Three figures entered Huo Yuhao's spiritual detection range. Surprisingly, they weren't soul beasts this time, but soul masters.
Judging by their paths, they too had returned from the core area of the forest. However, encountering fellow soul masters in the Star Dou Forest didn't bring Huo Yuhao any sense of relief.
In a place like this, where everyone came to hunt soul beasts for their rings, meeting others could easily lead to conflict, especially if multiple groups targeted the same soul beast.
To make matters worse, Huo Yuhao immediately recognized the trio as the infamous Zhongli brothers from the original story—three malevolent evil soul masters with sinister intentions.
And to add to the tension, Han Ruoruo was in the middle of absorbing a soul ring, a process that couldn't be interrupted. Fortunately, Zhang Lexuan had already contacted Vice Dean Cai when they encountered the Azure Sky Lion Beast earlier, so help should be on the way.
Before long, three gray-robed figures came into view. At first glance, Huo Yuhao's heart sank.
These men were unmistakably evil soul masters, their very presence exuding malice.
Their appearances were grotesque and sinister, making it clear they were not to be trusted.
The three old men, who looked to be at least seventy years old, were identical in appearance and attire.
They were thin, with deeply wrinkled faces, gray hair tied loosely behind their heads, and dull, lifeless eyes. Their hooked noses and overall demeanor gave off an air of decay.
Each of them leaned on a dark, ten-foot-long cane.
As soon as they appeared, their eyes immediately fell on Han Ruoruo, who was in the process of absorbing her soul ring, and then shifted to Zhang Lexuan, who stood alert and ready. Their movements were eerily synchronized.
"Three little kids," the middle old man muttered, frowning slightly.
"The soul ring she's absorbing is quite good," remarked the one on the left.
The old man on the right cut straight to the point, his voice hoarse and grating, "Who are you? Where are you from?"
Huo Yuhao didn't waste any time. He stepped forward, his aura flaring as he retorted, "You want to know our names? Why don't you introduce yourselves first!"
The aura of a Soul Emperor radiated from him, pressing down on the three old men. Sensing Huo Yuhao's power, the trio seemed momentarily taken aback.
The middle old man sneered, "You're quite bold for someone so young!"
The one on the left chuckled darkly, "A young Soul Emperor? Impressive!"
The old man on the right added, "No wonder you've ventured so deep into the Star Dou Forest. Your cultivation isn't weak. Show us your soul rings!"
Before Huo Yuhao could respond, a calm voice interjected from behind him.
Zhang Lexuan stepped forward, her demeanor composed yet firm. "If you want us to reveal our martial souls, you'll need to prove you're worthy of such a request."
As she spoke, she raised her right hand and pushed it forward gently. The old man on the right reacted instantly, his dim yellow eyes flashing as he raised his own hand to meet hers.
"Boom!"
A low, muffled sound echoed as a powerful shockwave erupted, stirring the treetops above and sending a cascade of leaves falling to the ground.
"You've are a Soul Douluo?!" the old man on the right exclaimed, his expression shifting to one of surprise. "No wonder you dare to speak so arrogantly."
Zhang Lexuan remained unfazed. "The same could be said for you. You're clearly a Soul Douluo. Why bother with us? The Star Dou Forest is vast enough for all of us."
The old man on the right smirked. "Whether it's a bother or not isn't for you to decide. How about this: if you help us with a little task, we'll let you go. You should know that a Soul Douluo and a Soul Emperor stand no chance against the three of us."
The middle old man added, "Yes, help us, and you'll be free to leave."
The one on the left chimed in, "It might even benefit you."
Zhang Lexuan's tone remained steady. "With your level of cultivation, it's hard to believe you'd need our help. Besides, one of us is in the middle of absorbing a soul ring and can't be disturbed."
The old man on the right sneered, "I'm afraid that's not your decision to make. If you refuse, we don't mind wasting a bit more time here."
The middle old man cut in, "Enough talk. Follow us."
The one on the left softened his tone slightly, "Let us make a vow. With our status, we won't break it."
As soon as he finished speaking, the three men spoke in unison, "I, Zhongli Tian (Zhongli Di, Zhongli Ren), swear here that if these people assist us in our task, we will not harm them and will let them go. If we break this oath, may heaven and earth punish us."
The old man on the far right was Zhongli Tian, the middle one Zhongli Ren, and the left one Zhongli Di.
Their names, derived from the "Three Talents" of heaven, earth, and man, were as peculiar as their appearance. The way they swore in unison suggested this was a routine they were well accustomed to.
Their surnames were unusual, and Zhang Lexuan couldn't recall any notable figures by those names.
At the Soul Douluo level, most powerful individuals were well-known across the continent. The fact that she had never heard of them only reinforced her suspicion that they were evil soul masters with ill intentions.
At that moment, Huo Yuhao, who had been quietly gathering his strength, made his move. He activated "Moment," entering a state of accelerated time. His first target was the strongest of the three—Zhongli Ren.
'Five-turn Heart-grabbing Gu + Three-turn Witness Gu and Righteous Gu + Soul Shock!'
Huo Yuhao's full-powered attack, enhanced by his fourth soul ring and the second sea of consciousness, was enough to kill an ordinary Soul Douluo.
The strike landed squarely on Zhongli Ren, obliterating his consciousness and snuffing out his life in an instant.
"Big brother!" Zhongli Di and Zhongli Tian shouted in unison, their voices filled with rage.
They immediately released their martial souls, their bodies transforming as gray scales spread across their skin, covering them entirely.
But Huo Yuhao was already one step ahead. He teleported between the two, unleashing his Blue Water Field, followed by the Northern Dark Ice Soul Domain and Domain of Perpetual Ice (Permafrost Domain).
The temperature around them plummeted to an astonishing -200 degrees Celsius, freezing the two evil soul masters solid.
"Sister Lexuan, don't let any of them escape!" Huo Yuhao shouted as he moved.
Zhang Lexuan, who had been preparing her own attack, unleashed her 100,000-year soul skill.
"Eight Soul Skill: Corrosion of the Blood Moon".
Even without the enhancement of her martial soul avatar, the attack was more than enough to obliterate the two frozen Soul Douluos.
In an instant, the crisis was resolved.
Huo Yuhao smirked. "The evil soul masters' attacks are unpredictable? As long as I strike first, it doesn't matter."
At this moment, he was the one who would be feared.
'One blood moon attack, one sneak attack—who was the real evil soul master here?'
Zhang Lexuan shook her head, dismissing the thought. As long as they were safe, that was all that mattered.
…
[I've just launched a new fanfiction project titled Protagonist's Mother Is My Wife.
First 30 Chapters: Available for free to everyone.
From chapters 31: Exclusive to Patreon paid members.]
If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:
patreon.com/DarkLord621