Seeing the soul rings beneath Ning Tianchen's feet, Lone Wolf couldn't help but look up.
Such a configuration of soul rings was something he had never seen before in his life.
A thought immediately crossed his mind: Perhaps Ning Tianchen really did have the ability to kill hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts!
Cang Jinghong was also seeing Ning Tianchen's soul ring configuration for the first time and was immediately stunned, his mouth agape.
"He has become this powerful!"
Recalling their time in the Evil Demon Town, when he heard that Ning Tianchen intended to venture deep into the Evil Demon Forest, he had originally thought they were going to their deaths. Now, it seemed they might actually be hunting hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts.
Judging from the oppressive aura of the soul rings, Ning Tianchen's four hundred-thousand-year soul rings were undoubtedly genuine.
Though it was hard to believe, Ning Tianchen's current strength clearly surpassed that of an ordinary Title Douluo.
On the battlefield, Ning Tianchen immediately activated his Killing God Domain.
After his "filtering," only three Flying Rogue Eagles remained capable of fighting them.
The cultivation levels of these three were forty thousand years, fifty-seven thousand years, and seventy thousand years, respectively.
Ning Tianchen frowned slightly.
When it mattered most, Huang Mengyu's intelligence had never been accurate.
Thankfully, his strength was sufficient. Otherwise, facing a seventy-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle would have been a death sentence.
Although a seventy-thousand-year spirit beast wasn't his match, Feng Xiaotian alone couldn't hold off the other two Flying Rogue Eagles.
"Xiaotian, I'll engage all three of them. I'll drive out the one we need, and you move in quickly to cripple it!"
After that, without needing further explanation, Feng Xiaotian understood what to do.
Once the Flying Rogue Eagle was gravely injured, it would naturally be handed over to Chen Huayu or Cang Jinghong to deliver the finishing blow.
Their coordination was seamless, and Feng Xiaotian immediately retreated to a suitable position.
The Seven Kill Sword appeared in Ning Tianchen's hand, and with wings sprouting from his back, his figure hovered mid-air.
The three Flying Rogue Eagles let out piercing cries as their attacks came one after another.
Countless feather blades filled the air, but Ning Tianchen held the Seven Kill Sword in front of him, creating a barrier of sword energy that completely blocked the assault.
"Evolved Skill of the Killing God Domain—Asura Ice Domain."
A chilling aura spread, and as the three Flying Rogue Eagles were enveloped, they felt as though they had fallen into an icy abyss, their speed greatly suppressed.
"Azure Dragon Break."
With a casual swing, Ning Tianchen unleashed a mighty burst of Azure Dragon sword energy. The seventy-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle stepped forward to block the attack.
In a spirit beast group, the strongest spirit beast not only served as the leader but also bore the responsibility of protecting the group.
The power of Ning Tianchen's Azure Dragon sword energy was overwhelmingly strong, and the other two Flying Rogue Eagles struggled to withstand it.
A perfect opportunity.
Ning Tianchen's eyes narrowed, and gripping the sword, he lunged toward the forty-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle.
"Fifth soul skill—All Around Massive Quake!"
The Seven Kill Sword shot forward, unleashing a fierce surge of momentum.
The powerful impact scattered the formation of the three Flying Rogue Eagles, and the sword energy that followed sliced countless gashes into the forty-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle, causing blood to flow profusely.
"Xiaotian."
Ning Tianchen gave a reminder.
Feng Xiaotian swiftly followed up, his Dual-Headed Wolf martial soul biting down on the wing of the forty-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle.
---
On the Sea God Island
After more than half a year of intense training, Tang San and the others had finally completed the first trial of the Sea God.
The Sea God's trials were extremely difficult for land-based soul masters. Initially, Tang San hadn't stubbornly attempted to force his way through the Sea God's Light.
Instead, he took a step-by-step approach, steadily increasing his strength until the five members of the Shrek Team collectively completed the trial.
The Sea God didn't hold back, rewarding the Shrek Team generously.
Notably, Dai Mubai received an additional reward. His injuries, bathed in the Sea God's Light, were completely healed.
At that moment, he was once again a fully capable man.
Feeling his restored condition, Dai Mubai quickly reached down to confirm.
Upon feeling the presence of his "brother," he was overcome with joy and prostrated himself toward the Sea God Palace.
"Thank you, Great Sea God. Thank you!"
The other four members of the Shrek Team were drawn to his actions, and after some questioning, Dai Mubai explained the truth.
Tang San laughed loudly and looked toward the distant Sea God Palace.
Everything was moving in a positive direction. With just a little assistance from the Sea God, one of their major problems had been resolved. In the future, if he were to inherit the position of the Sea God, wouldn't all their problems be effortlessly solved?
Yu Tianheng sincerely rejoiced for Dai Mubai. "Mubai, when we return, Elder Tang Xiao's plan can finally be set into motion."
Tang Xiao's plan was to support Dai Mubai in ascending to power and, with the backing of the Star Luo Empire, launch a revenge campaign against the Spirit Hall.
