11. Explosion

Bokono Forest

Quan Yi moved cautiously through the dense forest, clad in light armor with his Sun Gauntlets released. His sharp eyes constantly scanned his surroundings, remaining alert for any approaching spirit beasts.

After two weeks of intense survival training, his instincts had sharpened significantly. His heightened vigilance made his five senses more acute, as if the untamed wilderness had awakened a dormant perception ability within him.

A closer look at his light armor revealed several black scorch marks—clear evidence of past battles against spirit beasts.

Bokono Forest was one of the many soul beast habitats across the continent. Though relatively small in scale, it was unique due to the active volcano within its depths. This geological feature made it home to a wide variety of fire-attribute spirit beasts.

The forest mainly housed younger spirit beasts, but its diversity of fire-attribute creatures was well-known. In fact, it was said that Su Ling'er had obtained her first spirit ring here.

This marked Quan Yi's second week of searching for a suitable spirit beast.

Throughout his time in the forest, he had encountered many fire-attribute creatures, but most were too young, while the few that met his age requirement lacked the strength he sought.

"I've already explored the outskirts. Looks like I'll have to go deeper."

A spirit beast over 500 years old was already comparable to a Spirit Grand Master in strength.

For a mere Spirit Scholar at the tenth rank to hunt such a beast alone—it was unheard of.

Yet, Quan Yi had accepted this challenge without hesitation.

Because he had confidence.

His greatest advantage was the Sun Gauntlets, which granted fire immunity. The most dangerous attacks from fire-attribute spirit beasts—their flames—were rendered completely useless against him.

With the Sun Gauntlets and his physical strength—already comparable to a level-20 Spirit Master—Quan Yi could easily defeat ordinary 500-year-old spirit beasts.

But ordinary was not enough.

He sought something stronger.

For that, he had to take risks—he had to venture deeper into the forest.

At some distance behind him, two figures watched from afar, concealed in a well-hidden vantage point.

Quan Yue and Su Ling'er had been silently observing him for nearly two weeks.

Seeing their son preparing to enter the deeper regions of the forest, Su Ling'er couldn't suppress her concern.

"Husband, Xiao Yi is going in deeper. Should we move in closer?" she asked, a trace of anxiety in her voice.

Quan Yue, however, remained composed.

"It's fine. This distance is just right. Don't worry—most of the spirit beasts in this forest are relatively young. With our strength, we can protect Xiao Yi at any moment. You're overthinking because you care too much."

He spoke gently, reassuring her.

During their time observing, they had watched Quan Yi face multiple spirit beast attacks.

But to their surprise, he had fended them off with ease.

Quan Yi's raw physical strength alone was enough to defeat spirit beasts—even without relying on Gang or Jian.

Yet, despite his strength, one thing had become apparent—the number of spirit beasts in the forest was far lower than expected.

Because of this, Quan Yi had no choice but to press deeper in search of a suitable spirit ring.

Which, in turn, increased his risk.

Su Ling'er couldn't help but compare the current state of the forest to her youth. Back then, spirit beasts were everywhere.

Now, they were scarce.

It was undeniable—the effects of overhunting spirit beasts were beginning to show.

Taking a deep breath, Quan Yue raised his hands.

A flash of white light erupted.

The next moment, a shield and a spear materialized in his grasp.

The weapons Quan Yi carried had been taken from the cellar in the basement before his departure. Now, as he ventured deeper into the forest, he dared not lower his guard.

With weapons in hand, he could conserve more soul power, significantly increasing his safety.

The shield and spear were still a bit large for him, but he wielded them with ease, showing no sign of struggle.

These weapons had been retrieved from the necklace on his chest—a rare storage-type Soul Tool known as the Heart of the Sun.

The necklace, originally Su Ling'er's jewelry, was an extremely rare storage soul guide. Its fiery, sun-like shape inspired its name.

For this trial, Su Ling'er had lent it to Quan Yi, allowing him to travel light while still carrying all the essential supplies needed to survive for two months.

