Chapter 82: Chapter 82: An Unavoidable Calamity
In the following days, they fully embodied the meaning of rising at sunrise and resting at sunset.
But it wasn't without its benefits.
First, Oscar—after absorbing the Phoenix Tail Crest Snake—gained a soul ability that perfectly aligned with his expectations.
The effect of his Mushroom Sausage not only allowed the consumer to fly for one minute but also granted them the speed of a Phoenix Tail Crest Snake.
The only downside was the incantation, which remained as embarrassing as ever.
Next were the two girls.
Zhu Zhuqing obtained a soul skill called 'Hell Decapitation', a high-damage, single-target killing move.
Meanwhile, Saber acquired a soul skill named 'Dragon's Furnace Heart', a single-target amplification ability that lasted ten minutes and increased all attributes by 100%.
Zhu Zhuqing's gain was reasonable, given that her soul ring was only at the early thousand-year level. However, Saber's situation was different.
While she wasn't as monstrous as Xiao Tianyang, her third soul ring had exceeded 9,000 years! That was one of the reasons her third soul skill far surpassed Dai Mubai's.
As for the process, it wasn't particularly dangerous, though it did make Zhao Wuji break into a cold sweat. Since Xiao Tianyang didn't interfere, the team had to put in a significant amount of effort to subdue the soul beast.
During this period, Ma Hongjun nearly lost his life to a sneak attack from another soul beast. Fortunately, in the end, they emerged unscathed.
At this point, only three people had yet to obtain their soul rings. No, four to be exact—because during their stay in Star Dou Forest, Ning Rongrong had reached level 30!
When Zhao Wuji realized this, he could barely contain his grin. His mouth almost reached the back of his head, so pleased was he with the team's progress.
As the sun set, Xiao Tianyang and the others found a relatively safe spot to camp. Everyone worked together, and soon, a simple yet efficient campsite was set up. Of course, most of the credit belonged to Xiao Tianyang.
Modern tents, sleeping bags, tables, chairs—even the campfire was set up using a repurposed oil drum. Thanks to his past life's camping habits, he had become quite adept at setting up camp.
During his years in the Soul Hunting Forest, he frequently spent nights outdoors, making this a routine task.
Before long, a rich, tantalizing aroma wafted through the campsite. Xiao Wu, Zhao Wuji, and even Bubu were quietly swallowing their saliva as they watched Xiao Tianyang prepare the meal.
Gently fanning the dish, Xiao Tianyang took a deep sniff, nodded in satisfaction, and declared, "Alright, dinner is ready!"
The moment he spoke, everyone gathered around eagerly, eyes filled with anticipation.
With a proud smirk, Xiao Tianyang lifted a pot resembling a crepe maker from the campfire and placed it on the table. Pressing a button on the handle, steam instantly rose from the sides, releasing an intoxicating fragrance.
The dish was rustic yet extravagant.
A medley of vibrant vegetables surrounded a thick, succulent cut of beef in the center.
"Everyone, please enjoy Xiao Tianyang's special camping delicacy—'The Overbearing President's Spicy Hotpot!'" he announced proudly.
Zhao Wuji furrowed his brows. "Overbearing President? What kind of name is that?"
"Ahem, don't worry about the details—just eat!" Xiao Tianyang coughed lightly before grabbing a large knife and fork, slicing and serving portions to everyone.
The campsite soon filled with the rhythmic clinking of cutlery against porcelain.
Despite the flavorful dishes, they still needed staple food. Especially Zhao Wuji—one dish alone wasn't nearly enough to satisfy his appetite. However, in the wilderness, conditions were limited. One meal bag wasn't enough? Then two it was!
After eating their fill and cleaning up, they took turns resting.
Late at night, Xiao Tianyang sat on a high stool, resting his chin on one hand while absentmindedly poking at the campfire with an iron rod.
"Tianyang, are you bored?" Saber asked, looking at him.
"I'm used to it. Haven't we been out here for days already?" Xiao Tianyang smiled, then added, "I just have this nagging worry that if we stay here too long, even Ma Hongjun will reach level 30."
Saber gazed up at the starry sky. "True, I've never stayed in the Soul Beast Forest for this long before."
At that moment, Xiao Tianyang's heart suddenly tensed. He turned his head sharply in a certain direction.
"Did Bubu sense something?" Saber was startled.
Xiao Tianyang let out a bitter chuckle. "No need for that anymore..."
So many days had passed. He had hoped to avoid the inevitable, but fate had other plans.
Even before anyone else noticed, a chilling realization dawned on him. Almost simultaneously, Zhao Wuji—who had been resting in the tent—snapped his eyes open, his pupils contracting.
"Everyone, evacuate the camp immediately!" he commanded.
Since they were sleeping outdoors, no one had been in a deep slumber. They awoke quickly, emerging from their tents with groggy expressions.
"No time for explanations—just run!" Zhao Wuji's expression turned grim as he turned to Xiao Tianyang. "No matter what happens, take them and leave first. And remember—do not look back! Under any circumstances!"
"Teacher... you're again too late," Xiao Tianyang sighed helplessly.
Just as Zhao Wuji was about to scold him, an enormous head emerged from the dark forest ahead. Towering eyes, glowing like lanterns, locked onto them.
In that instant, everyone's hearts froze—everyone except Xiao Wu.
Because this colossal creature had come for her.
The King of the Forest—the Titan Giant Ape!
Standing with its arms on the ground, its shoulder height alone reached eight meters. Under the pale moonlight, its jet-black fur shimmered with a metallic sheen.
Its mere presence sent shivers down their spines. Even Zhao Wuji wasn't immune to the overwhelming pressure.
"Why is a soul beast of this caliber appearing on the outskirts of Star Dou Forest?!" Tang San gasped in disbelief.
"Xiao San, what is that?!" Dai Mubai demanded, struggling to steady himself.
Tang San clenched his fists. "The King of the Forest—the Titan Giant Ape. A rare species that can rival a ten-thousand-year soul beast at just a hundred years old!"
Zhao Wuji's expression darkened. His foremost concern was not himself but the children behind him. If he perished here, so be it—but what about these prodigies?
Lowering his head slightly, he spoke in a deep, respectful voice. "Great King of the Forest, if this is your domain, I offer my sincerest apologies. We will leave immediately..."
Silence.
The Titan Giant Ape neither spoke nor moved.
But the oppressive atmosphere alone was suffocating—as if a mountain had descended upon them.
…
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