Chapter 70: Applying for Soul Hunting

Chen Junting didn't head to class that morning. Instead, he took Wu Feng directly to Mu Jin's office—not only to apply for soul hunting but also to request a leave of absence for Dugu Xin.

Mu Jin wasted no time. She pulled out a soul power testing orb. As the numbers 40 and 30 appeared on the orb's surface, her eyes flashed with approval. Without hesitation, she handed over two soul hunting application forms and signed them immediately.

"Take these to Director Du. Your requests are approved."

After thanking Mu Jin, Chen Junting and Wu Feng made their way to the office of Director Du Weilun. When they arrived, Chen Junting knocked on the door.

"Come in," came the stern voice from inside.

Upon entering, they found Du Weilun at his desk, glasses perched on his nose, reading through a stack of documents. Standing nearby was their teacher, Wang Yan, who greeted them with a smile and gestured for them to sit.

As they waited, Chen Junting noticed something interesting on Du Weilun's desk: maps and documents detailing spiritual-type soul beasts and their territory distributions in the Star Dou Forest.

Once Du Weilun finished reviewing the paperwork, he looked up from over his glasses and blinked in surprise.

"You've both broken through? Level 40 and 30?"

"Yes, Director Du," Chen Junting replied calmly. "We're here to apply for our next spirit rings. We'd like to use the academy's assessment reward to get the most suitable soul beasts for us."

Du Weilun nodded, glancing between the two. "Have you considered your spirit ring choices?"

"Yes." Chen Junting's expression became serious. "My first choice is the Ten Thousand Year Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear."

Du Weilun paused, removing his glasses.

"What? You want a ten thousand year Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear for your fourth soul ring? Are you aware of the risks involved? The soul shock alone can kill a body unprepared for it. I would advise aiming for something around nine thousand years instead."

Chen Junting remained composed. "Director Du, I appreciate your concern. But I assure you, my spiritual power is sufficient. This has to do with an item granted to me by the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Upon hearing that, Du Weilun's frown deepened, but he said nothing.

"Tell me about your other options," he asked after a moment.

"My ideal choice," Chen Junting said, "would be the Ten Thousand Year Emerald Demon Bird."

That made both Du Weilun and Wang Yan freeze.

"…What did you just say?" Du Weilun's expression darkened. "Emerald Demon Bird?"

He turned to Wang Yan, who wore a look of disbelief. Even Wang Yan, who was typically calm and collected, couldn't believe his ears.

"The Emerald Demon Bird," Du Weilun muttered. "Even among ancient soul beasts, it was feared. They move like streaks of light and survive by consuming the brains of other creatures—human or beast. They caused disasters in the past. Now they're extremely rare, if not extinct."

Chen Junting nodded. "I know it's a long shot. If it truly cannot be found, then I'll accept a subspecies like the Golden Demon Bird."

That made Du Weilun glance down, rubbing his temples.

"This is difficult…" he muttered. "Even I wouldn't dare face an Emerald Demon Bird lightly. Still, we've made a commitment to support outstanding students in finding suitable spirit rings. We can't go back on that."

He sighed, then stood. "I'll escalate this to the dean."

He excused himself and left the office. A short while later, he arrived at the inner courtyard and met with Dean Yan Shaozhe.

When Du Weilun explained Chen Junting's request, Yan Shaozhe fell silent. After a long pause, he walked to his bookshelf, pulled down an old volume, and opened it to a bookmarked page.

"Even back then, these creatures were feared," he said, showing the image of the Golden Demon Bird—a documented subspecies of the Emerald Demon Bird. Alongside the illustration was a partially faded map with a location marked in handwritten ink.

"This information was left by the previous dean," Yan Shaozhe explained. "It might be outdated, but it's the best lead we have. Let them try their luck there."

He handed the map to Du Weilun. Just as he was about to leave, Yan Shaozhe added one more instruction.

"You'll be leading this hunt, Du Weilun. And bring Zhao Gang along as backup. If you do find the Emerald Demon Bird—or worse, a ten thousand year one—extra hands may be the difference between success and tragedy."

Back in the office, Du Weilun returned with the map and gave it to Chen Junting.

"You'll depart tomorrow afternoon," he said. "Huo Yuhao and two seniors from the Martial Soul Department will be joining the hunt. One member from the Soul Guidance Department will also be present, as requested by Fan Yu."

Chen Junting accepted the map respectfully. He'd noticed the stern tone in Du Weilun's voice, but also the hint of support beneath it.

Du Weilun turned to Wu Feng next. "What about your choice?"

"I'd like a fire-attribute dragon species. Around two or three thousand years old," she replied crisply.

Du Weilun nodded. "Approved. That should be manageable."

With that, he gave his final reminder.

"Be prepared. The Star Dou Great Forest is no playground. Even a routine spirit ring hunt can become deadly in an instant."

"Yes, Director Du."

As they left, Du Weilun looked down at the old map again and whispered, "Emerald Demon Bird… Let's hope luck is on your side."

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(End of chapter)

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STONES :(