Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 102: Core Zone of the Star Dou Forest

In truth, both his grandfather, Niu Gao, and Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, were quite familiar with Yang Potian, and they got along well.

Faced with the teasing of these two elders, Yang Potian could only remain silent. They were his seniors, so arguing was out of the question.

On the eve of their departure, his grandfather, Yang Wudi, suddenly asked, "Potian, this time you're planning to enter the core zone of the Star Dou Forest to obtain your fifth spirit ring. Do you have any particular plan or target in mind?"

Yang Potian pondered for a moment before replying, "A strength-type spirit beast, a rare one if possible, and the higher the quality, the better. Ideally, one with dragon attributes."

Hearing this, Dugu Bo couldn't help but chuckle, "Kid, your ambition sure is big. But there's no need to enter the core of the Star Dou Forest for that; it's incredibly dangerous. Even I don't dare venture too deep in."

However, his father seemed to understand Yang Potian's intentions. "Potian, what age range are you aiming for in your fifth spirit ring?"

"Around 40,000 years, with an absolute maximum of 45,000."

This surprised everyone, as the typical spirit master's fifth ring is about 12,000 years old. Did Yang Potian not fear the risk of his body exploding from the strain?

Yang Zhentian, his father, seemed worried. "A 40,000-year ring is typically used for seventh or even eighth rings. Are you sure your body can handle it?"

"Dad, I feel like I'm in excellent condition. Absorbing a 40,000-year ring should be manageable."

Everyone exchanged uncertain glances, but after a physical assessment, Yang Potian's body was indeed as strong as a high-level Spirit Emperor's. It seemed absorbing a 40,000-year ring might actually be possible.

After some discussion, they decided to cap the ring's age at 40,000 years. Yang Potian agreed with the final decision.

The next morning, the five set off from the Po Clan and headed toward the Star Dou Forest.

After three days of travel, the group reached the forest's outskirts.

They were well-prepared for the journey since his grandfather had recently acquired a ring there, with the two elders assisting.

Once they entered the forest, everyone became more cautious, especially in the mixed area where Dugu Bo usually scouted ahead, as his Title Douluo status made his perception stronger. Niu Gao stayed with Yang Potian in the middle of the formation, ensuring his safety.

Yang Potian found many good spirit beasts in the mixed area, some of exceptional quality.

Unfortunately, most were under 30,000 years, which didn't meet Yang Potian's standards.

When they reached the core area, Yang Potian immediately sensed a change.

The energy in the air was denser, and they were frequently attacked by spirit beasts, most of which were over 30,000 years old and incredibly powerful.

Although the core area spanned only about 200 kilometers, within just one day, they encountered four beasts over 30,000 years, with one even reaching 50,000.

With such potent spirit power fluctuations, it would have been a perfect training ground for spirit masters—if it weren't so dangerous.

The plan was to start searching for Yang Potian's fifth ring on the core zone's outskirts and then venture deeper for the others' ninth rings, as the outskirts were relatively safer.

At night, the group camped together, leaving only one person on watch, typically one of the two Title Douluo.

Surprisingly, their luck seemed to be holding this time. In previous hunts, they'd spent long periods searching; last time, it took over a month to locate an Iron Feather Tiger Hawk.

This time, on the second day, they came across a formidable 35,000-year-old Diamond Mammoth, one of the most robust defensive spirit beasts, with impressive strength. However, Yang Potian wasn't particularly fond of its bulky appearance, so they resumed their search.

Their good luck continued, as they soon encountered a massive Double-Headed Gale Demon Wolf. Over 20 meters long, it appeared incredibly powerful and was estimated to be around 76,000 years old.

The Double-Headed Gale Demon Wolf was a favored target for assault-type spirit masters due to its exceptional speed and strength, and this one happened to be alone, which made things easier.

After a brief discussion, Yang Wushuang, his second grandfather, decided to claim it as his ninth spirit ring.

The wolf was extremely fast, and its familiarity with the Star Dou Forest made it hard to catch. If they missed their chance, it would likely escape.

The five devised a hunting strategy: Dugu Bo would first poison it stealthily, and then everyone would launch an attack. Once poisoned, the wolf would be much easier to handle.

The poisoning strategy worked well. The Double-Headed Gale Demon Wolf's silver-gray fur turned green from the toxins, and its howls became furious, mingling rage with what seemed like fear.

Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, Niu Gao, and Dugu Bo then closed in from all directions, preventing its escape. Yang Wushuang led the frontal assault, while Niu Gao blocked its retreat. Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo flanked it from both sides.

Despite the assault from all four, the wolf showed no fear, launching counterattacks that demonstrated its remarkable resilience.

But the four attackers were incredibly strong, with the combined might of four Title Douluo-level warriors.

Yang Wushuang unleashed his Martial Soul True Body, forming a massive ethereal image with a colossal spear. Soul rings flashing, he raised the spear and thrust it toward the wolf, tearing a gaping wound and nearly piercing it completely.

Seeing the wolf severely injured, the others intensified their attacks.

The poison significantly weakened the wolf, cutting its speed and power to half, if not less. Battling under such painful conditions sealed its fate.

Soon, the Double-Headed Gale Demon Wolf lay on the ground, breathing its last breaths. Yet its eyes reflected lingering resentment and anguish—perhaps from pain or the effects of the poison.

The crucial moment of absorbing the spirit ring followed, during which no interruptions were allowed.

Yang Wushuang hoisted the dying wolf with spirit power, and Niu Gao took Yang Potian's hand, leading the group away from the area.

Noticing Yang Potian's confusion, Niu Gao explained, "Our fight was intense, so it's likely many spirit beasts nearby heard it. Absorbing the spirit ring here might attract other beasts."

"Plus, the wolf's repeated howls may have been calls for backup, so we should put some distance between us."

The group quickly moved toward the mixed area of the forest and only stopped after reaching a relatively safe place.

Dugu Bo set up a poison array around them, while three guarded in different directions to prevent a sneak attack by other spirit beasts.

Yang Wushuang then finished off the severely weakened Double-Headed Gale Demon Wolf, preparing to absorb the spirit ring. At 76,000 years old, the ring required substantial time to absorb, so he ensured his body was in peak condition.

Yang Potian, a bit bored, decided to dissect the wolf's corpse in the meantime.

Usually, when hunting spirit beasts as a group, they would all share the loot to prevent disputes, especially if a hired team assisted. The body, or even any spirit bones, would typically belong to the hunting team.

For instance, in Spirit Hall, spirit masters can request hunting assistance but must make significant contributions to the hall, and any corpses or bones go to Spirit Hall.

Similar rules apply within clans—if a clan helps hunt for a ring, it keeps everything but the ring, which helps strengthen the clan.

Yang Potian, though, didn't worry about such formalities since everyone around him was trustworthy, including Dugu Bo.

This time, his luck held. To his surprise, the wolf's left leg bone emerged, likely due to its poisoned state.

A 76,000-year Double-Headed Gale Demon Wolf's left leg bone was a rare treasure, with higher age than the prize soul bones awarded in the Spirit Master Competition and comparable to the ancestral bones of the Clear Sky Clan.

Claiming it with youthful boldness, Yang Potian quickly pocketed the bone, drawing laughter from the others.

Yang Wudi, however, felt slightly awkward seeing this and exchanged a helpless glance with Dugu Bo and Niu Gao, unsure of how to explain his grandson's sly behavior to his old friends.

[This concludes the chapter.]

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