Chapter 31: Spiritual Sense

Chapter 31: Spiritual Sense

The Mystical Beast Forest loomed before them, an ancient expanse of towering trees and dense foliage, where nature itself seemed alive with unseen eyes lurking in the shadows. The outer region, though relatively safer, still pulsed with life. The rustling of unseen creatures slithering through the undergrowth, the distant howls of nocturnal predators, and the rhythmic beating of unseen wings painted an eerie yet thrilling picture. Occasionally, leaves trembled without wind, betraying the silent passage of hidden beings. The ground was littered with the remnants of battles—shattered bones, clawed tree trunks, and patches of dried blood, evidence of the fierce struggles between the forest's denizens.

With Mistshadow leading the way, Xiao Chen and Xiao Rongyu moved swiftly, their figures mere blurs in the moonlight. Though they didn't encounter any creatures, they could sense the unseen forces shifting within the shadows, the oppressive presence of countless eyes watching their every movement. The deeper they ventured, the more the natural sounds of the forest became distant, replaced by an unsettling silence. Mistshadow let out a low, guttural growl, and at that instant, the tension in the air dispersed as smaller beasts scattered in fear.

After thirty minutes of uninterrupted movement, they reached the crossroads leading to the inner region of the Mystical Beast Forest. Here, an invisible boundary seemed to divide the outer and inner areas. The moment they stepped across, the atmosphere changed drastically.

Xiao Rongyu came to an abrupt stop, her amber eyes widening in astonishment. "Brother Chen… the air here is completely different from outside." Her voice held a trace of reverence as she took in the new environment. "The trees… they're larger, and look!" She pointed at the thick, ancient trunks, their bark pulsating faintly with a dim glow. "They're radiating spiritual iQ… The energy here is so much richer."

The trees in the inner region were massive, their roots like coiling serpents that burrowed deep into the earth. Some exuded a faint bioluminescence, their leaves shimmering with residual spiritual energy. The ground was softer here, covered in a layer of lush moss that thrived on the ambient power in the air.

Xiao Chen closed his eyes momentarily, taking in the atmosphere before exhaling with a faint smile. "Not just that," he said, his voice carrying a tinge of excitement. "There's a strong scent of blood in the air… and a murderous aura lurking in the distance." His lips curled into a smirk. "Heh, this will be fun."

Xiao Rongyu gave him a bitter smile, her gaze shifting to Mistshadow. She reached out, running her fingers through the wolf's silver fur. Mistshadow lowered her head, closing her eyes in silent enjoyment. Xiao Rongyu chuckled softly. "You might be invincible in the outer region, but in here… you could just as easily become prey."

Xiao Chen shrugged nonchalantly. "Mistshadow isn't like those brainless beasts—she's intelligent." His gaze sharpened as he turned forward. "I'm going to scout the area with my Spiritual Sense. I could use a warm-up before we get serious."

Hearing that, Xiao Rongyu blinked in surprise. "Wait… Spiritual Sense?"

Xiao Chen smirked. "Yeah, I awakened it already. Martial Artists at the Peak Stage of the Martial Soul Realm should naturally awaken their Spiritual Sense, remember?"

Realization dawned upon her, and she let out a soft laugh. "Ah… I forgot what kind of monster you are." She shook her head in disbelief. "Breaking through three minor realms in a single day… I still don't know how you did it."

Xiao Chen turned to her with a knowing smile, his gaze scanning her closely. "You're pretty talented yourself, Rong. Normally, a Martial Artist needs at least three weeks to solidify their aura after reaching the Early Stage of the Martial Soul Realm. You did it in one week."

Xiao Rongyu's eyes widened. Under the moonlight, her cheeks flushed slightly. Hurriedly trying to hide it, she stammered, "H-How did you know?"

Xiao Chen chuckled. "You're not doing a great job concealing your aura."

"Y-You!" She pouted, crossing her arms. "One second, you're complimenting me, and the next, you're mocking my concealment skills…"

For the first time in a long while, Xiao Rongyu heard Xiao Chen laugh—truly laugh.

It was a hearty, unrestrained sound, filled with genuine amusement. She stared at him, momentarily dazed.

"You're cute when you do that," he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "It reminds me of old times…"

Xiao Rongyu's expression softened. "Brother Chen…" she mumbled, amber eyes fluttering slightly.

