Chapter 36: Entering the Spirit Hunting Forest, Splitting Up

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The carriage traveled over mountains and across valleys, taking an entire day and night before finally arriving at their destination—the Spirit Hunting Forest—by noon the next day.

Though the name suggested an endless stretch of ancient woodland, what greeted Lin Ye's eyes when the carriage stopped was something completely different—a bustling town.

"Get off."

The Grandmaster was the first to step down from the carriage, followed closely by Lin Ye and Tang San.

"It's strange, isn't it? You'd expect the Spirit Hunting Forest to be remote, yet here's a flourishing town."

Noticing Lin Ye and Tang San curiously observing their surroundings, filled with confusion and curiosity, the Grandmaster smiled and posed a question.

"Yeah," they both nodded in agreement.

"The reason is simple. Do you know who the wealthiest people in this world are?"

The Grandmaster walked ahead, his voice tinged with a hint of reflection.

"Soul Masters! Soul Masters are the wealthiest class on the Douluo Continent. And for a Soul Master, the most important task is hunting spirit beasts and acquiring spirit rings. This has created a massive industry centered around helping Soul Masters hunt these beasts."

The Grandmaster explained, walking deeper into the heart of the town.

"You might wonder why I bought all our supplies back in Notting City, even though there are plenty of shops here. That's because everything here is at least two to three times more expensive. While I don't lack money, no one likes being ripped off."

As they navigated through the town's busy streets, passing by various stalls, the Grandmaster spoke calmly.

With him leading the way, the three of them made their way toward the town's deeper areas.

As they ventured further, more people appeared along the road—groups of them, all clad in leather armor, shouting loudly.

"Come join us! The War Sky Spirit Hunting Group needs one more! We're offering ten gold soul coins, but we need a support-type Soul Master!"

"Don't miss out! The Flame God Spirit Hunting Group is looking for two more! Preferably one agility and one support. We're paying fifteen gold soul coins!"

"Hurry up! The Gray Wolf Spirit Hunting Group only needs one more, preferably a defense-type Soul Master. We've already secured a permit, so we can leave right away. Payment is twenty gold soul coins!"

Hearing the shouts along the roadside, Lin Ye couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

It was his first time witnessing this kind of scene, but based on the way these people were advertising, he quickly realized they were likely members of the Spirit Hunting Groups his father had mentioned in the past.

However, the image of these groups in his mind had always been far more sophisticated. He had imagined grand halls with announcements posted on golden plaques, listing recruitment conditions for top-tier teams.

But here? It felt more like a bustling market with people selling vegetables. Lin Ye couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

"Teacher, what are these people shouting about? What's a Spirit Hunting Group?"

While Lin Ye was lost in his thoughts, Tang San had already asked the question.

"A Spirit Hunting Group is made up of people who help Soul Masters hunt spirit beasts. Generally speaking, Soul Masters advance faster than spirit beasts, but spirit beasts are far more dangerous. At the same level, a Soul Master is often no match for a spirit beast. That's why Spirit Hunting Groups exist."

"By working together, these groups can take down spirit beasts stronger than any individual member. And when it comes to absorbing a spirit ring, the most suitable ones often come from beasts stronger than the Soul Master."

"The creation of Spirit Hunting Groups ensures that each member can obtain a spirit ring that best suits them."

"When these groups first formed, they were loose alliances of Soul Masters working together to hunt specific spirit beasts. But nowadays, Spirit Hunting Groups have evolved into a full-blown profession, helping clients hunt spirit beasts for a hefty fee. That's the business these people are running."

The Grandmaster explained as he surveyed the so-called Spirit Hunting Groups around them, his voice tinged with a trace of disdain.

"However, most of these are just third-rate groups. A proper Spirit Hunting Group has strict requirements for its members. The most basic team consists of five people: an agility-type Soul Master for scouting, a defense-type to block the beast, a power-type to attack, a support-type to heal, and a food-type for supplies. As for these people..."

The Grandmaster's eyes gleamed with contempt as he shook his head.

"So that's how it works…"

Listening to the Grandmaster's explanation, Lin Ye fell into thought.

He had planned to join a Spirit Hunting Group after graduation, using it as a way to gain experience while earning money.

Now, after hearing the Grandmaster's insights, his understanding of these groups deepened significantly.

However, there was something Lin Ye had picked up from the shouting he heard along the way.

It seemed that support-type Soul Masters were in particularly high demand.

Almost every Spirit Hunting Group they passed was recruiting support-type Soul Masters, with over seventy percent of them looking for one.

I see… Looks like powerful support-type Soul Masters like me will always be in short supply!

As they made their way through the town, a vast forest finally appeared before them.

The forest was surrounded by a tall iron fence, towering over ten meters high, almost like a city wall.

Outside the fence, heavily armed soldiers patrolled constantly, keeping the area under strict surveillance.

The trio approached the iron gate at the entrance of the forest.

As they walked, the Grandmaster explained the requirements for entering the forest and the consequences of attempting to sneak in. They finally reached the gate, where a group of soldiers stood guard.

One soldier, who appeared to be the captain, stepped forward, extending his hand and speaking in a deep voice.

"Please present your pass."

"Here is our permit."

The Grandmaster calmly produced a token and handed it to the captain.

The captain examined the token carefully.

His eyes suddenly widened in shock, and his expression immediately turned respectful. He personally opened the gate for them.

"Let's go."

The Grandmaster retrieved the token and stored it away before leading Lin Ye and Tang San into the Spirit Hunting Forest.

But as they walked, Lin Ye couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity.

That token didn't seem like an ordinary permit. It seems the Grandmaster's status might be more impressive than I thought!

Once they passed through the gate, they were immediately surrounded by a primeval forest.

All around them, towering trees stretched toward the sky, their thick foliage casting a shadow over the forest floor. Lush shrubs filled the gaps between the trees, and overhead, the canopy was so dense that it blocked out much of the sunlight, leaving the forest in a perpetual gloom.

After walking for a while, Lin Ye suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Grandmaster, let's split up here."

"Split up?"

Hearing Lin Ye's words, both the Grandmaster and Tang San turned to him, their faces filled with confusion.

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