Mesmerizing Ghost Doctor

The Azure Emperor glanced at the two younger disciples, then fixed his gaze on Hao'er. "Yun Chen," he began, "you are stronger than them, so you must hunt for 300 crystal cores. You, too, must return to Yunxiao Mountain on foot within a month. If you fail, the punishment will be the same, with the addition of not being allowed to see your mother for a year."

He understood precisely what his three children valued most. This punishment, though seemingly harsh, targeted their deepest affections, making it profoundly effective. Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Hao'er nodded solemnly. "Master, rest assured, your disciple understands. Your disciple will definitely return to Yunxiao Mountain within a month."

The Azure Emperor nodded. "All three of you must act alone and not help each other. I have chosen beasts of different ranks for you. Yun Chen, you go first! The beasts in this forest are quite powerful, so be careful."

"Yes," Hao'er replied, then looked at Muchen and Muyue. "You two be careful too. See you on the mountain."

"Mm hmm, Big Brother, you be careful too~"

Muchen and Muyue said in unison as they watched Hao'er summon his flying sword and soar alone towards the forest below. Before long, he disappeared from their sight.

"Are you afraid?" The Azure Emperor looked at the two remaining disciples and asked.

"No, we're not afraid."

The two shook their heads. Although young, they had already experienced many trials. When they were even younger, they had been separated from their mother and had followed their Big Brother. More recently, after reuniting with their mother, she had taught them invaluable lessons. They had also learned a great deal from their master during the past year they had spent with him. At the very least, when faced with danger, they now knew how to defend themselves. What's more, their master had promised to divide a strand of his divine consciousness to protect them, and they also had their contract beasts for support, so fear was not an overwhelming emotion.

However, not being afraid didn't mean they weren't worried. After all, this was their first time undertaking such a solo mission, and it would last for an entire month.

Seeing the mixture of determination and slight apprehension in their eyes, the Azure Emperor's lips curved slightly. "Don't worry, go down!" he instructed.

He then sent the two of them to different parts of the forest and didn't linger. He simply told them to be careful and departed.

The three children were now in the same expansive forest but in completely different locations. When they found themselves truly alone, a sense of isolation and helplessness settled over them. Apart from themselves, there were only towering trees, dense weeds, and the faint, unsettling roars of unseen beasts.

After landing, Hao'er quickly began exploring the forest in search of prey. Acquiring 300 crystal cores meant he had to kill 300 beasts and then traverse the long journey back on foot, all within a single month. It was clear that time was a very tight constraint. Even though his strength had significantly increased over the past year, he dared not be careless in this formidable forest. Instead, he gathered his resolve and proceeded with extreme caution.

Meanwhile, not far from where Muchen had landed, a fierce beast lurked hidden in the tall grass. When it spotted the human child, it cautiously began to approach, baring its sharp teeth and preparing to pounce. But just as it coiled to strike, the human child, who had been standing motionless, suddenly sprang forward with a subtle movement of his toes, expertly straddling the beast's back. In the same fluid motion, a cold dagger was plunged into its neck.

"Swish!"

A sharp, hoarse scream pierced the air, echoing loudly through the forest. Immediately, a strong, metallic scent of blood began to spread, signaling the swift and decisive end of the encounter.