Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Mandala Snake and Dragon Toad

Early the next morning, as Tang San and Yu Xiaogang waited for Qi Ling at the academy gate, they greeted him with curiosity and noticed the wide grin on his face.

"What's up, Brother Qi? Did something good happen?" Tang San asked, intrigued.

"Haha, it's nothing much, Little San.

I'll show you later, I'm sure you'll be amazed!" Qi Ling replied with the excitement of a child showing off a new toy.

"Qi Ling, we have a long way to go to the Soul Hunting Forest. We might need to spend the night outside.

Don't you need to bring any luggage?" Yu Xiaogang asked, noticing Qi Ling's empty hands.

"Don't worry, Master. I'm well-prepared."

With that, Qi Ling dramatically pulled out a large pile of luggage from his infinite space and piled it up on the ground.

"Look, Master, I'm prepared for a stay of up to half a month."

Yu Xiaogang was astonished by the mountain of luggage. When did Qi Ling get a storage soul tool so vast? The soul tool he had given Tang San was much smaller in comparison.

Qi Ling's storage tool was not only valuable but seemingly priceless.

How many secrets did he have?

With their preparations complete, the trio set off.

By noon the next day, they arrived at the Soul Hunting Forest.

The forest was vast and filled with towering trees, making Qi Ling and Tang San feel overwhelmed despite Yu Xiaogang's prior explanation.

The sheer scale of the forest was awe-inspiring.

"It's really huge! There must be many soul beasts here," Qi Ling remarked.

"Indeed, this forest is used by the empire to keep soul beasts.

While high-level soul beasts are rare, it should be sufficient for finding your first soul ring," Yu Xiaogang explained.

They approached the heavily guarded entrance, where an army controlled access due to the importance of soul beasts as strategic resources.

"Stop! The Soul Hunting Forest is a national treasure.

Entry is restricted without special permission!" the officer on duty announced.

Yu Xiaogang calmly produced a warrant and handed it to the officer.

The officer examined the warrant, then his face changed as he recognized Yu Xiaogang.

"Oh, Master! My apologies for the oversight.

Please, come in!"

With their warrant accepted, the three entered the Soul Hunting Forest to search for suitable soul beasts.

Qi Ling noticed the blue lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex emblem on Yu Xiaogang's token and saw his contemplative expression, but chose not to question him further.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, they encountered many soul beasts, most of which were quite different from ordinary animals.

Tang San, armed with a blue short sword, was excited. Having only read about these creatures in books, seeing them in person was thrilling.

However, most of the beasts they encountered were relatively young, with only a few being over a hundred years old.

None were suitable for him.

Qi Ling, on the other hand, ignored these soul beasts. Given that his martial souls were dragons and demons, he needed a spirit ring that matched his identity.

A toad's spirit ring would be unsuitable for a dragon!

The three continued deeper into the forest, where they began encountering more diverse and older soul beasts, including some nearing a hundred years in age.

Suddenly, they detected a sweet and greasy smell.

Yu Xiaogang's eyes lit up.

"Yes, this is the scent! Little San, this is the perfect soul ring for you!"

"Really, Master? What kind of spirit beast is it?" Tang San asked eagerly.

Before Yu Xiaogang could answer, Qi Ling examined the scent and said, "It's a hundred-year-old Mandala Snake, known for its poison.

This kind of beast is indeed a perfect match for your Blue Silver Grass.

Master, you made an excellent choice!"

Qi Ling, having studied Yu Xiaogang's "Top Ten Core Concepts of Martial Spirit," had become quite knowledgeable in martial arts.

Yu Xiaogang was delighted.

"Yes, Qi Ling, you're right! This Mandala Snake, with its poison and other characteristics, is ideal for Tang San."

Yu Xiaogang became immersed in his explanation, but Qi Ling cut in.

"Master, don't get too excited.

There's something odd about the situation. You should take a look."

Yu Xiaogang followed Qi Ling's gaze and saw not only the giant Mandala Snake but also a small golden toad nearby, radiating a dangerous aura.

Yu Xiaogang stared at the golden toad, puzzled. "What is that?"

"That's a Dragon-Singing Golden Toad, a very rare and dangerous soul beast.

Although small, it is very formidable.

Judging by its size, this one is at least five hundred years old," Qi Ling explained.

The Dragon-Singing Golden Toad was minuscule compared to the Mandala Snake, yet the snake seemed anxious and restless, as if it wanted to flee.

"Is the Mandala Snake hunting the golden toad?" Tang San wondered.

"Should we take advantage of the fight and capture them?"

Yu Xiaogang, sweating and looking alarmed, corrected him.

"There are two mistakes in your thinking.

First, while it looks like a predator-prey relationship, the Golden Toad is actually preying on the Mandala Snake.

The snake stands no chance against the toad."

"What? The toad is preying on the snake?" Tang San was shocked, unable to believe such a reversal.

"Second," Yu Xiaogang continued, "our priority isn't to benefit from their fight but to escape quickly.

We need to run for our lives!"

The situation was critical, and the priority was clear, escape the imminent danger.