avoid getting covered in sticky goo.
"This path is really tough," Chen Huayu complained.
The roots of the trees were exceptionally developed, and they were essentially walking on tree roots.
"When we return, I'll take you through another route," Lone Wolf reminded them, which somewhat eased everyone's tension.
Not long after, the group rested under a large tree to recover their strength.
When Ning Tianchen looked up, he noticed a Winged Spider above their heads.
The spider's rear end was facing them, and it hadn't noticed their presence.
At the same time, Ning Rongrong also looked up. Ning Tianchen quickly covered her mouth to prevent any sound.
Using sound transmission, he informed the others about the situation above their heads.
Huang Mengyu tensed up and immediately gestured for them to leave.
Lone Wolf frowned.
If they were going to cross this mangrove forest, why not choose to detour around it instead of traversing straight through?
Now wasn't the time to argue—they needed to leave quickly.
Suddenly, someone accidentally stepped on a dry branch, and the sound caught the attention of the Winged Spider.
On the tree trunk, the Winged Spider turned its body, its many eyes searching through the forest.
Being discovered was only a matter of time.
Without hesitation, Ning Tianchen shouted, "Xiao Ao, Flying Mushroom Sausage!"
As he spoke, he pointed his right hand like a sword, and a burst of sword energy shot out, piercing the Winged Spider's body.
The Flying Mushroom Sausages were prepared and distributed to everyone.
After consuming them, a pair of wings materialized behind each of them.
With their increased strength, the duration and speed of the Flying Mushroom Sausages far surpassed their original capabilities.
Ning Rongrong followed up by providing a boost with her soul skill. "Nine treasures command, second: speed."
Everyone soared into the sky, flying above the forest and heading toward the edge of the mangroves.
While Winged Spiders could glide in the air, they didn't possess true flight abilities. Flying high enough allowed them to evade them.
Huang Mengyu patted his chest, still shaken. "Thank goodness we can fly; otherwise, we'd be in trouble."
There were still flying-type spirit beasts above the forest, so they couldn't fly too far recklessly.
Lone Wolf adjusted his wind hood and looked at Ning Tianchen's group of eight.
He could tell their team composition was quite balanced, and in terms of tactical proficiency, they surpassed any hunter team on the continent.
He couldn't help but become curious about Ning Tianchen's origins.
---
After escaping the mangrove forest, the group took temporary refuge in a safe location.
Huang Mengyu compared the map in his hands to determine their current position and plan the next route.
Cang Jinghong's expression darkened. "Just now, why didn't we detour around the mangroves?"
Huang Mengyu quickly explained, "There are many swamps around the mangroves—it's even more dangerous there."
While flying, they had also seen the swamps. However, the mangroves weren't completely surrounded by swamps, so they could have devised a more flexible route instead of proceeding as they did.
Fighting in the forest was likely to attract the attention of other spirit beasts.
If there were nearby spirit beast groups, they would discover that after dealing with some spirit beasts, others would keep coming—endlessly.
Huang Mengyu knew it was his mistake and quickly assured everyone that such issues wouldn't arise again.
During the rest, Ning Tianchen noticed Lone Wolf's movements.
Like Zhang Heng, he seemed reluctant to interact with outsiders.
Suddenly, Chen Huayu burst out laughing. "I've broken through to level seventy!"
Everyone was drawn to his voice.
Lone Wolf also looked over with curiosity.
From Chen Huayu's demeanor, it was clear he wasn't someone with a hidden agenda, and his age must be relatively young.
To break through to level seventy at such an age, his background must be extraordinary.
Ning Tianchen said, "While traveling, look for a suitable soul ring."
For Chen Huayu's strength, a fifty-thousand-year soul ring would be most appropriate for his seventh soul ring.
As he spoke, Ning Tianchen's gaze shifted to Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar.
The two of them were not far from breaking through to level seventy. Since they were already in the forest, they could hunt for soul rings immediately after advancing.
---
Douluo Continent, within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Tianchen and the others had been gone for over a year, and no news had reached them yet.
