The Soul Hunting Squad searched carefully along the eastern shore of the lake for an entire morning, but the Earth Net Spirit Root seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind.
Disappointment gradually appeared on the team members’ faces, and their footsteps grew increasingly heavy.
Just then, Sun Lao San suddenly stopped in his tracks, slowly crouched down, and reached out to gently touch the ground, his expression focused.
After a moment, he lowered his voice and said, “The soil here is unusually soft; there’s a high probability that a tunnel is hidden underground.”
Hearing this, Liu Qing stepped forward quickly and also leaned down to examine the ground carefully.
Then, he nodded in confirmation.
“You’re right, the soil’s condition is indeed abnormal.
Brother Sun, can you find the tunnel entrance?”
The corner of Sun Lao San’s mouth curled up into a confident smile, and he patted his chest, guaranteeing, “Leave it to me!”
With that, he slowly closed his eyes as Soul Power surged around him.
He gave a low shout, “Spirit Possession!”
In the blink of an eye, Sun Lao San’s body began to undergo a startling transformation.
First and foremost were his hands; his fingers were pulled by an invisible force, rapidly becoming slender and sharp, while his nails grew wildly into metallic claws that glinted with a cold light.
On his arms, layers of fine gray fur covered him, and his muscles tightened, brimming with explosive power.
Next, his back arched slightly, and his vertebrae protruded section by section, as if a flexible rat tail was about to take shape.
Furthermore, his legs became thicker and more powerful, his feet widened, and webbed structures grew between his toes—clearly custom-made for underground digging and movement.
The greatest change was his head; his ears grew pointed and long, their outer edges covered in a thin layer of fuzz, seemingly able to capture even the slightest sounds from the surroundings.
His eyes also became narrow and long, his pupils shrinking into thin, ghostly green lines, as if they could pierce through the darkness and perceive everything.
At this moment, he was enveloped in a layer of faint gray Soul Power.
The flowing power formed a faint halo on his body’s surface, and his overall aura became sharp and agile, just like a Gold Devouring Rat ready to pounce.
Immediately after, Sun Lao San shouted again, “Second Soul Skill—Metal Claws!”
As his shout fell, his hands began to dig into the ground as fast as phantoms.
Before long, a narrow tunnel entrance about two meters high appeared before everyone’s eyes.
The tunnel was pitch black, with the occasional faint sound of dripping water echoing in the silence, as if beckoning everyone to explore deeper.
Zhang Niu’s brow furrowed, a look of worry on his face.
“This tunnel looks like it’s hiding dangers.
Are we really going in?”
Liu Qing pondered for a moment, his gaze firm.
“The Earth Net Spirit Root prefers warm and humid places; an underground karst cave is very likely its habitat.
Since we’ve come all this way, how can we return empty-handed?”
Sun Lao San laughed nonchalantly, “Rest assured!
Once we’re underground, it’s like being on my home turf!”
Everyone lit their torches one by one and stepped cautiously into the tunnel.
The space inside the tunnel was narrow, the walls covered in wet moss, and the air was thick with a nauseating smell of mold. This story is hosted at g.com.
Liu Feng followed closely behind his father, the torch in his hand working hard to dispel the darkness and illuminate the path ahead.
Following Sun Lao San’s guidance, everyone groped their way forward through the underground passage.
Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma hunched their bodies slightly, walking with difficulty through the narrow passage.
Suddenly, Zhang Niu stopped and pointed at a claw mark on one side of the passage, asking doubtfully, “This claw mark doesn’t look like it was left by a plant-type Soul Beast; it looks more like it was dug out by a large animal-type Soul Beast.
What do you all think?”
Sun Lao San leaned in to examine it, then explained, “This tunnel was most likely originally dug by a thousand-year-old Crystal Earth Armored Dragon.
I heard that a Soul Master once hunted for its Soul Ring nearby.
Later, it was probably taken over by a pack of Drill Ground Mice.
Look, these tiny claw marks below are completely different from the ones above; these are traces left by rodent Soul Beasts.
It’s precisely because the environment here is suitable for the Earth Net Spirit Root that I suggested coming here first to try our luck.”
Upon hearing this, although no one spoke, they all silently accepted his deduction.
The passage was dark and damp, filled with an oppressive atmosphere.
Zhang Niu gripped the Double-sided Axe in his hand tightly and said warily, “The humidity here is too heavy.