Previously, due to Dai Mubai's physical condition, their plans had been difficult to execute. But now, the situation had completely reversed.
Dai Mubai laughed heartily and declared, "With the rewards bestowed by the Sea God, Dai Weisi will surely not be my match in the future. I am confident that I can kill him in our life-and-death battle!"
Tang San shook his head and lightly patted Dai Mubai's shoulder. "Mubai, don't underestimate your opponent. Dai Weisi has long held his ground in the imperial court. There are matters we must carefully consider over time."
Having been away from the Star Luo Imperial Court for so many years, Dai Mubai had virtually no allies left there.
Before aiding him in seizing the throne, they needed to secretly win over a group of ministers. And Governor Waltz would serve as the bridgehead for their entry into the court.
Many ministers would need to be contacted through Waltz in secret.
Only after completing this could they proceed to the next step of their plan. Until then, Dai Mubai must not reveal himself prematurely, lest they tip off their enemies.
Suppressing his excitement, Dai Mubai earnestly said, "Xiao San, I understand. When we return, I will follow your commands completely. If you tell me to go east, I won't dare go west."
This display of loyalty pleased Tang San greatly.
By placing Dai Mubai in power, the Tang Sect could seize control of the Star Luo Imperial Court. In the future, the Tang Sect would rely on the strength of the Star Luo Royal Family to grow into the number one sect on the continent, surpassing even the current Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect.
Of course, these thoughts were deeply buried in Tang San's heart. He would only reveal his true intentions when the time was ripe.
Tang San waved his hand. "Alright, our immediate priority is to complete the Sea God's trials."
"The content of the second trial has already been issued, but we shouldn't rush to the testing site."
The second trial involved breaking through the blockade of sea spirit beasts in the Circular Sea and reaching the opposite shore. During this process, they were forbidden from using any soul ring skills.
Though they had previously broken through the Circular Sea, the circumstances now were vastly different.
The difficulty of the Sea God's trials was evident, and Tang San didn't believe the second trial would be as simple as the first.
Before beginning the trial, he decided to gather some information to prepare adequately.
The person most familiar with the Circular Sea was naturally the Sea Horse Douluo of the Sea Horse City.
The five members of the Shrek Team returned to the Sea Horse City and immediately went to their respective rooms to wash away the dirt and grime.
After tidying up their personal hygiene, they proceeded to visit the city lord's residence of the Sea Horse City.
---
Within the Evil Demon Forest
Ning Tianchen successfully drove two Flying Rogue Eagles out of the battle. Feng Xiaotian quickly incapacitated them, handing them over to Chen Huayu and Cang Jinghong to deliver the final blows.
The battle had dragged on long enough, and Ning Tianchen no longer wished to continue.
The seventy-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle possessed considerable intelligence. Seeing its two capable subordinates killed, it began contemplating retreat.
After all, if it were to die, the entire Flying Rogue Eagle group wouldn't be able to maintain such a prime location, and other spirit beasts would surely attack them.
After one round of combat, Ning Tianchen retreated far back and called out, "I know you may understand human speech. Our goal has been achieved—shall we end the battle here?"
Spirit beasts didn't grasp the nuances of human reasoning; they simply assumed that their "kin" had provoked Ning Tianchen's group and that the humans had come seeking revenge.
Since the main culprits had been eliminated, there was no need to continue the fight.
The Flying Rogue Eagle flapped its wings and let out a roar, showing no intention of attacking.
"Very well, let us part ways here."
After speaking, Ning Tianchen faced the Flying Rogue Eagle and slowly retreated.
The spirit beasts in the Great Star Dou Forest harbored hostility toward humans because they had witnessed humanity's "cruelty." On the other hand, most soul masters in the Evil Demon Forest might not even reach such remote areas.
This group of Flying Rogue Eagles might have never seen humans before.
To them, Ning Tianchen's group might appear as an unknown clan of spirit beasts.
Without any prior grievances, and given Ning Tianchen's overwhelming strength that far surpassed their own, it was only natural for the leader of the Flying Rogue Eagles to wisely accept the end of the battle.
Returning to his group, Ning Tianchen noticed the Flying Rogue Eagles retreating to their nests. He immediately instructed, "Take the corpses of the spirit beasts and let's leave this place at once."
The process of absorbing a soul ring could take several hours. Staying here for too long would inevitably invite unforeseen dangers.
Perhaps, after the seventy-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle realized what had happened, its entire group might fight to avenge the two fallen members.
Although eagle-type spirit beasts were large in size, their bodies were surprisingly light.
Chen Huayu and Cang Jinghong dragged their respective spirit beast corpses without affecting their traveling speed.
---
In a natural cave outside the canyon, the group came to a stop.
"You will absorb your soul rings here, while the others will take turns guarding," Ning Tianchen arranged.
Cang Jinghong bowed deeply. "Words cannot express my gratitude. If you return to Coastal City, my family will present additional gifts."
"Master Cang is too kind," Ning Tianchen nodded slightly, saying no more.
