Chapter 102: The Anxious Three Scoundrels, the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent, Group Soul Hunt
This small disturbance finally died down for the time being.
But after such a commotion, no one had any appetite left.
They hastily tidied up and returned to their respective rooms to rest.
Lin Qingmo naturally followed Xiao Wu toward the same room.
Just as he reached the door—
He felt a gaze behind him so intense it nearly burned through his back.
He didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.
Tang San stood at the far end of the corridor.
"Xiao Wu…"
He muttered softly, his chest feeling as though it were being violently squeezed.
The sensation of something he cherished being easily taken away was enough to drive him mad.
"Lin Qingmo… I will take Xiao Wu back."
"I will."
After muttering those two lines, he turned and left.
"Tch. All this guy can do is mutter to himself."
Lin Qingmo was a bit annoyed.
If only he dared to rush up and let him land a few punches…
…
Night fell.
Lin Qingmo lay on the bed near the window, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
Xiao Wu, nestled beside him, was already asleep, her breathing steady and even.
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft silver outline along her profile.
Lin Qingmo, however, was not asleep.
He was silently reviewing the events of the day in his mind.
By bringing up Shi Nian ahead of time, he had indeed intended to scare Dai Mubai and the others a little.
They probably won't sleep well tonight.
But at the same time, he wanted to see how the plot would shift now that he had disrupted it.
In the original story, Shi Nian only targeted Tang San during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Now that things had been stirred up, perhaps it would happen earlier?
"Tch. Troublesome."
Lin Qingmo rolled onto his side, facing the wall.
He wasn't particularly worried about himself.
He had his master backing him.
If Shi Nian truly dared to target him, that would be no different from courting death.
But Dai Mubai and the others were a different story.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, though, were innocent in all this.
"Forget it. One step at a time."
He closed his eyes and finally drifted to sleep.
…
At dawn the next morning—
Zhao Wuji woke everyone up.
"Get yourselves together! We're entering the Star Dou Forest today. This isn't child's play!"
He roared gruffly, his gaze lingering especially on the three scoundrels who looked sleep-deprived.
"Once we're inside, you follow orders. If anyone dares cause trouble again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Here, in town, he could protect them.
Inside the Star Dou Forest, danger lurked everywhere.
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison.
After a simple breakfast, the group set off toward the forest.
The closer they got, the more humid the air became.
Towering ancient trees gradually replaced low shrubs.
Layer upon layer of canopies nearly blocked out the sky.
The light dimmed. The air carried the damp scent of vegetation.
Insects chirped, birds cried, and the distant growls of unknown soul beasts echoed faintly from deep within the forest.
A primal, wild, dangerous atmosphere pressed in from all sides.
…
Ning Rongrong instinctively moved closer to Lin Qingmo.
Though she was the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, she had not often ventured deep into soul beast forests.
This environment made her uneasy.
Xiao Wu, on the other hand, appeared relaxed—almost excited.
She skipped ahead, eyes sparkling.
Occasionally, she would crouch to touch the moss on the ground or tilt her head to examine the treetops.
"Xiao Wu, don't go too far."
Tang San couldn't help but remind her, worry evident in his voice.
"Tch, mind your own business!"
Her good mood instantly vanished at his words, yet she didn't slow down at all.
Lin Qingmo observed silently, inwardly amused.
A rabbit returning to the forest is just like going home.
Zhao Wuji led the team at the front.
"Pay attention to the tracks. The moment you find a suitable soul beast for Little Ao, signal immediately!"
"Understood!"
The group spread out in a fan formation and advanced.
Lin Qingmo walked slightly behind Xiao Wu, his gaze sweeping the surroundings cautiously.
He knew well that Star Dou Forest had never been safe.
Even its outer region.
…
They searched for several hours.
They encountered a few soul beasts just over a thousand years old, but none were suitable for Oscar.
Just as fatigue began to settle in—
"Rustle…"
A rapid disturbance sounded from a thicket ahead.
Then Tang San's voice came from the left:
"Teacher Zhao! Found something!"
Everyone immediately converged in that direction.
A fiery red shadow streaked through the trees!
It was a snake.
Its entire body was covered in purplish-red scales. On its head grew a vivid cockscomb crest, and its tail fanned out like phoenix feathers.
Its speed was astonishing, darting between trees and leaving afterimages behind.
"Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent!"
Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up.
"Judging by its size and speed, at least fifteen hundred years old. Perfect for Xiao Ao!"
He issued commands at once:
"Xiao San, restrain it with Blue Silver Grass!"
"Everyone else, coordinate attacks. Don't damage its vital spots!"
"Yes!"
Tang San immediately released his martial soul.
Blue Silver Grass surged from beneath his feet like a living tide, wrapping toward the serpent.
Sensing danger, the serpent accelerated.
But it was fast—Blue Silver Grass was faster in numbers.
Dozens of vines surrounded it from all directions, finally binding its body as it attempted to change direction.
"Hiss—!"
The serpent shrieked sharply, thrashing violently.
"Now!"
Dai Mubai roared as his White Tiger martial soul possessed him.
Activating his third soul skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, his body swelled, and he smashed a heavy punch into the serpent's body.
Ma Hongjun spewed Evil Fire from the side.
Scorching flames burned against the scales with a sizzling sound.
Ning Rongrong immediately provided amplification—
Of course, limited to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
Lin Qingmo didn't need it.
"Seven Treasures Turn to Glazed Light—First: Strength! Second: Speed!"
Seven-colored light enveloped Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
The two exchanged a glance and moved simultaneously.
Like lightning, they struck from opposite sides toward the serpent's weak points—its vital inch and its eyes.
Their attacks were sharp, coordinated.
They weren't fighting for Oscar's soul ring.
They were simply relishing real combat against a soul beast.
Lin Qingmo, meanwhile, contributed little.
He merely observed, occasionally using Blue Silver Grass to subtly interfere with the serpent's movements.
This level of soul beast didn't require him to exert himself.
Better to conserve energy.
Under the group's assault, the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent was soon severely injured.
Large patches of its fiery scales fell away. Blood seeped from multiple wounds.
Its struggles grew weaker.
"That's enough."
Zhao Wuji nodded, satisfied with their coordination, and stepped forward.
"Fifth Soul Skill: Gravity Crush!"
An invisible pressure instantly enveloped several meters around the serpent.
Under the force of Gravity Crush, even the air seemed thick and heavy.
"Hiss—!"
The serpent's body was slammed to the ground, unable to escape, no matter how it writhed.
Its hissing grew faint. Its gaze began to dull.
"Xiao Ao!"
Zhao Wuji barked.
"I'm coming!"
Oscar's hands trembled with excitement as he gripped his dagger and rushed forward.
He had waited so long for this.
Rank 30. Third soul ring. A brand-new soul skill…
However—
"Wait."
Lin Qingmo's voice suddenly interrupted him.
End of Chapter