The journey to Star Dou Forest was calm at first, the silence filled only by the occasional rustling of leaves and the faint sounds of distant soul beasts. The dense canopy overhead filtered the sunlight, creating dancing shadows on the forest floor as we walked. Grandpa and Uncle Xin followed closely, their presence reassuring but wary. This was no leisurely stroll. Star Dou Forest was a dangerous place, and every step had to be taken with caution.
Breaking the silence, I looked back at them and spoke with a steady voice, "I want a Man Faced Demon Spider for my first soul ring, specifically one between 2,100 and 2,200 years old."
Grandpa's footsteps faltered, and Uncle Xin nearly tripped. Both of them turned to me with incredulous expressions.
"Are you insane?" Dugu Xin blurted out, his voice sharp. "A soul beast of that level for your first soul ring? Do you have any idea how dangerous a Man Faced Demon Spider is, let alone one that's over 2,000 years old?!"
Grandpa's face was a mix of concern and anger. "Bei, you're being reckless. Most soul masters only absorb hundred-year rings for their first soul ring, and even then, it's dangerous! You can't just absorb any soul ring you want."
I expected their reactions, and I remained calm. "I understand your concerns," I began, my tone patient but firm. "But I'm not a normal soul master. My body has been improving since the day I was born, to a degree no one else can compare to. The Whale Rubber we consumed further strengthened me. I'm not asking you to trust blind confidence. Uncle Xin, you've been in charge of my training. You've seen how I've grown. Tell me, am I wrong to believe I can handle this?"
Uncle Xin's gaze softened as he crossed his arms, deep in thought. Finally, he sighed. "You… do have a point. Your body's strength and resilience are far beyond anyone at your age. But even so, the risk…"
"I'm not reckless," I interrupted. "That's exactly why I consumed the Whale Rubber before attempting this. I'm fully aware of the risks. But this is an opportunity I can't let slip."
Grandpa watched me for a long moment, his gaze sharp and searching, before he finally spoke. "You've thought this through." It wasn't a question.
I nodded firmly. "Yes. I know what I'm doing."
After another tense pause, Grandpa exhaled loudly, waving his hand. "Fine. We'll trust you this once, but you'd better not make us regret this decision."
"Thank you, Grandpa. Uncle Xin." I smiled faintly, though inwardly, my resolve hardened. What you don't know is that this plan is about far more than a soul ring.
The Man Faced Demon Spider I was searching for was not just any soul beast. In the original story, Tang San, the protagonist, had obtained an External Soul Bone, the Eight Spider Lances, after killing a 2,000-year-old Man Faced Demon Spider. While soul bones were normally rare and dropped randomly, I knew this spider had produced one before. It was my best chance.
I'm not relying on luck. In this life, I'll use every advantage I have.
Three Weeks Later
Three weeks. That was how long we had been searching for the specific Man Faced Demon Spider I desired. We had encountered several others—some younger, some far older—but I stopped Grandpa and Uncle Xin every time they suggested we take one down.
"No," I had insisted, again and again. "Don't kill them. I have plans for those spiders later."
They grumbled but complied, trusting my judgment despite their growing impatience. Grandpa was the first to break on the morning of the third week.
"Bei, I'm starting to think you're chasing a fairy tale," Grandpa said, his tone gruff as he swatted at a mosquito. "We've been at this for too long. If you keep waiting for the perfect soul beast, you might miss the opportunity entirely. Take a different one. The forest is filled with strong spiders."
I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could, the ground trembled faintly. A heavy, oppressive aura swept over us, followed by the sound of snapping twigs and rustling leaves.
All three of us froze, instantly on alert.
From the dense foliage ahead, a massive black figure emerged.
The Man Faced Demon Spider.
Its carapace gleamed like polished obsidian, and its spindly legs moved with a predatory grace. The eerie, human-like face on its back twisted into a grotesque mockery of a smile. Its eyes glowed with malice, fixed squarely on us.
"It's here," I whispered, my heart pounding. This has to be the one.
Grandpa and Uncle Xin reacted quickly, positioning themselves defensively.
"It's bold enough to approach us," Grandpa muttered, his expression dark. "It must not realize how outclassed it is."
"No," I corrected, my eyes narrowing as I studied the spider. "It approached us because you and Uncle Xin have been suppressing your soul power to avoid attracting stronger beasts. It must think we're easy prey."
Grandpa scoffed, "Arrogant thing."
I clenched my fists, my determination flaring to life. "Grandpa, Uncle Xin, leave this to me."
They both turned to stare at me as if I had lost my mind.
"What?" Dugu Xin barked. "Are you crazy? That thing isn't some wild dog! It's a 2,000-year-old Man Faced Demon Spider! You can't possibly—"
"Trust me," I said, cutting him off. My gaze met Grandpa's, unwavering. "This is my fight."
Grandpa's eyes narrowed, but after a long moment, he nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But we'll be watching. If things go wrong, we'll step in."
"Fair enough," I replied, turning my attention back to the spider.
The creature hissed, its many legs tensing as it prepared to strike. I could feel its hostility, its overwhelming bloodlust aimed solely at me. Yet, instead of fear, a thrill ran through me.
This is it. The moment I've been waiting for.
I slowly exhaled, my body sinking into a fighting stance. The Poison Devouring Spider Emperor martial spirit hummed to life, filling me with a surge of confidence.
"Come," I muttered, my eyes locking with the spider's. "Let's see which one of us survives."