The twelve people were visibly stunned when they saw Huo Yuhao, especially after sensing his cultivation level. Their expressions became even more peculiar.
"How did a guy who seems to not even have one ring make it here?"
"Hello, little brother."
Zhang Lexuan, the leader, was the first to snap out of her surprise. She didn't look down on Huo Yuhao because of his low cultivation level and walked over with a smile to greet him.
"Would it be okay for us to set up camp nearby? The forest is quite dangerous at night, and it would be safer for everyone to stay together."
She quickly added, "Don't worry, we won't disturb you during the night."
"It's fine. This clearing is big enough. You can camp wherever you like, big sister."
Seeing that Huo Yuhao agreed, Zhang Lexuan thanked him and turned to gesture to the others. Upon receiving her signal, the group quickly took out their tents and began setting them up.
Zhang Lexuan then turned her attention back to Huo Yuhao and struck up a conversation, "Little brother, did you come to the Star Dou Forest alone? No adults with you?"
Huo Yuhao shook his head gently. "I came alone to obtain a spirit ring. I had to come here because the spirit beast I need only appears in the mixed zone."
As he spoke, he took out a massive roasted meat wrap from his storage space and a spirit tool shaped like a glove, whose function was unclear, and wore it on his hand.
He really came alone?
Zhang Lexuan was stunned but refrained from asking how Huo Yuhao had managed to get here safely by himself. Asking such questions might touch on the other party's secrets, and since they were merely strangers meeting by chance, why would he tell her?
But just because he had safely passed through the outer zone didn't mean the child had the strength to navigate the mixed zone, where ten-thousand-year spirit beasts roamed. Even Zhang Lexuan, who was already an eighty-level Soul Saint, didn't dare stay there for long. After some hesitation, she decided to offer:
"If you're by yourself, why don't you come with us tomorrow?"
"If we come across the spirit beast you need, we can help you obtain it. After all, with your cultivation level, it's too dangerous for you to be alone in the mixed zone."
Looking at the solitary Huo Yuhao, she couldn't help but think of herself when her family was annihilated. Besides, from his cultivation, he probably just needed a hundred-year spirit ring, which shouldn't take much effort.
Huo Yuhao paused for a moment, then smiled and shook his head.
"Thank you, big sister, but the spirit beast I'm looking for is quite unique. I wouldn't want to trouble you. I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning."
"Alright then, but be careful."
Seeing this, Zhang Lexuan didn't say anything more. As she was about to return to her group, the smell of grilled meat wafted through the air from the taco that Huo Yuhao had heated with his spirit tool.
The people who had accompanied Zhang Lexuan had just finished setting up their tents and were taking out some dry rations from their storage spaces. The aroma of the grilled meat filled the air, causing their stomachs to grumble audibly. Suddenly, the hard, dry food in their hands seemed unappetizing. Even Zhang Lexuan unconsciously swallowed a gulp of saliva.
Huo Yuhao, noticing the reaction from those nearby, felt his smile stiffen slightly. Zhang Lexuan blushed.
"Ahem, um..."
Before she could explain, the steaming taco was already offered to her.
"Big sister, would you like some?"
Since they had approached him kindly, Huo Yuhao didn't feel right eating alone.
"Uh? No, no need..."
Having embarrassed herself, Zhang Lexuan, who was usually composed, felt her face burn. She initially wanted to refuse the grilled meat wrap offered to her but ended up swallowing the rest of her words. She accepted it with a lowered head and an awkward thank you.
"Thank you."
She hadn't revealed her identity earlier, and now she found it even harder to do so. After all, she had just promised not to bother him, but now they were taking his food — how embarrassing.
Huo Yuhao's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't say much. He took out another taco and began heating it the same way. Meanwhile, Zhang Lexuan, unwilling to take advantage of his generosity, hesitated for a moment before finally revealing her background.
"My name is Zhang Lexuan. I'm from Shrek Academy. Our people will take turns keeping watch tonight, so you can rest assured. If anything happens, I'll let you know."
"Thank you, Sister Lexuan. My name is Huo Yuhao, from Heaven Dou City."
"Huo Yuhao."
Zhang Lexuan smiled and nodded. "I'll remember that. It's nice to meet you, little brother."
With that, their conversation ended. Zhang Lexuan, knowing when to stop, didn't disturb Huo Yuhao further. She returned to her group, where her companions looked at her with envy as she held the food.
Seeing their eager gazes, Zhang Lexuan gave them a look that clearly warned them not to bother Huo Yuhao, then divided the grilled meat inside the wrap among them.
Even though it had been reheated, the meat remained tender and juicy. Despite being made from ingredients inferior to what the inner court disciples usually ate, the flavor was several levels better. Even Zhang Lexuan couldn't help but glance at Huo Yuhao again, feeling a tinge of regret.
"If I'd known it tasted this good, I wouldn't have shared."
After finishing dinner, Huo Yuhao retreated into his tent. Knowing Zhang Lexuan's personality, and sensing nothing off about her emotions during their interaction, he let his guard down.
A good rest would prepare him for the mixed zone tomorrow.
The night passed uneventfully. When Huo Yuhao woke up the next morning, the sky was just beginning to brighten. Zhang Lexuan happened to be on watch.
She was surprised to see him awake so early, but quickly realized he intended to leave on his own. After a brief hesitation, she offered one last invitation.
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"
"No need."
Huo Yuhao shook his head, packed away his tent into his bracelet, and smiled at her.
"Goodbye, Sister Lexuan."
As she watched him disappear into the forest, Zhang Lexuan couldn't help but murmur to herself.
"What a special child..."
After entering the mixed zone, Huo Yuhao became much more cautious. Perhaps he was lucky, as he hadn't encountered any spirit beasts along the way. By noon, he had reached a location close to the core area. Any deeper, and the danger would greatly increase.
Suddenly, his spiritual power was triggered, and he instinctively looked in a certain direction. At the same time, a voice echoed in his mind.
"Hahaha, I knew it! Surviving such danger must bring good fortune. I barely escaped, and now I've found a human with spiritual power!"
As the voice fell, the ground in front of Huo Yuhao began to crack, and a massive white figure slowly emerged from the fissure. Its round body gleamed with a smooth jade-like texture, and the ten golden rings surrounding it shone brightly. It was none other than the Skydream Iceworm from his past life.
With its appearance, the surrounding temperature plummeted, and the damp forest air began to freeze into frost.
Seeing his old friend from his previous life, Huo Yuhao relaxed slightly. But for some reason, he could sense nervousness radiating from the Skydream Iceworm, as if it were being chased by something.
"Ahem, human, don't be afraid. I won't harm you. Let me introduce myself. I'm the Skydream Iceworm."
"Of course, you can also call me Brother Skydream."
(End of Chapter)