Chapter 74: Attack from Beneath the Earth, Fifteen Ton Ant Swarm

Word Count: 2,793 Words

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Although the name was quite absurd, as Wu Ming had said, fire-attribute Spirit Masters were natural chefs in the making. Wu Ming's precise control over flames was unmatched in the entire Inner Courtyard; only the Evil Fire Phoenix Ma Xiaotao could rival her.

The four of them gathered around the wooden pot and ate heartily. Han Ruoruo spoke up, "Everyone, please share what kind of spirit ring you need. That way, when we enter the Star Dou Forest later, we can choose which spirit beasts to hunt."

"Alright." ×3

Han Ruoruo took the initiative, "Then I'll go first. My Dazzling Golden Rope focuses on flexibility and strong control. Moreover, the Dazzling Golden Rope can accommodate most attributes. I just need a spirit beast possessing these two characteristics, preferably with cultivation between 80,000 and just under 100,000 years."

Ling Bai nodded slightly upon hearing this. Unlike most top-level Martial Spirits, the Dazzling Golden Rope had no fixed cultivation path. It could choose among assault, control, or auxiliary paths. Clearly, Han Ruoruo had chosen the path most suitable for herself.

Wu Ming followed, "My requirements are simpler than Sister Ruoruo's. I need a fire-attribute spirit beast, the stronger the attribute, the better, with cultivation between 50,000 to 60,000 years."

'The senior sisters' spirit ring ages are so high...'

Chu Qingtian was sweating profusely. A 30,000-year-old spirit beast was sufficient for an ordinary Spirit Saint's seventh spirit ring. Some Spirit Douluo would be overjoyed to absorb a 50,000-year eighth spirit ring. The sheer talent of Han Ruoruo and Wu Ming made him feel ashamed. Assuming nothing unexpected, they would both be able to withstand a 100,000-year ninth spirit ring in the future.

"A 15,000-year spirit ring, lightning attribute, specializing in speed," Chu Qingtian concisely stated his request. With the two senior sisters setting the bar so high, he really felt like he was losing face at this moment.

"As for my fifth spirit ring..."

Ling Bai had been considering this question for a month. He calmly said, "A spirit ring between 60,000 to 80,000 years..."

Wu Ming raised an eyebrow. Well, well, well, this old lady's seventh spirit ring limit is 60,000 years, while you little brat's fifth spirit ring starts at 60,000 years. Trying to mock me, are you?

Little did she know that Ling Bai's next words would make her explode on the spot.

"A fire-attribute spirit beast, the stronger the attribute, the better."

"You're using exactly my words!!!"

Wu Ming exclaimed in an aggrieved tone. It turned out she had misunderstood earlier. This wasn't mere subtle mockery; it was blatant, right-in-your-face taunting!

"Little Junior Brother, are you sure?"

Han Ruoruo gazed into Ling Bai's eyes and asked seriously.

There was a limit to the age of spirit rings a Spirit Master could absorb. Exceeding this limit could result in death from one's body exploding. She knew Ling Bai was a smart person and must understand the principle of not overreaching. He wouldn't recklessly risk absorbing a fifth spirit ring beyond his capacity.

"Elder Sister, the Seraphim is the embodiment of holiness, light, and fire. It naturally possesses resistance to fire. Moreover, the God-level Martial Spirit grants me spiritual power that far surpasses that of Spirit Masters of the same rank. Withstanding spiritual shock is a piece of cake."

Ling Bai's expression was calm and genuine. Han Ruoruo's worried heart settled, and she quietly lowered her head to continue eating.

In fact, Ling Bai had only revealed part of the reason. His Twin God-level Martial Spirits and Undying Body were the ultimate reasons his body could withstand spirit rings beyond the limit. As for the spirit shock...

Death Abyss Spider Emperor, it's time to feast!

Gazing at the dark expanse of the distant Star Dou Forest, a slight curve appeared at the corner of Ling Bai's lips. Among the Seraphim's three main attributes, holiness was naturally the most powerful as the essence of the angel. However, spirit beasts with the holy attribute were exceedingly rare on the Douluo Continent. Having no choice but to settle for second best between light and fire, he had focused on adding light-attribute spirit rings. He couldn't help but look forward to obtaining his first fire-attribute spirit skill.

