Just as Zhao Wuji and the others were about to set off, they were startled by Zhu Zhuqing's unexpected statement.
"You need a spirit ring?" Zhao Wuji exclaimed. "Weren't you just at Rank 28?"
Zhu Zhuqing calmly released her full soul power and replied, "I'm Rank 30 now."
Everyone stared at her in disbelief—except for Lin Jie, who remained unfazed. After all, he'd been helping Zhu Zhuqing temper her body every day, which had activated her internal vitality and significantly heightened her sensitivity to soul power. Her cultivation speed had more than doubled. He hadn't expected her to break through to Rank 30 so soon, especially since she was even younger than him.
Ironically, since Lin Jie had stepped in to fight Meng Yiran instead of Tang San, the latter hadn't benefited from the confrontation to break through.
The one who was most shaken was Dai Mubai. He knew Zhu Zhuqing's age well—how could she have reached Rank 30 so quickly? Even Ning Rongrong couldn't help but ask how she had advanced so fast. Zhu Zhuqing only replied modestly, "I just worked hard."
Snapping out of their shock, the group quickly left their camp. Zhao Wuji didn't want to linger in case Dragon Duke Meng Shu and Serpent Grandmother Chao Tianxiang returned. Once they'd cleaned up their tracks, they moved deeper into the Star Dou Forest and set up a new camp.
Fortunately, the night passed without incident. After a full night's rest, the Shrek group had recovered to peak condition.
The next morning, they resumed their search—but now it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn to hunt for a spirit beast suitable for her third ring.
She had long considered what kind of beast she needed. As an agility-type Soul Master, her priority was speed. If she couldn't find an ideal match, she'd make do.
Three days passed. Despite their careful searching, they hadn't found a suitable spirit beast. The thousand-year beasts they did encounter were either defense-types or too weak—none matched her needs.
Though their food supply was sufficient, the high stress and constant danger of the Star Dou Forest left everyone exhausted.
Still, that same danger had forced the group to become more coordinated and efficient in battle.
The only ongoing tension was between Dai Mubai and Lin Jie. Dai Mubai still didn't know the full extent of Zhu Zhuqing and Lin Jie's relationship, but he knew Lin Jie was interested in her—and Zhu Zhuqing wasn't rejecting it. If he ever got full confirmation, he might not hold back anymore.
Currently, Lin Jie, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and Ma Hongjun were responsible for fighting. Zhu Zhuqing handled reconnaissance, while Oscar and Ning Rongrong supported from the center.
That evening, they set up camp again, taking care not to light any fires.
The boys pitched tents, and the girls prepared the food.
Zhao Wuji, as their teacher, naturally took the night watch.
Suddenly, his voice rang out in alarm:
"Everyone out of the tents—now!"
The group jumped up and rushed to his side, only to be met by a massive shadow looming in front of them.
It looked like a black-furred gorilla. Its lantern-sized eyes stared coldly at them.
Its body was incredibly massive, every inch packed with bulging muscle—like hills formed of flesh.
Lin Jie's heart skipped a beat.
"The Titan Giant Ape! It must have sensed Xiao Wu's aura and come for her!"
Glancing at Xiao Wu beside him, Lin Jie's expression tensed. Then he stepped away from her and moved toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhao Wuji spoke in a respectful tone. "Forest King, we mean no offense. If this is your territory, we're willing to leave at once."
He knew exactly what the beast was—the legendary Titan Giant Ape, a terrifying soul beast with over ten thousand years of cultivation. It could easily understand human speech. But why it had suddenly appeared here was beyond him.
The Titan Giant Ape ignored Zhao Wuji's words. It stepped forward once—and that single step sent a wave of dread through the group.
Zhao Wuji realized words wouldn't help. He immediately unleashed all his soul rings—his seventh ring flared as he activated his Martial Soul True Body. His form expanded, merging with the image of a giant brown bear.
"Everyone, retreat!" he roared.
Lin Jie didn't hesitate. He reached out and grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's hand, ready to act the moment the situation worsened.
Then the Titan Giant Ape swung its massive hand. The resulting gust of wind alone blew several students off their feet. Zhao Wuji moved to intercept, clashing directly with the beast's blow.
The shockwave blasted Ning Rongrong and the others into the air. Zhao Wuji, overwhelmed, couldn't help them.
Lin Jie dashed with incredible speed, already carrying Zhu Zhuqing a safe distance away. "Take care of yourself—find a place to hide. I'm going back for the others."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded and quickly concealed herself.
Meanwhile, Oscar and Ning Rongrong were both flung into the air. Lin Jie caught Ning Rongrong mid-flight, then blinked to Oscar and secured him as well. Carrying both, he retreated to where Zhu Zhuqing had hidden.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun had fallen to the ground, but were otherwise unhurt.
After setting Ning Rongrong and Oscar down, Lin Jie barely had time to respond to their thanks.
Just then, the Titan Giant Ape reached out—and seized Xiao Wu in its palm.
It had found its target. With Xiao Wu in hand, it turned and began running into the forest.
Tang San's scream rang out:
"No—let go of Xiao Wu!"
But the Titan Giant Ape paid no attention and vanished into the trees.
Tang San collapsed in despair. He knew better than anyone—Xiao Wu couldn't possibly escape from the Titan Giant Ape's grasp.
Had Lin Jie known what Tang San was thinking, he'd have chuckled—Xiao Wu was in no danger at all, and would soon gain even greater strength.
The others gathered around, all looking somber. Zhao Wuji looked gravely at Tang San.
Suddenly, Tang San spoke, eyes bloodshot, voice resolute:
"Teacher Zhao, I have to find Xiao Wu. Even if she's dead, I must recover her body."
Everyone fell silent at his words.
Moved by Tang San's determination, and encouraged by Lin Jie, they decided to follow. No one could let him go alone.
Tang San glanced gratefully at Lin Jie. He hadn't forgotten how Lin Jie had just risked himself to rescue Ning Rongrong and Oscar.
Lin Jie, however, knew Xiao Wu would be just fine. She'd even reach beyond Rank 30 thanks to this.
Under Oscar's Flying Mushroom Sausages, the group flew in the direction the Titan Giant Ape had gone. But the flight only lasted a short while before they had to land.
Tang San had forged ahead. Lin Jie was a short distance behind, but quickly caught up. They found Tang San slumped against a tree, eyes glowing red, breath ragged.
In a flash, Lin Jie appeared behind him and struck a precise blow to the back of his neck. Tang San collapsed, whispering "Xiao Wu…" as he blacked out.
Dai Mubai and the others shouted, "What are you doing?!"
Even Zhao Wuji raised his voice in surprise, though not as angrily.
Lin Jie glanced back calmly.
"Didn't you notice Tang San was slipping into qi deviation? I just knocked him out to cool his head. He'll wake soon—I didn't hit him hard."
Zhao Wuji checked and nodded. "He's right. Tang San was close to losing control. Dai Mubai, take him aside and let him rest. We're nearing the inner forest—stay alert."
Just then, a soft rustling came from the trees.
The group tensed immediately, eyes locked on the direction of the sound.
Lin Jie narrowed his eyes.
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin