Chapter 43 - Serpent Hunt

Three and a half years later, Han Feng once again stepped into the Star Dou Great Forest.

Compared to three and a half years ago, his strength had grown tremendously. With Zhao Wuji acting as their guard, the journey was far safer. Even the people by his side had changed—back then, it had been a beautiful, spirited girl; now, a tall and striking young man walked beside him…

Han Feng really couldn't understand it.

Same blonde hair—why was Dai Mubai so annoying?

Why was a grown man trying to find out his likes, dislikes, and even his birthday?

He wasn't Zhu Zhuqing!

Wasn't all that effort going in the wrong direction?

"Everyone, stay alert. Even if we come across ten-year soul beasts, don't provoke them unnecessarily. We only hunt the soul beasts we need—avoid unnecessary conflicts with others."

Along the way, Tang San displayed his incredible theoretical knowledge. Whether it was beasts they had or hadn't seen before, Tang San seemed to know them all by heart—even Zhao Wuji couldn't match him.

Thanks to this, Tang San had naturally become the group's backbone. Whenever something happened, everyone instinctively turned to him for guidance—Han Feng and Dai Mubai included.

Compared to Tang San, their knowledge was basic at best.

"Why all the caution? They're just weak soul beasts. If they get in the way, we just kill them, right? "Ma Hongjun asked, confused.

Tang San smiled gently.

"First, the smell of blood from weak beasts attracts stronger ones. Second, soul beasts grow slowly, yet Soul Masters need to hunt many in their lifetime. If we hunt recklessly, what will our descendants have left? "

Ma Hongjun was convinced. "Third Brother, you really know everything! "

Even Zhao Wuji nodded in agreement, thinking to himself, This kid's teacher must be extraordinary…

"Hm? "Suddenly Zhao Wuji's brows furrowed. He barked,

"Something's coming! Zhu Zhuqing, scout ahead! "

With a nod, Zhu Zhuqing leapt up the trees. Her martial soul enhanced her vision—her eyes turned into sharp, vertical pupils. Spotting movement, she called out:

"A soul beast! Flying three or four meters above the ground—fast! "

"A bird-type beast? " Ning Rongrong guessed.

"No! A long, slender beast, six or seven meters long… The leaves block my view, but I can see wings and a red crest! " Zhu Zhuqing frowned, straining for a closer look.

"Fall back! Don't get any closer! "Zhao Wuji ordered.

Han Feng noticed a flash of purple in Tang San's eyes. Then Tang San said gravely:

"It's a snake! "

"A snake? One that can fly—and has wings? "Oscar blurted out, stunned.

Tang San nodded knowingly.

"Zhu Zhuqing, that red you saw isn't its head—it's a cockscomb."

Zhu Zhuqing focused again, then nodded. "You're right, it's a red cockscomb."

Tang San and Zhao Wuji exchanged smiles.

"A Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Serpent! "

Tang San explained to the puzzled group:

"Judging by its features, it's a 1,300- to 1,800-year-old soul beast. Its attributes and age are perfect for Oscar."

Oscar brightened. "Little San, you're like a living encyclopedia of Soul Masters! "

Tang San flushed slightly. "My teacher's the real expert. I've only learned a fraction."

"Looks like your luck's come, Oscar! "Zhao Wuji laughed. "But I won't be helping this time. Tang San, since you know this beast, you're in charge."

"Understood! "Tang San replied.

"Fatty, your martial soul suppresses the Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Serpent. When it shows itself, unleash your spirit to slow it down.

Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu—my Blue Silver Grass will get you close. Take it down in one strike.

Oscar, Rongrong—stand by to support! "

He quickly assigned everyone's roles. Notably, he gave no orders to Han Feng or Dai Mubai—both were too strong. Using higher-ranked members against a millennium soul beast would complicate command.

Neither Han Feng nor Dai Mubai objected, simply readying themselves for any unexpected turns.

With a sudden whoosh, the Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Serpent darted through the trees, so fast that only a blur remained. But the group was ready.

A sharp phoenix cry split the air—Ma Hongjun's Evil Fire Phoenix manifested. The serpent faltered, its speed dropping sharply under the suppressive aura.

Tang San smiled confidently. Blue Silver Grass unfurled from his fingertips. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing sprang from the trees, attacking in tandem.

"Second Soul Skill—Nether Hundred Claws! "

"Eight-Stage Drop! "

Two streaks of red and black became a storm of blows, striking dozens of times in an instant.

But the serpent's body was slick and its hide tough. Even Tang San's Blue Silver Grass couldn't hold it. Most of their force slipped away on impact, leaving it barely scratched.

"Not good—it's getting away! "

Even with Ma Hongjun suppressing it, the serpent remained fast. Realizing it couldn't win, a venomous gleam flashed in its eyes as it bolted.

Xiao Wu hesitated for a moment—and the serpent knocked her aside.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't hesitate. She unleashed her first soul skill, chasing it down. But she lacked the strength to face the serpent alone. Exhausted, she found herself overwhelmed.

The serpent hesitated briefly, then lashed its tail at her.

"Zhu Zhuqing! "

On the ground, Dai Mubai's eyes blazed. Activating his first and third soul skills, he transformed into the White Tiger King, leaping seven or eight meters into the air.

"Kong!"

He reached her in time to scoop her into his arms, shielding her with his body.

But before the serpent could strike, a deafening crash resounded behind him, followed by Han Feng's casual drawl:

"What, am I invisible to you two? "

Dai Mubai turned, stunned—Han Feng stood with his blazing Seraphim Shield raised, having intercepted the serpent's blow. In his panic, Dai Mubai had once again forgotten Han Feng's second soul skill.

Han Feng smirked.

"Tsk, tsk… the world's really going downhill. Dai-boss, your moves are getting bold."

"Put me down! " Zhu Zhuqing finally found her voice, cheeks flushed as she glared at Dai Mubai.

Only then did Dai Mubai release her, blushing furiously under Zhu Zhuqing's frosty glare and Han Feng's amused grin.

He turned his embarrassment on the serpent.

"You're dead! "

"Dai Mubai, wait! Don't kill it! "Tang San shouted—but too late.

"Boom!"

Dai Mubai's punch smashed the serpent into the ground, leaving it barely clinging to life.