Chapter 24: The Sky Piercer and Blossoming Bonds

Jiang Yun and his team ventured deeper into the Star Dou Forest, the dense canopy overhead casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Feng Ming had finally reached level 40, and they were on a mission to secure a powerful soul ring for him.

"Everyone, stay sharp," Jiang Yun commanded, his voice calm but firm. "Feng Ming, remember, we're looking for a suitable wind-type soul beast. Stay close."

Feng Ming nodded, his expression a mix of excitement and determination. His Gale Falcon Martial Spirit granted him speed and sharp wind-based attacks, making him a natural scout and fighter.

As they moved cautiously through the dense underbrush, Zhu Zhuqing's senses were sharp, her cat-like agility making her a natural scout. "I sense something ahead," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Jiang Yun's sharp senses, enhanced by his four soul rings, confirmed it moments later. "A Windstorm Hawk, around eight thousand years old," he murmured, a hint of approval in his tone. "Perfect for you, Feng Ming."

The Windstorm Hawk was a majestic beast with silver feathers and a wingspan that stretched over ten meters. Its emerald-green eyes shimmered with intelligence, and the sharp gusts of wind surrounding it were a clear indication of its strength.

"Everyone, be ready. Dugu Yan, you're in charge of support. Zhu Zhuqing, you take its blind spot. Bai Ling, maintain healing from the rear," Jiang Yun commanded. "I'll keep its attention."

Dugu Yan's jade-green eyes glowed, her Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon spirit manifesting around her. "Understood." Her Earth Dragon Domain spread, a faint mist of poisonous energy subtly spreading around them.

The Windstorm Hawk screeched, noticing their presence. With a powerful flap, it sent razor-sharp wind blades towards them.

"Storm Claws!" Feng Ming shouted, his own wind blades clashing against the hawk's, but his were slightly weaker.

"Bai Ling, keep his strength up. Blessing Light!" Jiang Yun ordered. A radiant glow enveloped Feng Ming, enhancing his speed and power.

Zhu Zhuqing vanished into the shadows, her Shadow Hunt allowing her to weave between the hawk's attacks with ease. "I'm in position!" she called out.

"Earthbind!" Qiao Xuan roared, his Earthbind Serpent spirit conjuring thick, rock-like chains that shot toward the hawk. But the agile creature easily dodged.

"Not so fast. Crimson Lock!" Jiang Yun's eyes glowed as a faint red mark appeared on the hawk. He dashed forward, his speed explosive, and his Mighty Kick struck the hawk's side with a thunderous impact, sending it tumbling through the trees.

The Windstorm Hawk screeched in pain but quickly recovered, its wings spreading wide as a fierce gust threatened to blow them all back.

"Stone Fortress!" Qiao Xuan shouted, summoning a protective wall that shielded the team.

"Hua Yue, support Feng Ming!" Jiang Yun ordered. "Crimson Roar!" Hua Yue unleashed a fiery shockwave that clashed with the hawk's wind pressure, creating a momentary balance.

"Got it!" Feng Ming's wings shimmered with a faint silver glow. "Wind Mirage!" His afterimages blurred around the hawk, confusing it.

Jiang Yun's voice rang out, calm and confident. "Feng Ming, strike now!"

With a burst of speed, Feng Ming surged forward, his Storm Claws extending and glowing. The Windstorm Hawk, distracted by the afterimages, didn't notice until too late. His claws slashed across its chest, drawing a screech of pain.

"Finish it!" Jiang Yun's voice was decisive.

Feng Ming's Gale Strike exploded with a forceful gust, slicing through the hawk's wing. It crashed to the ground, struggling but weakened.

"Zhuqing, keep it in check," Jiang Yun ordered. Her Shadow Phantom split her into three identical clones, surrounding the hawk, their sharp claws slashing at its vital points.

The Windstorm Hawk's movements grew sluggish, its strength fading. Finally, Feng Ming soared above it, his claws glowing with fierce wind energy.

"This is it!" With a final descent, Feng Ming's claws plunged into the hawk, ending its life.

A radiant purple soul ring emerged from the fallen beast, hovering above it.

"It's yours, Feng Ming." Jiang Yun's voice softened, a faint smile on his face. "Absorb it."

Feng Ming nodded, excitement clear in his eyes as he sat down in meditation. The purple ring floated towards him, merging with his body.

Bai Ling's radiant lotus glowed, a gentle healing aura enveloping Feng Ming, ensuring his absorption was smooth.

The rest of the team stood guard, maintaining vigilance. Jiang Yun leaned against a tree, his gaze watching the surroundings but his mind elsewhere.

Dugu Yan moved closer, her emerald eyes soft. "Jiang Yun… you've always been so reliable."

Jiang Yun smiled, his gaze meeting hers. "That's my responsibility. To protect all of you."

Dugu Yan hesitated before stepping even closer. "And what if I want more than just protection?"

Jiang Yun's eyes widened slightly before softening. "Dugu Yan…"

But before he could continue, her lips met his. The kiss was gentle but filled with emotions she had kept hidden. After a moment, Jiang Yun returned it, his hand resting on her waist.

The world around them seemed to fade, the dense forest, the rustling leaves, and the distant calls of spirit beasts all becoming a faint backdrop.

As their lips parted, Dugu Yan's face was flushed. "I… I've always admired you, Jiang Yun."

"I know," he whispered, his voice warm. "And I've always cherished you."

Dugu Yan leaned against his chest, feeling his warmth. "Will… will Zhuqing be upset?"

Jiang Yun chuckled, brushing a strand of her hair. "Zhuqing already knows. She trusts you. And she trusts me."

Dugu Yan smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.

Soon, Feng Ming opened his eyes, his aura surging. "I did it!" he shouted, his excitement radiating.

Jiang Yun's smile widened. "Congratulations. What did you gain?"

"I did it! My fourth ability is called Sky Piercer." Feng Ming was happy and shared it's effect.

'Feng Ming can condense a massive, concentrated blade of wind energy in front of him and launch it at incredible speed. This wind blade can pierce through defenses and unleash a powerful explosion of wind energy on impact, making it both a piercing and area-of-effect attack.'

"Excellent." Jiang Yun nodded. "Let's rest for a bit and then head back."

As the team settled in, Dugu Yan stayed close to Jiang Yun, her hand quietly intertwining with his. Zhu Zhuqing, watching from a distance, smiled warmly before continuing her silent guard.

Jiang Yun's gaze moved over his team, pride and warmth filling his heart. They were growing stronger, together. And his resolve to protect them only deepened.