# Chapter 26: Encounters in the Forest
After the camp settled into quiet meditation, Chen Sheng retreated to his designated area and activated his system interface.
"Open all treasure chests," he commanded mentally.
『Treasure Chest Opening Sequence Initiated...』
『Treasure Chest: Soul Ring Age Improvement Card (10,000 Years)』
Chen Sheng immediately applied this card to his second soul ring.
The Black ring pulsed with energy as its age ascended from 10,700 years to 20,700 years
『Treasure Chest: Martial Soul Improvement Card』
Without hesitation, Chen Sheng directed this enhancement toward his Twelve-Winged Supreme Divine Archangel martial soul. Brilliant radiance erupted within his spiritual sea as the transformation began.
Two additional magnificent wings burst forth from the angel's form, bringing the total to fourteen resplendent appendages. Each new wing blazed with holy power.
More remarkably, the martial soul's elemental affinity underwent fundamental evolution. Its light element purity and intensity elevated beyond mortal comprehension—surpassing even the Angel God of the God Realm in raw affinity and spiritual resonance.
『Treasure Chest: Power of Dark Element (Fusion Component)』
The moment this reward manifested, it began integrating automatically with his Archangel martial soul. Chen Sheng felt an unprecedented transformation occurring—darkness and light, opposing forces, merging into perfect equilibrium.
His Fourteen-Winged Archangel's appearance shifted dramatically. All seven wings on the right side blazed with golden holy radiance, radiating divine purity and sanctity. All seven wings on the left side transformed into deep, profound darkness—not corrupt or evil, but primordial and absolute.
The martial soul now embodied perfect duality: creation and destruction, life and death, light and shadow unified in harmonious balance. This transcendent state exceeded even Supreme Divine classification—it had achieved something approaching creation god divinity.
(Note: Archangel's Light element affinity represents yang category elements and dark element represents Yin category elements)
『Treasure Chest: Soul Ring Age Improvement Card (10,000 Years)』
Chen Sheng applied this to his first soul ring. The purple ring pulsed as its age climbed from 4,800 years to 14,800 years, transforming into a black soul ring.
His spirit power responded to the accumulated enhancements, surging from level 49 to level 50—officially crossing the threshold into Spirit King rank.
『Treasure Chest: Ancient Scroll (Illegible Text)』
Stored for potential future translation.
『Treasure Chest: Decorative Jade Pendant』
Potentially useful as a gift. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: Drop of Spiritual Essence (High Grade)』
Chen Sheng consumed this luminous droplet immediately, activating both the Heaven Devouring Demon Technique and Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Technique simultaneously.
The spiritual energy flooded through his meridians with overwhelming potency, concentrating within a second cellular structure deep within his body.
ROAR!
A second ancient elephant's thunderous cry resonated through his consciousness as another cell awakened—the second of 840 million potential transformations completed.
Chen Sheng's physical capabilities underwent another dramatic leap. His pure physical strength—without deploying any martial souls or spirit abilities—could now contend equally with average Titled Douluo opponents. The cumulative effect of two awakened Dragon Elephant cells had fundamentally transcended normal human limitations.
『Treasure Chest: Cooking Recipe Collection』
Entertainment value only. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: Mechanical Compass』
Interesting curiosity from his previous world. Stored.
『Treasure Chest: Historical Documentation (Damaged)』
Stored without immediate consideration.
『Treasure Chest: Modern World Music Box』
Useless but nostalgic. Stored.
Chen Sheng settled into meditation, integrating the profound transformations coursing through his being. His actual combat capabilities had transcended conventional classification entirely—he could confidently engage most Titled Douluo opponents and potentially defeat weaker ones through strategic application of his diverse abilities.
Level 50. Spirit King officially. But my true strength... probably exceeds all except the 95 and above Titled Douluo on the continent.
---
The next day, everyone searched the forest's outer perimeter systematically, maintaining cautious formation as they tracked potential spirit beast.
As the sun began setting that evening—
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Suddenly, a distinctive sound of something large sliding across the forest echoed from the distance.
"Something's approaching!"
Tang San immediately alerted the group, his enhanced senses detecting movement before others registered the threat.
