Xiao Tianyang knew that this situation was unavoidable, so he simply sat down and began to discuss the matter.
Ning Fengzhi request wasn't excessive, and truthfully, it wasn't particularly difficult for him to fulfill.
It was merely the effort of a single meal. However, he needed to make the other party feel that this task required his utmost dedication and sincerity.
If it seemed too easy, they might undervalue it and dismiss its importance. He didn't want such a precious herb to end up being treated as a worthless commodity.
Once everything was agreed upon, the two parted ways without lingering. After all, although Ning Fengzhi could leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect temporarily, he couldn't stay away for too long. Who else would handle the backlog of responsibilities?
…
The next morning, Xiao Tianyang sought out Yu Xiaogang and said, "Grandmaster, I've reached level 40."
Yu Xiaogang immediately guessed Xiao Tianyang's intentions and frowned. "You plan to hunt soul beasts yourself to obtain your soul ring?"
"That's right," Xiao Tianyang replied straightforwardly. "And this time, I'm not heading to the Sunset Forest. I plan to go to the Star Dou Forest."
"Why the Star Dou Forest?" Yu Xiaogang asked, his frown deepening. "You need to understand that the soul beasts there aren't forgetful creatures. When you went there before for training, you didn't have a specific target, so you could retreat whenever danger arose. But this time is different. You'll need to search extensively, and given the level of your current soul rings..."
Yu Xiaogang trailed off, momentarily at a loss for words. His usual theories simply didn't apply to Xiao Tianyang.
The first soul ring at the thousand-year level, the second at the ten-thousand-year level, and the third also from a ten-thousand-year soul beast—what level should the fourth soul ring be?
After a pause, he continued, "If you want to obtain a suitable soul ring, you'll have to venture deep into the Star Dou Forest. It's far too dangerous."
"Don't worry, Grandmaster. I value my life," Xiao Tianyang said with a smile. "Besides, I have plenty of life-saving methods. Even if I encounter a 100,000-year soul beast, I can escape."
Seeing that Xiao Tianyang had made up his mind, Yu Xiaogang stopped trying to dissuade him and simply shook his head. "In that case, you should set out early. I'll cover for your absence here."
"Safe travels then," Yu Xiaogang said, waving his hand.
Xiao Tianyang quietly left Shrek Academy without telling anyone.
…
In a luxurious hotel room in Heaven Dou City, a shadowy figure flashed into the living room and slightly cupped his hands toward the person on the sofa. "Your Highness, he has already set off. Should I continue to keep an eye on him?"
"No, I'll handle this myself," Qian Renxue replied, looking up at the figure. "Ghost Douluo, thank you for making an exception and assisting me this time."
The shadowy figure was none other than Ghost Douluo, one of the titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall!
He was the safest choice for the task of monitoring Xiao Tianyang. Unless Miao Zhenshan himself intervened, Ghost Douluo could remain undetected.
Even Bone Douluo wouldn't be able to spot him unless he got too close. This was the natural advantage of his martial soul.
"It's my duty, Your Highness. No need for thanks," Ghost Douluo said with a slight bow before quietly retreating.
Qian Renxue lowered her head and murmured to herself, "This time, I'll follow you and see what else you're hiding from me..."
Meanwhile, Xiao Tianyang had already left the city, riding his Harley and speeding away, completely unaware that he was being watched.
Even if he had known, he never would have imagined that Qian Renxue would send a Titled Douluo just to keep tabs on him.
Such high regard, indeed!
Putting on his sunglasses, humming a tune, and revving the engine to its limit, Xiao Tianyang raced forward at full speed. In less than two days, he arrived at the Star Dou Forest.
"This familiar scent... Nature, here I come," Xiao Tianyang said, taking a deep breath and pretending to be intoxicated by the surroundings before stepping into the forest.
About half a day after he entered, a panting Qian Renxue arrived at the same spot. "What kind of trick does this guy have? How is he so fast?" she muttered to herself. But she didn't waste time. After catching her breath, she too entered the Star Dou Forest.
…
Boom!
Xiao Tianyang punched the soul beast in front of him and snorted, "I don't have time to play with you today. This is your last warning. If you come at me again, I won't hold back!"
Hearing this, the soul beast, which had been eager to fight, immediately backed off and slunk away. It knew the human before it well.
Xiao Tianyang had often trained in this area, and his reputation had spread among the local soul beasts. He fought but rarely killed, a behavior that had gradually become known among the soul beasts in the region.
Just like in the Soul Hunting Forest, Xiao Tianyang had become a familiar face here. His lack of malice and natural affinity with soul beasts made him less of a threat, and the creatures didn't reject his presence.
However, being a familiar face also had its drawbacks. When encountering soul beasts that were suitable for his needs, he couldn't bring himself to harm them.
Watching the soul beast retreat, Xiao Tianyang leaned against a tree to rest. At the same time, he checked the system task page in his mind.
Main Task Triggered: [Fourth Soul Ring]
Content: Obtain your fourth soul ring independently. The soul ring's age must not be less than 70,000 years.
Reward: Level 2 Lottery x1.
Side Mission Triggered: [Tit for Tat]
Content: During your first visit to the Star Dou Forest, the Titan Great Ape treated you as its food. Find it, defeat it, and reclaim your honor!
Reward: Soul Skill Sublimation Card x1.
Side Mission Triggered: [Revenge]
Content: Due to your provocative behavior toward beast-type soul beasts, you've been blacklisted by them. Survive this situation and leave the Star Dou Forest alive!
Reward: Chasing Clouds and Lightning x1.
These were the three tasks Xiao Tianyang had triggered upon returning to the Star Dou Forest.
All three were challenging, especially the last one, which was particularly perplexing.
He had visited the Star Dou Forest many times before—why had this mission only triggered now? He couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"The system doesn't reward me for nothing. It must have some premonition, just like last time..." Xiao Tianyang narrowed his eyes.
"Maybe I should change my identity. That might buy me some time and make things less rushed."
But soon, he shook his head. "No, changing identities won't help. Some of these soul beasts have sharper senses than dogs. If they're determined to find me, there's no avoiding them."
In the end, he couldn't come up with a foolproof plan. After all, unknown dangers were the hardest to prepare for.
…
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