After Liu Feng broke through to level ten, obtaining his first Soul Ring became his most important priority, as his Martial Soul cultivation could only continue to progress after acquiring one.
To ensure the success of this soul hunting operation, his father, Liu Qing, decided to contact his former mercenary friends and seek their assistance.
Meanwhile, his grandfather, Liu Bai, was also busy preparing the necessary supplies for the mission.
Early the next morning, just as the horizon began to turn pale, Liu Qing led Liu Feng away from Liujia Village.
The two rode sturdy steeds along the road, the sound of hooves ringing briskly on the country path as they galloped toward Longxing Town.
Longxing Town appeared to be an ordinary small town, but it was actually a vital transportation hub between Dragon Rise City and the Star Dou Great Forest, as well as a gathering place for nearby Soul Masters.
Previously, Longxing Town had been just a simple village, but with the continuous influx of Soul Masters and commoners over the years, it had rapidly developed into the bustling place it was today.
Liu Qing’s goal for this trip was to find his life-and-death companions from his days in the mercenary group—the two brothers, Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma.
These brothers had once earned a living alongside Liu Qing in the mercenary group; the three of them had faced death together countless times, and their bond was as solid as a rock.
After about an hour, Liu Qing and Liu Feng arrived at Longxing Town.
The town was lined with taverns and inns, with mercenaries and soul hunters visible everywhere.
They went straight to the largest tavern in town—the “Longxing Tavern”—which had been a frequent gathering spot during their youth.
As soon as they pushed open the door, they were greeted by the noisy chatter of the crowd and the rich aroma of wine and roasted meat.
Mercenaries sat in small groups around wooden tables, laughing and talking loudly, the sound of clinking glasses never ceasing.
Liu Qing scanned the crowd and quickly spotted Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma at a corner table.
He stepped forward quickly, a smile spreading across his face as he greeted them warmly, “Old Zhang, long time no see!”
Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma looked up at the sound, and the moment they saw Liu Qing, their joy was unmistakable.
They immediately stood up, “Old Liu!
What brings you here?
Quick, sit down and have a drink with us!”
Liu Qing smiled and stepped aside, pulling Liu Feng forward.
“Let me introduce you; this is my son, Liu Feng.”
Then, he pointed to Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma and said to Liu Feng, “These are your Uncle Niu and Uncle Ma.
Back in the mercenary group, we were brothers who would die for each other.”
Liu Feng quickly said respectfully, “Hello, Uncle Niu.
Hello, Uncle Ma.”
Zhang Niu laughed heartily and patted Liu Feng on the shoulder.
“He’s grown so much!
The last time I saw him, he was just a little toddler.”
Zhang Ma also nodded with a smile.
“Indeed, in the blink of an eye, he’s become a fine young man.”
The four of them sat around the table, which was laden with fragrant roasted meat and drinks.
Liu Qing ordered another pot of wine and several side dishes.
As they enjoyed the food, they began to reminisce about the past.
The four of them sat around the table, which was laden with fragrant roasted meat and drinks.
“Remember that time in the Sunset Forest when we teamed up to hunt a thousand-year Soul Beast—the Thousand-Year Vine?
We almost lost our lives!” Zhang Niu recalled with a laugh, his eyes full of nostalgia.
“Haha, that was truly a close call!
If Old Liu hadn’t reacted so quickly, we probably would have all met our end there.” Zhang Ma patted Liu Qing’s shoulder, his gratitude clear.
Liu Qing said with a smile, “It was nothing.
We were young and bold back then, just playing minor roles behind the captain.”
“If it were now, I’d probably start running the moment I saw a thousand-year Soul Beast,” Liu Qing joked at his own expense.
Liu Qing smiled and raised his glass.
“Come, a toast to our friendship!”
The four clinked their glasses and downed them in one go, their laughter echoing in the corner of the tavern.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even more lively.
Liu Qing set down his glass, his expression turning serious as he finally got to the point.
“Old Zhang, I actually came here today because I have a favor to ask.”
Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma exchanged a look, and Zhang Niu said generously, “What is it?
Just say the word.
As long as we can help, we won’t hesitate!”
Liu Qing nodded and said, “My son, Liu Feng, recently broke through to level ten and is preparing to obtain his first Soul Ring.”
“The Soul Beast he chose is the Earth Net Spirit Root.
Although this beast’s attack power isn’t strong, it is quite tricky to catch.”
“I want to ask for your help to enter the forest and hunt it together.”
After hearing this, Zhang Ma patted his chest and promised, “Old Liu, your son’s business is our business!”
“I know about the Earth Net Spirit Root.
Its attack power really isn’t much, but finding its hiding place is a bit of a hassle.”
“But don’t worry, we brothers are experienced; we can definitely help you get it done!”
Zhang Niu also nodded in agreement.
“That’s right, we hunted an Earth Net Spirit Root once before, so we’re fairly familiar with its habits.”
“Just put your heart at ease.
We will definitely help Xiao Feng successfully obtain his Soul Ring!”
“I’ll go find out the location of the Earth Net Spirit Root first.
If I can get any news today, we’ll set out tomorrow.
How does that sound?” Liu Qing asked with a hint of urgency in his voice.
Zhang Niu agreed readily.
“Alright, we’ll also ask around the nearby Soul Hunting Squads.
Although this kind of Soul Beast isn’t common, it always leaves some traces.”
Liu Qing looked at his two old friends gratefully and raised his glass again.
“Thank you!
Come, let’s have another drink!”
After arranging the soul hunting details with Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma, Liu Qing tirelessly sought information about the Earth Net Spirit Root within the circle of Soul Hunting Squads in Longxing Town.
He went to the town’s Soul Hunting Guild.
Although it was called a guild, it was actually just a simple place enclosed by fences.
However, it was a crucial hub for Soul Hunting Squads and mercenaries to exchange information.
Liu Qing walked into the guild hall and saw the wooden walls covered with various mission notices and Soul Beast information.
He walked up to the counter and politely asked the staff, “Excuse me, has there been any news about the Earth Net Spirit Root recently?”
The staff member flipped through a logbook and replied, “Earth Net Spirit Root?
That’s a relatively rare Soul Beast.
However, a few days ago, a Soul Hunting Squad spotted traces of it in the outer forest area southeast of Longxing Town and northeast of the Star Dou Great Forest.
You can go there and try your luck.”
Liu Qing said thank you, nodded, and firmly committed the information to memory.
One of the captains told him, “The Earth Net Spirit Root likes to grow in places with fertile soil and plenty of water, especially areas with abundant underground energy.”
“You can try looking in the marshy areas on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest; the environment there is quite suitable for its survival.”
Liu Qing thanked him, having a clear direction in mind.
He decided to take Liu Feng, Zhang Niu, and Zhang Ma to the identified area early the next morning to search for the Earth Net Spirit Root.
After leaving the Soul Hunting Guild, Liu Qing took Liu Feng to the town’s blacksmith shop to pick out a piece of leather armor for him.
The leather armor was tough in texture; though its design was simple, its protective performance was excellent.
Liu Qing picked up the leather armor and handed it to Liu Feng.
“Xiao Feng, this leather armor isn’t flashy, but it’s practical.
It will provide you with some protection while you’re hunting Soul Beasts, keeping you safer.”
Liu Feng took the armor and found it a bit large after putting it on, but considering he was still growing, he figured it would fit perfectly in a few years.
He smiled and said, “Dad, this leather armor is great.
I really like it.”
After finishing everything in town, Liu Qing took Liu Feng back home to wait for the next day’s soul hunting operation.
Upon returning home, Liu Feng continued to prepare supplies for tomorrow’s mission with his grandfather, Liu Bai.
Entering the forest to hunt Soul Beasts required not only great strength but also thorough preparation.
Liu Bai took out a short bow and a quiver of arrows from the warehouse and said, “This is the bow and arrow your father used to use.
Take it with you; you can attack Soul Beasts from a distance and try to avoid the dangers of close-range combat.”
Liu Feng took the bow and arrows, tested the feel, and found that the bowstring was tight and the arrows were still sharp.
He nodded in satisfaction and slung the bow across his back.
Liu Bai then took out a short spear and handed it to Liu Feng.
“This is a short spear I had specially made for you.
It’s suitable for mid-range throwing and short-range melee combat.”
“I specifically asked a blacksmith from the city’s Blacksmiths’ Association to add some special metal to it, enhancing its armor-piercing capability.
Take it with you just in case.”
Liu Feng took the short spear, felt its weight, and found it very easy to handle.
He believed that this short spear would become a capable assistant in the forest.
In addition to weapons and armor, Liu Bai prepared rations, water, flint, hemostatic medicine, and antidotes.
He packed these items one by one into a knapsack and handed it to Liu Feng.
“Xiao Feng, these rations and water are enough for you to use in the forest for seven or eight days.”
“The flint can be used to start a fire for warmth or to drive away wild beasts.
The hemostatic medicine can stop bleeding quickly, and the antidotes can handle injuries from poisonous insects or plants.”
Liu Feng took the backpack and said gratefully, “Grandpa, you’ve thought of everything.
Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be careful.”
Liu Bai patted his grandson’s shoulder, his eyes filled with both love and concern.
“Xiao Feng, although this soul hunting operation is on the outskirts of the forest, danger is everywhere within it.”
“You must listen to your father, Zhang Niu, and Zhang Ma.
Never act rashly.”
Liu Feng nodded solemnly.
“Grandpa, don’t worry.
I’m not a reckless person.
I will definitely return safely.”
As night fell, Liu Feng lay in bed, looking at the moonlight outside the window, feeling both nervous and uneasy.