Once Cang Jinghong finished absorbing his soul ring, Huang Mengyu's task would be complete.
He communicated their current location in the forest with Lone Wolf to facilitate the latter's continued guidance.
Feng Xiaotian began inspecting the corpses of the two spirit beasts.
After examining the forty-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle, he found no soul bone. His gaze then shifted to the fifty-thousand-year Flying Rogue Eagle.
Through his perception, he sensed a concentration of soul power within the corpse.
When he used his sharp claws to cut open the abdomen of the corpse, a faint white glow instantly filled the entire cave, emanating an aura that invigorated everyone.
"A soul bone!"
The group's breathing became noticeably rapid.
A soul bone from a fifty-thousand-year spirit beast—on the Sun Moon Continent, this was undoubtedly one of the top-tier soul bones, perhaps even the only one of its kind.
Lone Wolf's eyes glazed over momentarily before he sighed.
With Ning Tianchen around, even if three of him attacked simultaneously, they might still not be a match for the opponent.
If that were the case, why should he seek his own demise?
Zhang Heng merely glanced at the soul bone before quickly averting his gaze.
He understood well that refraining from touching things he shouldn't was the way to survive.
On the other hand, Huang Mengyu seemed to forget his position entirely. His greedy eyes betrayed no restraint, and he even attempted to step forward and seize the soul bone.
"Hmph!"
Ning Tianchen let out a soft snort, and a powerful surge of soul power erupted, knocking Huang Mengyu to the ground.
This jolt brought Huang Mengyu back to his senses. Embarrassed, he scratched his head and retreated to the side.
Ning Tianchen instructed, "Since the soul bone originated from Fatty's soul ring, it shall be given to him for absorption."
Feng Xiaotian and the others raised no objections to his decision.
After all, none of them lacked soul bones, and years of friendship ensured they wouldn't turn on each other over a single soul bone.
About three hours later, Cang Jinghong was the first to finish absorbing his soul ring.
Upon hearing about the soul bone, he didn't embarrass himself by trying to purchase it with money.
A fifty-thousand-year soul bone on the Sun Moon Continent was as valuable as a hundred-thousand-year soul bone—an invaluable treasure. The finest things the Cang family had to offer had already been exchanged by Ning Tianchen. To propose buying it with money now would only invite ridicule.
Without waiting for Chen Huayu to finish absorbing his soul ring, Cang Jinghong and Zhang Heng bid their farewells. "We thank you all for your help on this journey. Your kindness is deeply appreciated."
"Since our goals have been achieved, it's best not to linger in the forest any longer. We'll depart immediately. Farewell, and take care."
Before leaving, Zhang Heng turned his head and said, "Senior masters, when we return, I'll treat you all to drinks."
Ning Tianchen and the others waved goodbye. "Thank you. There will be opportunities in the future."
Watching the three depart, Ning Tianchen turned his gaze to Lone Wolf. "Arrange the route as quickly as possible. Once Fatty finishes absorbing the soul ring, we won't stay any longer."
Lone Wolf nodded and then asked, "Technically, I shouldn't inquire about an employer's background. But I'm curious—what faction do you hail from? There are only four Title Douluo on the continent, yet your displayed strength surpasses even them."
Ning Tianchen shrugged and avoided answering directly, instead countering, "I'm also curious—why do you always cover your face? Do you have enemies pursuing you?"
Lone Wolf removed his wind hood and calmly replied, "Correct. But with you all, there's no need for me to hide."
He didn't recognize Ning Tianchen's group, nor had he ever heard of their names. Clearly, they couldn't possibly be his enemies.
Therefore, when facing Ning Tianchen's group alone, he wouldn't bother wearing his wind hood.
"Quite honest."
With a cold smile, Ning Tianchen warned, "Don't casually inquire about our origins—it's not beneficial for anyone."
As his words faded, Yu Die interjected, "Brother Lone Wolf, I wanted to ask—have you heard of anyone venturing deep into the Evil Demon Forest over a decade ago? Especially women?"
Lone Wolf studied her for a moment, then chuckled. "Every year, there are always a few people foolish enough to venture into the core zone to meet their deaths. How could I possibly remember so many?"
"Moreover, the time frame you mentioned is quite broad. Back then, I hadn't even arrived here yet."
Yu Die's eyes dimmed.
Thinking about it, it made sense. If her mother had indeed come here, she wouldn't have stood out in a crowd, and going unnoticed would have been normal.
Changing the subject, Lone Wolf said gravely, "However..."
Yu Die's hope reignited, and she gazed at him intently.
Lone Wolf continued, "It's said that over a decade ago, there was an upheaval in the Evil Demon Forest. Many spirit beasts surged out of the forest, causing devastating destruction to the spirit beast towns on the periphery."
"At the time, the Radiant Sun Empire issued a continent-wide announcement, stating that a pillar of light suddenly appeared deep within the Evil Demon Forest. That pillar contained boundless power, startling the spirit beasts and causing chaos."
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