After yesterday's forced march, everyone was a bit fatigued. They needed to adjust their physical state to peak condition before entering the mountains for battle.
At this point, the White Tiger Duke had arranged dinner.
Elder Xuan did not enter the military camp, unwilling to get involved with official matters. With his strength and status, he could have represented Shrek Academy.
Three hours of meditation had wiped away everyone's fatigue. By now, it was past noon. After having lunch prepared by Durais, Durais handed over all the intelligence gathered by the Central Legion to them.
According to the intelligence, the main activity area of the Death Hand Bandit Group was in the central region of the Mingdou Mountains. They only descended quickly to raid when they had a specific target.
There was no precise information on who led the bandit group.
It was only known that the leader was a Soul Master of at least the Soul King level, though their abilities were unknown.
The intelligence was scarce because wherever the Death Hand went, no one survived; their methods were extremely cruel.
The latest intelligence came from about half a month ago. After raiding a group of merchants, they retreated into the Mingdou Mountains. The intelligence included their approximate exit direction.
That was all the military could provide. Since the operation might enter the Sun-Moon Empire, the Western Army Group could not provide manpower support, and even the flying Soul Devices they borrowed could not be carried into the mountains.
Time was tight. They also had to participate in the Continent-Wide Advanced Soul Master Academy Douhun Tournament. After confirming the intelligence and obtaining the map, they set off immediately.
First, they used flying Soul Devices to reach the mountain entrance indicated by the intelligence, guided by the White Tiger's guards. Then, they left the flying Soul Devices behind and entered the Mingdou Mountains using the map provided by the military.
Upon their arrival, Elder Xuan also brought Huo Yuhao along.
They searched continuously, and the sky gradually darkened.
Ma Xiaotao looked at the girls panting behind her and issued an order:
"All of you, rest here. No fires, to avoid alerting enemies. Tonight, we may need to search through the night."
At Ma Xiaotao's command, everyone immediately sat cross-legged on the ground and began restoring their soul power.
As everyone recovered, Wang Yan's voice suddenly rang out:
"Everyone, come over here." Wang Yan waved, signaling everyone to gather around him.
Wang Yan said solemnly: "I just scouted the surrounding area. Based on what I've observed along the way, I have several findings."
"Wenlan Trees have appeared nearby. They only grow at least fifty li deep into dense forests. Additionally, the Wenlan Tree favors cold and shade. Its heartwood greatly aids Soul Masters cultivating Yin-cold type martial souls."
The appearance of Wenlan Trees indicated they had entered the core area of the Mingdou Mountains, or at least the edges of the core. According to their intelligence, the Death Hand Bandit Group's leader might be an Evil Soul Master.
As he spoke, he took a section of tree trunk from his storage Soul Device.
The trunk was half broken by some unknown force, and inside it was a cylindrical cavity.
"The heartwood of a Wenlan Tree is deep blue. Now it's gone—someone has dug it out. This suggests the enemy we face is very likely an Evil Soul Master. It also means our enemy shouldn't be far."
Ma Xiaotao instinctively asked: "Teacher Wang, what should we do now? Wait in ambush?"
Wang Yan shook his head: "No, we need to take the initiative. People always leave traces when walking through forests."
He immediately led the way, with everyone closely following him.
Even in the night, Wang Yan could spot subtle clues: broken twigs, faint footprints on the ground, torn cloth on branches, and traces of blood on thorny bushes.
Following these clues, they gradually exited the current section of forest, moving slowly for over half an hour.
"Stop." Wang Yan suddenly raised his hand.
The students behind him immediately crouched and quickly gathered around him.
Wang Yan said in a low voice: "There are many footprints and scattered traces ahead, clearly from frequent passage. The enemy should be close. Adjust your state and prepare for battle."
The forest ahead had thinned considerably. Even among many students, the traces were clearly visible.
"Teacher Wang, amazing." Ma Xiaotao whispered. The other Inner Academy students' eyes also showed obvious respect.
Wang Yan gave a wry smile: "My cultivation talent isn't great, so I've put a lot of energy into these miscellaneous skills. It's nothing remarkable."
"In that case, the enemy should be just below the slope. The reserve team will stay with me to provide support. Xiaotao, the main attack is up to you."
With Wang Yan's words, everyone began preparing. Each put on their Observer Ring, infused soul power into it, and a faint layer of strange green light flickered across the jade-green ring face. The items inside were all retrieved.
As the group separated by gender for equipment changes, Huo Yuhao intended to help Wang Dong. But Wang Dong quickly darted into the bushes, changing into his gear alone.
"What? Changing this fast? Does being with me make you nervous?"
Huo Yuhao raised Wang Dong's chin, seemingly questioning him.
Wang Dong's face flushed, and he pushed Huo Yuhao's hand away.
"Mind your own business!"
"I just want to change alone! Is that not allowed?"
Huo Yuhao didn't speak. Instead, he circled Wang Dong, observing carefully.
First was the inner armor. It covered the whole body, made of a flexible material, possibly thin leather, with the texture of skin but very resilient.
Huo Yuhao touched and examined it thoroughly.
"Hmm, not bad. I've checked it. This inner armor has quite impressive defense!"
"See? Practice proves the truth. Don't you agree, Wang Dong?"
Wang Dong felt his whole body heating up. Huo Yuhao's wandering hands were one thing, but now he was stimulating his acupoints with soul power!?
What is Huo Yuhao doing?!
What if someone notices?!
At this moment, Huo Yuhao was playing freely, unaware that all his actions were being watched by Ma Xiaotao.
Ma Xiaotao's lips curved slightly as she approached Huo Yuhao, gently leaning against his back.
The inner armor was thin, with a texture like skin. Huo Yuhao felt warmth enveloping his back, and he heard Ma Xiaotao's soft, jade-like breath by his ear:
"Xiao Yuhao, do you… want to help your senior check if my inner armor fits properly too?"
...........
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