After a hearty meal, everyone returned to their peak condition and decided to officially enter the Star Dou Forest. Han Ruoruo began assigning tasks:

"We don't have a spiritual-attribute Spirit Master skilled in reconnaissance, so I'll take the lead in scouting ahead. Little Junior Brother and Junior Brother Chu, you two cover the left and right flanks. Ming'er, you'll be responsible for guarding the rear."

"Rest assured, Sister Ruoruo!"

Wu Ming pounded her chest resoundingly, looking every bit determined to complete her task. However, Ling Bai and Chu Qingtian exchanged a glance, their expressions revealing a trace of oddity.

It was well known that scouting ahead to face unknown dangers and guarding the rear to prevent spirit beasts from pursuing were the two most dangerous tasks in a team. The two of them were ostensibly protecting the flanks, but in reality, they were being protected by the two senior sisters in the center. The overwhelming sense of security from these domineering senior sisters was palpable!

Ling Bai felt slightly awkward, while Chu Qingtian seemed to be enjoying it!

"Star Dou Forest is extremely dangerous. Everyone must, must not let your guard down. The tragedy that happened to Lexuan and the others back then—I don't want it to repeat with us!"

Concerned for her close junior brothers and sister, Han Ruoruo reminded them once more.

The three of them immediately put aside any inappropriate emotions upon hearing this. Shrek Academy advocated a wolf-like education. Unless you were a direct heir of Shrek, the academy wouldn't send teachers to protect students when obtaining spirit rings.

It just so happened that during Big Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan's trip, due to the negligence of a certain Sea God Pavilion elder, the Inner Courtyard students encountered a rare and tragic accident while hunting for spirit rings.

If even an elder could make such a mistake, students should be even more cautious and remain vigilant at all times.

Even Chu Qingtian, who had the lowest requirements, needed a 15,000-year spirit beast. The Outer Region of the Star Dou Forest simply couldn't satisfy their needs.

Han Ruoruo took the lead, standing at the forefront to clear the way. The Dazzling Golden Rope shimmered with a faint golden light. With a flash, the tangled underbrush on the ground was cleared, creating a path. She released the imposing aura of a quasi–Spirit Douluo, preventing low-level spirit beasts of ten or a hundred years from daring to approach.

Without the need to waste time and energy dealing with suicidal spirit beasts, the four of them advanced at flying speed, like a diamond-shaped spearhead stabbing straight into the Hybrid Region.

As the sky gradually darkened, judging by the strength of the spirit beasts appearing around them, the four had passed through the Outer Region and began entering the Hybrid Region.

"We've now entered the Hybrid Region. Everyone, stay alert."

Han Ruoruo slowed her pace. After entering the Hybrid Region, the main force of spirit beasts would be at the 1,000-year and 10,000-year level. Some powerful 10,000-year spirit beasts were enough to pose a threat to them.

Ling Bai had long activated his Spider Emperor Sense, weaving an invisible web of spiritual energy that extended in all directions, allowing him to detect any spirit beasts intending to attack them in advance.

"Elder Sister, Senior Sister Wu, there's a spirit beast approaching from Qingtian's right flank."

Ling Bai's eyes sharpened as he quietly warned. The group tightened their formation, their spirit rings rising, preparing for defense.

At the same time, a subtle ripple appeared in Han Ruoruo's calm black eyes. Wu Ming had always been straightforward, and Chu Qingtian considered himself far inferior to Ling Bai, so they hadn't noticed Ling Bai's extraordinary sensing ability.

Han Ruoruo was different. She was meticulous in thought and powerful in strength. Moreover, she was well-read and knew that the Seraphim's sensing ability couldn't possibly surpass her own across a 30-rank spirit power gap. This was the kind of sensing talent that only spiritual-attribute Spirit Masters could possess. It seemed there was only one possibility...

My Little Junior Brother is super awesome!

Not far away, a flash of light appeared, and a black figure silently emerged on a tree branch about fifty meters away. It was a leopard nearly two meters long, covered in silver-gray fur. The dim sunlight seemed to distort around its body. Its eyes were a deep black, filled with fierce light.

"A 30,000-year Bright Sky Demon Leopard!" Chu Qingtian exclaimed.

The Bright Sky Demon Leopard was a rare space-attribute spirit beast. The four had encountered numerous spirit beasts along their journey, but most avoided them from afar. Some hostile spirit beasts were deterred by Han Ruoruo's quasi–Spirit Douluo level spirit power aura and didn't dare approach, content with mere intimidation.

However, upon discovering a group of powerful Spirit Masters, this Bright Sky Demon Leopard not only didn't retreat but swiftly pursued them, its body exuding intense killing intent.

"This is a spirit beast that has tasted the flavor of Spirit Masters before," Ling Bai stated with certainty.

While Spirit Masters hunt spirit beasts to break through cultivation bottlenecks, spirit beasts also devour the spirit power-rich bodies of Spirit Masters to enhance their own cultivation and nourish their bloodlines. The roles of prey and hunter could reverse at any time, all depending on the strength of both sides.

Just as Ling Bai finished speaking, the space behind him suddenly distorted. A silvery-gray light seemed to tear open a crack in the empty space. The Bright Sky Demon Leopard appeared as if it had crawled out from that crack. Its pair of sharp claws flickered with silvery-gray light as it swiped directly at Ling Bai's vulnerable head.

Bright Sky Demon Leopard's Innate Spirit Skill: Spatial Leap!

The beast's eyes revealed a hint of human-like bloodthirsty excitement. The space attribute was known for its bizarreness and unpredictability. Relying on Spatial Leap, the Bright Sky Demon Leopard had ambushed and killed countless Spirit Masters and spirit beasts. At this moment, it seemed to have already envisioned the scene of this human's head exploding like a watermelon!

Clang——

The anticipated scene of flesh and blood flying everywhere did not occur. A golden long sword steadily blocked its pair of beast claws.

"Roar?"

The Bright Sky Demon Leopard was instantly dumbfounded, three question marks seemingly hovering above its head. Among the human Spirit Masters, the two males had low spirit power, so it had randomly chosen one to attack. As a result, its pride and joy—the Spatial Leap sneak attack combo—had no effect at all?!

Time to run!

After the failed strike, the Bright Sky Demon Leopard immediately planned to flee. Apart from its innate spirit skill Spatial Leap, its attack and defense were far inferior to those of true top-level spirit beasts. Another silvery-gray crack appeared in the empty space as the Bright Sky Demon Leopard was about to dive back into it.

In an instant, a faint golden ring-shaped halo enveloped the space within a hundred-meter radius. The Bright Sky Demon Leopard's form bizarrely froze in the air.

Dazzling Golden Rope's Third Spirit Skill: Locking Ring!

Effect: Strong Control!

Han Ruoruo's control was executed flawlessly. In the next second, the Golden Crow Primordial Fire and the Berserk Lightning Leopard's lightning suddenly descended. The Bright Sky Demon Leopard instantly turned into a pile of ash, leaving behind a pitch-black 10,000-year spirit ring.

'The spirit ring's age is too high...'

Chu Qingtian sighed with regret as he looked at the black spirit ring, which caused the empty space around it to ripple slightly. The Bright Sky Demon Leopard's Spatial Leap was undoubtedly a divine skill for agility-type Spirit Masters. If he could have absorbed the Bright Sky Demon Leopard as his fifth spirit ring, he would have willingly given up enhancing his Berserk Lightning Leopard's lightning attribute.

Having dealt with the Bright Sky Demon Leopard, the four continued advancing deeper into the Star Dou Forest.

The Star Dou Forest was divided into five major regions: the Safe Zone, Outer Region, Hybrid Region, Core Region, and Central Region. Their destination this time was the Core Region, where 10,000-year spirit beasts roamed freely.

