Chapter 26: Unrivaled Dragon Serpent

The next day,

The sun slowly rose from the east, casting a faint white glow across the horizon that gradually expanded. The sky brightened as the dawn unfolded. Leaving the small town behind, the group quickened their pace, heading toward the Star Dou Forest.

Before long, they reached the forest's outskirts.

A wave of fresh air wafted toward them, carrying the invigorating scent of plants that refreshed the soul, making one feel inexplicably comfortable.

Ahead stretched an endless expanse of green, with towering trees reaching over twenty meters in height. The dense forest cast heavy shadows, concealing the true landscape within.

"Prepare yourselves. We're about to enter. Remember, the Star Dou Forest is unlike other places. Stay close to me—within a hundred meters at most. It's best not to leave this range."

Chen Xiaoming instructed calmly. Tang San and the others, holding freshly acquired Recovery Sausages, suddenly found them far less appetizing.

Dai Mubai cast a deep glance at Chen Xiaoming, sighing inwardly.

Caught off guard again, showing off as always.

After a brief rest, the group ventured into the depths of the Star Dou Forest.

The terrain inside was extremely complex, with no clear paths. Naturally, the task of clearing the way fell to Dai Mubai.

Chen Xiaoming strolled leisurely, unwilling to exert himself for mere thousand-year soul beasts. He was waiting for a certain big fellow to arrive.

This entrance to the Star Dou Forest, near Shrek Academy, was unfamiliar to Chen Xiaoming, as he had exited through a different route before. He didn't recognize the local soul beasts but couldn't help reminiscing about an old friend.

"I wonder how that leopard is doing?"

Thinking of his companion, Chen Xiaoming briefly considered checking on it—whether it had been killed by a Soul Saint by now—but decided against it. He had only just returned and had plenty of time for future visits.

After about an hour, when fatigue began to set in among the group, Chen Xiaoming's expression shifted slightly as he gazed into the distance.

"Oscar, your luck isn't bad. A soul beast is coming to you on its own."

He pointed forward as the rustling sound grew louder. The group immediately released their martial souls, preparing for battle.

Chen Xiaoming remained silent, merely observing. A mere thousand-year soul beast hardly piqued his interest.

Seeing his indifference, Tang San exchanged glances with Dai Mubai, and the Shrek team began coordinating their attack.

Fatty Ma Hongjun handled martial soul suppression, while the others engaged. However, the Windtail Cockscomb Snake's speed exceeded their expectations. Watching his companions struggle, Chen Xiaoming shook his head.

"Go."

A pebble appeared in his right hand and flicked forward. Soul power erupted, striking the snake's head with perfect precision, knocking it unconscious.

"It's done, Oscar. Go ahead."

Although he spoke casually, Chen Xiaoming felt distant fluctuations approaching and smiled.

Just as Oscar was about to act, a hoarse shout echoed.

Two figures emerged from where the Windtail Cockscomb Snake had come—an elderly woman and a young girl.

The woman appeared seventy years old, with neatly combed white hair. Despite her age, she radiated vitality. She held a three-meter-long snake-headed staff, and six soul rings fluctuated around her.

Beside her stood a beautiful girl, around sixteen or seventeen, with short hair and a lithe figure clad in tight-fitting martial attire. She carried a shorter snake-headed staff with only two hundred-year soul rings.

The group's initial shock eased upon seeing the old woman's six rings. They instinctively glanced at Chen Xiaoming. His terrifying strength made even seven-ringed Soul Saints seem insignificant.

They still believed Chen Xiaoming was a seven-ringed Soul Saint. If they knew he was already a nine-ringed Limit Titled Douluo, they would be utterly speechless.

Tang San and the others sighed in relief, while the woman also relaxed, smiling at Dai Mubai's modest three rings.

"This Windtail Cockscomb Snake, please leave it to me."

Without waiting for a response, the woman's martial soul flared, lunging toward Oscar.

"Little Ao, watch out!"

Dai Mubai and Tang San reacted first, shouting. Oscar froze, unable to believe the sudden attack. Just as the strike approached, a flash of white light blocked it.

"The Unrivaled Dragon Serpent couple certainly live up to their reputation, daring to harm my people in my presence."

A calm voice resonated. Oscar and the others breathed a sigh of relief, while Ma Hongjun ogled the girl with a lecherous grin.

The Snake Woman froze, surprised to find someone capable of stopping her. Her gaze locked onto Chen Xiaoming, who had yet to reveal his martial soul.

With one step forward, the surrounding air trembled as a terrifying pressure surged outward, binding the Snake Woman in place. Though he hadn't released his martial soul, Chen Xiaoming's ninety-ninth-level soul power immobilized her completely.

Her expression changed drastically. Realizing she had provoked a monster, she bowed low.

"Esteemed senior, I failed to recognize your greatness. This Windtail Cockscomb Snake is yours to dispose of. Please, for my husband's sake, let us leave."

Her voice carried urgency and pleading, invoking the name of Dragon Duke to sway him.

Had she not attacked Oscar, Chen Xiaoming might have let the matter slide, following the storyline to make acquaintances. But seizing a soul beast from weaklings was excessive.

If she had gone for the kill, she would already be a corpse.

After brief consideration, Chen Xiaoming made his decision.

"You want to save face? Fine. Let's see if you have the strength to earn it."

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