The snow lay thick across the forest trail, crunching under Mo Xuan's boots as he followed the village guide, Elder Feng. The man's cloak flapped in the cold wind, and his breath puffed out in white clouds. He carried a long staff tipped with iron, his eyes sharp and assessing.
Elder Feng glanced at Mo Xuan, his expression serious. "Before we enter the deeper forest, you must understand what we're hunting—and what you're up against. Spirit Beasts are not merely animals. Their souls define their strength, intelligence, and the potential power of the Soul Rings they guard."
Mo Xuan nodded, his cold gaze unwavering, but he listened intently. Knowledge was always power.
Elder Feng raised a hand toward the forest. "Beasts are ranked numerically. The higher the rank, the stronger, rarer, and more intelligent they are. Rank 1 or 2 beasts are manageable for ordinary hunters—small wolves, boars, or forest snakes. They're weak, predictable, and mostly dangerous only if you are careless."
He continued, voice lowering, filled with gravity. "Rank 3 beasts are dangerous for unprepared Soul Masters. They are larger, more intelligent, can sense traps, and sometimes attack in packs. Rank 4 is where it becomes truly risky. These beasts—like the Frostmane Direwolf you faced before—possess heightened reflexes, some elemental powers, and cunning tactics. Only trained Soul Masters can face them without serious risk."
Mo Xuan's fingers flexed subtly around the Spirit Spring. He had faced Rank 4 already, and it had tested him to the limits.
Elder Feng's amber eyes hardened. "Rank 5 beasts are exceptional. Rare, intelligent, and cunning. They possess elemental attributes, can strategize in battle, and often have multiple attack forms. Only a Soul Master with control over their own power and a strong synergy with their martial soul—or a companion—can hope to survive an encounter unscathed."
Mo Xuan's mind absorbed this quietly, the pulse of his Space Soul Ring echoing faintly.
"Above Rank 5…" Elder Feng's voice dropped almost to a whisper. "Rank 6 beasts are considered semi-legendary. They are incredibly powerful, often cunning enough to anticipate attacks, and their Soul Rings can drastically accelerate a Soul Master's growth. Rarely do hunters survive encounters with them without taking severe injury. Rank 7 and beyond… only geniuses, extraordinary martial prodigies, or bonded ancient beasts can challenge them."
Mo Xuan tilted his head slightly, calculating. That's where we'll be heading eventually.
Elder Feng shifted slightly, leaning on his staff. "And Soul Masters are ranked similarly. A Rank 1 Soul Master is basically a trainee—limited in skill, ability, and endurance. Rank 3 or 4 is respectable for their age—capable of handling ordinary beasts, some strategy, and basic multi-target coordination. Rank 5 Masters are dangerous opponents; Rank 6 is rare, even in prosperous regions. Only Rank 7 and above are truly formidable, capable of challenging multiple high-ranked beasts simultaneously or surviving ancient trials."
He let out a long breath. "When hunting, you must understand not just power, but strategy, teamwork, and the unique characteristics of each beast. A clever Rank 5 or 6 beast can kill a reckless Rank 7 Soul Master if they underestimate it. Intelligence and instinct are as dangerous as claws or teeth."
Mo Xuan's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "Then we'll have to be cleverer than them."
Elder Feng nodded approvingly. "Exactly. That is why I bring Lin Yue with you. His twin martial souls complement your Space Soul Ring and Spirit Spring. Together, you may have the coordination needed to challenge beasts above your current rank."
Mo Xuan's mind wandered briefly to the distant forest shadows. Rank 5+, intelligent, elemental… a real test of control, Spring, and strategy. And Wei Zhan… he'll show up soon.
Elder Feng finally gestured toward the deeper forest, voice calm but firm. "Remember, Mo Xuan, the first step is observation. Study the beasts' habits, movements, and reactions. React with precision, strike with efficiency, and never underestimate their intelligence. The stronger the beast, the higher the chance of awakening a rare Soul Ring—but the risk is just as great."
Mo Xuan tightened his grip on the Spirit Spring. "Understood. Observation, control, efficiency."
Elder Feng's gaze softened slightly. "Remember also this—beasts may be dangerous, but they are not mindless killers. Treat them as worthy opponents, and your Soul Ring growth will follow. Disrespect or recklessness… and you may never return from a Rank 6 encounter."
The forest fell silent around them, save for the distant rustle of trees and the soft crunch of snow underfoot. Ahead, faint pawprints glimmered in the early morning frost—the first signs of the Thunder Sabertooth Tiger.
Elder Feng's voice dropped to a whisper. "Mo Xuan… these marks are fresh. Rank 5+ beast. Proceed with caution. And remember… speed, strategy, and synergy are everything."
Mo Xuan's cold gaze hardened. The first true regional challenge had begun.