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Fengzhi, the envoys sent by the Star Luo Empire are scheduled to enter the palace tonight—you need to go," Gu Rong reminded him.
Under the identity of Imperial Tutor, Ning Fengzhi assisted Xue Qinghe in ascending to power.
If not for the ongoing war, this would have been a prime opportunity for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to develop and expand—but now everything was delayed!
He wouldn't show a friendly face to the Star Luo Empire—not in a million years.
To this day, the conflicts on the borders showed no signs of easing.
Ever since the Soul Douluo experts from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect intervened on the battlefield, all of the sect's assets in the Star Luo Empire were frozen, and they were even placed on the imperial family's sanctions list.
Fortunately, they had the foresight to let the Hong family liquidate their assets beforehand; otherwise, who knows how much they would have lost.
Ning Fengzhi said gravely, "I will go to the palace tonight."
"Uncle Gu, any news from the Heavenly Sword Sect?"
Gu Rong shook his head with a bitter smile.
Before leaving, Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong did send back a letter, but it only mentioned that they were about to set sail—they didn't say where they were going.
The disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect's intelligence department were still stationed in Hankai City, and no news had reached them.
Chen Xin, however, wasn't worried. "Sect Master, with Tianchen around, Rongrong's safety isn't an issue. This is their trial, and I suspect they won't return until it's over."
"We don't need to rush. If they come back, we'll hear about it immediately."
At first, Ning Fengzhi was extremely worried.
He feared that after Ning Tianchen left, the Heavenly Sword Sect would fall apart or even change hands. But as time passed, under the governance of Elder Dugu Bo and the other elders, the sect thrived more than ever.
Moreover, the two major sects maintained frequent communication, which finally put Ning Fengzhi at ease.
After a pause, Gu Rong added, "Fengzhi, I've also uncovered an important matter."
"The Spirit Hall has been in close contact with several kingdoms and duchies recently. In the past few days, these states have deployed large numbers of troops along the borders."
"If things escalate, war on the borders is inevitable."
"I suspect this might be orchestrated by the Spirit Hall. Since the two empires went to war, they've been unusually quiet—it's possible they want a piece of the action too."
Since Xue Qinghe ascended to power, the Tian Dou Imperial Family's control over the kingdoms and duchies had weakened significantly. Thanks to Ning Fengzhi's intervention, these dukes and kings hadn't turned against the imperial family.
Now, shortly after meeting with the Spirit Hall, these leaders were amassing troops on the borders—a clear sign they intended to expand the conflict.
Ning Fengzhi finally understood why the Star Luo Empire sent envoys to Tian Dou City despite the battle not being resolved!
"If the entire border erupts into war, the conflict will inevitably escalate into a full-scale continental war. At that point, whichever side—Tian Dou or Star Luo—gains the Spirit Hall's support will determine the outcome."
Ning Fengzhi slammed his fist onto the armrest of his chair, his face dark with frustration. "The Spirit Hall is waiting to sell themselves to the highest bidder. No matter who wins, they'll reap the greatest benefits."
The key issue was that the Tian Dou Empire couldn't openly intervene—they had no way to influence the decisions of the kingdoms and duchies.
If the Star Luo Empire found out, it could drive those states to rebel, leaving the Tian Dou Empire surrounded and on the brink of destruction.
Chen Xin analyzed, "The fact that the Star Luo Empire sent envoys proves they aren't ready for an all-out war. The actions of the kingdoms and duchies could become our bargaining chips."
"We can use the threat of 'total war' to force the Star Luo Empire to the negotiating table and end the border conflict. But the prerequisite is that we can convince these kingdoms and duchies to withdraw their troops."
Ning Fengzhi had thought of this as well, but the problem was that these dukes and kings didn't heed Xue Qinghe's commands!
---
Far away on the Sun Moon Continent, Ning Tianchen remained unaware of the situation unfolding on the Douluo Continent.
Over the next few days, they successfully helped Zhang Heng obtain his sixth soul ring.
After the mangrove incident, Huang Mengyu made no further mistakes in planning their route.
Notably, Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing also broke through to level seventy during this time.
