Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 49: Entering the Sunset Forest Again

This time, entering the Sunset Forest was much easier. With Yang Zhentian now a Spirit Douluo and Yang Potian's spirit power significantly increased, the two had a distinct advantage. But no matter how powerful, caution was still essential in a place like the Sunset Forest, especially given the number of high-level spirit beasts in its depths.

They roamed the forest's central region for seven days without finding a truly suitable beast. The ones they encountered were either too low in spirit power or not powerful enough to meet their standards. They did spot a 2,000-year-old Armored Bear, but Yang Potian found its level too low. And as for the Iron-Feather Tiger Eagle he'd been hoping for—there wasn't even a trace of one. In fact, they barely saw any birds at all.

One evening, growing increasingly impatient, Yang Potian couldn't help but say, "Dad, finding the right spirit beast is tough. Should we go to the Star Dou Forest instead? I've heard it has more spirit beasts to choose from."

Zhentian shook his head. "You silly boy, the Sunset Forest has plenty of spirit beasts. We've actually found several promising ones already, but you keep turning them down. That Ghost Tiger we saw just now, over 3,000 years old, would be an excellent fourth spirit ring for many. But here you are, dismissing it as too weak."

"Well, it's not quite what I wanted. But if it had been a 3,000-year-old Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, I'd have taken it."

Zhentian chuckled. "Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear? Have you even seen one? I certainly haven't."

"If not that, then a Titan Giant Ape would do."

Zhentian's smile faded. "Son, do you even know what kind of beast a Titan Giant Ape is? Even a 10,000-year-old one could rival those of 100,000 years—it's practically a mythical beast."

"From what I know, only Tang Hao has ever had a Titan Giant Ape spirit ring. Few have ever seen one."

"Isn't there a rumor that a 100,000-year Titan Giant Ape resides in the Star Dou Forest? Why hasn't anyone tried to hunt it down?"

Zhentian shook his head. "Do you realize how powerful that Titan Giant Ape is? Ordinary Titled Douluos would struggle against it. A Titled Douluo at level 96 might have a fighting chance, but only if they're willing to risk their life. In the Star Dou Forest, even a Titled Douluo who's injured would be in serious danger of being killed. And, don't forget, that Titan Giant Ape has an even stronger companion—the Azure Bull Python. Who would dare go after them?"

"To hunt a Titan Giant Ape, you'd need at least four Titled Douluos—and not just any level. Even then, if you managed to kill it, absorbing its spirit ring would be risky. The moment it dies, countless spirit beasts would be drawn to its body, seeing it as a feast. And where would you even find so many Titled Douluos willing to take such a risk? Not even the Three Upper Sects could afford to lose so many."

Yang Potian nodded thoughtfully. "Dad, you and my two uncles have reached level 86, and Grandpa's already at level 87. Have you thought about what your ninth spirit ring will be?"

Zhentian paused. "It's a challenge for all of us. For my ninth ring, I'll likely head to the Star Dou Forest to look for an 80,000-year-old spirit beast. Anything higher might be out of our league. Your grandfather will probably join us, along with the patriarchs of the other three clans, though it's already a stretch for them at this level. We'll probably also have Dugu Bo accompany us."

"Dad, is Grandpa close to reaching Titled Douluo?"

"Yes, your grandpa's almost there. He might reach it a year or so before your grandfather. He was always a couple of levels ahead, and your recommendation of resources suited him well."

"We gathered so many treasures from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Was there nothing to boost the age of a spirit beast's ring?"

Zhentian laughed, tousling his son's hair. "What are you thinking? Those herbs are incredibly rare. Even the most suitable ones might only add a few thousand years to a spirit beast's age. The cost is far too high to make it worthwhile."

"Son, you shouldn't worry too much about these things. Your grandpa and uncles have plans for all of this."

Yang Potian nodded, thoughtful. "Dad, I recently read that the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow could significantly boost a spirit beast's age."

Zhentian shook his head with a chuckle. "You know that's practically a legendary treasure, right? If Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow appeared, every major faction would go crazy over it. Upper Sects and the Spirit Hall have plenty of high-level Spirit Saints and Spirit Douluos who would jump at the chance to break through. I haven't heard of any being found on the continent in hundreds of years; even thousand-year Cold Marrow is rare."

"Right, son. You've always had good instincts. Do you have a feeling about where to find a suitable spirit beast?"

"I do have a sense that the Titan Giant Ape in the Star Dou Forest would be a good match. It's just slightly out of range."

They both laughed at that.

After a quiet night's rest, the two continued their search the next day.

They didn't venture too far this time, choosing instead to camp by a small stream hidden among the trees, hoping that a spirit beast might come for a drink.

Throughout the day, they saw plenty of beasts, some of them quite promising. At one point, they spotted a 4,000-year-old Strength Gorilla. While it was a decent option, they decided to wait for something stronger and more unique.

By evening, sensing his son's growing frustration, Zhentian finally said, "Son, you seem a bit anxious. Remember, finding the right spirit beast isn't easy. The age and type are critical, and perfect matches are rare. Sometimes Spirit Masters spend months in spirit forests hunting for a suitable beast."

"Besides, your standards are quite high. We've already come across several suitable options today, like that Strength Gorilla. Its age and power would make it a fourth spirit ring for many people."

Potian sighed. "I'm not really in a hurry; I'm just frustrated that we haven't found any exceptional spirit beasts."

Zhentian nodded. "Exceptional spirit beasts don't show up that often. We've actually been lucky enough to see a few these past days, though the ages were never quite right."

Indeed, they had encountered two dragon-type beasts over the past few days. Unfortunately, one was too young, while the other was far too old to be feasible. Yang Potian could only hope that with a bit more patience, he'd find the perfect third ring.

(End of Chapter)

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