Everyone understood the implication. Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Civet martial soul instantly manifested, and she leaped gracefully onto a nearby tree branch to gain elevated observation perspective.
Peering into the shadowed distance, Zhu Zhuqing's voice carried cold precision. "There's a snake-type Spirit Beast approaching. It possesses a red fleshy crest on its head and a pair of small wings extending from both sides of its body. Its approximate length appears to be—"
"Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent!"
Yu Xiaogang interrupted with evident delight. "This should be a thousand-year Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent Spirit Beast. Among thousand-year classification, it represents a relatively weak specimen. Its primary characteristics are explosive acceleration and limited flight capability. I believe this would prove exceptionally suitable as Oscar's third spirit ring!"
Dai Mubai glanced toward Oscar with genuine satisfaction. "Oscar, fortune favors you today. Assuming this serpent truly possesses thousand-year cultivation, your third soul ring is essentially secured."
Oscar's excitement was palpable—he was moments away from advancing to Soul Elder rank, a milestone he'd anticipated for years!
Just then, Zhao Wuji suddenly repositioned himself closer to the student group. His expression remained serious despite the seemingly manageable threat level. In Star Dou Great Forest, even a single tactical error could prove fatal.
"A thousand-year soul beast represents significant challenge for your current capabilities. If you coordinate your assault collectively, you maintain reasonable probability of success. I'll provide cover and intervention if circumstances deteriorate!" Zhao Wuji announced authoritatively.
Under normal circumstances, Zhao Wuji would have simply intervened directly—thousand-year soul beasts exceeded what Soul Elder level students should reasonably confront.
However, after witnessing Chen Sheng's capabilities during the tavern incident, he recognized the boy possessed sufficient strength to handle such threats. His role was purely precautionary.
Chen Sheng chuckled at the unnecessary caution. "Teacher Zhao, now isn't an appropriate time for training exercises. Oscar is practically vibrating with anticipation. Our top priority should be swiftly subduing the soul beast and completing the spirit ring absorption."
He continued with pragmatic logic. "After all, Star Dou Great Forest contains countless dangers. Prolonged combat might attract additional predators or more powerful territorial beasts. Efficiency serves our survival better than pedagogical theory."
Zhao Wuji paused, then smiled with awkward acknowledgment. "You raise valid points. I'll assist Oscar in capturing that serpent immediately!"
Before their conversation could conclude, the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent suddenly altered trajectory—flying directly toward the tree where Zhu Zhuqing maintained her observation position.
Zhu Zhuqing registered alarm as the serpent approached with unexpected speed.
The Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent tilted its head, opened its mouth wide, and expelled a cloud of colorful mist directly at Zhu Zhuqing's position!
The mist wasn't venomous but possessed captivating hypnotic properties. Zhu Zhuqing found herself rooted in place, unable to move as her consciousness became momentarily clouded by the mist's effect.
The serpent casually flicked its powerful tail, the appendage whistling through the air toward Zhu Zhuqing with devastating momentum. If that strike connected, she would suffer severe injury at minimum—potentially fatal damage.
"Watch out!"
Dai Mubai, Zhao Wuji, and others in the distance shouted simultaneously, rushing toward Zhu Zhuqing's endangered position.
However, one person moved faster than everyone else combined.
Chen Sheng.
Almost instantaneously, Chen Sheng bypassed Zhao Wuji with such velocity that the Vice-Dean barely registered his passage. By the time anyone's eyes could track movement, Chen Sheng had already materialized beside Zhu Zhuqing on the tree branch.
His speed exceeded what any of them—even Ning Rongrong with her support buffs—had time to enhance or augment.
The next instant, Chen Sheng's fist connected with the serpent's descending head.
He didn't employ full power—merely sufficient force augmented by his awakened Dragon Elephant and Thunder attribute to achieve the desired effect.
CRACK!
Violent thunder power transmitted through his knuckles, instantly paralyzing the Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent's nervous system. Then, with a resounding THUD, the serpent's head was slammed directly into the forest floor with tremendous force.
Under the paralyzing effect of concentrated thunder energy, the serpent's body convulsed uncontrollably, unable to coordinate movement or defense.
Seizing this opportunity, Zhu Zhuqing quickly retreated from her compromised position. Once she'd established safe distance, she looked back at the immobilized Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent with visible lingering fear.
That was a thousand-year soul beast! Where did I find the courage to remain in such exposed position?
However, looking at Chen Sheng's back—standing protectively between her and the threat—she felt an overwhelming sense of security wash over her anxiety.
『DING! DETECTED Zhu Zhuqing's Gratitude and Deep Admiration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
At this moment, Chen Sheng pinned the still-twitching serpent beneath his foot, then turned to face the assembled group.
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Pride and Satisfaction emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Amazement and Increased Affection emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Complex Emotions (Envy and Inadequacy) toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ma Hongjun's Shock and Hidden Jealousy emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Complicated Feelings (Concern) toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
The shocked and adoring expressions on everyone's faces were clearly visible—a tableau of genuine awe at capabilities that continued exceeding their expanding expectations.
Excellent people will always become the center of attention, regardless of location or circumstance, Chen Sheng reflected with quiet satisfaction.
Suddenly, Chen Sheng's gaze shifted toward the direction from which the serpent had originally emerged. His enhanced perception detected something approaching—multiple presences moving with purpose through the forest.
He addressed Oscar with casual interest. "Oscar, don't just stand there admiring the spectacle. Hurry and complete the kill, or you won't obtain this spirit ring."
Oscar trotted toward Chen Sheng enthusiastically, his expression radiating worship. "Chen Sheng! No—I should properly address you as Brother Sheng from now on! You're simply too incredible!"
He excitedly withdrew a dagger from his storage, preparing to deliver the killing strike to the immobilized serpent.
Just as Oscar raised his blade—
"Stop!"
A hoarse, cold voice commanded from behind the assembled group.
Everyone immediately turned, observing two figures emerging rapidly from the dense foliage ahead.
The pair consisted of one elderly woman and one young woman. The older individual appeared approximately sixty to seventy years old, though despite her completely white hair, she radiated vitality and maintained rosy complexion suggesting robust health.
She carried a two-meter-long snake-head staff—clearly her martial soul in manifested form.
Beside her stood a beautiful young girl with shoulder-length short hair, approximately fifteen years old and in the prime of youth. She wore tight-fitting combat attire that accentuated her well-developed figure with striking effectiveness.
Her deep brown eyes currently fixed intently on the paralyzed Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent with obvious interest.
She also held a snake-head staff, though considerably smaller at approximately one meters length. Two yellow century-level soul rings glowed around her body, marking her as a level thirty Soul Master.
The moment these two appeared, they commanded everyone's immediate attention. Even Zhao Wuji's expression shifted to cautious assessment.
Chen Sheng merely observed the pair with calm indifference. Apart from the young girl's attractive appearance drawing momentary appreciation, he felt no particular emotional response.
These two should be Meng Yiran and Chao Tianxiang—Granny Snake and her granddaughter from the Peerless Dragon-Snake duo.
"What do you want?"
Zhao Wuji immediately displayed his seven soul rings, glancing at the newcomers with wary readiness for potential conflict.
Observing the seven spirit rings manifesting around Zhao Wuji's form, Granny Snake's initially arrogant demeanor shifted noticeably. Her expression revealed sudden caution and recalculated assessment.
She coughed diplomatically, preparing to speak, but Chen Sheng interjected first.
"You wish to claim that this Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent was your prey originally, correct?"
His statement rendered Zhao Wuji and others momentarily confused by his apparent prescience.
Chen Sheng casually kicked the serpent's body, flipping it over to expose its underside.
Everyone immediately noticed two fresh wounds on the serpent's belly—clearly not inflicted by any of their group during the recent confrontation.
This revelation instantly revitalized Granny Snake's confidence. She quickly elaborated, "Precisely! We've been hunting this Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent for considerable time. Those wounds were inflicted by my snake staff, and there are similar injuries on its wings. However, the creature proved exceptionally fast and managed escaping before we could complete the kill."
She continued with calculated diplomacy. "My granddaughter has just reached level thirty and requires a suitable soul ring to facilitate her breakthrough advancement. This Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent's spirit ring would prove ideal for her martial soul compatibility. May I request this senior Soul Saint to show us favor?"
After speaking, Granny Snake paused deliberately before adding context. "By the way, I am called Chao Tianxiang. Thanks to the respect of friends throughout the Soul Master community, I've earned the title Granny Snake. My husband is named Meng Shu, known widely as Grandmaster Dragon."
In Granny Snake's assessment, Zhao Wuji should reasonably defer to her claim. After all, this group consisted primarily of young students who appeared to be obtaining second soul rings. Nobody among them should require or could properly absorb a thousand-year spirit ring.
"So it's the Peerless Dragon and Snake partnership—I've heard much regarding your reputation! My name is Zhao Wuji," the Vice-Dean acknowledged with measured politeness.
Flender, who had been observing from nearby, stepped forward as well. "Indeed, your combined reputation precedes you. I'm Flender, dean of Shrek Academy."
Yu Xiaogang similarly offered acknowledgment. "Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang. Your martial soul fusion technique is legendary throughout the continent."
Despite these courteous introductions, Zhao Wuji's tone shifted to firm resolution. "However, despite mutual respect, we cannot relinquish this serpent. We also have a student requiring precisely this creature as a spirit ring to facilitate breakthrough to level thirty. Moreover, this serpent wasn't defeated through our collective effort—it was subdued by one of our students acting individually. Therefore, I must respectfully decline your request."
Zhao Wuji gestured toward Chen Sheng, clearly indicating the youth responsible for the serpent's capture.
Internally, Zhao Wuji maintained cautious awareness. Grandmaster Dragon and Granny Snake rarely separate significantly. If Granny Snake is present, Grandmaster Dragon must be nearby monitoring the situation.
Grandmaster Dragon's strength is genuinely terrifying—he achieved Soul Saint rank years ago and might have advanced to Soul Douluo by now. Combined with Granny Snake, they can execute a martial soul fusion technique that only Titled Douluo can reliably counter!
If not for legitimate concern about Grandmaster Dragon's potential intervention, I would have already dismissed this presumptuous old woman decisively!
"So it's Zhao Wuji... Wait! You claim this serpent was defeated by one of your students?!"
Granny Snake's voice carried profound skepticism.
Her eyes scanned Chen Sheng assessingly, attempting to reconcile his youthful appearance with the claimed capability of subduing a thousand-year soul beast single-handedly.
"Impossible! This must be deception!"
Meng Yiran examined the assembled students, particularly focusing on Chen Sheng. Seeing that none appeared older than herself, she frowned with obvious disbelief. "This creature possesses fifteen hundred years of cultivation. Your students are so young—how could they possibly defeat it independently?"
『DING! DETECTED Meng Yiran's Disbelief and Hidden Curiosity emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Granny Snake (Chao Tianxiang)'s Skepticism emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Granny Snake's frown deepened with matching doubt. "Brother Zhao, your claim seems rather far-fetched! This child appears merely thirteen years old at most. Can someone that young genuinely possess sufficient capability to defeat a thousand-year soul beast? This old woman finds such assertion difficult to credit!"
Her reasoning seemed sound—a typical thirteen-year-old soul master achieving level twenty represented exceptional talent. Level thirty? That required truly peerless genius rarely encountered even once per generation!
Her granddaughter Meng Yiran's development already represented remarkable talent, yet she had only just reached level thirty at fifteen and a half years old after consistent dedicated cultivation!
Hearing their skeptical protests, everyone in Chen Sheng's group began laughing—their amusement genuine and unforced.
Their expressions resembled university students watching elementary children debate the complexity of basic arithmetic.
Zhao Wuji waved his hand with evident satisfaction. "Students, reveal your soul rings and demonstrate what genuine talent represents!"
As his voice concluded, everyone who possessed the capability (not Chen Sheng, who considered such display unnecessarily childish) immediately manifested their respective soul rings.
More than ten spirit rings materialized collectively, the accumulated radiance creating impressive visual spectacle. Particularly striking was Tang San's and Dai Mubai's purple thousand-year soul rings, which blazed with undeniable authenticity.
The display utterly stunned both Granny Snake and Meng Yiran, their expressions frozen in complete disbelief as they struggled to process what their eyes confirmed.
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