The seventh soul ring was the most crucial for a soul master, so Oscar decided to absorb a divine-bestowed soul ring.
After all, his sausage martial soul was unique, and very few food-based soul masters reached the seventy-level threshold. Oscar was unsure how to choose his seventh soul ring, but the divine-bestowed soul ring would provide him with the most suitable option, saving him the trouble of searching.
Similarly, Zhu Zhuqing also decided to absorb a divine-bestowed soul ring.
Her darkness-type martial soul meant high-level dark spirit beasts were rare and difficult to find, making the divine-bestowed soul ring the best choice.
As for Chen Huayu, the Flying Rogue Eagle—a powerful offensive spirit beast—was an excellent match for him.
According to Huang Mengyu, there were Flying Rogue Eagles with over forty thousand years of cultivation in this group. When the time came, they would help him hunt a suitable one.
The Flying Rogue Eagles were flying-type spirit beasts, and their group lived in a valley within the forest.
Before entering the valley, Cang Jinghong expressed some concern. "Are you sure fighting the Flying Rogue Eagles won't attract attacks from other spirit beasts?"
Huang Mengyu assured him, "Esteemed guest, Flying Rogue Eagles are highly aggressive spirit beasts. How could other spirit beast groups exist near them? Even if there are any, they'd only be small fry."
Cang Jinghong nodded firmly, then turned toward Ning Tianchen and bowed. "I entrust this to you. Once we return, my family will present additional gifts."
When helping Zhang Heng hunt his soul ring earlier, only Feng Xiaotian had acted alone.
But the Flying Rogue Eagles were different—they were a group of spirit beasts. Sending just one person to handle them would be reckless.
Ning Tianchen took charge and arranged, "Xiaotian and I will lead the attack. Yu Die and Cai Die, protect Mr. Huang and Rongrong. Zhuqing and Fatty will scout the surroundings to ensure no other spirit beasts interfere. Xiao Ao will provide sausages at any time and join the battle if the situation allows."
Then he looked at Zhang Heng and Cang Jinghong.
"We'll follow your arrangements," they said in unison.
Ning Tianchen nodded. "Master Cang, you'll support us whenever needed. I'll drive out a suitable spirit beast for you—be ready to finish it off."
"Zhang Heng, you'll replace Fatty. Let Fatty stay with Master Cang—they both need soul rings."
The two acknowledged their orders.
As for Lone Wolf, Ning Tianchen's instructions were simple. "You can take care of yourself—I won't assign anyone to protect you. If you want to help, feel free to act, but don't make things worse."
Lone Wolf adjusted his cowled hood and replied, "I'll watch your backs."
---
Entering the canyon, everyone maintained their formation according to Ning Tianchen's instructions.
The canyon was vast, and Flying Rogue Eagles occasionally circled above their heads.
Ning Tianchen stood on his Seven Kill Sword, while Feng Xiaotian activated his flight soul skill. The two simultaneously engaged the Flying Rogue Eagles.
The few Flying Rogue Eagles circling overhead only had a few thousand years of cultivation—they weren't their targets.
Attacking these weaker ones would draw the attention of the entire Flying Rogue Eagle group, luring out higher-level individuals.
Ning Tianchen casually slashed out a burst of sword energy, gravely injuring one Flying Rogue Eagle, which screeched and plummeted to the ground.
The commotion quickly drew the attention of the Flying Rogue Eagle group.
From the cliffs of the valley, more Flying Rogue Eagles spread their wings, roaring as they charged toward the two.
Their sheer numbers blotted out the sky!
Of course, Ning Tianchen and Feng Xiaotian weren't aiming to exterminate the entire group of Flying Rogue Eagles.
Eight soul rings—black, black, black, black, red, red, red, red—shone beneath Ning Tianchen's feet. The overwhelming pressure emanating from the soul rings immediately repelled spirit beasts below ten thousand years of cultivation.
Among the Flying Rogue Eagles, there were only about thirty with over ten thousand years of cultivation.
However, ordinary ten-thousand-year spirit beasts could barely maintain their positions under such pressure, let alone fight.
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