Chapter 71: Team Up and Set Off

The next morning, the bell for the end of class echoed through the corridor.

Just as students were about to leave, Wang Yan called out from the podium, "Chen Junting, Wu Feng, Huo Yuhao—stay behind for a moment."

Chen Junting immediately understood. The soul hunting operation was set for the afternoon. He turned to Dugu Xin beside him, "You go on ahead. Help me tell Ning Tian so she doesn't wait for me later."

Huo Yuhao, standing nearby, waved goodbye to Wang Dong and ran over with a bright smile. "Brother Junting, Sister Wu Feng!"

Chen Junting greeted him with a chuckle. "Yuhao, how's your training in the soul guidance department coming along? I haven't had much time to check in on you."

"I've already reached Soul Master! Teacher Fan Yu said once I get my second ring, I'll be a level two soul engineer without a doubt!" Yuhao's eyes sparkled with excitement. His progress over the past year felt like rebirth—and he knew it was all thanks to the sect's support.

"Oh? Then I'm guessing the senior from the Soul Guidance Department that Director Du mentioned… must be Senior He Caitou," Chen Junting mused.

Moments later, Wang Yan finished organizing his teaching plans and led the trio to Shrek Square—the starting point for today's soul hunting team assembly.

Most students had gone to the cafeteria by now, so the square was relatively quiet. Only those participating in the hunt remained. And as it turned out, the rest of the team… were all familiar faces.

"Beibei! You're messing with me again!" Xu Sanshi's voice rang out as he threw his arm over Huo Yuhao and Chen Junting's shoulders. "So the three newbies Director Du mentioned were actually you guys? What a coincidence!"

Beibei gave a warm smile and nodded. "Long time no see, Junior Brother Chen, Junior Sister Wu Feng."

"Little Brother Chen, Xiao Yuhao, and Junior Sister Wu Feng," He Caitou greeted them with a booming laugh. "Good to see you again!"

Chen Junting smiled and replied, "Thanks for taking care of Yuhao these past months, Senior He."

"No need to thank me," He Caitou chuckled. "Yuhao's a smart kid."

As the group caught up, Huo Yuhao lowered his voice and leaned toward Chen Junting. "Brother Junting… Teacher Wang Yan's been researching spiritual-type soul beasts for me. Dread Dragon, Purple Spirit Wolf, Big-Headed Spirit Ape… he's even narrowed down options to suit me best."

Chen Junting nodded. "That's because once you committed to the control path, Xiaotian submitted your profile to the sect. Our scholars have been evaluating which soul beasts suit your path best. Of course, you're free to choose your own road—it's your cultivation, after all."

Yuhao nodded solemnly. "I understand."

As they spoke, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm's sleepy voice suddenly echoed in Yuhao's mind. "Going to the Star Dou Forest, huh? Make sure you're ready. Pack up for the Far North before the holiday—I'll wake up then. Gotta conserve my energy."

"Brother Tianmeng? …Brother Tianmeng?" No response. Huo Yuhao sighed and returned his focus to the group.

By now, Du Weilun and Teacher Zhao Gang had arrived.

Du Weilun looked over the assembled students with a sharp gaze. "This soul hunting operation will be led by me personally. I'm in charge of commanding the overall situation. Assisting me is Teacher Zhao Gang—combat-type Soul Saint, martial soul: King Kong Bear."

Wu Feng's face lit up with surprise. "Wait, King Kong Bear? Isn't that…"

"Yep," Du Weilun confirmed. "A distant relative of Vice Dean Zhao Wuji. Don't take him lightly."

Wang Yan gave a final reminder. "All of you—be cautious. The Star Dou Great Forest is no joke. One misstep could be fatal."

"No worries, Teacher Wang," Xu Sanshi grinned. "We'll come back in one piece."

Before leaving, Chen Junting turned to Yuhao. "Have you settled on a soul ring yet?"

"I think… the Psychedelic Butterfly fits me best."

Wu Feng blinked. "The sect recommended that to you?"

Yuhao nodded. "Yeah. But I'm still considering…"

Chen Junting added, "That's a solid pick. Mental-type soul beasts are rare—and dangerous. But if you master one, it'll push your control abilities to the next level."

Wu Feng gave Yuhao a light nudge. "Don't space out now."

Yuhao straightened up, "Right! I'm good."

Chen Junting, Wu Feng, and Yuhao followed the others to the edge of the square, preparing for departure.

On the way, Xu Sanshi whispered to Beibei, "Dude, Chen Junting is already a Soul Ancestor—at twelve! We're living like dogs in comparison."

Beibei chuckled. "He's a genius among geniuses. Just try to keep up."

Meanwhile, He Caitou offered soul ring advice to the younger ones—except for himself, since he didn't really care.

Eventually, Du Weilun signaled for them to gather. "Let's move out!"

The hunt for new soul rings had officially begun.

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(End of chapter)

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3 chapter y'all

I try to compensate for the past few days causes y know(slow update),I got my job back so I have to manage my time again.