Aside from his weapons, the storage space was filled with dried spirit beast meat and water bladders, ensuring he had enough provisions.

Now, armed with his shield in his left hand and his spear in his right, Quan Yi pressed forward into the forest.

As he advanced, the density of the trees gradually thinned—undoubtedly due to the volcanic activity deeper inside.

A faint, strange scent lingered in the air, but more importantly, Quan Yi could sense the fluctuations of soul power growing stronger.

His body instinctively felt at ease.

"This place is truly a paradise for fire-attribute soul masters," he thought to himself.

Following the gentle flow of a nearby stream, Quan Yi ascended toward higher ground.

Although he lacked experience, he understood a simple truth—spirit beasts needed water to survive.

By tracking the stream, he could increase his chances of encountering a suitable spirit beast.

After an hour or two of careful trekking, his sharp eyes caught sight of a massive figure—more than 500 meters ahead.

Immediately, he lightened his steps, swiftly moving behind a nearby tree to conceal his presence.

Peering through the gaps in the foliage, he took a closer look.

Despite the distance, the creature's enormous build made it easy to identify.

An Explosive Rhino.

But more importantly—its horn bore five clearly visible red rings.

This was the key to determining its age.

As Explosive Rhinos matured, their horns grew longer, and every hundred years, a red ring would form along its length.

The rhino horn wasn't just a distinguishing feature—it was where the Explosive Rhino stored its soul power and its strongest weapon.

Explosive Rhinos were known for their poor eyesight and clumsy movements, but they possessed terrifying strength.

If their rhino horn made contact with an enemy, the fire-attribute soul power stored within would surge into the opponent's body—and explode from the inside.

It was an innate survival skill, developed over generations to protect themselves from harm.

Despite their gentle and slow demeanor, Explosive Rhinos possessed an insidiously dangerous soul skill.

At this moment, Quan Yi's heart raced with excitement.

But he forcibly calmed himself down.

The closer he got to his goal, the more composed he had to be.

Facing such a powerful spirit beast, recklessness would mean certain death.

He began running through potential strategies in his mind, contemplating the best approach to subdue the creature.

Yet, after a moment, his thoughts suddenly ceased.

As if coming to a realization, Quan Yi stood up abruptly.

Then, without hesitation—he walked straight toward the Explosive Rhino.

No more hiding.

No more hesitation.

At around 200 meters away, the Explosive Rhino—who had been drinking from the stream—suddenly sensed his presence.

The beast's head snapped up, turning to face Quan Yi.

There, under the dimming sky, stood a lone young warrior, fully armed in light armor, with a shield in one hand and a spear in the other.

His eyes shone with unshakable determination.

Like a hero from ancient myths, he had come to challenge a beast far stronger than himself.

The difference in size between them was immense, yet the Explosive Rhino—aware that this human was a potential enemy—lowered its head slightly, its muscles tensing.

Slowly, it turned its massive body, shifting into a defensive stance as it prepared to face Quan Yi head-on.

In the Shadows

From a distance, two figures watched in shock.

Su Ling'er's expression changed instantly.

Without hesitation, her Martial Soul activated, and she prepared to rush forward.

But before she could move, Quan Yue firmly grabbed her arm, stopping her in place.

"What are you doing?!" she demanded.

Quan Yue's eyes were locked onto the battlefield, his mind racing, but his grip remained firm.

"Wait." His voice was low but steady. "Quan Yi went there on his own accord. He must have a plan. If you interfere now, you'll ruin this test completely."

"The test?! Are you serious right now? This is an Explosive Rhino!" Su Ling'er's voice trembled with urgency.

She knew how dangerous this beast was—if Quan Yi made even the slightest mistake, he could be gravely injured or even killed.

Quan Yue's own heart pounded, cold sweat forming on his back.

He had never expected Quan Yi—who had always been calm and composed—to act so recklessly.

Yet, despite his fear, he forced himself to remain rational.