The deeper they ventured into Star Dou Forest, the thicker the air became—dense with ancient life, muffled sounds, and the quiet tension of prey and predator. Twisted roots curled like fingers over the forest floor, and trees soared like towers above them, their leaves blotting out much of the sky. Only rays of sunlight broke through in scattered shards, painting gold across the underbrush.
Zhao Wuji led the group with practiced ease, his heavy footfalls silent despite his bulk. Behind him, Li Wei kept his eyes sweeping the terrain, occasionally pointing out spirit beast tracks or broken foliage.
Their formation was tight: Zhu Zhuqing moved with feline grace on the left flank, Xiao Wu with light steps on the right. Ning Rongrong stayed near the center, close to Li Wei. Meng Yiran followed just behind them, while her grandparents guarded the rear, their expressions calm and vigilant.
"So," Zhao Wuji began as they passed a massive tree hollow, "we're prioritizing Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong spirit rings. Got an idea what beasts to look for?"
Li Wei nodded, his voice low but certain. "For Zhuqing... we should look for a Netherworld Panther."
Zhu Zhuqing glanced his way, her sharp golden eyes narrowing with interest. "I've heard of them. Elusive. Dangerous. But their agility and shadow techniques are unmatched."
"And compatible with your Hell Civet," Li Wei affirmed. "There's a specific subspecies deep within the forest that can give you a powerful clone technique. It'll push your combat versatility way up."
Zhao Wuji grunted. "Clones, eh? If they're real enough to fight, that's a solid upgrade."
"And me?" Rongrong asked, her steps still light despite the rough terrain. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and quiet expectation. Unlike before this terrain no longer hinder her as she able to navigate more easily than before for her physical state increase.
Li Wei hesitated for a breath. It wasn't memory exactly—but something like deja vu. Like flashes of information long buried. Or glimpses of forum posts from a world far removed from this one.
"There's a rare-type Titan Stone Ape that might be compatible with your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda," he said slowly. "It's not a support beast in the usual sense—but there's a chance its abilities can enhance your spirit's physical form. Strengthen your own resilience. Maybe even give you a defensive field that can amplify others."
Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow. "A spirit ring from a power-type beast for a support spirit? That's rare."
"I know," Li Wei admitted. "But I've… seen discussions. The compatibility isn't about power type. It's about the internal resonance. This variant—if we find it—produces a 'stone aegis' ability. If Rongrong can handle it, it'll make her practically immune to burst damage for a few seconds, and let her shield others."
Rongrong blinked. "A shield? Wait… that's a bit different from what I expected."
"It might not sound flashy," Li Wei said with a faint smile, "but it could let you stand on the battlefield instead of behind it. And combine that with your boost abilities… you'd be a mobile anchor. A support that do not need the protection of others can go long ways than a glass support. It can even help make time for help to come your way."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at him from the corner of her eye. "You speak like someone who's seen the outcome already."
Li Wei gaze flicked forward. "Maybe. I cannot say how I know about it. I can only say I just do."
Meng Shu, listening quietly from behind, gave a slow nod. "Instinct born from battle or something deeper… both are valid. If the boy says there's merit, we can give it a try."
Ning Rongrong smiled faintly. "Then that's decided."
They moved forward in quiet unity, slipping past thick vines and moss-covered stones. From time to time, spirit beasts were spotted—some curious, some territorial—but Zhao Wuji's presence alone was often enough to send them running.
Li Wei found himself walking beside Zhu Zhuqing. She hadn't spoken much since the discussion, but her eyes were watchful, her posture taut like a drawn bowstring. She is in high alert.
"You're thinking about the clones?" he asked.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded once. "The power of the clone. It's powerful—but difficult to control. I do not know whether I will be able to master."
"You'll master it," he said without hesitation.
She glanced at him. "You're confident. What make you think I will be able to master it."
"I've seen how you train. You don't settle for good enough.'"
For a moment, a flicker of emotion crossed her face—subtle, soft. Then she looked ahead again. "Thank you." She's thankful that someone believe in her.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the group, Xiao Wu nudged Rongrong with a sly grin. "A stone ape, huh? I figured you'd want something graceful. Like a celestial swan."
"I thought so too," Rongrong murmured, looking at her hands. "But… I like the idea of not being the weak link anymore."
"You never were," Xiao Wu said firmly. "But I get it. Power feels good."
Their lighthearted chatter was cut short by Zhao Wuji halting with one arm raised.
Everyone froze.
"Three o'clock. Movement. Large," Zhao Wuji whispered.
Instantly, the group shifted into formation. Zhu Zhuqing vanished into the shadows, Xiao Wu stepped slightly forward with tense focus, and Li Wei readied his Diendriver.
From the trees ahead, a massive figure emerged. Not a Titan Stone Ape—but something close. A Blackstone Gorilla. Twelve feet tall, muscular, its knuckles dragging against the ground as it exhaled a low growl.
"It's not the one we want," Li Wei murmured. "Wrong fur sheen. This one is too aggressive—it doesn't have the inner energy control. Still…"
"Still dangerous," Zhao Wuji finished. "Let me—"
"No," Li Wei said quickly. "Let me test it."
He stepped forward and raised the Diendriver.
[KamenRide: Blade!]
In a flash, the silver-armored Kamen Rider Blade emerged from a rift in space, slashing forward with his sword in a precise arc. The gorilla roared and charged, only for Blade to meet it with an explosion of light and steel.
The clash was brief but fierce. Blade movements were swift and technical, while the gorilla relied on brute strength. Eventually, with a precise strike to the beast's knee, Blade sent it toppling backward.
"Good test," Li Wei murmured. "But not our target."
Zhao Wuji approached and dragged the beast's unconscious body aside. "Let's keep moving. Stay sharp."
They made camp as dusk fell, the canopy glowing dimly in the orange twilight. Tonight's sky was clouded, casting long shadows over the undergrowth. A fire was lit, soup brewed, and traps placed.
Li Wei stood guard by the perimeter, while Zhu Zhuqing resting herself around the camp.
"You worry about this too much," Xiao Wu said, throwing herself onto her blanket with a yawn.
"I'd rather worry now than regret later," Li Wei replied.
Meng Yiran approached him from the side. "Still thinking about the panther and the ape?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "We're close. Maybe half a day away, if the signs are right."
Yiran smiled. "I never thought someone would research beast habits so deeply. You're more scholar than fighter sometimes."
"Maybe both," he murmured. "We'll rest tonight. Tomorrow, we'll begin the real search."
Rongrong poked at the fire with a stick. "Do you think I can really absorb a ring from a Titan-class beast?"
Li Wei didn't look away. "I think if anyone can… it's you."
She blinked. "…Why?"
"Because you've never stopped improving. Even when it was hard. Even when people underestimated you."
She smiled then, soft and quiet. "Then I'll prove you right."
And so the camp settled into silence. Under the thick canopy and the watching eyes of spirit beasts, they slept in shifts—preparing for what could be the most defining moment in Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong's spirit paths.
Tomorrow, the hunt would begin in earnest.
And Star Dou Forest would reveal whether the risks they took would be worth the power they sought.