บท 9: Chapter 9: First Ring
A few days had passed since Wang Chen's conversation with Yu Xiaogang, and now he found himself with Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, heading toward the Spirit Hunting Forest. The path leading to the forest was filled with the lively noise of shopkeepers advertising their goods, from tools and weapons to food and hunting gear, while soul masters recruited teammates.
Wang Chen's eyes scanned the scene, noting the energy of the marketplace. So many teams are forming just for a chance at the right soul ring. His eyes lingered on a group of soul masters calling for teammates, shouting their specific requirements.
Tang San, always thoughtful, turned to Yu Xiaogang, "Master, why are so many soul masters gathering teammates? Can't they just hunt alone?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled, glancing at Tang San. "Hunting alone is dangerous, even for the strongest. Soul beasts can be unpredictable, and it's rare to be able to defeat them without some form of assistance. That's why soul masters form teams. A good team is crucial for success."
Wang Chen listened closely as Yu Xiaogang continued. "There are six primary combat systems: the Agility Attack System, Power Attack System, Control System, Defense System, Support System, and Food System. Each fulfills a vital role in a team."
Tang San nodded as he processed the information, while Wang Chen was intrigued by the details. Agility and control seem to suit my fighting style the best.
Tang San asked, "Master, what are these systems for exactly?"
Yu Xiaogang explained further, "The Agility Attack System is all about speed—quick strikes, evasion, and outmaneuvering enemies. Power Attack System focuses on brute strength, delivering powerful close-range attacks. Control System manipulates the battlefield, trapping enemies or restricting their movements. Then you have the Defense System, which absorbs damage and protects the team. Support System enhances teammates' abilities or heals them, while the Food System replenishes energy through special food."
Wang Chen thought about it. Speed and power for me. But control... that could be useful too.
As they neared the Spirit Hunting Forest, Wang Chen noticed the guards stationed at the gate. The armored figures looked almost samurai-like, but their sleek armor and long spears were different from what he had seen before. Each guard stood with discipline, scanning the area with sharp eyes.
Tang San, confused, asked, "Why are there people guarding the forest?"
Yu Xiaogang hesitated before answering, "These guards are from Martial Soul Hall. They regulate entry to the forest, ensuring that soul masters follow the rules. Spirit beasts are valuable, and Martial Soul Hall likes to keep things under control."
Wang Chen noted the hint of tension in Yu Xiaogang's tone but didn't say anything.
'So Martial Soul Hall's reach extends even here.' he thought.
As they approached the gate, one of the guards stepped forward, raising a hand. Yu Xiaogang produced a badge from his pocket and handed it over. After a quick inspection, the guard nodded and allowed them through the gate.
The forest was massive and dense. Towering trees with thick canopies blocked out much of the sunlight, leaving the ground below in shadows, broken only by occasional beams of light that pierced through. The air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of earth and leaves.
As they ventured further inside, Wang Chen's instincts flared up. Something felt off.
"Master," Wang Chen said cautiously, "we're being followed."
Yu Xiaogang glanced at him approvingly. "Your senses are sharp, Wang Chen. Spirit beasts are watching, waiting for their opportunity. We'll need to find our targets soon. Staying the night here is not an option."
The group continued deeper into the forest, searching for suitable spirit beasts. As the sun began to set, a thick fog started creeping through the trees, and the atmosphere became heavy. Wang Chen activated his Sharingan immediately, his red eyes cutting through the mist. He could see the flow of soul power coming from several creatures nearby.
"They're coming," Wang Chen muttered, his eyes tracking the movement.
Tang San's eyes also glowed purple. "There are two of them, approaching from the north," he confirmed.
Just as Wang Chen prepared for battle, a hiss echoed through the trees. A shadow slithered through the mist—a Datura Snake, moving swiftly toward them. The snake attacked without warning, launching itself at the group.
Yu Xiaogang acted quickly, summoning his martial soul. His mutated creature, Luo San Pao, growled and released a shockwave to create distance between them and the snake, but the creature's abilities were limited, and the Datura Snake recovered quickly. It hissed, coiling itself for another attack.
Yu Xiaogang cursed under his breath, realizing Luo San Pao couldn't hold the snake off for long. Though the shockwave created some space, it wasn't enough to defeat the snake. Wang Chen and Tang San both stepped forward, ready to act.
Wang Chen's Sharingan tracked the snake's every move. With his heightened reflexes, he dodged the snake's lunges, staying just out of reach while keeping it distracted. Tang San, staying behind Wang Chen, pulled out a set of projectiles and threw them precisely, aiming to disorient the snake.
The snake hissed in frustration, redirecting its attention toward Tang San, but Wang Chen was quick to act. He delivered a powerful kick to the snake, flipping it onto its back, exposing its vulnerable underside. Tang San saw the opportunity and swiftly pulled out a knife, stabbing the snake in the head with a sharp thrust.
The snake twitched violently, but its soul power began to dissipate. Yu Xiaogang, seeing the fight was over, shouted, "Tang San, start meditating and absorb the soul ring now!"
As Tang San began the process of absorbing the ring, Wang Chen stood watch, his Sharingan scanning the area for any more threats. He knew this was why people hunted in groups—to ensure protection while one person absorbed their ring. His eyes flickered toward a distant point in the forest where he sensed a powerful presence approaching.
His unease grew. Something's coming.
The flicker of soul power grew larger, and soon, Wang Chen saw them: a pair of glowing golden eyes staring back at him. Moments later, the forest ahead was illuminated by the appearance of a large beast—a Scarlet Flame Tiger, its body radiating intense heat, flames dancing across its back.
Wang Chen immediately turned to Yu Xiaogang, who recognized the creature instantly. "That's a Scarlet Flame Tiger. It's at least 500 years old. Be careful—this one's powerful."
The tiger roared, releasing a burst of flames from its mouth. Wang Chen dodged the attack, his Sharingan allowing him to track the flames' trajectory.
'This might be it.'
He quickly realized that this beast had the ranged power he was looking for.
Yu Xiaogang took a stance, signaling that he would help. Together, they engaged the tiger, with Wang Chen fighting up close, dodging its claws and fire bursts. Yu Xiaogang used his martial soul to deliver two precise shockwaves at critical moments, but the fight was far from easy. Unlike the Datura Snake, the Scarlet Flame Tiger stayed at a distance, launching flames at Wang Chen while avoiding direct combat.
Wang Chen winced, cursing his lack of a weapon. I need to find a way to make money after this. Fighting bare-handed against a tiger isn't exactly ideal. He focused on dodging, using his enhanced reflexes to stay ahead of the beast.
Suddenly, vines shot out from behind him, entangling the tiger. Tang San's voice called out from the back, "Finish it now!"
Wang Chen didn't hesitate. With the tiger distracted by the vines, he delivered a final blow to its neck, ending the fight. The beast collapsed, and its soul ring began to form.
Panting, Wang Chen turned to Tang San and nodded gratefully. Tang San shook his head, urging him, "Absorb it quickly."
Wang Chen sat down next to the fallen beast, focusing on the fiery ring hovering above it. As he began absorbing the soul ring, he felt a surge of heat and power course through him. Inside his mindscape, the image of his Sharingan appeared, its single tomoe spinning slowly.
He could feel it. Although, the eyes didn't change, his eyes have become stronger.
Much stronger.
Almost like the abilities of Sharingan has finally manifested fully after his first soul ring.
When the process was complete, Wang Chen stood, feeling the new power at his fingertips. He opened his mouth and, with a deep breath, released a Blazing Flame Burst, sending a wave of fire outward.
Wang Chen smirked, amused at how much this resembled the fireball jutsus that Uchiha Clan tends to be known for.
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Word Count: [1454]
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