The Star Dou Forest loomed in the distance, vast and ancient. The group had camped near its outskirts, preparing for the venture within.
Reports came swiftly.
"Under the Pope's crown," Ghost Douluo intoned respectfully, kneeling before Bibi Dong, "I have scouted the outer perimeter. Most creatures here are only at the hundred-year level. A few stronger ones lurked closer—but for safety, I slew every soul beast above the thousand-year mark within range."
As he spoke, his shadowy figure blurred, and from the depths of the forest he dragged forth a grotesque pile of slain beasts.
Evil wolves, scaled serpents, toxic frogs—over a dozen corpses, their bodies still glimmering faintly with fading violet soul rings. Their deaths were fresh enough that any Soul Master could use them for ring absorption if desired.
Ghost's eerie smile curved as he spoke almost proudly: "Your Highness Subei mentioned wanting fresh spirit beast meat for ingredients. I've brought you enough material. I only culled those beasts who posed a threat. The lesser soul beasts I drove away, to preserve the local ecosystem."
The words sounded considerate coming from him, but paired with his corpse-dragging hands and villain-like grin, it looked more like the overture to a massacre.
Subei stared at the heap of meat and sighed bitterly. "Too much. This alone could feed a hundred refugees for a month. Did you slaughter a market for me?"
Ghost shook his head flatly. "Of soul beasts, only certain parts are tender. Most flesh of older creatures is tough, sinewy, inedible to common tongues. The higher their cultivation, the tougher their hide. These creatures grow hard to chew precisely because they survive claws, spears, and fang."
The old Douluo's tone carried the detached wisdom of centuries.
Subei nodded despite himself. "True. I suppose the stronger they are, the harder their… meat. Not very appetizing."
Which, unfortunately, caused his mind to wander. What about a true emperor-level dragon? Would its flesh be like iron? Could you even forge a sword from its bones?
That stray thought echoed into the depths of the Star Dou itself.
Far within the forest, the sleeping Dragon King Di Tian jolted awake, sweating cold despite being impervious to climate. His golden eyes opened wide, his colossal body trembling with instinctive dread.
What was that? Why did I feel the Lord's wrath just now? Was it my fault? Did I… forget to guard the child? Am I about to be stewed alive?
He roared, panic overtaking him, and immediately flew toward Gu Yuena's resting grounds at the Ice Spring. To his relief, she remained slumbering peacefully. Only then did his draconic heart calm. No… I'm just paranoid. I must be overly sensitive during this breaking-through stage.
Still uneasy, Di Tian slinked back into the depths, muttering darkly. If Gu Yuena discovers I neglected her order to protect the boy... she'll boil me in dragon broth. No, no, no. Mustn't get careless.
Back at camp, blissfully unaware of the near-divine beast's agitation, Subei continued cheerfully. "Well, Ghost Elder, thanks for the work. Aside from meat, did you spot any suitable rings for Tang San?"
Ghost's shadow-dark eyes blinked. "I saw beasts near three to four hundred years. Quite a few between six and seven hundred. But the specific range you asked for—between four hundred and sixty and five hundred—none matched precisely."
Tang San's heart sank.
Yan scratched his chin, fire blooming in his palm as he lit the bonfire. "Honestly, what's wrong with 400 years? Safer, easier to absorb. Forcing a first ring into five hundred? It's too fierce. When I absorbed mine, my blood boiled, my whole body felt like it was aflame. I nearly collapsed until I jumped into an ice spring. Afterward it was pleasure, sure, but… before that? Hell."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed on her disciple sternly. "The longer we delay, the more his advantage bleeds away. He is already behind schedule. A first ring delayed is a foundation wasted."
She rose smoothly to her feet, majesty in her voice. "Ghost, remain here to protect Na'er and Yan. I will personally escort Xiaobei and Tang San into the forest."
Hu Liena sprang instantly to attention. "Teacher, I'll go too!"
Tang San's eyelid twitched. Of course you will. Every excuse to stick closer to Teacher.
But what he prayed for came true.
Bibi Dong's answer was merciless. "Nonsense. We are not here for play. Stay, and prepare the camp for our return."
Hu Liena pouted immediately, her lips trembling in protest. Yet in front of her teacher's iron majesty, she could not argue.
Her disappointment melted only when Subei reached over and ruffled her hair, his voice tender. "Nana, don't pout. Teacher's strictness is for your safety. We'll be back before you know it."
That opened the floodgates of her spoiled heart. She thrust her flushed cheek toward him. "Then… kiss me. Otherwise, I'll still worry."
The camp went silent.
Subei chuckled. Without hesitation, he leaned down and planted a smacking kiss on her cheek. He even bit her gently for mischief.
Her blush lit brighter than the bonfire. She squealed and smacked his chest weakly. "I said kiss, not bite! You're such a bully, Bei—I hate it!"
She spun away, running to hide her face in her tent, though her eyes sparkled shyly the whole way. Shameless though it was, her heart fluttered like a deer loose in spring grass.
Ghost sighed quietly, his aged eyes hazy. "Ah, to be young again. Childhood and youth pass in these stolen blushes, yet leave aftertaste for a lifetime."
Yan, meanwhile, went dark in mood, chest sinking. Alas, my heart… Even seeing another kissed makes me ache. Where is my wife…? No, gone, no hope… His eyes burned melancholy as he turned away.
Bibi Dong's gaze flickered, narrowly sharp. Her fingers pressed her scepter. Even this… Even this I envy. Nana, you don't even know how blessed you are. I've yet to be indulged in such a way…
Tang San, silent at the edges, clenched his jaw tight, staring holes into Hu Liena's retreating tent. So jealous. So lucky. Why am I not in Nana's place? Why can't that affection be mine?
Soon, the fire crackled strong, light dancing across them all. The forest loomed ahead with secrets, danger, and promise.
For now? A kiss of courage. But deeper inside Star Dou, the battles of beasts and hearts were only beginning.