Sunset Forest.
Led by the black-robed man, the Spirit Master team of Spirit Hall officially entered the mixed region of Sunset Forest.
This area was known as the transitional zone between the outer forest and the core region. The soul beasts active here were generally between one thousand and ten thousand years old, making it far more dangerous than the outskirts.
The primary objective of this expedition was very clear
to search for a fourth soul ring suitable for Hu Liena.
Based on Spirit Hall's evaluation, the ideal age of her fourth soul ring should be between four thousand and eight thousand years.
Huo Yuhao followed closely behind the team, his gaze constantly sweeping across the surrounding terrain. At the same time, he compared the environment before him with the memories deep in his mind, attempting to confirm his approximate location.
He had once been to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eyes.
That place was hidden deep within the valleys of Sunset Forest.
However, this was ten thousand years in the past. Over such a long span of time, the forest's terrain, vegetation, and even mountain ranges would inevitably have undergone drastic changes.
At present, he was only in a corner of the mixed region. His field of vision was extremely limited, making it impossible to observe the overall structure of the forest. Naturally, he could not accurately determine the location of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eyes.
Sunset Forest was simply too vast.
If the route deviated slightly, it would only mean climbing a dozen extra mountains.
But if they went astray and fell into the deep valleys of the forest, getting lost would be a fatal matter.
"…Yu Hao, Yu Hao?"
Only then did Huo Yuhao snap back to reality and immediately see Hu Liena standing beside him.
"What are you thinking about?" Hu Liena asked, placing her hands behind her back and tilting her head slightly.
"I'm memorizing the terrain," Huo Yuhao replied seriously. "It could save lives in an emergency."
His solemn expression made Hu Liena laugh softly.
"When it really comes to a life-and-death situation, remembering routes in advance usually won't help much," she said with a smile.
Before Huo Yuhao could respond, a sharp voice rang out ahead.
"There's something unusual in front. Everyone, stay alert!"
In an instant, all the Spirit Masters entered combat readiness. Brilliant soul rings rose beneath their feet white, yellow, and purple lights flashing alternately as their soul power surged.
Xie Yue and Yan released their martial souls simultaneously.
Four soul rings two yellow and two purple appeared beneath each of them, their auras rising sharply.
"Na'er."
Hu Liena reacted immediately, summoning her martial soul as well. Two yellow and one purple soul ring appeared beneath her feet as she instinctively positioned herself in front of Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao's gaze fell upon the forest ahead.
The trees trembled violently as a massive figure slowly emerged.
It was a wolf-shaped soul beast, its body covered in flowing blue fur that resembled flickering flames. It measured nearly five meters in length and stood over two meters tall. Its form seemed half-illusory, half-real, and its eyes gleamed with savage intelligence as it bared its fangs at the Spirit Masters.
A Netherworld Wolf.
Huo Yuhao narrowed his eyes.
Based on its physical traits and aura fluctuations, its age was roughly between seven thousand and seven thousand five hundred years.
This type of soul beast was known for its extreme agility, strong hunting instincts, and faint spatial abilities.
With the number of Spirit Masters present and with Xie Yue and Yan, both four-ring Soul Sects this level of threat was completely manageable.
No wonder the black-robed leader remained calm, standing in place with his arms crossed, observing coldly.
"It's actually a Netherworld Wolf?" Hu Liena's eyes lit up with excitement.
After searching the Sunset Forest for so long, they had finally encountered a soul beast that matched her requirements.
Among thousand-year soul beasts, the Netherworld Wolf was considered top-tier, especially one that was approaching the ten-thousand-year threshold.
The Netherworld Wolf let out a sharp howl and suddenly leapt into the Spirit Master formation.
Xie Yue and Yan stepped forward in perfect coordination, blocking its path. The surrounding Spirit Masters spread out, forming a tight encirclement.
"Yu Hao, just stay behind and watch," Hu Liena said quickly. "Leave this to us."
As soon as she finished speaking, she joined the battle.
The Spirit Master team mainly provided containment and support. The true offensive force came from Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan.
