noveltune Chapter 25 Re-entering the Stars
Chapter 25 Re-entering the Stars
Chapter 25 Re-entering the Stars
The next morning, before dawn, the group had already gathered at the entrance of the college.
This time, everyone was mobilized.
Flander, Zao Wou-Ki, Shao Xin, Li Yusong, Lu Qibin.
All five teachers, along with students Ma Hongjun and Oscar, made up a group of seven who set off in a grand procession towards the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Dean Flander, now that we're leaving, shouldn't the academy leave someone behind to keep an eye on things?" Oscar asked curiously, carrying a bulging bundle on his back.
Flander glanced at him and said expressionlessly, "What's so great about guarding that wretched place like Shrek?"
He had no money, no possessions, so there was nothing worth stealing.
Oscar opened his mouth, only to find that he couldn't refute it.
Zhao Wuji added, "The most valuable things are all stored in our soul storage devices."
The college only has a few dilapidated buildings left; anyone who wants them can take them.
"————" Oscar silently shut his mouth.
Ma Hongjun's lips curled up slightly.
These words may be harsh, but they are indeed true.
Shrek Academy was dirt poor, with dilapidated teaching facilities. The only valuable things were the personal belongings carried by the teachers.
Rather than leaving two people to guard an empty shell, it's better to mobilize everyone. More people means more strength, and it's also safer in the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Let's go." Flander waved his hand. "Let's try to find the target within three days, don't drag it out too long."
The carriage traveled south along the official road.
The two-day journey passed quickly amidst laughter and conversation.
Oscar and Zhao Wuji bickered constantly throughout the journey, while Shao Xin's occasional jokes filled the carriage with laughter.
Even the usually serious Li Yusong and Lu Qibin would occasionally show a hint of a smile.
Ma Hongjun leaned against the car window, watching the scenery rushing past outside, feeling calm and expectant.
He's back in the Starry Sky Forest.
On the morning of the third day, the group stood at the entrance of the Star Dou Great Forest.
Just like last time I came, towering trees rose from the ground, their canopies layered upon layer, completely blocking out the sky.
The air was filled with the scent of damp earth, mixed with the fragrance of grass and trees and a certain indescribable fishy smell.
The low growls of soul beasts echoed from afar, rising and falling, instinctively putting people on their guard.
"Line up in formation."
Flander's voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
The advantage of deploying everyone is that the formation can be set up more tightly.
Flander walked at the front, his Four-Eyed Cat-Owl Martial Soul ready to be released at any moment, his sharp eyes scanning the front and both sides.
Zhao Wuji walked at the very back, his burly body like a moving wall, his Mighty Vajra Bear Martial Soul poised to unleash its power.
Li Yusong and Lu Qibin walked on the left and right sides respectively, holding the Dragon Pattern Staff and the Chessboard Martial Soul in their hands, each guarding their own direction.
Shao Xin led Ma Hongjun and Oscar to walk slightly behind the middle. Although he was not a Battle Soul Master, as a Soul Emperor, his perception and adaptability were not weak.
A group of seven, like a sharp knife, plunged into the Starry Sky Forest.
The light inside the forest was much dimmer than outside.
Sunlight could only filter through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The thick tree roots arched out of the soil, like giant pythons coiled on the ground.
The ground was covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, which felt soft and spongy underfoot. I wondered what might be hidden beneath them.
Ma Hongjun walked in the middle of the group, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
He's already level 20; he's no longer the burden who could only be protected like before.
Although he can't compare to the teachers yet, his perception and reaction speed have made a qualitative leap.
"Hongjun, are you nervous?" Oscar walked beside him and asked in a low voice.
"I'm not nervous," Ma Hongjun said honestly. "I'm a little excited."
Oscar grinned: "Me too. Last time it was my turn to hunt spirit rings, this time it's your turn. Once we both have our second spirit rings, we can have a proper fight."
"You can't beat me right now."
"Nonsense! I'm level 23, and you're only level 20!"
"Why don't you give it a try?"
"Let's give it a try! Let's try it as soon as we get back!"
Shao Xin walked ahead, listening to the two children bickering, and couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.
Flanders walked in front, his ears perked up, listening intently to the two children's conversation. He didn't turn around, but a slight smile played on his lips.
Shrek Academy may be dilapidated, poor, and have only two students.
But these two students will surely stand at the top of the mainland in the future.
He has this confidence.
Flander stopped and turned to look at the crowd.
"As planned, we'll start by searching the outer areas today. Light-type spirit beasts prefer to live in sunny places. The dense canopy deep in the forest prevents sunlight from reaching them, making it unsuitable for their survival. We'll focus our search on open areas in the forest, hillsides, and along the banks of streams."
Zhao Wuji nodded: "Dean Flander and I will each lead a team to search separately, which will be more efficient. Teacher Li and Teacher Lu will go with Dean Flander, and Teacher Shao will come with me."
"Hongjun will stay with me," Flander called out. "Oscar will stay with Teacher Zhao."
Ma Hongjun had a sudden thought.
Flanders' arrangement was clearly deliberate.
By going with Flander, he could utilize the Four-Eyed Cat-Owl's aerial reconnaissance capabilities to more efficiently locate Light-type Soul Beasts.
Oscar went with Zhao Wuji, who was a strength-type battle spirit master and could better protect Oscar, a food-type spirit master.
"Signal if you find anything."
Flander took out a bamboo-shaped soul tool from his pocket and handed it to Zhao Wuji. "Send the signal flare into the air, and we'll meet up immediately."
Zhao Wuji took the signal flare and put it in his pocket.
"Let's go."
The two teams separated in the forest and headed in different directions.
Ma Hongjun followed behind Flander, with Li Yusong and Lu Qibin protecting the flanks. The four of them searched upstream along a stream.
The stream flows gently, the water is crystal clear, and occasionally you can see a few small silver fish swimming in it.
The trees on both sides of the stream are sparser than elsewhere, allowing sunlight to shine directly onto the water, making the entire area much brighter than the depths of the forest.
"In places like this, the probability of encountering Light-type Soul Beasts is higher."
As Flander walked, he said, "Most light-type spirit beasts prefer warm, bright environments. They can't stand dark, damp places."
Ma Hongjun nodded, his gaze constantly scanning the tree canopies and rocks on both sides of the river.
He suddenly remembered something.
"Teacher, about Xiao Ao obtaining the external soul bone last time, did you do anything about it after you went back—"
Ma Hongjun carefully considered his words, unsure how to ask the question.
"Did you tell anyone?" Flander asked, picking up the conversation.
Ma Hongjun nodded.
Flander didn't stop walking, his tone calm: "No. The fewer people who know, the better. Those of you here just need to know for yourselves. Once we're out of this forest, no one is allowed to mention this again."