Ten minutes later, Lie Du finally taught Huan Le a harsh lesson, leaving a handprint-shaped scar on his left cheek.
At the same time, Xiao Chen's consciousness began to return.
"Brother Chen… You're finally awake."
Rising to his feet and thankful for the Qi that restored his awareness, Xiao Chen was suddenly approached by Lie Du, who said, "The hundreds of Tier-Two Yeye Monkey soul pearls, and the Tier-Three Yeye Monkey King's soul pearl are yours… Thank you for helping us."
Xiao Chen nodded, then separated sixty of the Tier-Two Yeye Monkey soul pearls into a different portion.
"Brother Chen, what do you mean by this?" Yang Nan asked, realizing Xiao Chen's intention, but immediately opposed it.
Swuuuuuush!
Sliding the remaining pearls away, Xiao Chen smiled warmly.
"Even though I killed the Yeye monkeys, during the battle you all contributed significantly—holding off some groups, and dealing with the Yeye Monkey King… I'm grateful for your cooperation. Please accept these!"
Lie Du nodded, followed by Yang Nan. Huan Le, however, looked different. The handprint mark still on his face, he wandered off alone, his expression clearly annoyed.
"Why him?"
"Just let him go… I don't like greedy companions," Yang Nan replied, causing Huan Le to leave them behind.
Watching Huan Le disappear into the forest, Xiao Chen turned to Yang Nan with a serious look.
"Why let him go alone into the forest?"
Yang Nan lowered his head. Lie Du then spoke clearly.
"Do you remember why the three of us are here?"
"To find a missing companion?"
"Yes, technically, we've already found the answer…"
"So your companion is in danger, and he wants to save him alone?" Xiao Chen's voice rose slightly.
Yang Nan gave a faint smile. "He is the mastermind behind the disappearance of Chen Yei… Even though Yei'er is relatively safe, the identity of our junior disciple is extremely important to the sect…"
"Then why kidnap your junior disciple?"
"Love blinded him. He set up a small scheme to obtain him."
Xiao Chen nodded. He didn't actually want to interfere, but his master had a bad premonition.
'Chen'er, ask them about the obvious problem…'
Knowing his master's curiosity always had a reason, Xiao Chen questioned Yang Nan about all that had happened. The Star Soul Spirit, listening to the story, let out a slight sigh.
'The intentions of your two new companions differ from your own purpose for coming here. But their problems will also become yours. After all, your master asked you to come to this forest for a reason. What that reason is, you will find out. For now, your master senses ten Tier-Three Mid-Rank Soul practitioners approaching… Xiao Chen, let them capture your companions. Then follow them secretly.'
Swuuuuuush!
Instantly, using his Thousand Lightning Steps, Xiao Chen left his two companions behind. This, of course, confused Yang Nan and Lie Du. But just after Xiao Chen's departure, ten masked men immediately surrounded them.
"The Young Master instructed us to capture them alive… Remember, do not harm them, as they will witness the Young Master's marriage in the future!"
"Yes!"
The ten men formed an ambush circle. Those who had previously captured the two East Sea Sect disciples showed mysterious smiles.
"You've been caught by us before, so it's better to surrender… Then we won't act beyond the Young Master's orders."
Yang Nan looked at Lie Du, 'It's alright, perhaps this is our fate…' he telepathically communicated.
Lie Du nodded in understanding. Both allowed the ten masked men to bind their hands, then followed their captors deeper into Shao Yang Forest.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen was bewildered by his master's current request. How could he stand by and watch his new companions taken as hostages?
Swuuuuuush!
The Star Soul Spirit emerged from Xiao Chen's subconscious. Without warning, its physical form smacked Xiao Chen on the head.
Pleeetak!
"Foolish student! Can you even sense the cultivation level of those ten men?"
"No, Master!"
"Then you're simply delivering your life to them for FREE, you idiot!"
"Ah, I understand, but leaving them without clarity… isn't that too cruel?"
The Star Soul Spirit closed its eyes, then muttered, "The Xiao Lang nature is deeply embedded in your principles of life… I truly did not expect this."
"Your Master asked you to hide, not leave. Now, follow their direction…"
Xiao Chen nodded, tracking their path. Fifteen minutes later, they finally arrived at a large camp guarded by numerous cultivators.
From the Star Soul Spirit's perspective, rescuing Xiao Chen's new companions would not be easy. It seemed Xiao Chen was about to uncover a secret held by this group.
"Observe from a distance first. Considering your companion's conversation with this group, they likely won't be killed. No need to rush."
"Understood, Master."
Carefully watching the guards' routines, Xiao Chen noticed his master meditating. His furrowed brow suggested hesitation, but Xiao Chen dared not disturb him. Then, his master's words startled him.
"Damn… So they really have found the Dragon Heart Flame?!"
"D-Dragon Heart Flame? Master, what flame is that?"
The Star Soul Spirit let out a long sigh. "The Dragon Heart Flame is a natural heavenly fire belonging to the Dragon Clan… It is also one of the ten strongest flames on the Langit Continent."
"Is it that terrifying? But… isn't the leader of this group a very powerful cultivator?!"
The Star Soul Spirit smiled mysteriously. "Not necessarily. The Dragon Heart Flame is incredibly fierce… A group of trash like them could never refine it."