Thunderstripe Tiger

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The Star Dou Great Forest was home to towering trees, some centuries old, even millennia-old giants.

The weather, which had been somewhat overcast, turned almost twilight-like as they entered the forest at noon. The surroundings dimmed, and the dense foliage created numerous visual obstacles, making it nearly impossible for the naked eye to navigate.

However, for Lin Yongming, with the aid of his "Mind's Eye," the forest was like a barren wasteland, completely transparent within the range of his perception. The complex terrain of the forest posed no hindrance to him.

The only challenge was the uneven ground, overgrown with weeds and thorns, making the path difficult to traverse.

"Blind brother, we're officially entering the forest now. Stay close and don't fall behind. I don't want to lose someone on my first time guiding," Blue Silver Empress said, standing ahead and giving him a reminder.

"Don't worry, I can keep up," Lin Yongming replied calmly.

At the same time, Lin Yongming could sense that the Blue Silver Grass around Blue Silver Empress's feet was subtly bowing toward her, as if commoners paying respect to an emperor. This phenomenon was incredibly subtle.

Of course, Blue Silver Empress was indeed an emperor among plants. This behavior was natural, though it would go unnoticed by most. Even if someone did see it, they would likely dismiss it as the grass swaying in the wind.

As Blue Silver Empress moved deeper into the forest, she utilized her innate abilities to gather information from the Blue Silver Grass within a certain range. This was, in a way, another form of the "Mind's Eye."

Thus, the forest was Blue Silver Empress's domain. Even a Soul King, encountering her in the forest while she was only a Soul Elder, would find it difficult to gain the upper hand.

"That's good. We need to pick up the pace. We're still in the outermost part of the forest. The soul beasts here are mostly less than a hundred years old. Since you need a second soul ring, it should be at least eight hundred years old. We still have a ways to go," Blue Silver Empress explained as they walked.

"I know that. Soul beasts are territorial, just like nobles have their own domains. Sister A Yin, we can go faster. I can keep up," Lin Yongming said with a relaxed tone.

"Don't rush. Our current speed is just right. You can't be reckless, especially in a place like the Star Dou Great Forest, which is filled with dangerous soul beasts. A single moment of carelessness could cost you your life."

"Also, while we need to move quickly, we should conserve our stamina. If we encounter a soul beast, even with ample soul power, without stamina, we won't be able to fight effectively," Blue Silver Empress took the opportunity to impart her experience.

"Alright, I understand," Lin Yongming replied, unable to argue. What Blue Silver Empress said made sense.

"Hehe, now you see how amazing your sister is, don't you? You got a great deal with just one meal and a night's stay," Blue Silver Empress boasted.

"Yes, yes, my sister is incredible," Lin Yongming quickly praised, hoping to avoid a long lecture from her.

"In the anime, she seemed so gentle and virtuous. Is this the playful side of her youth?" Lin Yongming thought to himself, recalling the Blue Silver Empress from the original story.

"Follow me. With your sister leading the way, we can avoid soul beasts and quickly reach the area where your soul ring's required年限 is found," Blue Silver Empress said proudly after hearing Lin Yongming's praise.

The two continued to make their way through the forest. After two hours of trekking, they encountered several soul beasts around five hundred years old.

"We're almost there. We can slow down now," Blue Silver Empress said, reducing her pace.

"Right, I think we're close," Lin Yongming agreed.

Whoosh!

A figure flew overhead—a Lightning Falcon, its purple wings faintly crackling with electricity.

"A six-hundred-year Lightning Falcon. Not a bad choice, but its年限 is a bit low. Let's keep going."

As they observed their surroundings, they slowly advanced deeper into the forest.

Another hour passed, and Blue Silver Empress suddenly stopped. She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again.

"Blind brother, we've found your soul ring. There's a Thunderstripe Tiger not far ahead, roughly nine hundred years old," Blue Silver Empress said. She had just received information from the Blue Silver Grass about the Thunderstripe Tiger lying on the ground.

"Really? Tiger-type soul beasts are known for their strong attacks. Let's go for it," Lin Yongming agreed without hesitation.

"Alright, it's settled then. No backing out," Blue Silver Empress said. As a soul beast herself, she knew that soul masters hunting soul beasts was an unavoidable reality. She could only try to prevent unnecessary killing.

"Got it." As he spoke, Lin Yongming's soul power surged, and he summoned his martial soul, the Thunder Blade. The blade was surrounded by faint arcs of lightning.

"Blind brother, you're quite cautious. But that's the right approach."

"Let's go!" Blue Silver Empress summoned her own martial soul, the Blue Silver Emperor. It looked similar to ordinary Blue Silver Grass, but her version had a layer of golden light flowing through it.

Blue Silver Empress took the lead, with Lin Yongming following closely behind as they stealthily approached the Thunderstripe Tiger.

After a dozen steps, Lin Yongming also detected the Thunderstripe Tiger within the range of his Mind's Eye.

"A Yin truly is the Blue Silver Emperor. In a place filled with Blue Silver Grass, she can use it as her eyes, and her range is even wider than my Mind's Eye," Lin Yongming thought to himself.

Soon, they drew closer to the Thunderstripe Tiger's location. Finally, they stopped behind a large rock, observing the beast.

The Thunderstripe Tiger resembled a regular tiger, with yellow fur and deep blue stripes. On its forehead was a distinct lightning-shaped blue mark. It was lying on the grass, licking its paws, and its size was larger than that of a Thunder Leopard.

"Blind brother, my soul skills are mostly focused on control. The Thunderstripe Tiger has thick skin and strong defenses. Will your attacks be enough?"

The two were huddled close together, hiding behind the rock. Blue Silver Empress whispered her concern.

Lin Yongming suddenly realized how difficult it was for a soul master without any backing, no academy teachers or seniors to guide them, to hunt for a suitable soul ring.

This was why some soul masters ended up absorbing ten-year soul rings out of necessity.

"If it's not enough, it'll have to be," Lin Yongming replied.

"Alright, I'll control the Thunderstripe Tiger. You launch your soul skill as soon as I do," Blue Silver Empress nodded.

The Blue Silver Grass around them transformed into vines, quietly extending toward the Thunderstripe Tiger.

The Thunderstripe Tiger, which had been leisurely licking its paw, sensed something amiss. Just as it was about to rise, the vines swiftly wrapped around it.

"Roar!" The Thunderstripe Tiger roared, and lightning erupted from its body, shattering the vines.

Seeing this, Blue Silver Empress immediately released her soul ring and leaped out. Her purple soul ring glowed brightly.

"Third Soul Skill: Blue Silver Bind!"

Lin Yongming, who had witnessed this skill before when it had trapped him, also stepped forward and activated his only soul ring.

"First Soul Skill: Thunderlight Slash!"

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 25 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 50 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.