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Chapter 102: Core Area of Star Dou Forest
🕑 Added 2024-12-10 17:39:43 +0000 UTCIn truth, whether it was his maternal grandfather Niu Gao or Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, both were quite familiar with Yang Podi, and the three of them got along rather well.
Faced with the teasing of the two elders, Yang Podi was left speechless. After all, they were his seniors, and arguing wouldn't be appropriate.
On the eve of their departure, Yang Podi's grandfather, Yang Wudi, suddenly asked, "Podi, this time you plan to enter the core area of Star Dou Forest to acquire your fifth soul ring. Do you have a plan or any specific target in mind?"
Yang Podi thought carefully for a moment before replying, "A strength-type soul beast, preferably a rare one. The higher the quality, the better. Ideally, it should have dragon attributes."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo couldn't help but chuckle. "You've got big ambitions, kid. But do you really need to venture into the core area of Star Dou Forest for that? That place is extremely dangerous; even I don't dare to go too deep."
Yang Podi's father, Yang Zhentian, however, understood his son's intentions better. "Podi, what age range are you aiming for with this fifth soul ring?"
"Around 40,000 years, but no more than 45,000 years at most."
Hearing this, everyone present was shocked. Normally, a Soul Master's fifth soul ring would only be around 12,000 years. Yang Podi, however, wanted a soul ring with such a high age limit. Did he not fear the risk of his body exploding from the strain?
Yang Zhentian voiced his concern. "A 40,000-year soul ring is something many people wouldn't even dare attempt for their seventh or even eighth soul ring. Are you sure your body can handle it?"
"Dad, I feel like my current physical condition is excellent. Absorbing a 40,000-year soul ring shouldn't be a problem at all."
Everyone was skeptical at first, but after thoroughly examining Yang Podi's body, they found that his physical strength was almost comparable to that of a high-level Soul Emperor. It seemed that absorbing a 40,000-year soul ring might really be feasible for him.
After some discussion, they decided to set the age limit of the soul ring at 40,000 years, ensuring it wouldn't exceed that threshold. Yang Podi also agreed to this decision.
The next morning, the group of five departed from the Breaking Clan and set off for Star Dou Forest.
After three days of travel, they reached the forest's outskirts.
This time, entering the forest was relatively straightforward since Yang Podi's grandfather, Niu Gao, had recently acquired a soul ring from there. Both grandfathers had assisted during that process.
Once inside Star Dou Forest, the group became noticeably cautious, especially when passing through the mixed region. Dugu Bo took on the role of scout, given his abilities as a Titled Douluo with enhanced perception. Meanwhile, Niu Gao stayed close to Yang Podi in the center of the group, providing protection.
As Yang Podi ventured deeper into the mixed region, he came across numerous impressive soul beasts, some of which were even considered top-tier.
Unfortunately, most of these beasts were under 30,000 years old, which didn't meet Yang Podi's expectations.
When the group finally entered the core area of Star Dou Forest, Yang Podi immediately noticed a change in the atmosphere.
The energy in the air seemed far denser, and the group was frequently attacked by soul beasts, most of which were over 30,000 years old and incredibly powerful.
The core area spanned only about 200 kilometers in diameter. Yet, within just a single day, the group encountered four soul beasts exceeding 30,000 years, one of which was even 50,000 years old.
The concentrated soul power in the air made this area an ideal training ground for Soul Masters, as cultivation here would likely be much faster than elsewhere—if only it weren't so perilous.
The group's plan was to first find a suitable fifth soul ring for Yang Podi in the outer edges of the core area before venturing deeper to help the other two acquire their ninth soul rings. After all, the outer region was relatively safer.
At night, the group set up camp, with only one person keeping watch while the others rested. The duty of keeping watch alternated between the two Titled Douluos.
Perhaps luck was on their side this time. In previous hunts, it often took considerable time to locate a suitable soul beast. On one occasion, it had taken over a month to find an Ironfeather Tiger Eagle.
However, on the second day of their hunt, they encountered an excellent candidate: a 35,000-year-old Diamond Mammoth. Known for its unparalleled defense and great strength, the Diamond Mammoth was a top-tier soul beast.
Yet, every time Yang Podi thought of the iron-like figure of Huyan Zhen, he found himself reluctant to use such a beast for his soul ring. Thus, the group continued their search.
Fortune seemed to favor them again. Shortly after leaving the Diamond Mammoth, they came across a massive Twin-Headed Gale Demon Wolf. Measuring over 20 meters in length, the wolf exuded immense power. It was estimated to be a 76,000-year-old soul beast.
