Chapter 61: Heading to Spirit Forest

The new day dawned, casting a soft glow as the sun began to peek over the horizon.

Lu Yuan slowly opened his eyes, greeted by the sight of a beautiful face in front of him.

He blinked, still feeling a bit disoriented, and focused his gaze on the familiar features of Hu Liena.

Hu Liena's captivating eyes met his, but Lu Yuan maintained his composure. He reached out and pinched her cheek while speaking in a slightly moody tone, "You certainly made it hard for me to sleep last night. How is it that you don't seem tired at all?"

"Ouch! You really need to learn how to treat a woman, younger brother," Hu Liena exclaimed, rubbing her cheek with a pout.

She then continued, giggling. "Well, it's just that I can't help but feel excited... Today, I'll be accompanying you to obtain your second Spirit Ring!"

"Oh? But aren't you supposed to be at the Academy?" Lu Yuan asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"I received permission from our Teacher!" Hu Liena declared triumphantly, a smug expression on her face.

Suddenly, she changed the subject, "By the way, younger brother, don't you think your big sister is beautiful?"

Lu Yuan blinked in confusion, not quite following her train of thought. "Of course, big sister is very beautiful," he replied sincerely.

"Really? Then how come you didn't react earlier when you woke up?" she asked with a tinge of disappointment, referring to the moment when he first opened his eyes.

Hu Liena had hoped to elicit some kind of reaction from her younger brother but found herself let down.

Did he find her that unattractive?

Lu Yuan contemplated for a moment before a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "Are you referring to when I just woke up? Perhaps I was a bit disoriented. How about I come closer and take a better look at you, big sister?"

Without waiting for her response, Lu Yuan moved closer, stopping just a few centimeters away from her face. His eyes locked onto hers, and his warm breath caressed her chin, causing Hu Liena's heart to race, and a blush to spread across her cheeks.

Leaning closer, Lu Yuan whispered softly into her ear, "You know, big sister, you look even more captivating when caught off guard..."

Hu Liena's body trembled slightly, and she stammered, "I-It's almost time to go. I'll be waiting for you while you get ready."

With that, Hu Liena hastily left the room, leaving Lu Yuan behind.

'Hehe, you asked for it, big sister,' Lu Yuan thought, flashing a mischievous smile. He had certainly sought retaliation for his older sister's antics from the previous night.

However, having noticed Hu Liena's renewed vivaciousness, which had replaced the melancholy she had the day before, Lu Yuan's own spirits lifted.

He got up from bed and headed towards the washroom.

...

The sun blazed in the sky, casting its own radiant light upon the world.

Lu Yuan and Hu Liena walked side by side, their steps leading them towards the imposing main hall of the Supreme Pontiff Palace.

Seated upon the grand throne was Bibi Dong, and flanking her were her two confidants, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo.

As Lu Yuan and Hu Liena approached, a small smile curved on Bibi Dong's lips.

Her gaze shifted towards Chrysanthemum Douluo as she spoke, "Yue Guan, I entrust the matter of Xiao Yuan's Spirit Ring to you."

Chrysanthemum Douluo lowered his head in a respectful gesture and replied, "Please rest assured, Your Eminence. Yue Guan will secure an optimal Spirit Ring for Young Master."

Bibi Dong nodded, she had confidence in Chrysanthemum Douluo's abilities, which is why she appointed him as the number one general under her command.

Addressing Lu Yuan directly, Bibi Dong instructed, "Xiao Yuan, for this journey, you shall follow Chrysanthemum Douluo's lead and heed his instructions. Understand?"

Lu Yuan nodded and said, "This disciple understands."

Turning her attention to Hu Liena, Bibi Dong's tone carried a touch of teasing. "Nana, it was only because you begged me that I allowed you to accompany your younger brother this time. Remember to adhere to instructions and conduct yourself properly."

'Why does Teacher have to mention that I begged in front of younger brother!' Hu Liena's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Reluctant to face her younger brother's reaction, she replied, "Yes, Teacher!"

...

On the road outside Spirit City, a carriage was moving slowly.

"Elder Yue, may I ask where we are going to obtain the Spirit Ring?" Looking at the direction the carriage was traveling, Lu Yuan turned his head and asked, as this did not seem like the road to Star Luo Forest.

Chrysanthemum Douluo responded with a smile, "We are heading towards the Spirit Forest."

In fact, over the past year, Lu Yuan had become quite familiar with both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, the two were the most loyal to Bibi Dong, and Lu Yuan, as her disciple, would naturally be treated with courtesy by the two.

'Spirit Forest, one of the three high-level forests that our Spirit Hall is in charge of.' Hearing that the destination was Spirit Forest, Lu Yuan was not surprised, as it was a place he was familiar with.

The Spirit Hall held dominion over three significant advanced Spirit Beast forests: the Spirit Forest, the Crimson Thorn Forest, and the Misty Forest. Each of these forests possessed its own unique characteristics and offerings.

The Spirit Forest boasted an unparalleled diversity of Spirit Beasts, encompassing creatures of various attributes. However, it was known for its scarcity of high-level Spirit Beasts compared to the other two forests. Spirit Beasts above fifty thousand years old were rare discoveries within these verdant depths.

In contrast, the Crimson Thorn Forest was quite the opposite. Due to its proximity to the northern region and the cold climate, it housed a smaller variety of Spirit Beasts. Most of them were ice attribute Spirit Beasts and some cold-resistant creatures. Plant-type Spirit Beasts were scarce in this forest, but it boasted a considerable number of high-level Spirit Beasts. The name "Crimson Thorn Forest" came from the presence of many cold-resistant crimson thorns, giving it its name.

Of the three forests, the Misty Forest was the most mysterious. It was home to the rarest Mental attribute Spirit Beasts. The Spirit Beasts in the Misty Forest were ancient, with many inherited from ancient times. This forest potentially held the highest number of high-level Spirit Beasts among the three advanced Spirit Beast forests, and there might even have been hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beasts, making it the most dangerous forest to explore.

Lu Yuan, being only in rank 20, aimed to find a thousand-year-old defense-type Spirit Beast. Among the three forests, the Spirit Forest was the most suitable for him. The Spirit Forest had a wide variety of Spirit Beasts and lacked high-level ones. Additionally, with Chrysanthemum Douluo's protection, the threat level was relatively low, making it easier to find a suitable Spirit Ring.

The journey from Spirit City to the Spirit Forest was not arduous. With the Spirit Hall Forest being in close proximity, the carriage ride would take just over a day to reach their destination

As he leaned back in the comfortable carriage seat, his hand instinctively found its way to the beautiful face of Hu Liena, nestled peacefully on his lap. His fingers delicately caressed her short hair, feeling the softness and warmth against his skin.

In the end, Hu Liena's lack of sleep had taken a toll on her, as she succumbed to fatigue almost immediately after boarding the carriage.

It became evident that she had been stubbornly fighting against her weariness all this time, possibly to ensure she didn't miss out on accompanying him.

A fond smile showed on Lu Yuan's face as he continued to stroke her hair, his touch gentle and affectionate, then closed his eyes and rested his mind.

Talking to Chrysanthemum Douluo a moment ago brought back some memories to him.

Specifically, about Chrysanthemum Douluo's Martial Soul...

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A/N:

Apologies for the slow update rate. I've experienced some schedule changes, and it has been challenging to find time to work on this story. Additionally, the weather hasn't been helping either.

On the other hand, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter.