As soon as the fish was grilled, Huo Yuer eagerly brought it to Ye Wen like presenting a treasure.
"Master, hurry, this is the perfect time—it's so fragrant!"
Ye Wen didn't refuse. Although his body no longer required food, it still retained all human functions.
And how could he possibly refuse such delicious grilled fish personally served by his lively and adorable loli disciple?
"It smells wonderful," Ye Wen praised.
Though he had given such compliments many times along the way, every time Huo Yuer heard them, she felt an extra burst of joy. This sense of recognition filled her heart, which had been battered by hardships.
"You should eat quickly too, or it won't taste as good," Ye Wen said affectionately.
After years of growing in strength, Ye Wen hadn't had new children for a long time. Huo Yuer's presence made him feel like a father again, recalling those old days.
Huo Yuer obediently nodded, picked up the grilled fish from beside the fire, and prepared to dig in.
Suddenly, a vibrant young girl's voice rang out beside them.
"It smells so good!"
Following the sound, two youthful figures appeared before Ye Wen and Huo Yuer.
The girl looked about fifteen or sixteen, with long black hair tied into a ponytail that hung behind her. Her slim figure, clad in light blue athletic attire, radiated youthful energy. Her phoenix-like eyes were large and lively, her nose elegantly pointed, and her nearly flawless oval face was framed by delicate features. Her beautiful visage held a hint of surprise as her gaze fixated on Huo Yuer's grilled fish.
Beside her stood a handsome young man with short, deep-blue hair that made him look exceptionally spirited. Unlike the lively girl, he exuded a reserved and scholarly aura and remained silent.
At a glance, Ye Wen recognized their identities.
The current head of the now-declining Tang Sect, the future Holy Maiden of Blue Silver, Tang Ya, and the other was Bei Bei, who would inherit the Holy Light Dragon spirit.
At this moment, Tang Ya hadn't yet fallen into depravity as she would in the future. With her naturally outgoing personality, she walked up to Ye Wen and Huo Yuer and asked Huo Yuer directly:
"Little sister, are you selling this grilled fish? It smells amazing! How did you make it?"
After Ye Wen's training—no, correction, education—Huo Yuer had learned to remain vigilant when traveling.
Especially here in the Hunter's Forest, humans were far more dangerous than soul beasts.
Huo Yuer gave the two a cold glance and replied frostily, "Not for sale. And if you have nothing else to say, please keep your distance."
This aloof attitude caused the enthusiastic Tang Ya to stiffen momentarily.
At this point, Bei Bei stepped beside Tang Ya and apologized helplessly, "Sorry, we'll leave now."
Without waiting for Tang Ya's reaction, Bei Bei gently pulled her away. Though Tang Ya pouted slightly in reluctance, she obediently followed without resistance.
Ye Wen's sharp ears could still clearly hear Bei Bei lecturing Tang Ya: "When traveling, don't disturb strangers casually."
Watching their retreating figures, Ye Wen stroked his chin thoughtfully.
This crucial plotline where Huo Yuhao joins the nearly bankrupt Tang Sect had now been disrupted. What would Tang San, who manipulated fate from the God Realm, think of this interference?
"Interfering with the future—how interesting," Ye Wen chuckled softly.
---
The night passed without incident, and the next day, Ye Wen and Huo Yuer set off once again on their soul-hunting journey.
To think that Huo Yuer, a mere level-10 quasi-soul master, dared to venture into the largest soul beast forest on the Douluo Continent to hunt for spirit rings—it truly took immense courage.
Of course, Huo Yuer's luck was extraordinary; otherwise, any normal person would've already perished.
Having someone to rely on made one soft. Looking at the dense primeval forest before them, Huo Yuer nervously glanced at Ye Wen.
"Master, do I really have to hunt the soul beasts myself?"
Ye Wen's broad hand gently patted Huo Yuer's small head.
"Haven't I already taught you the six techniques? Though you haven't fully mastered them yet, you must understand that real combat is the best nourishment for a soul master's growth.
And don't worry—if things get truly dangerous, I'll step in.
Consider this a form of training for you."
After hearing these words, Huo Yuer's eyes grew firmer.
In the future, revenge would ultimately depend on her own strength. If real combat could accelerate her growth, then so be it.
Moreover—
Huo Yuer gazed intently at Ye Wen, committing his face firmly to memory, and resolutely stepped into the Star Dou Forest.
Due to the increasing number of powerful human soul masters, the Star Dou Forest had been forced to adapt. Compared to ten thousand years ago, the forest had shrunk significantly. However, thanks to the influence of the Imperial Auspicious Beast, its quality had improved greatly.
Unfortunately, this applied only to the mixed zones and the core areas. In the outer regions of the Star Dou Forest, even hundred-year soul beasts had become exceedingly rare.
But this was inevitable. Even teachers from Shrek Academy, the so-called supreme institution, used secret methods to ruthlessly hunt lower-tier soul beasts for spirit bones. It was no wonder that lower-tier soul beasts had become scarce.
Under Ye Wen's guidance, Huo Yuer steadily advanced into the forest.
Suddenly, a strange sensation flickered in her mind. Huo Yuer felt a slight stinging in her eyes and instinctively activated her Spiritual Eye.
Though her Spiritual Eye spirit hadn't yet reached its full potential, as a super spirit focused on mental abilities, it already possessed unique capabilities.
One of these was the ability to sense danger.
Soon, Huo Yuer identified what had triggered her Spiritual Eye's warning.
It was a baboon about a meter tall, covered in brownish-yellow fur. Its eyes were brown, its arms unusually long, with sharp claws on its hands. Its exposed fangs protruded from its mouth, and its eyes glowed with ferocity.
"Soul beast!"
Though Huo Yuer, lacking formal soul master education, didn't know the scientific name of the Wind Baboon, her instincts kicked in immediately.
As the Wind Baboon charged forward, Huo Yuer quickly evaded by channeling soul power into her legs.
"Master taught me: don't compare your weaknesses to your opponent's strengths. Instead, maximize your own advantages."
The defining trait of the Spiritual Eye spirit was its superior observational ability far beyond its peers.
Failing to land its first attack, the Wind Baboon—like most monkeys—became especially irritable and continued to lunge at Huo Yuer.
At this moment, another lesson from Ye Wen bore fruit.
Huo Yuer conducted a quick analysis: if this baboon couldn't even defeat a novice soul master like her, who lacked even a single spirit ring, then it definitely wasn't a hundred-year soul beast.
"I can win this fight!"
Adrenaline surged through Huo Yuer's body. She was incredibly excited, yet remarkably calm.
Though Ye Wen hadn't yet taught her complex knowledge, he had imparted one key fact: all living creatures had their own durability.
After repeated failed attacks, and being naturally unsuited for ground movement, the Wind Baboon panted heavily.
"Now!"
Shave!
Huo Yuer suddenly accelerated, leaving behind a residual image as she darted past the Wind Baboon.
Though the Wind Baboon noticed her movement, it froze momentarily.
The next second, blood seeped from the baboon's furry neck, followed by a sudden gush.
"Though the physical structures of soul beasts vary greatly, the blood vessels in the neck are a fatal weakness for all creatures with heads."
Huo Yuer exhaled deeply, recalling Ye Wen's teachings.
"Master, I did it."
With that thought, her exhausted body collapsed onto the ground.
After all, Huo Yuer was just a 12-year-old girl suffering from long-term malnutrition.
------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to our new Patrons: HADES, Diogo Frazão, Unknown, Jared Toussaint, zFuriaMz and bwuooq! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to 'Chapter 825: Evil Eye - Zhu Zhuqing - Part 3' on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed.