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Chapter 24: If I Had Known, I Wouldn't Have Split Up
When the twelve of them saw Huo Yuhao, they were clearly taken aback. Especially after sensing his cultivation, their expressions grew even more peculiar.
How could someone whose cultivation had not even reached the first Spirit Ring come all the way here?
"Hello, little brother," said Zhang Lexuan, the leader of the group, as she was the first to recover. Despite Huo Yuhao's low cultivation, she didn't belittle him. Instead, she stepped forward with a friendly smile.
"Would it be convenient for us to set up camp nearby? The forest is extremely dangerous at night, and it's safer if everyone stays together."
She quickly added, "Don't worry, we won't disturb you tonight."
"No problem. This area is quite spacious. Big sisters, please feel free," Huo Yuhao replied casually.
Seeing his agreement, Zhang Lexuan thanked him, then gestured to her companions. Prompted by her signal, the others quickly unpacked their tents and began setting them up.
Zhang Lexuan looked back at Huo Yuhao and continued to make conversation. "Little brother, are you really here in the Star Dou Great Forest all by yourself? No adults accompanying you?"
Huo Yuhao shook his head lightly. "I came alone to obtain Spirit Rings. The Spirit Beasts I need only appear in the Mixed Zone, so that's why I came here."
As he spoke, he took out a generously sized roasted meat wrap from his storage ring, then retrieved a glove-shaped Spirit tool and put it on his hand.
Alone? Really?
Zhang Lexuan was stunned. Yet she didn't ask how Huo Yuhao had safely made it here by himself. Asking about such matters might touch on secrets. Even if she did ask, it would only alert him. Strangers rarely reveal important details to one another.
But surviving in the Outer Zone didn't necessarily mean he could safely operate in the Mixed Zone, where ten-thousand-year-old Spirit Beasts frequently appeared. Even someone like her, already a Rank 80 Spirit Saint (Half-step Spirit Douluo), would hesitate to linger there. After a brief moment of consideration, she decided to speak.
"Since you're alone, why not travel with us tomorrow?"
"If we encounter the Spirit Beasts you're looking for, we can help you capture them. Considering your cultivation, being alone in the Mixed Zone is far too dangerous."
Looking at Huo Yuhao, she was reminded of herself in the past when her family was wiped out. Judging by his cultivation, he was probably only seeking a hundred-year Spirit Ring—it shouldn't take much effort.
Huo Yuhao paused briefly, then smiled faintly and shook his head.
"Thank you, big sister, but the Spirit Beasts I'm after are quite special. I won't trouble you. I'll leave early tomorrow morning."
"Very well. Take care then."
Seeing this, Zhang Lexuan did not insist. As she was about to return to her camp, the high heat from Huo Yuhao's Spirit tool caused the meat wrap in his hand to emit a faint, mouthwatering aroma.
The group that had accompanied Zhang Lexuan had just finished setting up their tents and were retrieving their rations. When they smelled the aroma, their stomachs betrayed them with embarrassing growls. Their hard rations suddenly seemed bland, and even Zhang Lexuan instinctively swallowed, her mouth watering.
Huo Yuhao naturally noticed their reactions, and his smile stiffened slightly. Zhang Lexuan's cheeks flushed.
"C-cough… um…"
Before she could explain, the meat wrap was already placed in front of her.
"Big sister, please, have some."
Since she had approached him first, he couldn't eat it all himself.
"Uh? N-no, you don't have to…"
Even Zhang Lexuan, usually composed, felt her face burning. Seeing the wrap, she had meant to refuse, but in the end, she swallowed the rest of her words, reached out, and took it. With her head lowered, she awkwardly said,
"Thank you."
She hadn't revealed her identity before, so now it felt even harder to speak. She had just said they wouldn't disturb him, but now she was taking his food—utterly embarrassing.
Huo Yuhao tugged at the corner of his mouth and said nothing. He simply prepared another wrap, heating it the same way. Zhang Lexuan, unwilling to accept his kindness without reciprocating, hesitated, then introduced herself.
"My name is Zhang Lexuan, from Shrek Academy. Tonight, our people will take turns keeping watch. You can rest without worry. If anything happens, I'll notify you."
"Thank you, sister Lexuan. I'm Huo Yuhao, from Heaven Dou City."
"Huo Yuhao," Zhang Lexuan repeated, smiling and nodding. "I'll remember. It's a pleasure to meet you, little brother."
After that exchange, she wisely did not disturb him further and returned to her camp amid the envious glances of her companions.
Seeing her companions eyeing Huo Yuhao's food, Zhang Lexuan subtly signaled them not to bother him, then divided the meat among them.
Though reheated, the meat remained tender and juicy. Though the ingredients couldn't match what Inner Academy disciples usually ate, the flavor far exceeded their ordinary meals. Even Zhang Lexuan instinctively glanced at Huo Yuhao more than once, feeling a trace of regret.
If only I had known it would taste this good, I wouldn't have split it.
After dinner, Huo Yuhao retreated into his tent. He understood Zhang Lexuan's personality, and judging from her demeanor earlier, sensed no ill intentions. There was no need for extra caution.
A good rest tonight would allow him to enter the Mixed Zone tomorrow in peak condition.
The night passed quietly. At dawn, Huo Yuhao woke to faint daylight. Zhang Lexuan was keeping watch.
She was surprised to see him awake so early, but immediately realized he intended to depart alone. Hesitant, she extended another invitation.
"Really, you won't come with us?"
"No need."
Huo Yuhao shook his head, stored his tent in his storage ring, and smiled at her.
"Goodbye, Sister Lexuan."
As he gradually disappeared into the forest, Zhang Lexuan muttered softly to herself,
"What a unique child."
Once in the Mixed Zone, Huo Yuhao became far more cautious. Perhaps it was luck, but he encountered no Spirit Beasts along the way. After traveling most of the day, he neared the Core Zone. Beyond that, the danger would increase considerably.
Suddenly, his spirit force felt disturbed. He instinctively looked in a certain direction, just as a voice abruptly echoed in his mind.
"Hahaha! Brother truly escapes death and is destined for fortune! No sooner has he fled than he runs into a human with spirit attributes!"
As the voice faded, the ground in front of Huo Yuhao cracked inch by inch. A massive white figure slowly emerged from the fissure. Its plump body gleamed with a jade-like luster. Ten golden rings adorned its surface, shining brilliantly. It was the Skydream Ice Silkworm he had met in his previous life.
With its appearance, the surrounding temperature plummeted instantly. The already damp forest air began to frost over.
Seeing an old friend from his previous life, Huo Yuhao felt a slight sense of relief. Yet he noticed something unusual: the SkydreamIce Silkworm appeared nervous, as if something was chasing it.
"Cough… human, don't be afraid. I won't harm you. Let me introduce myself—I am the Skydream Ice Silkworm," it said.
"Of course, you can also call me Brother Skydream."
(End of Chapter 24)