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The journey that followed was unexpectedly calm.
Perhaps Ning Rongrong had truly been frightened by Dai Chengfeng's earlier "lesson," as she became much more well-behaved.
Though occasionally, her mischievous nature would still peek through, she no longer dared to fan the flames regarding Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena's relationship.
Zhu Zhuqing remained as cold and aloof as ever, while Hu Liena continued to exude charm and liveliness…
Everything seemed to have returned to its unspoken equilibrium.
Seeing this, Dai Chengfeng was content with the peace. Most of his time was spent either cultivating his soul power inside the carriage or conversing with the three women. Occasionally, he would also exchange insights on cultivation techniques with High Priest Zhu Hongye.
Time passed quietly as they traveled onward.
Half a month later.
The carriage slowly came to a stop under the setting sun.
Dai Chengfeng, sensing the movement, gradually emerged from his cultivation, lifted the carriage curtain, and leapt down.
When he saw the distant scene, even though he had mentally prepared himself, he couldn't help but take a deep breath and let out a sigh of admiration.
At the farthest reaches of his vision stretched an endless ocean of green—a vast forest of towering trees with thick foliage that extended all the way to the horizon, merging with the azure sky.
An aura of rawness, vastness, and vibrant life permeated the air, brushing faintly against him despite the distance.
This was the Great Star Dou Forest—the most renowned and perilous gathering place for soul beasts on the Douluo Continent.
"We've finally arrived at the Great Star Dou Forest," Dai Chengfeng muttered softly.
High Priest Zhu Hongye appeared beside him at some point, gazing at the expansive forest with deep eyes. She nodded and said:
"Ahead is the last supply point before entering the forest. It's larger than the small towns we've stayed in previously."
"We'll rest there tonight, conduct our final supplies check, and inspect our equipment."
"Additionally, we'll spend one more day resting and recovering our strength."
"We'll officially enter the Great Star Dou Forest early in the morning the day after tomorrow."
Her tone was calm, yet it carried a weight that made everyone feel the gravity of the situation.
After all, the Great Star Dou Forest was no ordinary place—even their formidable group needed to exercise extreme caution.
"Yes, High Priest."
Everyone responded in unison.
The carriage resumed its journey toward the town ahead.
That night, they checked into a relatively comfortable inn. Each person meticulously inspected their luggage and equipment, making final preparations for the upcoming entry into the Great Star Dou Forest.
As night deepened,
Dai Chengfeng had just finished checking the supplies in his storage soul-guidance device and was about to wash up and rest when—
A soft knock sounded at his door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Dai Chengfeng's body went rigid, and a shiver ran down his spine.
No way…
Again?
Could it be that the battlefield drama was about to repeat itself on the eve of entering the forest?
Images of Zhu Zhuqing's icy gaze, Hu Liena's flirtatious smile, and Ning Rongrong's troublemaking face flashed through his mind… although Ning Rongrong probably wouldn't dare now, right?
"Who is it? I'm about to rest!"
With that thought, Dai Chengfeng didn't immediately open the door but instead called out to inquire.
Knock, knock, knock.
There was no response from outside, but the knocking persisted.
"Fine, whatever happens, happens…"
Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath, bracing himself with trepidation, and walked to the door, slowly opening it.
However, as the door swung open, the sight before him left him stunned.
Outside the door wasn't one person—
But three.
Zhu Zhuqing, Hu Liena, and Ning Rongrong were standing together at his doorstep.
Their expressions varied: Zhu Zhuqing remained composed, Hu Liena wore a faint smile, and Ning Rongrong appeared both nervous and curious—but none of them showed any signs of hostility.
Dai Chengfeng froze momentarily before letting out a huge sigh of relief.
Judging by their demeanor, they didn't seem to be here to cause trouble.
He stepped aside to make room, asking curiously: "It's you three? What brings you here so late?"
"It's only two days until we enter the Great Star Dou Forest. After that, it'll be hard to find such a comfortable rest."
The three exchanged glances, and eventually, Zhu Zhuqing spoke first. Her voice remained cold but carried a serious undertone:
"Yes, there are some things we'd like to discuss with you before you enter the forest."
Hu Liena nodded as well, her lips curling into a meaningful smile. She gave a slight nod without speaking, but her eyes seemed to say, "You'll know soon enough."
Ning Rongrong added softly: "I-it's about the arrangements once we enter the forest…"
Dai Chengfeng looked at the three women before him—each unique in style but equally stunning—and felt a surge of curiosity. He gestured for them to come in:
"Oh? Then come in, sit down, and talk."
His guest room was fairly spacious, with a table and several chairs.
The three entered but didn't immediately sit down. The atmosphere carried a subtle sense of anticipation.
Just as Dai Chengfeng was about to ask again, another set of light footsteps approached and stopped at his door.
Knock, knock, knock.
The knocking sounded again, steady and rhythmic.
"Chengfeng, open the door."
Upon hearing the mature woman's voice outside, Dai Chengfeng's expression turned oddly strained…
Seriously?
Even the High Priest is joining in?
He instinctively glanced at the three women inside the room. Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena remained calm, as if they had expected this, while Ning Rongrong blinked her large eyes.
Though High Priest Zhu Hongye wasn't much older than them—being of the same generation as Pope Bibi Dong—her usual serene and detached demeanor always made Dai Chengfeng feel she was far removed from things like gossip or late-night chats.
"Could it really be something serious?"
Muttering to himself, Dai Chengfeng quickly moved to open the door again.
Standing outside was the tall and regal High Priest Zhu Hongye.
She still wore her ceremonial robes, symbolizing her status, and her exquisite face bore its usual air of calm detachment.
"High Priest?" Dai Chengfeng stepped aside to let her in.
Zhu Hongye gave a slight nod and entered the room. Her gaze swept over the three women already inside, showing no sign of surprise. In a calm voice, she said:
"All here? Good. This saves me the trouble of calling each of you separately."
Dai Chengfeng closed the door, looking at the suddenly "crowded" room and rubbed his nose.
"High Priest, Zhu Zhuqing, Nana, Rongrong—now that everyone's here, can you tell me what's so important that it requires such a gathering?"
"We're entering the Great Star Dou Forest in two days. Surely, we're not holding a tea party, are we?"
Zhu Hongye walked to the table and sat down gracefully. The others followed suit.
She looked directly at Dai Chengfeng, cutting straight to the point, her voice steady and clear: "It's not a tea party."
"We're here to discuss something serious."
"It's about Zhu Zhuqing's third soul ring, your sixth soul ring, and Nana's fifth soul ring choices. We need to finalize our plans and confirm everything before entering the forest."
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