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Qian Renxue had now reached the inner regions of the Star Dou Great Forest, where the spirit beasts were noticeably stronger.
In the outer regions, most spirit beasts were at the decade level, with occasional century-level ones, but the majority remained weak.
Here in the inner regions, century-level spirit beasts—especially those over five or six hundred years—were the norm, and millennium-level spirit beasts frequently appeared.
A spirit beast's combat power depended on its age, species, and bloodline.
Some top-tier spirit beasts, despite their relatively low age, possessed extraordinary strength—such as the Titan Giant Ape or the Darkgold Fearclaw Bear.
After entering the inner regions, Qian Renxue slowed her pace considerably. Unlike her earlier reckless dash, she now had to be wary of ambushes.
That said, "cautious" was an overstatement.
Ordinary millennium-level spirit beasts were no match for her. Only those approaching ten thousand years could pose even a slight challenge—and even then, just barely.
The inner regions were much darker than the outskirts. Despite it being midday, the dense canopy blocked almost all sunlight, leaving the area cold and dim.
Perhaps due to luck, Qian Renxue made it all the way to the core zone without encountering a single ambush—smooth sailing all the way.
"Almost there. This nearly thirty-thousand-year-old Radiant Tiger King is perfect for my sixth spirit ring."
Muttering to herself, she pressed onward.
Like spirit masters, spirit beasts also had elemental affinities.
Most ordinary spirit beasts lacked attributes, while elites possessed at least one. Some even had dual or triple attributes.
Attributes were divided into basic (strength, defense, mental power) and elemental (wind, fire, lightning, earth, water, light, darkness, space, etc.).
The Radiant Tiger King, as its name suggested, was a light-attribute beast.
And as the king of beasts, its physical prowess was nothing to scoff at either.
For Qian Renxue, it was an ideal match for her spirit.
"Zhongli, it's so dark here… C-Can we go back?"
Paimon clutched Zhongli's shoulder, trembling slightly.
She was genuinely scared—spirit beast forests were not fun!
The occasional roars echoing around them didn't help either.
"Stay within five meters of me, and no spirit beast will detect you."
"If you insist on turning back, we can end this trip now."
Paimon blinked. "We won't be noticed?"
"Naturally."
"Huh? Why?"
Zhongli: "..."
With his power, avoiding detection was child's play.
"Ugh! You should've said that earlier! You scared Paimon half to death!"
If they wouldn't be spotted, then the darkness wasn't a big deal—just a minor inconvenience.
"You didn't ask…"
Paimon: "..."
Was this something she was supposed to ask about?!
The two continued trailing Qian Renxue at a leisurely pace.
Now that she knew Zhongli's five-meter radius was safe, Paimon grew bolder, peering curiously at their surroundings.
Snakes coiled around trees, bears napping on slopes…
In this place, day and night were indistinguishable—only the drop in temperature marked the passage of time.
Thus, predators could appear even in broad daylight.
Along the way, Zhongli and Paimon had already witnessed several hunting scenes.
About an hour later, as they ambled behind Qian Renxue, a radiant glow suddenly pierced the gloom.
"Uh…"
Zhongli stared blankly at the light.
Is this really the Spirit Hall's young master?
In the core zone—a place as dark as midnight—such a glow was like a beacon for spirit beasts, potentially drawing powerful ones!
After a moment's thought, he shook his head.
Qian Renxue's spirit was the Six-Winged Seraphim, with light, fire, and purification attributes.
Such special effects were to be expected when she unleashed it.
"Let's hope my concern is unwarranted."
With that, he continued toward the "battlefield."
"ROAR—!"
The Radiant Tiger King's thunderous roar shook the forest as it lunged at Qian Renxue.
It could sense the human's pure light attribute—devouring her would surely elevate its power!
This was an opportunity!
A mere five-ring human dared challenge it?
Ten-thousand-year spirit beasts were no less intelligent than humans, capable of independent thought.
The tiger's fury burned at this intrusion.
"Zhongli! Qinghe transformed!"
"Wait, no—she activated her spirit!"
"She has wings! So pretty!"
Zhongli's eyelid twitched. Their "talk less" agreement seemed utterly ineffective.
"Zhongli, can Qinghe really beat that huge tiger?"
Paimon pointed nervously between Qian Renxue and the Radiant Tiger King.
The tiger was a monstrous five to six meters long, its snow-white fur radiating dominance with every roar.
In contrast, "Xue Qinghe" seemed delicate—barely a snack for the beast. Could she really win?
"Generally speaking, the tiger is no match for her."
Zhongli stroked his chin, unfazed.
An average quasi-Spirit Emperor would indeed struggle, but Qian Renxue was far from average.
With caution, defeating the Radiant Tiger King would be effortless.
"Huh?!"
Paimon gaped, pointing back and forth. "They're so different in size! Qinghe can really win?"
"Just watch quietly."
Suddenly, Zhongli frowned, his gaze snapping toward the forest's depths.
"Zhongli? What's wrong?"
"A slightly stronger spirit beast is approaching rapidly."
"WHAT?!"
Paimon yelped. Stronger?!
"Zhongli, let's run! Quick!"
"And take Qinghe with us!"
Though she couldn't sense the incoming threat, she trusted Zhongli completely.
If "Xue Qinghe" was struggling with just the tiger, adding a stronger beast would be disastrous!
She couldn't die here—she'd treated Paimon to delicious food! She was a good person!
"No need. It's merely a..."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 55 on my patreon, go check it out.