The information brought by Osler lifted the spirits of the entire Li Family. Early the next morning, Marco met with Osler at a teahouse near the academy.
In the elegant room filled with the faint aroma of tea, Osler, unlike his usual lively self, spoke with a serious expression: "Brother Marco, the information about the Thought Beast was something I accidentally heard from an uncle in my family three years ago, who was responsible for recording Soul Beast traces. At that time, he led a team to a remote valley near 'Emerald Lake' in the eastern part of the Star Dou Great Forest, where they discovered traces of a pure white Thought Beast. According to my uncle's records, the Thought Beast seemed deeply attached to that valley, with a very fixed range of activity. Over the past three years, our family occasionally sent teams to investigate and confirmed it was still active nearby, likely with its nest somewhere in the valley." As he spoke, he took out a slightly aged but clearly marked map, pointing out the approximate locations of the valley and Emerald Lake.
Marco carefully examined the map. The area was indeed remote but not part of the core danger zones of the Star Dou Great Forest, which eased his mind somewhat. He cupped his hands respectfully toward Osler: "Osler, thank you! This information is crucial to us."
Osler scratched his head and smiled somewhat sheepishly: "Brother Marco, no need to be so polite. Actually... I have another favor to ask. I recently broke through to the thirtieth level of Soul Power and need to obtain my third Soul Ring. My family is short-handed lately and can't spare anyone to take me... I was wondering if I could join you on your trip to the Star Dou Great Forest? I promise not to cause any trouble and will follow your instructions completely!" His eyes were filled with anticipation.
Marco pondered briefly. The Star Dou Great Forest was dangerous after all, and taking an extra person meant additional responsibility. But he saw Osler's sincere attitude, and since they were already going to help Qiu Yao obtain her Soul Ring, helping one more person along the way wouldn't be out of their way. More importantly, the information about the Thought Beast that Osler provided was extremely valuable, so it was only right to assist him in return. He nodded in agreement: "Alright, in that case, we'll go together. We'll gather outside my family residence at dawn three days from now."
"Excellent! Thank you, Brother Marco!" Osler was so happy he nearly jumped up.
Three days later, as dawn barely broke, five people had gathered outside the Li residence. Besides Marco, Qiu Yao, and Osler, Li Zhaoyan, worried about his children (especially Qiu Yao who was entering the Soul Beast Forest for the first time), decided to accompany them personally. Additionally, considering the potential risks in the Star Dou Great Forest, particularly the possibility of encountering powerful Soul Beasts, Li Zhao specifically invited his friend, Yang Wudi, the renowned leader of the Breaking Clan known for his formidable attack power, to provide support. Yang Wudi spoke little as he organized the medicines he had prepared, giving Marco a slight nod with eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
Qiu Yao, wearing the practical outfit Mother Ye had specially prepared for her, followed closely beside Marco, her small face slightly flushed with nervousness and excitement. Osler, meanwhile, looked eager and ready for action.
"This journey has clear objectives: first, to find a suitable Thought Beast for Qiu Yao, and second, to obtain the third Soul Ring for Osler. After entering the forest, all actions must follow commands—no one may leave the team without permission," Li Zhaoyan instructed gravely, his gaze sweeping over the group and lingering briefly on Qiu Yao and Osler. Both promptly nodded in acknowledgment.
Without further delay, the group departed Heaven Dou City, hastening toward the Star Dou Great Forest. Both Li Zhaoyan and Yang Wudi were powerhouses at the Soul Douluo level, their auras restrained yet exuding an innate authority. Marco held Qiu Yao's hand, advancing steadily, while Osler followed behind, curiously observing the surrounding scenery.
After several days of travel, a modest Soul Hunting town came into view. Built against the forest, the town bustled with Soul Masters and merchants, the air tinged with a faint scent of blood mingled with earth and vegetation. They did not linger long, merely replenishing their supplies with fresh rations and water before heading straight for the forest entrance.
The moment they stepped into the Star Dou Great Forest, the light dimmed abruptly. Towering ancient trees blotted out the sky, and the air grew thick with the damp smells of soil and decaying leaves. Unfamiliar cries of Soul Beasts and insect chirps echoed intermittently, lending the place a deep, mysterious aura. Qiu Yao instinctively tightened her grip on Marco's hand, a trace of timidity crossing her small face. Osler, too, reined in his excitement, growing vigilant.
"Stay close to me, and don't let your eyes wander," Marco whispered to Qiu Yao and Osler. Simultaneously, he released his Observation Haki, sensing movements within several hundred meters. Li Zhaoyan and Yang Wudi flanked the group, their steady presence like anchors in a storm, greatly reassuring the team.
According to the map Osler provided, they needed to head eastward through the forest. Along the way, Marco utilized his Double Pupil Eye and Observation Haki to steer clear of areas marked by strong Soul Beast presences, opting for safer routes. They encountered several decade and century-old Soul Beasts, but most retreated upon sensing the faint yet formidable auras of Li Zhaoyan and Yang Wudi.
After half a day's journey, they paused to rest by a relatively open stream. Li Zhaoyan addressed Osler, "Osler, your Martial Soul is the Ghost Panther, excelling in speed and offense. For your third Soul Ring, it's best to choose a Soul Beast that enhances your assault capabilities, attack power, or adds some control effects—around fifteen hundred years old is ideal. We'll keep an eye out for agile-type Soul Beasts that meet these criteria as we proceed."
"Yes, Uncle Li!" Osler replied respectfully.
After the break, the team continued toward Jade Lake. En route, Marco indeed spotted several Soul Beasts over a thousand years old that fit Osler's needs, such as a Shadow Cat and a Wind Wolf. However, after careful observation, he shook his head each time: "The Shadow Cat's attacks are tricky, but its defense is too weak, not aligning well with your Ghost Panther's direct assault style. The Wind Wolf has decent speed, but its Innate Soul Skill leans more toward group coordination, offering limited improvement for individual strength. Let's keep looking; there might be a better match."
Though somewhat disappointed, Osler understood that Soul Ring selection was crucial for his future and shouldn't be rushed, nodding in comprehension.
The deeper they ventured into the forest, the more serene the environment became, with trees growing increasingly tall and robust. Marco cautioned, "We're gradually entering an area where thousand-year Soul Beasts frequently appear. Stay alert. Qiu Yao, Osler, remember—if any sudden situations arise, don't panic. Immediately move closer to me, Father, or Uncle Yang. We'll protect you." He positioned Qiu Yao and Osler between himself and Li Zhaoyan, while Yang Wudi took up the rear, forming a simple protective formation.
Qiu Yao and Osler nodded nervously, sticking closely to the group without the slightest carelessness. Amid the forest's tranquility lurked unknown dangers, yet it was also brimming with opportunities. Their goal lay ahead.
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