Chapter 27: First Encounter
Huo Yuhao, who had been rushing along, suddenly stopped. After pressing his dry lips together, a trace of joy appeared on his face.
Having traveled continuously for several days, he was already dusty and weary. The sticky sweat on his body made him uncomfortable.
He was poor and couldn't afford new clothes, but that didn't mean he didn't care about cleanliness. Naturally, Huo Yuhao wouldn't refuse the chance to wash up comfortably.
The reason Huohao stopped was simple—he heard the sound of flowing water.
This meant there was a nearby stream.
For someone who often hunted to supplement his nutrition, easy prey like soft-boned rabbits and fish were his favorites, and Huo Yuhao especially loved grilled fish.
"A stream nearby! This is wonderful. Not only can I clean myself up, but I can catch some fish to fill my stomach!" Without hesitation, Huo Yuhao turned and headed toward the stream.
Hunting soul rings wouldn't be missed for a short while; resting well to recover his spirit before entering the soul beast forest again was the right choice.
Thanks to his excellent spiritual vision, even wielding a simple fish spear carved from a branch, Huo Yuhao easily caught several green fish.
After catching enough fish, Huo Yuhao drew the dagger at his waist to prepare the food. But when he saw the cold gleam on the blade, his movements involuntarily stopped, and his eyes looked mournfully at it.
It was a level five close-combat soul-guiding weapon, the only relic his mother left him and also the token of love the White Tiger Duke Daihao had given his mother.
"Mother…"
In the sky, Lin Yun and Di Tian's bodies were hidden in the spatial dimension. When Lin Yun saw Huo Yuhao draw the dagger, he almost laughed aloud.
"White Tiger Dagger…"
That name was just too ridiculous.
Di Tian tilted his head in puzzlement, not understanding what his lord was thinking about again.
"My lord, why do we have to observe such a weak human?" Di Tian asked, confused.
"Di Tian, you're still not strong enough! That's why you can't see what's unusual about him. I don't blame you!" Lin Yun smiled mysteriously.
"Eh? I'm not strong enough yet?" Di Tian was a bit dumbfounded.
"If it were the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, she might notice what's unusual about this human youth," Lin Yun said.
"But I don't intend to let the Three-Eyed Golden Lion come into contact with this boy. Although I don't know what you and she are hiding from me, Di Tian, remember this: as long as you remain in Star Dou Great Forest, never let the Auspicious Beast meet this human, or else…"
Lin Yun's last two threatening words made Di Tian quickly nod, "Don't worry, my lord. I will definitely keep a close watch on the Auspicious Beast!"
After saying this, Di Tian hesitated, opening his mouth as if to speak but then stopped.
"If you have something to say, say it. Hesitating like this looks bad," Lin Yun frowned.
"My lord, may I ask the reason?" After a moment of hesitation, Di Tian asked. Immediately afterward, he added with a strong survival instinct, "Of course, if it concerns your plan and you don't want to tell me, that's fine too!"
"There's nothing I can't say, but it's best you don't spread this around. The fewer who know, the better," Lin Yun shook his head and spoke gravely.
"Yes, I promise to keep it strictly confidential!" Di Tian nodded firmly.
Lin Yun pointed at Huo Yuhao, who was roasting fish, and said softly, "Though weak, he carries the fortune of humanity. Just like the Three-Eyed Golden Lion is the imperial Auspicious Beast of Star Dou Great Forest, humans too have their own bearers of fortune."
Di Tian's pupils suddenly contracted, looking at Huo Yuhao in shock.
The importance of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion to Star Dou Great Forest was self-evident—it not only accelerated soul beast growth but also improved these fierce beasts' success rates in tribulations.
Without the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, the quality of soul beasts in Star Dou Great Forest would likely have dropped several levels by now.
This weakling is actually the bearer of humanity's fortune?
No wonder the lord said the Auspicious Beast must not approach him! When the bearer of humanity's fortune encounters the imperial Auspicious Beast of Star Dou Great Forest, the collision of fortunes could lead to unpredictable consequences.
Moreover, in this era, humanity's fortune surpasses that of soul beasts. If something goes wrong, the Auspicious Beast's soul beast fortune might be severely eroded by humanity's fortune.
It might even…
Be completely devoured.
Di Tian suddenly realized this, his eyes filled with deep apprehension.
"My lord, since this weak human poses a threat to the Auspicious Beast, why don't we…?" Di Tian's hand sliced across his own neck in a murderous gesture.
"Do you think I don't want to? This kid has long been targeted by others!" Lin Yun rolled his eyes, then pointed toward the sky.
Lin Yun's action stopped Di Tian's impulsive thought.
At one moment, Di Tian truly wanted to fly down and kill Huo Yuhao with a strike of his Dragon God Claw.
Humans have already far surpassed soul beasts, and now a bearer of fortune has appeared in this era. Without Lin Yun, Di Tian might have recklessly killed Huo Yuhao to buy the soul beast race some time to recover.
Moreover, Di Tian had a premonition that without Lin Yun, Huo Yuhao could become the reason for the extinction of soul beasts!
It was precisely because of this premonition that Di Tian so strongly wished to become Lin Yun.
Huo Yuhao, unaware he had narrowly escaped death, was happily roasting fish near the brink of the ghost gate.
"Wow, it smells so good!"
A lively, pleasant voice sounded, and a slender, agile figure dashed from the bushes, her flawless, delicate face full of delight.
Tang Ya, leader of the Tang Sect—arrived!
"Little brother, are you selling this grilled fish? It smells amazing! How did you make it?" Tang Ya eagerly came beside Huo Yuhao, her beautiful eyes fixed on the fish by the fire, a few drops of saliva trickling from her mouth.
Behind Tang Ya followed a youth of similar age, carrying an elegant demeanor, lazily resting his hands behind his head.
After Mu En, here came Pili Beibei!
Startled, Huo Yuhao looked at the suddenly appearing beauty with caution. But upon recognizing Tang Ya's face, his young face immediately flushed bright red.
Beauty overload!
Young and inexperienced, Huo Yuhao had never seen such a stunning girl before. Moreover, he was so close that he could even smell her subtle fragrance.
Smitten, Huo Yuhao stammered, "I-I'll treat you both!"
Lin Yun, flying above, watched this historic moment with a meaningful look.
Something's fishy!
(End of chapter)
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