The Twin-Headed Gale Demon Wolf was known for its incredible speed and strength, making it a favorite among assault-type Soul Masters. Moreover, this particular wolf was alone, making it an even more ideal target.
After some discussion, Yang Podi's second grandfather, Yang Wushuang, decided to use this wolf as his ninth soul ring.
However, hunting the wolf wouldn't be easy. Its speed, especially within Star Dou Forest, gave it a significant advantage. If their first attack failed, it would likely escape.
The group devised a plan: Dugu Bo would secretly poison the wolf, and once it was weakened, the group would launch a coordinated attack to prevent its escape.
The plan worked perfectly. The Twin-Headed Gale Demon Wolf was severely poisoned. Its once silver-gray fur turned green as the poison spread through its body.
Enraged by the poisoning, the wolf let out furious howls filled with pain and fear, seemingly trying to summon companions.
Seizing the opportunity, Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, Niu Gao, and Dugu Bo launched their assault.
Each took a position to block the wolf's escape. Yang Wushuang confronted it head-on, while Niu Gao guarded its rear to prevent a desperate counterattack. Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo flanked it from the sides.
Even under such coordinated attacks, the Twin-Headed Gale Demon Wolf showed no signs of retreat. Instead, it fought back aggressively, demonstrating its remarkable resilience.
Despite its strength, the four attackers were equally formidable, all possessing Titled Douluo-level combat power.
Yang Wushuang activated his Martial Soul Avatar, summoning a colossal spectral figure holding a massive Breaking Soul Spear. His soul rings shone brightly as he thrust the spear at the wolf, inflicting a deep wound that nearly pierced through its body.
Taking advantage of the wolf's injuries, the others intensified their assault.
Weakened by the poison, the wolf's speed and strength had diminished significantly, leaving it unable to match its usual prowess. It wasn't long before the beast lay on the ground, barely clinging to life. Its eyes reflected both agony and a profound sense of unwillingness.
With the wolf subdued, the next step was to absorb its soul ring—a process that required absolute focus and no interruptions.
Yang Wushuang used his soul power to carry the dying wolf, while Niu Gao led Yang Podi by the hand as the group quickly left the area.
Noticing Yang Podi's puzzled expression, Niu Gao explained, "The battle just now was quite intense. Many soul beasts in the vicinity likely heard it. If we stay here to absorb the soul ring, it could attract unwanted attention."
"Moreover, the wolf's repeated howls might have been a call for reinforcements. It's safer to move further away."
The group made their way toward the mixed region of Star Dou Forest. Only after finding a relatively safe spot did they stop.
Dugu Bo set up a poisonous barrier around their location, while the others took up defensive positions to guard against potential attacks.
Yang Wushuang delivered the final blow to the wolf, preparing to absorb its soul ring. However, given the ring's age of 76,000 years, the process would likely take a long time. He needed to adjust his condition to its peak first.
Feeling bored, Yang Podi wandered over to the wolf's corpse and began dissecting it.
Typically, when hunting soul beasts as a team, the corpse would be divided collectively to avoid disputes. If external hunters were hired, the beast's remains—sometimes including soul bones—would belong to the hunting team.
For example, in Spirit Hall, Soul Masters could request assistance in hunting soul beasts but had to make significant contributions in return. The remains and any soul bones obtained would belong to Spirit Hall.
Many clans operated similarly. When a family helped a member hunt a soul ring, everything except the soul ring would belong to the family, enhancing the clan's resources.
However, Yang Podi didn't care much about such rules. Everyone present was someone he trusted, and even Dugu Bo had close ties to the group.
However, this time they really got lucky. It seemed that the Two-Headed Gale Demon Wolf had suffered so much pain from the poison that a left leg bone actually appeared.
A 76,000-year-old Two-Headed Gale Demon Wolf left leg bone—this was a top-tier soul bone. Its quality far surpassed the soul bones awarded in the Soul Master Competition, and it could even rival the inherited soul bones of the Clear Sky Clan.
Taking advantage of his young age, Yang Podi casually pocketed the soul bone, causing the three adults nearby to burst into laughter.
As for his grandfather, Yang Wudi, he felt a mixture of helplessness and embarrassment.
He glanced awkwardly at Poison Douluo and Niu Gao, unsure of how to explain this to his two old friends.
His own grandson really was too sly.
