Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Ambush
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Wang Li returned to the group of students, greeted by looks of envy and resentment from the others. A century-old soul ring! How could he possibly have one?
Wang Li paid them no mind; he had already absorbed the soul ring, and no matter how they viewed him, there was no way he could regurgitate it.
At that moment, Su Mo called out to everyone:
"Pack your things! We will continue shortly. It's getting late, and we must find an open area to camp before it gets completely dark. The Soul Hunting Forest is even more dangerous at night than during the day."
Both teachers and students responded immediately:
"Understood!"
Soon, everyone set off again. This time, they weren't searching for soul beasts but rather a suitable camping location. After some effort, they finally found an open area with favorable terrain.
It was elevated, providing a good view, and there weren't any tall trees nearby. Even if a soul beast attempted to attack under the cover of night, they would be able to notice it in time.
The teachers each took on their roles: some set up camp, some gathered firewood, and others scattered powder around the perimeter to ward off snakes, insects, and rodents. Clearly, they had rich experience in outdoor survival.
As night fell, everyone gathered around the campfire, eating the food they had brought. Wang Li munched on steamed buns dipped in clear water. The buns, initially cold and hard, turned golden and crispy after being roasted over the fire, and when paired with some jerky, they were quite satisfying.
Beside Wang Li, only Wang Sheng kept him company. The other upperclassmen were likely a bit resentful, deliberately isolating him.
Wang Li couldn't care less about the childish antics of these kids; anyway, once they returned, they wouldn't have to interact much anymore.
At that moment, Zhang Wei washed his hands in clear water, then wiped them dry while calling out to Su Mo:
"Su Mo, you take charge of tonight's night watch schedule."
Su Mo responded respectfully:
"Of course, Director!"
Afterward, Su Mo turned to the group, his expression becoming serious. He said earnestly:
"At night, many ferocious soul beasts hunt in the Soul Hunting Forest, making the night watch essential."
"As the strongest among us, the director must have ample rest. Fiona is a support soul master and may not react swiftly in emergencies. Therefore, tonight, I, along with teachers Gou An, Yuan Fu, Bao Tong, Fergus, and Eureka, will take turns keeping watch."
At this point, Su Mo scanned the faces of the students. Although only Sheng Kai and Wang Li had obtained soul rings thus far, the night watch was something everyone could participate in:
"You are no exception. What we haven't taught you in the academy will be covered in this hunting of soul beasts—your final lesson. All students will pair up and follow a teacher for the night watch."
"Having a soul ring makes you a soul master, and once you leave the academy, you need to know how to protect yourselves."
The students had no objections; in fact, they seemed quite excited. Having never faced real danger, they enthusiastically replied in unison:
"Understood!"
As expected, Wang Li was paired with Wang Sheng. They would accompany Teacher Yuan Fu during the third watch.
For now, they could either stretch their legs or return to the tents to rest.
Lying in the tent, Wang Li heard Wang Sheng, filled with anxiety, say beside him:
"Wang Li, I really envy you. You already have a century-old soul ring. I wonder what kind of soul ring I'll obtain."
Wang Li didn't know how to offer comfort. To him, it seemed that the academy only helped students hunt a suitable soul beast, regardless of its age. Those lucky enough might end up with a century-old soul ring, while others with bad luck would only have a decade-old one.
He could only say:
"Go to sleep. Maybe when you wake up, you'll encounter a soul beast that suits you."
Wang Sheng gave a bitter smile; things weren't that easy. However, since Wang Li had said it, he didn't press the matter further.
After a sleep—no, not a sleep, he was awakened by Yuan Fu—it was their turn for the night watch.
Stepping out of the tent, they were in late autumn, and the remote Soul Hunting Forest felt even more eerie at night. Yuan Fu addressed the two of them:
"Fire can deter many soul beasts, but there are also some fierce and cunning ones that are not afraid of flames. Once they sense that their prey has let their guard down, they will attack without hesitation."
"Wang Li, even with your soul ring, you cannot act recklessly. Wang Sheng, since you don't have a soul ring yet, you must be extra cautious. Patrol around the camp, and if you notice anything unusual, notify me immediately."
Wang Li and Wang Sheng responded in turn:
"Understood, teacher."
"Yes, teacher."
Seeing their reaction, Yuan Fu nodded and said, "I'll head to the front to take a look. You two check the back together; it's better to have each other's support. If anything happens, call for me."
With that, he walked toward the front of the camp, and Wang Li and Wang Sheng turned to head to the back.
Wang Sheng hadn't yet acquired a soul ring. As he looked at the dark forest surrounding them, an unaccountable chill crept into his heart. He glanced at Wang Li beside him, whose expression was calm, which slightly eased his tension.
Wang Li sensed that something was off; it was too quiet. Even though the night was typically silent, this felt distinctly unusual.
The two arrived at the back of the camp and surveyed their surroundings. Wang Sheng said, "It looks like there's no danger. With so many of us and the academy director at the soul master level, what soul beast would dare to cause trouble?"
But Wang Li's eyes widened as he noticed something behind Wang Sheng: a shadow, completely silent, suddenly launched an attack.
Wang Li shouted:
"Wang Sheng, duck!"
Wang Sheng was taken aback, but out of trust in Wang Li, he immediately crouched down.
Wang Li sprang forward, his feet propelled off the ground like a spring, moving so fast that Wang Sheng couldn't even see him.
*Instant Step!*
Wang Li finally caught sight of the creature: it was a figure resembling a tiger or leopard. Though not as large as either, its scarlet beastly eyes radiated a chilling killing intent.
Its speed was quick, but Wang Li was quicker. He struck first, leaping up to evade its claws and delivering a powerful kick to its chin, sending it flying.
"Roar!"
The creature let out a wailing cry of pain.
As Wang Li soared through the air without landing, he remarkably propelled himself forward again, chasing after the soul beast he had kicked away.
*Violent Kick!*
Wang Li then delivered a heavy blow to its soft abdomen. Although feline creatures like tigers and leopards could typically find balance mid-air, this kick caused it to completely lose its equilibrium, tumbling down like a ragged sack.
"Roar!"
The sound was filled with anguish.
(End of Chapter)