Everyone, be careful.”
“Don’t worry, Big Brother.
My Green Mane Horse Martial Soul is extremely fast.
If there’s any danger, I’ll be the first to notify everyone.”
As Zhang Ma spoke, his eyes warily scanned the surroundings.
Then, he quickened his pace, taking the lead to scout ahead.
About the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea later, Zhang Ma’s figure reappeared before everyone.
His steps were light, and his expression carried a hint of joy.
“There’s no danger.
There’s a karst cave ahead.
I’ve scouted it carefully and found no traces of animal Soul Beasts.”
As Zhang Ma spoke, he reached up to wipe a thin layer of sweat from his forehead.
“However, the space inside is quite large and the environment is very damp, which fits the survival habits of the Earth Net Spirit Root perfectly.”
Hearing this, Liu Qing nodded slightly, a glimmer of expectation flashing in his eyes.
“It seems we’ve found the right place this time.
Everyone, stay sharp and act cautiously.”
Everyone quickened their pace, groping their way along the passage.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the tunnel gradually widened, and a faint light began to show ahead.
Seeing this, Sun Lao San shouted excitedly, “There’s an exit ahead!
Everyone hurried along and soon arrived at an expansive underground karst cave.
As soon as they stepped inside, an elegant fragrance wafted toward them, and the air was filled with a sense of vigorous vitality.
The light inside the cave was dim, but fortunately, the glow from the torches was just enough to illuminate the surrounding scene.
The scenery inside the cave was dreamlike, as if it were a fairyland.
The ceiling and walls of the cave were covered with stalactites of various shapes, shimmering with multicolored light under the reflection of the torches.
Some of these stalactites looked like sharp swords piercing the clouds, while others resembled ribbons dancing in the wind, breathtakingly beautiful.
Water droplets from the ceiling fell rhythmically, splashing on the ground and making a crisp, pleasant sound.
On the ground, stalagmites stood in abundance; some looked like pillars supporting the heavens, some like small and cute Mushrooms, and others like lotus flowers blooming layer by layer, their surfaces covered in a thin film of water that refracted brilliant colors in the firelight.
Liu Feng was deeply shaken by the beautiful scenery before him and couldn’t help but praise in a low voice, “It’s so beautiful here…”
Sun Lao San smiled and reminded him, “Underground karst caves are indeed nature’s uncanny workmanship, but we’re not here for sightseeing.
The Earth Net Spirit Root is likely hidden nearby.”
As he spoke, a flash of excitement gleamed in his eyes.
Liu Qing nodded and began assigning tasks.
“Alright, let’s get moving.
Xiao Feng, follow Zhang Ma; Zhang Niu and I will be a team, and Sun Lao San, you’ll act alone.
Everyone, spread out and search first, then gather once the target is found.”
Then, he added, “The Earth Net Spirit Root likes warm and humid places.
Its root system is extremely developed, requiring a lot of water and nutrients.
Its roots spread underground like a spider web and can rapidly absorb surrounding energy.
Therefore, focus on areas with abundant groundwater during your search.”
Sun Lao San picked up the conversation.
“The above-ground part of the Earth Net Spirit Root looks like a low shrub with lush, green foliage.
Don’t be fooled by its inconspicuous leaves; they contain powerful vitality and can provide healing effects to surrounding creatures.
However, its attack power is very weak, and it primarily relies on hiding underground to avoid natural enemies.”
Zhang Niu couldn’t help but frown and ask, “Since it’s hidden underground, how are we supposed to find it?”
Sun Lao San gave a mysterious smile and pointed to his nose.
“Leave that to me.
My ‘Gold Devouring Rat’ Martial Soul is extremely sensitive to energy fluctuations.
As long as the Earth Net Spirit Root is nearby, I will definitely be able to ferret it out.”
Thus, the Soul Hunting Squad quickly dispersed, expanding their search area in an effort to find traces of the Earth Net Spirit Root as soon as possible.
Although the passages inside the cave were crisscrossed and the terrain was complex, everyone relied on their rich experience and tacit cooperation to quickly launch their operation.
Liu Qing and Zhang Niu formed one group, searching along the eastern side of the cave.
Liu Feng and Zhang Ma formed another group, checking along the western side.
Sun Lao San went alone, relying on the Gold Devouring Rat Martial Soul’s keen perception of energy to shuttle through the cave, searching for the root system of the Earth Net Spirit Root.