With the coordinated assistance of the two brothers, Hu Liena successfully dealt the final blow to the Netherworld Wolf and immediately sat down to absorb its soul ring.
From beginning to end, Huo Yuhao watched quietly, like an outsider observing a performance.
About half an hour later, Hu Liena completed the absorption.
A deep purple soul ring condensed beneath her feet. A bright smile appeared on her face clearly, she was extremely satisfied with her newly obtained soul skill.
Xie Yue and Yan walked over, saying something to her in low voices.
Huo Yuhao observed from a distance, but suddenly, a strong sense of unease surged within him.
An invisible crisis was rapidly approaching.
Within the Sea of Consciousness.
Electrolux spoke first, his ancient voice heavy and serious.
"Danger is coming. Retreat immediately."
"Can you handle it?" Huo Yuhao asked silently.
"At most, I can make one move," Electrolux replied.
One move only?
Huo Yuhao's heart sank slightly.
Just what kind of existence was hidden in this Sunset Forest?
"I understand," Huo Yuhao replied. His eyes gradually grew sharper.
...
Hundreds of meters away.
Hidden among the treetops was a covert protection team three seven-ring Soul Saints tasked with secretly ensuring the expedition's safety.
At this moment, they were casually conversing, already thinking that Hu Liena's fourth soul ring had been secured and it was time to prepare for withdrawal.
Suddenly
"What's that"
One of the Soul Saints, sharp-eyed, noticed a violent tornado forming deep within the forest. A massive black shadow slowly emerged from the storm.
Something was wrong!
The three Soul Saints immediately activated their martial soul avatars and rushed toward the disturbance at full speed.
At the same time, Huo Yuhao regained control of his consciousness.
Clutching the hem of his robe, he retreated silently into the shadows of the forest.
The black-robed leader, who had been standing calmly, suddenly raised his head. His pupils contracted sharply.
This level of pressure
"Everyone, retreat immediately!"
A terrifying surge of soul power erupted from his body. Seven soul rings two yellow, three purple, and two black rose beneath his feet as a Gale Wolf martial soul appeared behind him.
A Seven-Ring Soul Saint!
Before anyone could react, an enormous figure descended from the sky.
Violent winds and chaotic currents exploded outward. Dust, leaves, and debris filled the air, blinding everyone present.
The black-robed Soul Saint was swept away like a leaf in a storm, his body torn apart instantly, blood spraying through the air.
Hu Liena and the others struggled against the raging winds, forcing their eyes open only to witness a scene of pure terror.
A colossal white tiger stood before them.
Its body was as large as a small mountain. A pair of enormous wings extended from its ribs, easily covering dozens of meters when spread. Its eyes burned like golden lanterns, and a mysterious black-and-white aura surrounded its body. The surrounding space distorted faintly, while traces of dark, sinister energy rose continuously from its form.
Those icy tiger eyes stared down at them like ants.
"Netherworld… White Tiger…" Hu Liena whispered, her voice trembling.
She could hardly believe that such a legendary soul beast would appear here.
The three Soul Saints who had rushed in to provide support froze midair upon seeing the creature's true form.
"A hundred-thousand-year soul beast… run!" one of them shouted, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.
He turned and fled instantly. The other two scattered in different directions without hesitation.
Facing a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, advancing meant certain death.
Seeing even the powerful Soul Saints flee, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and the others felt the last shred of hope in their hearts extinguish.
The Netherworld White Tiger raised its head and released a thunderous roar.
The terrifying sound waves rippled through space itself, instantly killing weaker soul beasts nearby.
At that moment, a gray-brown energy surged from deep within the forest.
It enveloped Hu Liena and her group, neutralizing the devastating sound waves.
The Netherworld White Tiger's wide-range sonic attack was completely suppressed and annihilated by the silent aura descending from the void.
"Holding the sun and moon in my hands, plucking the stars
there is none like me under heaven."
The Netherworld White Tiger suddenly turned its head.
Its golden gaze locked onto a dark figure floating in the void.
That figure wore a loose hood, concealing his true face. The edges of his black robe fluttered in the wind, and a dense aura of death surrounded his body.