Chapter 15: First Meeting with Huo Yuhao

Here's a refined and polished vAs the first light of dawn filtered through the treetops, the dense forest slowly awakened. Leaves rustled under the morning breeze, and golden sunbeams spilled through the canopy, casting shifting patterns on the forest floor.

A pine cone tumbled down from a branch, and a small squirrel scampered after it, stopping in the middle of the path. Just as it was about to claim its prize, the peaceful stillness of the forest was shattered.

"Squeak—"

The sound of wheels rolling over dead leaves and twigs broke the silence, followed by the rhythmic clatter of hooves. Birds scattered, startled by the disturbance, as a luxurious soul-guided carriage emerged from the shade of the towering trees.

"Young Master, we're approaching the Star Dou Forest."

At the driver's words, the carriage door swung open, and three figures stepped out.

Chen Junting, Ning Tian, and Wu Feng—disciples of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—had journeyed here to obtain Ning Tian's third spirit ring before heading to Shrek Academy.

Since there was still time before the academy's student recruitment, they decided to complete this task first before making their way to Shrek City.

Chen Junting turned to the carriage driver. "Xiao Liu, thank you for escorting us. After we acquire the spirit ring, we'll head straight to Shrek. No need to wait—return to the sect."

The driver bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master Chen."

Meanwhile,Not far from them, two other travelers walked along the forest path.

A teenage girl with a lively demeanor called out excitedly. "Beibei, look over there!"

The young man beside her, dressed in simple but refined robes, turned his gaze toward the soul-guided carriage. His expression remained composed, though his sharp blue eyes flickered with interest.

Tang Ya and Bei Bei—disciples of the Tang Sect—had also come to the Star Dou Forest, but for their own reasons.

Bei Bei, unlike Tang Ya, remained cautious. With his Purple Demon Eyes, he scrutinized the ornate carriage before speaking in a low voice.

"Xiaoya, that's not just any soul-guided carriage."

Tang Ya frowned. "I know what a soul-guided carriage is. Also, call me Teacher Xiaoya!"

Bei Bei chuckled but maintained his serious tone. "This one is high-tier, far superior to anything Shrek Academy has. Whoever owns it isn't ordinary."

Tang Ya's eyes widened. "You mean… they're not just rich, but influential too?"

Bei Bei nodded. "Exactly. This isn't just about wealth—it's about status and power. We should avoid them. If their group consists of high-level soul masters, we might run into trouble."

Tang Ya hesitated before reluctantly agreeing. "Alright, let's take a different route."

As the two figures disappeared into the forest, fate had already begun to weave its threads.

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Back near the carriage, Chen Junting's keen senses suddenly picked up something. His gaze snapped toward the retreating figures.

"Huh?"

Ning Tian noticed his reaction. "Brother Junting, what's wrong?"

Wu Feng, always quick to act, followed his line of sight but saw nothing unusual. "What is it? I don't see anything."

Chen Junting frowned slightly. "I saw two figures leaving just now… they seemed to be heading in the same direction as us."

His instincts told him that their paths were not meant to cross—at least, not yet. Shaking off the thought, he refocused on the task at hand.

Ning Tian unfolded a map from her storage soul guide, carefully marking out areas where suitable spirit beasts gathered. "These locations should be ideal for my third spirit ring."

After confirming their route, the trio ventured deeper into the forest.

Soon, they arrived at a small stream.

Wu Feng suddenly paused, sniffing the air. "Wait… what's that smell?"

A rich, savory aroma filled the air, growing stronger with every step. Ning Tian, usually composed, couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"It smells amazing… like grilled fish."

Chen Junting's sharp gaze swept ahead, locking onto a small clearing. "It's coming from just beyond those bushes."

Before he could say anything more, Wu Feng had already darted forward, pushing aside the foliage.

A young boy sat by the fire, holding a wooden skewer with a perfectly grilled fish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. His clothes were simple and slightly worn, and his thin frame suggested hardship.

Startled, the boy's pale blue eyes widened, his grip tightening around his meal.

Chen Junting's gaze drifted to the ground, spotting a small bottle of salt and basil leaves nearby. His eyes flickered with recognition.

"Huo Yuhao… it really is him."

A thousand thoughts raced through his mind. He glanced around the clearing, half-expecting to see someone else.

"Strange… where are Tang Ya and Bei Bei?"

A realization dawned on him.

The two figures he had seen earlier—could they have been Tang Ya and Bei Bei? If so, had fate taken a slightly different turn?

"Could it be that Huo Yuhao's encounter with the Tang Sect wasn't preordained by the Tang God King, but simply one of his destined opportunities? And now…"

Before he could dwell further on the implications, Wu Feng's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Hey! This fish smells incredible!"

Her excitement was quickly followed by Ning Tian's approval. "Brother Junting, you have to try it—Huo Yuhao's grilled fish is surprisingly good!"

Chen Junting blinked, watching as Ning Tian elegantly took a bite while Wu Feng nearly devoured hers whole.

A faint smile crossed his usually stoic face.

Huo Yuhao hesitated before holding out a skewer to him. "Big brother, you should have one too."

Chen Junting studied the boy before him—the one who would eventually rise to legendary heights. Then, with a rare warmth in his expression, he accepted the offering.

"Yuhao… you don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

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End of Chapter 15

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"Stones", what a beautiful words ~