Night had fallen, and darkness completely enveloped the forest. The desolate roars and angry howls of 10,000-year spirit beasts rose and fell one after another. Insects chirped and birds called from the surroundings.

The journey so far had been relatively smooth. Any spirit beast that dared to attack them was turned to ashes by Wu Ming, the Inner Courtyard's Active Volcano. Her violent methods caused Chu Qingtian's pupils to contract slightly, his emotions fluctuating between giving up and pressing on.

Han Ruoruo glanced at the sky through the gaps in the tree canopy and said, "We've more or less entered the outer part of the Core Region. Nighttime isn't favorable for Spirit Masters to move. Let's rest here for today and meditate to recover our spirit power. Ming'er, please clear this area."

This was a relatively high ground location surrounded by dense shrubs. Camping out was a common occurrence when hunting for spirit rings in the Star Dou Forest. The four of them were all experienced Spirit Masters and naturally wouldn't raise any objections.

Spirit beasts were not ordinary wild animals; many were attracted to fire. Therefore, absolutely no fires could be lit inside the Star Dou Forest. Wu Ming didn't use the Golden Crow Primordial Fire attached to her Martial Spirit. She simply used the scorching high temperature of her Golden Crow spirit power to easily cause a patch of dense shrubs to wither rapidly.

Ling Bai and Chu Qingtian set up a tent. After surveying the surroundings, Han Ruoruo returned and said, "The 10,000-year spirit beasts in the Core Region have fixed territories. This nearby area should be unclaimed land.

Tonight, we'll take turns keeping watch. Those resting can meditate inside the tent. Little Junior Brother and I will keep watch for the first half of the night; Ming'er and Junior Brother Chu will be responsible for the second half."

In fact, none of their Martial Spirits were particularly suitable for keeping watch. The Berserk Lightning Leopard, Golden Crow, Dazzling Golden Rope, and Seraphim—each was more eye-catching than the last when activated. But there was no choice with limited manpower. Everyone had to shoulder their own responsibilities.

The Star Dou Forest was exceptionally quiet in the dead of night. Through the towering ancient trees that obscured the sky, one could vaguely see starlight pouring down.

The forest was not the kind of darkness where one couldn't see their hand in front of their face. Moonlight filtered through the swaying tree shadows and fell onto the forest floor. Combined with some luminous small insects, visibility was quite good.

The two stood guard in front of the tent. Ling Bai turned his head and saw a wisp of starlight sliding across that delicate face. Her black hair cascaded down like a waterfall to her willow-like waist. She appeared serene and graceful.

Han Ruoruo happened to turn her head, her eyes meeting Ling Bai's. She smiled and said, "Little Junior Brother, we haven't encountered a single suitable spirit beast all day. How are you feeling? Anxious?"

Ling Bai smiled and shook his head: "Hunting spirit beasts is all about luck. I'm not afraid of Elder Sister laughing at me, but my luck doesn't seem to be very good."

Before he finished speaking, the Spider Emperor Sense suddenly transmitted an extremely dangerous feeling.

"Spirit beast attack!"

"Where? Where?"

Wu Ming instantly woke up and rushed out of the tent to stand on Ling Bai's other side. Golden-red spirit power surged in her palm, bringing waves of scorching heat. Chu Qingtian followed closely behind, his body tense and ready.

"Ten... hundred... thousand... ten thousand!"

The targets detected by the Spider Emperor Sense became increasingly clear. Ling Bai's expression turned astonished. "The number of spirit beasts in this group is simply endless!"

"Endless?"

Han Ruoruo's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly. This was not good news.

"You're joking, right?"

Wu Ming looked shocked. "The Core Region is much smaller than the Outer Region and the Hybrid Region. Where would there be space for a group of ten thousand spirit beasts to have territory?"

"Senior Sister, your statement isn't precise enough. There might not be enough surface area, but there's still underground!"

A rumbling sound came from the ground. The earth suddenly caved in, forming a huge pit. A black torrent burst out from beneath the surface, revealing their true forms!

"These are... Fifteen Ton Ants!"