Chapter 66
While the ferocious beasts trained in the heart of the forest, Lin Bai and the others finally came across a spirit beast — though it wasn't much to look at.
"A pack of black-striped rats," someone muttered.
The creatures, each about the size of a small dog, huddled together in the undergrowth. Beady eyes gleamed warily at the group, their tiny bodies trembling.
Flander frowned as he stepped forward. Oddly, the rats shrank back, squeaking nervously.
"That's strange," Flander murmured, his brow furrowing. "They're… afraid of me? Century-old beasts shouldn't be able to sense my strength unless I deliberately release my spirit."
Yu Xiaogang thought for a moment, rifling through his mental library of theories, but nothing came to mind. He shook his head. "I've never heard of spirit beasts this young reacting like that. Let's not waste time. Black-striped rats feed on plant-based spirit beasts — if they're here, there's likely something useful nearby."
"Good enough for me," Flander said, taking to the skies. His eagle-like eyes swept over the canopy until something caught his attention.
"There — wolf tooth grass. Judging by the size, it's at least five hundred years old."
He didn't bother to look closer. Plants like that multiplied quickly; if one was here, more would be nearby.
"Let's move," Yu Xiaogang ordered, leading the group deeper into the forest.
Lin Bai followed, recalling what he'd learned at Notting College. Wolf tooth grass resembled a wolf's fang — curved leaves, serrated edges, each tip sharp as a blade. Its toxin slowed blood clotting, making even the smallest wound lethal if left untreated. It was perfect for enhancing the lethality of hidden weapons. No wonder Tang San seemed visibly eager, quickening his pace.
Lin Bai extended his telekinesis, quietly sweeping the surrounding terrain. Unsurprisingly, there were no ten-thousand-year soul beasts lurking in the outskirts. He sighed inwardly.
If it comes to it, I'll leave the group. Yingtian still carries the Mountain God Seal. He can hide there until I need him, then help suppress a soul beast when the time's right.
But that would have to wait. First, he needed to find the right beast.
The Star Dou Forest's mutated beasts can now sense spirit masters. That makes this harder. Maybe… the old Ghost Gate bait formula could be adjusted.
Most of the Thirteen Acupuncture Inheritances from Ghost Gate were for treating humans, but a few worked on animals too — and some formulas doubled as bait when laced with beast blood.
Thinking quickly, Lin Bai scoured the plants nearby for anything with the right medicinal properties. He used his mind power to pluck, crush, and mix the herbs, condensing them into a thick paste. A faint herbal scent drifted from the mixture, but when he tested a small sample beneath his nose, he frowned.
Not strong enough. This might lure ordinary beasts, but not spirit beasts.
With a sharp thought, he formed a needle out of pure telekinetic force and pricked the back of his hand, letting a drop of blood fall into the bait. Then, infusing the mixture with soul power from his Ultimate Golden Hammer, he stabilized it, preventing the essence from dissipating. Finally, he ignited the bait and let the smoke curl upward.
Satisfied, he glanced over at Tang San, who was already crouched before a particularly large wolf tooth grass.
"Teacher," Tang San said solemnly, "wolf tooth grass isn't powerful, but its toxin is dangerous. I want it for my second spirit ring."
Yu Xiaogang's expression tightened. "Xiao San, are you sure? That plant's easily a thousand years old. No one's ever absorbed a thousand-year ring as their second."
Before Tang San could answer, Lin Bai spoke up.
"My second ring's a thousand-year soul ring."
The words hung in the air.
Yu Xiaogang stiffened, his face twitching as Lin Bai revealed his spirit rings — one yellow, one purple.
Tang San blinked, stunned. He'd never fought Lin Bai since the latter obtained his second ring and had no idea it was of such a high level.
"That's impossible," Yu Xiaogang snapped. "A year and a half ago, you were barely level twenty. The dungeon didn't even exist yet. How did you fuse a thousand-year soul ring?"
His voice carried both disbelief and irritation. If what Lin Bai claimed was true, it shattered years of his carefully compiled theories.
The others finally processed what was happening.
Ma Hongjun let out a low whistle. "Monster."
Dai Mubai grunted in agreement. "Heh. That explains a lot."
Before Yu Xiaogang could retort, Flander cut in. "Leave it. Facts are facts. Lin Bai's proven it's possible to absorb spirit rings above the conventional limit. Xiao San's generation is lucky — they might all have a chance to get stronger rings."
Yu Xiaogang exhaled slowly. Flander was right. His pride in his theories meant nothing compared to his duty as a teacher.
"Xiao San," he said, meeting the boy's gaze, "do you think your body can handle a thousand-year ring?"
Tang San hesitated, then nodded. "Eighty percent chance."
"Then go for it," Yu Xiaogang said. "But be careful of those blades — they're deadlier than the plant itself."
He handed over a dagger.
Tang San took it, infusing it with soul power. He hurled it at the wolf tooth grass, severing the stalk with careful strikes, avoiding the sharp leaves. It took several tries, but eventually, the plant toppled.
A moment later, a rich purple soul ring slowly rose into the air.
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