Chapter 227: Diverging Paths

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Roar~

A mournful beast roar echoed through the forest as the creature collapsed to the ground.

The onlookers were dumbfounded, witnessing one person single-handedly subduing such a fierce soul beast. It was truly astonishing.

They looked at the figure standing near the soul beast, sword in hand, and couldn't help but swallow nervously. Fortunately, they had firmly stood by his side earlier; otherwise, they didn't dare imagine the consequences.

"Who wants this eight thousand-year Giant Horned Demon Bear's soul ring?" Zeng Yi put away his sword and asked the stunned group.

"Uh..."

The group exchanged glances, momentarily speechless and uncertain. For them, having a five-thousand-year soul ring would already be a great improvement, let alone an eight-thousand-year one. This soul ring was highly attractive to them, but they were unsure whether it would be compatible with their martial souls. It was a difficult decision to make.

"How about you fuse with this soul ring first, Zeng Bro? If you breakthrough to the Soul King realm, the entire team's strength will greatly increase." Lin Tong suggested.

Zeng Yi shook his head, "This soul ring isn't suitable for me."

Suddenly, Lin Tong regretted his words and apologized, "I'm sorry, Zeng Bro. With your qualifications and strength, a five-thousand-year soul ring isn't quite fitting for your status."

Lin Tong burst into laughter and said, "It seems Zeng Yi has a deep understanding of martial souls and soul beasts. So, Zeng Bro, who among us is more suitable for this soul ring?"

Zeng Yi smiled and said, "You overestimate me, Lin Bro. I've just read a few books and have some knowledge. Let me take a look at everyone."

"Brother Niu Man, you are a defense-type soul master, and this Giant Horned Demon Bear not only possesses high defense but also strong attack power. If you absorb this soul ring, it will not only enhance your defensive abilities but also make up for your weaknesses in terms of attack. This soul ring suits you well. The only downside is that it's not of the ten-thousand-year level." Zeng Yi explained, looking at Niu Man.

Smiling, Niu Man thanked Zeng Yi and made a promise, "Thank you, Zeng Bro. I dare not hope for a ten-thousand-year soul ring. An eight-thousand-year one is already satisfying. Once I become a Soul King, I will definitely assist you in obtaining a ten-thousand-year level soul ring!"

"Niu Man, that's very kind of you. But let's wrap this up quickly and kill this soul beast. Otherwise, it might end up dead in my hands." Zeng Yi reminded as he sensed the dissipating aura of the beast on the ground.

Hearing this, Niu Man dared not say more and immediately proceeded to deal a heavy blow to the head of the dying soul beast, ending its life.

While Niu Man absorbed the soul ring, the others maintained vigilance, guarding against any movement around them and waiting for him to complete the fusion.

It had been three hours since they entered the Star Dou Forest. Of the seven members in the team, four had already obtained their fifth soul rings, including one of the ten-thousand-year level. Although it was just barely a ten-thousand-year soul beast having recently passed the ten-thousand-year mark, it still evoked envy from the others.

Obtaining a ten-thousand-year soul ring meant a significant enhancement to the body's refinement compared to a thousand-year-level one. A Soul King with a ten-thousand-year soul ring possessed far greater strength, not to mention the terrifying ten-thousand-year soul skills.

The only person left without a soul ring was Zeng Yi.

"Zeng Bro, we can't go any further. Otherwise, we'll enter the inner region of the forest, where we may encounter ten-thousand-year soul beasts." Lin Tong advised Zeng Yi.

They were currently at the border between the forest's inner and outer regions. Here, there were mostly thousand-year soul beasts with a few below the twenty-thousand-year level. They didn't pose much threat to their current team of Soul Kings.

But inside the forest, it was a different story altogether. It was the gathering place of ten-thousand-year soul beasts. The deeper they ventured, the denser the spiritual energy became, and higher-level soul beasts would gather there to cultivate and become stronger. Meeting a fifty-thousand-year-level soul beast would mean the end for the entire team, which concerned Lin Tong.

Previously, Zeng Yi had absolute control over the team due to his immense strength and extensive knowledge of soul beasts. However, that had changed now.

Except for Zeng Yi, everyone else had already advanced to become Soul Kings. Zeng Yi's influence had started to decline. Although he had helped them a lot, Lin Tong saw no reason to risk his life for the sake of helping Zeng Yi obtain a ten-thousand-year soul ring.

After all, their current mission had already been accomplished.

"Don't worry, everything is fine. We'll just search for a bamboo forest nearby." Zeng Yi replied with a friendly smile.

"Don't forget, this is not just your team; there are other members as well. If we end up in danger because of you, will you not feel guilty?" Lin Tong retorted, sensing an icy coldness in Zeng Yi's eyes.

Zeng Yi's words made Lin Tong take a step back. Even as a Soul King at the fifty-first level, he still felt the terror emanating from Zeng Yi. But thinking that he wasn't alone, he regained his courage.

"We're a team of Soul Kings. Are we scared of one Soul Elder like you?"

Mockingly, Lin Tong said, "You can have your soul ring, but don't expect everyone to risk their lives with you."

"If you insist on going into the forest's inner region, then we won't comply." Lin Tong proclaimed.

"Lin Tong, how can you be like this? If it weren't for Zeng's help, would you have obtained such high-level soul rings? You were so willing to help Zeng obtain a soul ring, and now you suddenly change your mind!" Niu Man rebuked, his anger evident.

He knew that without Zeng Yi, their team would struggle even against a seven-thousand-year soul beast. With Zeng Yi's assistance, they all obtained fifth soul rings ranging from eight to nine thousand years, and some even had ten-thousand-year soul rings.

Now, someone dared to forget their gratitude, which filled him with immense fury.

"Niu Man, how could you say that to me? I'm just thinking about everyone's safety." Lin Tong responded with a tinge of sadness.

"Entering the forest's inner region is basically seeking death. It's teeming with ten-thousand-year soul beasts, and we're no match for them."

Seeing Lin Tong's feigned sadness, Zeng Yi couldn't help but sneer. "Alright, stop pretending. You want to leave? Fine! I won't stop you. If anyone else wants to leave, go ahead."

One of the control-type Soul Kings gave a fist salute to Zeng Yi and went to stand beside Lin Tong.

The other two auxiliary-type Soul Masters also joined Lin Tong's side. They were paid mercenaries, and once the money was in hand, they had no reason to accompany Zeng Yi into the dangerous inner region of the forest. Moreover, even if they were paid more, they wouldn't dare take the risk.

The only female member of the team struggled with her decision, torn between leaving or staying.

"Xu You, what are you still thinking about? You want to accompany him to death?" Lin Tong urged when he saw her wavering.

Xu You clearly understood that Zeng Yi, at such a young age with such strength, must have significant backing. Even if he had no influential background, his talents alone would surely lead to remarkable achievements.

He dared to enter the forest's inner region, so there must be some reliance. By following him, she might overcome this difficult phase together and secure a bright future.

After hesitating for over ten seconds, Xu You's eyes narrowed, and she made a decision.

"I'm sorry, Zeng Bro has done me a great favor. Without him, I wouldn't have a ten-thousand-year soul ring. So, I've decided to stay by his side and assist him."

"Good, I hope you won't regret it." Lin Tong retorted as Xu You made her determined choice. He then turned and left with the other three.

Watching their departure, Xu You fell silent.

Perhaps, it's you who will end up regretting your decision.