Seeing everyone sound asleep, Jiang Xiaofeng didn't want to bother them, so he ended up going to find Mopote.
"Instructor, Instructor."
Mopote woke up.
"Is it time to switch shifts?"
Jiang Xiaofeng shook his head. "No, I have a question I want to ask."
Mopote yawned but didn't seem annoyed. He was quite fond of Jiang Xiaofeng.
"Ask away, as long as it's something I can help with."
"Instructor, do you know a place where I can get beaten up—badly—but without dying? Getting injured is fine."
Mopote gave him a strange look.
"You serious? You want to get beaten up? I can help with that."
Jiang Xiaofeng replied, "That won't do. It has to be someone of the same realm. If you beat me up, you'd hold back, but others won't."
Mopote thought for a moment. There was indeed such a place, but he was curious why Jiang Xiaofeng would want this.
"Why? I'd like to know. As your instructor, your safety is the top priority. Wanting to get beaten up… what exactly are you thinking?"
He really couldn't understand why someone would seek out a beating.
Jiang Xiaofeng smiled bitterly. "I'm cultivating a soul skill that boosts my defense. I've reached the point where I need to get hit to progress. But the soul beasts in Death Canyon are too brutal—one mistake and I'm dead. So I want a place where I can take real hits without dying."
Mopote chuckled and shook his head. "So that's what it is. No wonder I always thought your defense was impressive—you were actually training it deliberately. Most soul masters don't focus on defense like this. I bet this is something the Pope taught you, huh?"
"You want to get beat up without dying? Easy. That would be the Grand Soul Arena."
"Grand Soul Arena? What's that?"
"Never mentioned it before since I figured you'd never need it. But since you're asking: the Grand Soul Arena is run by the Spirit Hall. Every large city has one. Not all arenas have suitable opponents—some are too small and the combatants are weak. Only the larger ones have opponents that can match your level. But since the Holy Son wants to get beaten up, any arena should do. You're not trying to win, after all."
Jiang Xiaofeng said a bit sheepishly, "Well, it is for cultivation..."
"Haha, of course. The Soul Arena is made for soul masters to sharpen their skills. Conveniently, there's one in the nearest town outside Death Canyon. Should suit your needs just fine."
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded. "Alright, after we take down the 5,000-year soul beast tomorrow, I'll head out. I think going every few days should work. Is that okay with you?"
Mopote replied, "Of course. I'll go with you!"
Jiang Xiaofeng shook his head. "No need—fewer people is better. Best if I wear a mask too, just in case someone finds out I'm the Holy Son."
Mopote nodded. "Makes sense. I actually have a mask ready—been prepared for this kind of situation. It's for protecting your identity. Here, take it."
Jiang Xiaofeng took the mask. It was made from some unknown material, completely black, with only the eyes and nostrils exposed. The rest of the face was fully covered.
"This mask is forged from special materials, commissioned personally by the Pope. Even a Soul Emperor might not be able to break it."
Jiang Xiaofeng was shocked—this plain-looking mask had such insane defensive power?
"Surprising, right? It's the work of a master from Gengxin City. The Pope himself issued the order—otherwise, there's no way to get a master blacksmith like that to make anything."
Gengxin City? Another new place. Judging from the way it was mentioned, it must be a hub for blacksmiths.
Definitely need to check that place out sometime. I've got some gear I want made—hope this world's smithing can handle my requirements.
"Thanks, Instructor. You get some rest now. I'll wake you when it's time for the shift."
Mopote nodded and went back to sleep.
Now that he'd found a place to take some punishment, things were looking much easier.
The next day, under Mopote's lead, Jiang Xiaofeng and his teammates located the only 5,000-year soul beast near the camp.
Maybe it was Death Canyon's influence, but all the soul beasts here were pitch black—he hadn't seen a single one of a different color.
Looking at the beast, Mopote said, "This is a 5,000-year Long-Snouted Blood Crocodile. Its trademark is its thick skin and flesh. You guys sure you want to use this thing for practice today?"
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded. "The tougher it is, the better. That helps us improve our coordination."
Hu Liena added, "Brother Feng's right. It's our first time facing a 5,000-year soul beast, and something like this will really test our teamwork."
"Alright then, good luck."
With that, Mopote leapt into the trees to observe from above.
Jiang Xiaofeng looked at his teammates. "Same plan as always. Na'er goes first, I'm second. You two follow up."
"Old routine, got it. Don't worry, Brother Feng. But this time, how about I get the kill?" Yan thumped his chest confidently.
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded. "Sure, just time it right. None of us can solo a 5,000-year soul beast. Na'er, get ready!"
Hu Liena nodded, and the four of them slowly crept toward the soul beast's position.
"Demonic Fox, Second Skill: Enchantment!"
A pink mist enveloped the sleeping Long-Snouted Blood Crocodile, pulling it into an illusion.
Since three months ago, her "Fox Enchantment" had evolved greatly—it now caused hallucinations and lowered the enemy's defense, giving Jiang Xiaofeng's team a real shot at breaking through.
"Go!"
"Execution Sword, Second Soul Skill: Phantom Blade!"
"Flame Lord, Second Soul Skill: Granite Wrath!"
"Moonblade, Second Soul Skill: Full Moon Waltz."
The 5,000-year beast was instantly overwhelmed, wailing from the assault.
When it finally snapped out of the illusion, its body was covered in wounds.
Compared to three months ago, each of them had made a qualitative leap in strength—they were no longer flailing amateurs.
This Blood Crocodile earned its name from its ridiculous snout—its mouth was literally half its body length!
It opened its massive jaws wide, and Jiang Xiaofeng's team quickly retreated.
"First Soul Skill: Fox Charm!"
The crocodile was instantly immobilized mid-attack.
"Perfect timing!"
Jiang Xiaofeng's Execution Sword struck the beast's wide-open mouth without hesitation.
"Tianhai Art, Second Style: Earthshaker!"
With that strike, one of the crocodile's fangs shattered, and its jaw hung slack, no longer able to close.
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(End of Chapter)