Chapter 72: The Ambush of the Nether Wolf Pack

After leaving Shrek Academy, the team led by Du Weilun at the front and Zhao Gang at the rear began their journey toward the Star Dou Great Forest. The group of eight moved swiftly.

However, due to the gap in cultivation, Huo Yuhao gradually fell behind, with Wu Feng not far ahead of him. The two teachers said nothing—clearly treating this like a test.

Thankfully, with the help of Chen Junting, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and He Caitou—who all had higher physical endurance—Huo Yuhao and Wu Feng kept pace without falling behind completely.

By midday, the group reached the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest. A wooden sign stood by the road, reading:

"Fifty miles ahead lies the Star Dou Great Forest. Soul beasts roam. Proceed with caution."

Before they entered, Du Weilun raised a hand to halt the team.

"We'll camp here tonight. Eat, rest, and recover your strength. Tomorrow morning, we enter."

With tasks assigned, Xu Sanshi gathered firewood, Wu Feng lit the fire, and Huo Yuhao prepared dinner using a grill-type soul tool and pre-prepared ingredients from the Academy.

As everyone sat around the fire, eating and laughing, Huo Yuhao suddenly froze. His expression tensed.

"There's movement ahead," he said, voice low. "A large number of soul beasts... A pack of Nether Wolves is setting an ambush."

Instantly, the mood shifted. Everyone stood ready.

Du Weilun and Zhao Gang quickly took hidden positions nearby, prepared to intervene. Chen Junting unsheathed his Seven Killing Sword and moved to the front, slicing away thorns and clearing a path with sword energy so fierce, even low-level soul beasts didn't dare approach.

"Yuhao, confirm your target," Zhao Gang called.

Huo Yuhao closed his eyes, then nodded. "A thousand-year-old Psychedelic Butterfly. It's perfect."

Zhao Gang frowned. "Your first ring is only ten years. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Chen Junting stepped in. "Teacher Zhao, his physical fitness is no worse than a top-grade Grand Soul Master. He can absorb a thousand-year soul ring safely."

Zhao Gang narrowed his eyes but eventually nodded. "Fine. Be careful."

Wu Feng and Beibei also reported their chosen soul beasts—both sub-dragon types, one fire and one thunder, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 years. Their choices were approved easily.

After dinner, Du Weilun and Zhao Gang reviewed the hunting plan. Zhao Gang marked the map:

•Xu Sanshi: Needs a 4,000–6,000-year Virtual Spirit Turtle.

•Chen Junting: Seeking a 10,000–20,000-year Golden Demon Bird, a rare subspecies of the Emerald Demon Bird.

Upon hearing this, Du Weilun raised an eyebrow.

"A 10,000-year soul ring? You're aiming high."

Chen Junting stayed calm. "I'm prepared."

That night, everyone rested in tents arranged in a hexagram pattern. He Caitou patrolled the perimeter, setting up alarm-type soul tools. The forest remained quiet.

When morning came, they entered the Star Dou Great Forest.

The outer area was calm. Chen Junting led, followed by Wu Feng and Huo Yuhao. Beibei and Xu Sanshi flanked the group, while He Caitou guarded the rear.

"Yuhao, your spiritual detection will guide us," Beibei said. "Wu Feng, protect him closely. Chen Junting will clear the way. If anything attacks, we fall back and rely on Caitou's firepower to cover us."

The plan was smooth—until the trees thickened and the air turned heavy.

In the dense mist, Huo Yuhao's soul power pulsed. He opened his eyes and muttered, "We've entered the mixed zone. It's darker, and stronger beasts may be near."

Suddenly, his expression froze.

"Get ready. They're here!"

Growls echoed in the forest. Red eyes glowed through the underbrush.

The Nether Wolf Pack had arrived.

Du Weilun's voice came calmly from the trees, "Stay sharp. Let's see what you've learned."

The wolves lunged.

Chen Junting stepped forward, sword raised. A single sweep of his Seven Killing Sword split the pack's formation. Xu Sanshi blocked from the side, Beibei launched lightning strikes, and He Caitou fired a barrage from the rear.

Wu Feng stood close by Huo Yuhao, whose eyes glowed gold—his spiritual detection mapping every movement with pinpoint clarity.

One wolf leapt too close.

Chen Junting's blade flashed.

Slash!

It dropped instantly.

"Keep moving!" he called. "We break through on the left!"

They moved as one, cutting through the wolves. Even Zhao Gang, observing from the trees, was impressed.

"They're moving like a real unit," he muttered. "And that kid... Huo Yuhao's detection is no joke."

By the time the last wolf fell, the group was unharmed.

Breathing heavily, Huo Yuhao smiled. "Still a ten-year soul ring, huh?"

Beibei clapped him on the back. "Not for long."

Chen Junting glanced around, eyes sharp. "This was just the start."

They hadn't even reached the inner forest yet.

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(End of Chapter 73)

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I see no stones?