The Sunset Forest differed from the Star Dou Forest in more than just size.
While ten-thousand-year soul beasts could occasionally be found in the Star Dou Forest, they were exceedingly rare here. As for thirty-thousand or fifty-thousand-year beasts? They were practically mythical.
Of course—
This wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
For soul masters below Soul Ancestor rank, this lower-risk forest was a perfect hunting ground for soul rings.
…
Night fell.
Yang Fan slowly opened his eyes after cultivation.
The evolution of his Flame Mantra, combined with the Blood Incineration paste's effects, had nearly doubled his Dou Qi circulation speed.
A Dou Shi's cultivation progress depended entirely on Dou Qi flow rate—the faster it moved, the quicker their advancement.
Yang Fan stood up…
Laughter ten meters away caught his attention.
One Soul Grandmaster and one Soul Elder from the team were hovering around the sole woman, chattering about securing her soul ring first. The female soul master—apparently named Xiao Ya—was thoroughly enjoying the attention.
This is what temporary teams are like!
Disorganized. Complacent.
Mistaking this group for a real team would be a fatal error.
If an easy-to-kill soul beast appeared, everyone would swarm it. But in true danger? These "teammates" wouldn't just fail to help—they might stab you in the back.
Yang Fan didn't fully understand why Yao Lao insisted he join these freelancers. Perhaps it was to teach him the treachery of human nature, so he'd avoid betrayal later.
He didn't mind this training method.
It let him search for beast flames, soul-repairing herbs, and alchemy ingredients along the way.
Ignoring the trio's melodramatic love triangle, Yang Fan relieved himself and returned to meditate.
Even with others awake, he stayed vigilant.
None of them were trustworthy!
He steeled his focus, circulating Dou Qi…
Time passed unnoticed—until forest disturbances snapped him alert.
His eyes flew open.
"Something's wrong!" he roared.
Ah Sheng was the first to leap up. Others scrambled to their feet, soul rings of varying colors flashing across their bodies.
Except for Xiao Ya, everyone shared one trait: white ten-year first rings!
Seeing the campfire extinguished, Ah Sheng exploded. "Who fell asleep on watch?!" he hissed at the guard.
While some soul beasts liked fire, most feared it.
They were lucky this was a thousand-year zone—in a ten-thousand-year area, they'd already be dead.
Just then—a streak of orange-red flame shot from Yang Fan's sleeve, reigniting the fire.
"Brother, did you see what it was?" Ah Sheng asked.
Only Yang Fan had shouted "something's wrong."
Since then, nothing appeared—making the team doubt his sanity.
"It's coming!"
Before the words faded, a low hum rustled the bushes.
All eyes turned to Yang Fan, stunned by the small man's perception.
Yang Fan was equally surprised by his own soul strength.
He'd rarely compared it to peers before—but now, he clearly outclassed them.
No time to ponder—a massive shape squeezed between two waist-thick trees.
Before them stood a three-meter-tall, five-meter-long rhinoceros. Its hide resembled armor, and a half-meter horn jutted from its snout—brimming with offensive power.
"Ironhide Rhino!" Ah Sheng gasped. "A… a five-thousand-year Ironhide Rhino!"
He was nearly speechless with excitement.
This soul beast was perfect for him—both in age and attribute.
But only Ah Sheng was thrilled.
The others were already planning retreat.
Soul masters' fourth rings could reach five thousand years—but commoners usually settled for two or three thousand. This beast exceeded their team's capability. No one wanted to risk death for a stranger.
"If you help me kill this Ironhide Rhino," Ah Sheng declared, "I'll pay 200 gold soul coins each! I give you all my word as Ah Sheng!"
Great rewards inspire brave men!
Yang Fan stayed—not for money.
His decision forced another Soul Elder to remain. The rest had no choice; solo survival here was suicide.
"Thank you, brother!" Ah Sheng gave Yang Fan a grateful look. He'd sensed this cloaked figure was no ordinary soul master.
"Focus on the beast first," Yang Fan said.
Ah Sheng nodded fiercely. With a roar, a burly phantom materialized behind him.
Now Yang Fan understood Ah Sheng's obsession—his martial soul was also an Ironhide Rhino!
For soul masters, nothing was more compatible than a soul beast matching their martial soul. Given the chance, beast-type soul masters always prioritized hunting their own kind.
This nuance was lost on weapon-type soul masters forever!
In the blink of an eye—
Ah Sheng's body surged with earth-yellow soul power.
Three rings flared!
He charged first, using his sturdy frame to engage the defensive beast.
As a self-made Soul Elder, Ah Sheng knew forest alliances were shallow.
If he didn't attack, no one would. Even if he fought desperately, they might still slack off.
"Hurry up and help!" Ah Sheng cursed inwardly after being tossed twice.
Yang Fan struck next—not out of loyalty, but to test if his attacks could pierce the rhino's defense.
Chasing Stars · Blazing Fire!
He swung the Heavy Xuan Ruler upward.
Dou Qi flames slammed into the rhino's bulk, leaving a meter-wide scorched trail on the ground.
Where the fire passed—nothing survived!
This was the power of devouring the Infernal Delicate Apricot.
"Good man, brother!" Ah Sheng cheered. "I'll buy you drinks after this!"
Yang Fan's strike bought Ah Sheng crucial breathing room.
Then—the others finally unleashed their soul skills…
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read the completed exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect' + get up to 30 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)