Chapter 102: Entering the Evernight Forest, The Dagger Hidden Behind the Map

The carriage sped along the road leading to the Evernight Forest.

After traveling for over two hours, they finally arrived at the dense, ancient woodland by midday. At the edge of the forest, everyone disembarked.

The coachman, having received his fare, drove off toward the distance, leaving the members of the Wild Bear Soul Hunting Group and Viscount Lawrence's entourage standing at the forest's entrance.

"Captain Shi Yue, have you decided which soul beast you'll hunt for my daughter?" Viscount Lawrence inquired with feigned concern, adopting the demeanor of a doting noble father.

Shi Yue, the captain of the Wild Bear Soul Hunting Group, paused for a moment before responding. "Viscount Lawrence, your daughter's martial soul is the Gray Fox. Martial souls of the fox type typically enhance speed, so I assume she's aiming to develop as an agility-type soul master. Is that correct?"

"Exactly! Evely's first soul skill is claw-based. When activated, it not only grants sharp claws but also boosts her speed!" Lawrence exclaimed excitedly, as though genuinely proud of his daughter's progress.

"Alright," Shi Yue nodded, his tone becoming more professional. "If your daughter is indeed an agility-type soul master, her combat style will focus on speed and quick strikes. However, agility types often lack raw attack power. For her second soul skill, we should aim for a soul beast that enhances both speed and attack strength. Carnivorous soul beasts with sharp claws and agility, such as Ghost Panthers, Wind Wolves, Striped Cats, or Shadow Spirit Cats, would be ideal."

Shi Yue continued, "Since Evely needs a second soul ring, the chosen soul beast shouldn't be over 600 years old. A cultivation of around 500 years would be optimal."

Lawrence was momentarily taken aback by Shi Yue's detailed analysis.

"Impressive! Captain Shi Yue, you truly live up to your reputation as the leader of an experienced soul-hunting group. Your knowledge of soul beasts is remarkable. Hiring the Wild Bear Soul Hunting Group was the best decision I've ever made!" Lawrence praised him profusely.

"Then I'll leave my daughter's soul beast hunt in your capable hands, Captain Shi Yue, and the rest of your team!"

"Don't worry! Leave it to us!" Shi Yue replied heartily, thumping his chest with confidence.

---

Outside the Evernight Forest

After probing Shi Yue for potential issues and finding none, Lawrence urged the group to enter the forest without delay. He seemed eager to find a suitable soul beast for Evely.

"Viscount Lawrence, there's no need to rush," Shi Yue reassured him calmly. "For a second soul ring, we only need to hunt a soul beast around 500 years old. These can be easily found near the outskirts of the Evernight Forest."

With that, Shi Yue led the group into the forest at a measured pace.

"Captain Shi Yue, can't we move a bit faster? I heard the outskirts of the Evernight Forest aren't dangerous," Lawrence grumbled after noticing Shi Yue's cautious movements, which slowed their progress.

Shi Yue, carefully scanning his surroundings, replied seriously, "Viscount Lawrence, that's not entirely correct. While the outskirts may pose no threat to us, they are still perilous for your knights. Don't be fooled by their armor and stature; even a hundred-year-old soul beast could easily take one of them down if caught off guard."

"Uh…" Lawrence scratched his head awkwardly, opening his mouth to retort but finding himself at a loss for words.

What could he say? Admit that he didn't care about the safety of his knights? He had worked so hard to appear as a compassionate noble earlier. Even a cold-blooded aristocrat wouldn't openly disregard their retainers. Now, he regretted bringing them along.

"Haha, you're right. In that case, I thank Captain Shi Yue for looking out for my knights," Lawrence said with forced politeness, hiding his irritation.

"No need to thank me, Viscount!" Shi Yue replied with a hearty, "sincere" laugh. However, the rest of the group couldn't help but find the situation amusing.

In truth, Shi Yue's slow pace wasn't out of concern for the knights. These silent, armored figures might not even be human. Instead, he was deliberately stalling to allow the team from the Spirit Hall, who were secretly following them, to catch up. If they encountered the rogue soul masters rumored to be hiding in the forest, the Spirit Hall's experts could intervene in time.

---

After lingering in the outskirts for over an hour, the group finally reached the forest's outer perimeter, where the environment noticeably changed.

In the outskirts, soul beasts over a hundred years old were rare, but here, such beasts appeared regularly. Occasionally, they even caught glimpses of thousand-year soul beasts.

"Alright, we've reached the outer perimeter," Shi Yue announced. "Everyone, stay alert. Keep an eye out for carnivorous soul beasts around 500 years old with speed-related abilities. If you spot one, alert us immediately. Roan, be prepared to immobilize the target as quickly as possible. Understood?"

The Wild Bear Soul Hunting Group snapped into formation. Xie Lin scouted ahead, with Shi Yue ready to assist at a moment's notice. He Feng took a central position, prepared to either provide backup or protect the rear. In the back, Lin Ye, Roan, and Su Ying walked together—each a support-type soul master specializing in control, assistance, and sustenance, respectively.

Meanwhile, Viscount Lawrence, Evely, and the knights followed closely behind. Ordinarily, the group's strategy would include protecting their employer. However, knowing the true nature of these so-called "clients," He Feng and Roan simply pretended to be vigilant, glancing back occasionally as part of their act.

---

As they ventured deeper into the outer perimeter, Lawrence suddenly called out, "Captain Shi Yue, could we take a short break? We've been walking for a while, and I'm feeling a bit tired. I'd like to eat something and replenish my energy."

Shi Yue exchanged a knowing glance with Lin Ye. Both understood that Lawrence was up to something. However, considering the Spirit Hall's team should already be in position by now, Shi Yue decided to play along.

"Haha! Of course, Viscount Lawrence. You're not as rough and hardy as we are. A break sounds like a good idea," Shi Yue replied with a hearty laugh.

He then turned to Xie Lin and called out, "Xie Lin, find us a suitable spot nearby to rest."

From her perch on a tall tree, Xie Lin, already in her martial soul-enhanced state, darted between the branches, scanning the area. Moments later, she reported back, "Boss, there's a clearing a few hundred meters ahead. It's perfect for a break!"

"Great! Let's head there," Shi Yue declared, leading the group toward the clearing.

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