But the moment was fleeting. Xiao Chen's expression quickly turned serious. "Enough reminiscing. Time to test my Spiritual Sense for the first time."

Closing his eyes, he activated it. Instantly, an invisible force spread out from his body, sweeping across the forest like a tidal wave.

One mile…

Two miles…

Four miles…

Eight miles…

Twelve miles.

Xiao Chen's eyes snapped open in shock.

His mind was suddenly flooded with information. He could see—not with his eyes, but with his consciousness. Every leaf, every ripple in the air, the movement of creatures both big and small—it all became crystal clear. He could sense the slightest vibrations in the ground, the subtle shifting of energy around him.

The forest was no longer just a chaotic mix of trees and beasts. He could distinguish the patterns of movement, the hierarchy of predators and prey, the flow of spiritual energy through the land. Every living thing had a rhythm, an essence, and for the first time, Xiao Chen could perceive it all.

His voice carried awe as he murmured, "I can't believe it… twelve miles?"

Normally, a Martial Artist who had just awakened Spiritual Sense could barely extend it to four miles.

"Could it be because of my Soul Force increase at Long Tianyi's Legacy Tomb? Or is it my Peak-grade Heaven Rank Martial Spirit?" He frowned in thought. "Practicing the Holy Martial Scripture definitely played a role… But I wonder—just how far can I push my range once I start practicing Soul Cultivation?"

Before he could dwell on it further, Xiao Rongyu's voice pulled him back.

"Brother Chen, tell me—what do you see?"

Breaking from his thoughts, Xiao Chen smirked. "Nothing much. Just some Grade Three Beasts around here. No signs of any Grade Four Beasts yet. They're probably deeper in."

"Then let's get going." Xiao Rongyu withdrew her weapon—a scarlet sword, its blade shimmering with a fiery glow, like molten metal cooled into an elegant, deadly form. Ancient runes flickered across the surface, and as she grasped the hilt, a faint pulse of heat radiated outward.

Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow. "Mid-Grade Spirit Rank Treasure?" He chuckled. "Not bad."

Xiao Rongyu turned to him. "What about your weapon?"

Xiao Chen shook his head indifferently. "These Grade Three Beasts? They're just appetizers. Not worth drawing my sword. Only Grade Four Beasts are worthy of my attention." His lips curled into a grin. "Honestly, if you weren't with me, I'd head straight to the Core Region. Grade Five Beasts—now those would get my blood boiling."

Xiao Rongyu sighed, but she didn't doubt his words. She still remembered how easily he had crushed Deacon Mo, a Middle-Stage Martial Master, with a single punch.

"Let's go," Xiao Chen said calmly.

Xiao Rongyu nodded, gently tapping Mistshadow's fur, signaling for them to move forward. However, the silver-furred wolf didn't budge. Instead, her body stiffened, fur bristling as if sensing imminent danger.

"Huh?" Xiao Rongyu raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong, girl—"

Before she could finish, the bushes ahead rustled violently.

—SWOOSH!

A shadow shot out like lightning—a massive python, nearly thirty feet long, its scales as dark as the night itself. Its crimson eyes gleamed with killing intent as it lunged forward, jaws stretched wide, aiming straight for Mistshadow's throat.

—SCHLING!

A cold black flash streaked through the air.

In an instant, the Midnight Python's head was severed from its body. The enormous beast collapsed, its lifeless corpse writhing for a brief moment before going still. A fountain of blood erupted from the stump of its neck, drenching the ground in red.

Xiao Rongyu stood frozen. The attack had happened in the blink of an eye—so fast that even Mistshadow, a High Grade Three beast, hadn't reacted in time.

Slowly, she turned her gaze.

There stood Xiao Chen, eyes cold and indifferent, his fingers still lingering in the air from the strike. It wasn't his sword—he had killed it with his dark element.

"Hmph. Weak." His voice was devoid of emotion.

Xiao Rongyu swallowed hard.

That was a Peak Grade Three Midnight Python, a creature infamous for its stealth and ambush tactics. Even seasoned Mercenaries struggled against them. Yet, Xiao Chen had annihilated it in an instant.

"Let's go, Rong," he said, flashing a small smile as he walked ahead. "Next time, I'll warn you first."

Xiao Rongyu exhaled, placing a hand over her racing heart. "You'd better! That thing almost gave me a heart attack!"

Mistshadow hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed after Xiao Chen, her blue beastly eyes flickering with awe.