Chapter 13: The Great Starry Forest

The Starry Forest lies directly south of the Tiandou Empire, a gathering place for soul beasts. Because of the vast number of soul beasts, this area marks the most indistinct border between the two nations. According to the map, most of the Starry Forest falls within the Xingluo Empire’s territory.

After bidding farewell to Ning Fengzhi, the four set off on their journey to obtain soul rings.

“Xi’er, why are you so determined to go to the Starry Forest? Wouldn’t the Sunset Forest nearby be enough?” asked Bone Douluo, puzzled.

Ning Xi smiled faintly, shook her head slightly, and bowed gracefully. “I don’t know myself, but I have this feeling that what I need is there. I hope Master and Grandpa Bone will help me.”

Sword Douluo nodded. Everyone has their own fate; perhaps that place is Ning Xi’s destiny, so he didn’t press further.

“Hmm, but the Starry Forest is very dangerous. There are even soul beasts tens of thousands of years old inside. Once you enter, you must not stray too far from us. Understood?” Sword Douluo’s expression was serious. Bone Douluo standing nearby nodded in agreement.

“Especially you, Rongrong. When you enter there, you must stay close to us.”

Ning Rongrong’s youthful, lovely face was equally serious. “I understand!”

It was her first time entering the Starry Forest. She had often heard the uncles and aunts in the sect describe it as a place both perilous and rich in resources. She felt both anticipation and nervousness.

Seeing the two ready, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo boarded a carriage and began their journey toward the Starry Forest.

The Starry Forest is divided into several zones:

- Fringe Zone: Mainly low-level soul beasts, such as hundred-year and thousand-year beasts.

- Outer Circle: The soul beasts here grow stronger; occasionally, ten-thousand-year beasts appear.

- Mixed Circle: Dominated by ten-thousand-year beasts and some powerful thousand-year beasts.

- Core Circle: Home to soul beasts at least fifty-thousand years old with powerful bloodlines; this is forbidden territory for humans.

- Land of Great Calamity: Located in the deepest part of the forest, it is the domain of the ten great ferocious beasts.

This knowledge is mostly recorded after ten thousand years; Ning Xi still vividly recalled the last beast tide — a massive battle between humans and beasts that left countless dead.

However, at their current stage, those great ferocious beasts would likely not appear.

Departing from Qibao City, the journey to the Starry Forest requires passing through parts of the Tiandou Empire and entering the forest’s fringe zone. The distance is great; even with the guidance of Douluos bearing titles, it takes several days to arrive.

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After much effort, they finally reached the entrance of the Starry Forest.

Sunlight filtered through dense treetops, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

The forest’s entrance opened onto a wide clearing. The air was filled with a faint scent of grass and wood, and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing coolness.

Towering ancient trees surrounded the area, as if guarding this mysterious woodland. In the distance, birdsong added vitality to the tranquil entrance.

Venturing deeper, the forest grew even more complex than a primeval jungle. The colossal trees blocked out the sky, their thick branches intertwining.

Wild grasses flourished, and shrubs towered over even a grown man. The ecosystem was perilous and intricate.

Even Ning Xi, a child, found it difficult to weave through the narrow gaps, but fortunately, they were under the protection of two Douluos bearing titles.

Though the forest was treacherous, Ning Xi moved swiftly.

Ning Rongrong, however, struggled. At her age, entering such a place for the first time was daunting. Bone Douluo had to carry her.

“Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, is this really the Starry Forest? It feels so scary!” Ning Rongrong’s voice trembled as she listened to the beastly roars echoing throughout the woods and gazed at the dense canopy overhead.

“Roar—!”

“Howl—!”

Two soul beasts’ deafening roars reached her ears again, turning her face pale. She instinctively buried herself in Bone Douluo’s arms.

Ning Xi, however, remained unfazed, as if accustomed to it.

Though aware of Ning Xi’s resolute nature, Sword and Bone Douluo couldn’t help but sigh.

“Don’t be afraid, Rongrong. Grandpa will protect you,” Bone Douluo comforted her, patting her head.

“Alright. On the way ahead, don’t act recklessly. I’ll take my disciple, you take Rongrong. Be careful,” Sword Douluo said coldly.

Bone Douluo nodded solemnly, holding Ning Rongrong tighter.

The two Douluos carefully observed their surroundings, also scouting for suitable soul beasts.

“Excellent! I’ve found a soul beast suitable for Rongrong,” Bone Douluo exclaimed joyfully. Sword Douluo immediately turned to watch the massive rock-armored bear weaving through the forest.

Its size was immense, standing about three meters tall, six meters long, and weighing over two tons. Its muscular body was well-defined, exuding immense power.

Its thick, tough skin was covered with a layer of dark gray, rock-like armor.

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The bear was lumbering toward a smaller, agile soft-bone rabbit.

The rabbit’s ears twitched; it had been nibbling on leaves but leapt away at once.

This soft-bone rabbit seemed to have seven hundred years of cultivation and was very swift. However, it was no match for the large, naturally threatening brute and could only flee.

The rock-armored bear’s limbs were thick and powerful, each foot equipped with five sharp claws like blades that could easily tear through hard objects.

Frustrated at its failed hunt, it let out an angry roar and swung its massive paw.

Its huge head bore a pair of razor-sharp tusks nearly half a meter long, gleaming coldly.

Its eyes were a deep red, exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression.

Sword Douluo narrowed his eyes slightly. This was a six-hundred-year-old rock-armored bear.

The rabbit, with a cultivation level over a hundred years higher, was agile and seemed to sense the bear’s wrath, its hindquarters twitching slightly.

“This is a six-hundred-year-old rock-armored bear. Since Rongrong consumed the whale glue, her physique has changed greatly. Absorbing this soul beast will be just right,” Sword Douluo analyzed and immediately unleashed his soul skill.

First Soul Skill: Sword’s Edge Unleashed.

Sword shadows swirled around the blade, rapidly striking toward the rock-armored bear, layering multiple hits.

The bear’s anger flared suddenly; it had just realized someone was near, yet it had sensed nothing before.

It wasn’t thinking much—only that this person had attacked it!

“Roar!!!”

Furious, it charged like a tiger descending a mountain toward Sword Douluo.

Sword Douluo’s gaze remained calm as he activated another soul skill.

Third Soul Skill: Smooth as Flowing Water.

As he prepared to unleash the third soul skill, his figure sharpened, resembling a sword about to be drawn.

He gripped the long sword tightly with both hands, its tip pointing skyward. A piercing sword intent surged heavenward, soaring into the clouds.

With a low shout, the sword traced a brilliant arc through the air, radiating dazzling light as countless sword energies danced along its blade.

Suddenly, a massive sword shadow descended from the sky with an unstoppable momentum, crashing fiercely onto the rock-armored bear.

Where the sword shadow passed, space seemed to tear apart.

Before this overwhelming force, the rock-armored bear was like an insignificant ant, utterly powerless to resist.