After entering the Star Dou Forest, the events at the tavern were quickly forgotten by the group.
The moment they crossed the forest boundary, an entirely different world engulfed them.
Towering ancient trees blocked out most of the sunlight, their dense canopies weaving together like a natural dome. Moist air heavy with the scent of earth, moss, and decaying leaves rushed toward them, brushing against their faces. The calls of unknown soul beasts echoed intermittently from deep within the forest, while unseen creatures stirred in the undergrowth.
Zhao Wuji's expression turned solemn.
"Possess you Martial soul, this is no place to be careless," he said in a deep voice."Maintain formation."
He quickly issued orders with the ease of someone experienced in countless hunts.
"Ma Hongjun and Xiao Wu will take the front—scouting and reacting to sudden threats."
"Dai Mubai and Tang San, stay slightly behind them as support. Respond immediately if anything breaks through."
"Oscar and Ning Rongrong stay in the middle."
"I'll bring up the rear," Zhao Wuji concluded."I'll handle anything that tries to ambush us from behind."
Everyone nodded and did as asked, no one questioned the arrangement.
The group moved forward cautiously, maintaining the formation as instructed.
As they advanced deeper, they encountered a variety of soul beasts—100 year old Windfang Wolves prowling, a sluggish 300 year old Earth Armor Boar rooting near a tree trunk, and even a 1000 year venomous Jade-Striped Viper slithering silently across their path.
However, due to their disciplined formation and Zhao Wuji's occasional silent gestures, they avoided unnecessary battles.
Whenever a soul beast showed signs of hostility, Dai Mubai's aura would flare slightly, while Tang San subtly guided the group away using his Blue Silver Grass as concealed footholds and markers.
Time passed quietly.
After traveling for more than half a day, the forest grew noticeably denser. The air turned warmer, and the spiritual energy became more chaotic—an unmistakable sign that they had entered a region frequented by stronger soul beasts.
Suddenly—
Ma Hongjun, who was walking at the front, halted abruptly. His expression turned serious.
"Careful," he said in a low voice."There's a disturbance ahead."
Before anyone could respond—
Whoosh!
Branches exploded outward.
A figure burst from the canopy above.
It was a flying serpent, its body stretching six to eight meters long. Pale red membranous wings beat powerfully, scattering leaves in all directions. A blood-red crest rose sharply from its head, glowing faintly as it hissed, revealing rows of sharp fangs.
Its eyes locked onto the group with ferocious intent.
Tang San's pupils constricted.
"This is a Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent," he exclaimed."A flying-type soul beast. Its speed and flexibility are extremely high. Based on the characteristics it's age is approximately around 1400 years old."
His gaze shifted to Oscar.
"It's very suitable for your third soul ring."
Oscar swallowed but nodded firmly.
Before the serpent could regain altitude, the group moved as one.
Dai Mubai roared as he activated his 2nd soul skill: White Tiger intense light wave, his aura erupting as he shot intense white light from his mouth.
Xiao Wu leapt into the air with incredible agility, forcing the serpent to alter its flight path.
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass shot out like a net,using his 1st soul skill: Bind, ultimately binding one of its wings mid-flap.
Ma Hongjun's flames followed immediately as he also used his 1st soul skill: Pheonix Fire wire, scorching its scales and forcing it into a frantic retreat.
The Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent screeched sharply, its flight destabilized as it crashed through branches and slammed into the forest floor.
Under the coordinated assault of the group, the soul beast was quickly overwhelmed.
Within moments, its movements slowed, its wings torn and blood staining the forest floor.
The Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent was severely injured, its once-ferocious struggle reduced to labored convulsions.
Zhao Wuji stepped forward, eyes sharp.
"Good," he said calmly.Oscar clenched his fists as he stared at the fallen serpent.
Just as Oscar raised his weapon, preparing to deliver the final blow, a sharp voice cut through the forest.
"Hey! That's my soul beast!"
The sudden shout caused everyone to halt instinctively.
From between the ancient trees emerged a young girl, her short hair brushing just below her ears. She wore bright, eye-catching clothing that contrasted vividly with the dim forest surroundings. Her large dark-brown eyes were filled with indignation as she stared straight at the injured Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent.
Behind her walked an elderly couple, their steps steady and unhurried.
Though their appearances were aged, their bearing was extraordinary.
One carried a serpent-headed cane, while the other exuded an invisible pressure that seemed to subtly distort the surrounding air.
Zhao Wuji's expression shifted instantly.
His posture straightened, and he clasped his fists respectfully.
"I pay my respects to the famed Dragon Serpent Couple," he said solemnly."Senior Meng Shu, Senior Chao Tianxiang."
The students of Shrek Academy felt their hearts tighten.
Even if they had never met them, the reputation of the Dragon Serpent Couple was well-known throughout the continent.
Meng Shu glanced briefly at Zhao Wuji, his sharp eyes sweeping over the group before landing on the heavily injured soul beast.
"I have heard of you—Vajra Bear Zhao Wuji," Meng Shu said calmly."But formalities can wait."
He raised his serpent cane slightly, pointing toward the Phoenix Tail Crest Serpent.
"That soul beast," he continued, "is one we have been tracking for quite some time. Yet now, it seems you have snatched it away."