Douluo Dalu: The Path of Abyss

In the early hours of the morning, while most teachers and students of Notting Academy were still asleep, Ye Feng had already departed with Sword Douluo Chen Xin. They traveled aboard Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword, soaring through the skies toward the Spirit Hunting Forest, located 400 miles northeast of Notting City.

The Spirit Hunting Forest was an empire-sanctioned reserve for spirit beasts. The beasts within were of relatively low age, with none surpassing the ten-thousand-year mark. For Ye Feng, who was seeking his first three spirit rings, this place was more than sufficient to meet his needs.

The forest itself was vast, accommodating the requirements of spirit masters from academies across the Barak Kingdom and even parts of the Heaven Dou Empire. Occasionally, advanced academies also visited the area, as the unpredictable nature of the forest could sometimes yield exceptional spirit beasts.

To enhance Ye Feng's training, Chen Xin allowed him to stand at the front of the sword, experiencing the thrill of flight firsthand. Chen Xin deliberately kept the Seven Kill Sword close to the treetops and ground, adding an exhilarating sense of speed and proximity to the wilderness below.

The scenery rushed by in a blur, leaving Ye Feng exhilarated. The sheer freedom of soaring through the skies filled him with excitement, making him want to release a jubilant shout.

A journey of 400 miles by carriage would have taken at least two days. But with the power of a Titled Douluo, the same distance was covered in just over ten minutes.

In a quarter of an hour, Chen Xin controlled the Seven Kill Sword to descend gradually, landing at the forest's edge. The area was bustling with activity, resembling a lively marketplace.

"Group seeking power-type spirit beasts, one spot available with a Spirit Hall warrant!"

"Looking to hunt 100-year agility-type spirit beasts, need an agility-system spirit master. Reward: 30 gold spirit coins!"

"My name is Liu Ludan, martial soul: Steel Cannon, rank 31 assault-type spirit master. Don't underestimate my short legs—I run fast! Ten gold spirit coins per day. Pay upfront!"

These shouts filled the air as spirit masters sought companions or offered their services. Many vendors also lined the area, selling supplies at exorbitant prices, often double those in Notting City.

However, Ye Feng had no need to join a group. With a Titled Douluo as his mentor, he was more than adequately equipped. Chen Xin led Ye Feng to the steel gate marking the forest's entrance. Beyond the ten-meter-high fence stood fully armed imperial guards, ensuring the forest's rules were upheld.

"To enter the Spirit Hunting Forest, you must present a warrant issued by the Spirit Hall. Without it—or sufficient strength and background—anyone caught by the Spirit Hall's law enforcement team will face severe punishment," Chen Xin explained. With a flick of his finger, he sent a token flying toward the guard captain.

The captain caught the token, his expression shifting to astonishment. Approaching Chen Xin with utmost respect, he returned the warrant with trembling hands. "Your Majesty Sword Douluo!" he said reverently.

Chen Xin retrieved the warrant and led Ye Feng into the forest.

Once inside, Chen Xin turned serious. "Ye Feng, you've yet to acquire a spirit ring. From this moment on, do not stray more than ten meters from me. Understood?"

"Yes, Master," Ye Feng replied.

As they walked deeper into the forest, Chen Xin began instructing Ye Feng on essential knowledge about spirit rings and spirit beasts. "Remember: a ten-year spirit ring is white, a hundred-year spirit ring is yellow, a thousand-year ring is purple, a ten-thousand-year ring is black, and a hundred-thousand-year ring is red. As for the legendary million-year spirit ring, which is said to glow golden, it remains more myth than fact."

Ye Feng couldn't help but admire his master's depth of knowledge. Chen Xin's understanding of martial souls, spirit beasts, and spirit rings was no less profound than that of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang.

"Ye Feng," Chen Xin suddenly asked, "what's the background of the boy you were with yesterday? The one named Tang San?"

The question surprised Ye Feng. "Why do you ask, Master?"

"I sensed the aura of the Clear Sky Hammer on him," Chen Xin replied.

"The Clear Sky Hammer? That's impossible," Ye Feng feigned surprise. "His martial soul is Blue Silver Grass—useless by all accounts."

"That means he has twin martial souls," Chen Xin said, stopping to glance at Ye Feng. For a moment, Chen Xin appeared intrigued. However, unbeknownst to him, Ye Feng had three martial souls, a secret far greater than twin martial souls.

"Master, how can you be so certain his other martial soul is the Clear Sky Hammer?" Ye Feng asked, feigning curiosity.

Chen Xin nodded confidently. "Martial souls and spirit masters share a deep bond. At a high enough level, even without activation of their martial soul, a spirit master's aura reveals its nature. I've faced a spirit master wielding the Clear Sky Hammer before; its unique aura is unmistakable."

"I see," Ye Feng responded, keeping his thoughts to himself.

Chen Xin suddenly changed the topic. "Ye Feng, I must warn you: avoid becoming too close to that little girl with rabbit-like features."

Ye Feng was startled, but quickly realized Chen Xin was referring to Xiao Wu. His heart sank. As a Titled Douluo, Chen Xin's abilities went beyond mere strength; his perception could likely detect Xiao Wu's true identity as a transformed spirit beast.

"Why, Master?" Ye Feng asked, playing ignorant.

Chen Xin halted, his gaze sharp. "Because she is a 100,000-year-old spirit beast."

Ye Feng acted shocked. "What? That's impossible!"

"There's no mistake," Chen Xin said, his tone firm. "She may deceive ordinary spirit masters, but not me. You're fortunate, Ye Feng. A 100,000-year-old spirit beast crossing your path is an opportunity. Once your spirit power reaches rank 80, we'll hunt her and obtain both her spirit ring and spirit bone."

Chen Xin's voice betrayed a hint of envy. Even as a Titled Douluo, he had never acquired a 100,000-year spirit ring. Such a feat would elevate Ye Feng's future combat potential to unimaginable levels. With such a spirit ring, even as a Spirit Douluo, Ye Feng could rival Titled Douluo-level opponents.