After Lin Feng briefly explained how to use the token given to Zhao Wuji, the latter immediately turned and left.

In the wide and brightly lit corridor of Monster Academy, Zhao Wuji strode hurriedly with an anxious look on his face, heading straight toward the medicinal garden where Dugu Bo resided.

As soon as he entered the garden, the thick scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. Rare herbs of all kinds swayed gently in the breeze.

Zhao Wuji spotted Dugu Bo at a glance.

He was currently absorbed in tending to a crimson herb that emitted a strange glow.

"Senior Dugu, sorry to disturb you."

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Wuji stepped forward quickly and bowed respectfully.

"Teacher Zhao, what brings you here in such a rush?"

Dugu Bo slowly raised his head, withdrawing his gaze from the herb, and looked at Zhao Wuji with a slight lift of his brow.

"Senior, I'm about to obtain my seventh soul ring—it's crucial for me."

"The young master gave me a jade pendant that points to the location of a suitable Dark-Gold Terror Claw Bear. I hope you can lend me your aid."

As he spoke, Zhao Wuji carefully retrieved the pendant from his chest and handed it over.

Dugu Bo took it, studying it closely, a flash of surprise flickering in his eyes.

"How amusing. That kid Feng really knows how to pick the right time—I finally got a break from all the academy matters."

"A Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, huh? That's no ordinary soul beast. But with me around, you don't need to worry too much."

The corners of his mouth curved upward into a meaningful smile.

"Thank you, Senior. If I can obtain this soul ring with your help, I will forever be in your debt."

Zhao Wuji bowed deeply, gratitude brimming in his eyes.

"Save your thanks. That bear won't go easy on us. Let's get moving."

Dugu Bo waved his hand.

The two of them swiftly left the academy, heading toward the Soul Hunting Forest.

On the way, Zhao Wuji's emotions surged like stormy waves—he could hardly stay calm.

After all, this was his seventh soul ring.

Dugu Bo, in contrast, remained composed and relaxed, as if everything was under control.

As soon as they stepped into the Soul Hunting Forest, the flame within the jade pendant began to flicker, as though guided by a mysterious force, swaying toward the depths of the forest.

"Senior, it's that way," Zhao Wuji said.

The two exchanged a glance and picked up their pace.

The deeper they went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Guttural beastly growls occasionally echoed around them, sending chills down the spine.

Suddenly, the token in Zhao Wuji's hand vanished, and a violent tremor shook the ground ahead.

"Looks like we've found our Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear," Dugu Bo said, his expression changing slightly.

They cautiously moved closer, pushing through dense underbrush.

A towering Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear loomed before them.

It stood as tall as a three-story building, its body cloaked in thick, black fur that glimmered with a metallic sheen.

Its limbs were like massive stone pillars, radiating sheer strength.

Blood-red eyes burned with fury and bloodlust—just a glance into them sent waves of terror through the soul.

"It's a forty-thousand-year-old Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear. Its attack power might rival even that of soul beasts nearing ninety thousand years."

"That brat Feng really knows how to keep me busy," Dugu Bo muttered, frowning deeply as he scrutinized the beast.

"To strengthen myself… to gain a foothold in the world of soul masters—I'll risk it all! Even if it kills me, I won't back down!"

Zhao Wuji drew a deep breath, his chest heaving as he tried to calm his pounding heart. His eyes were sharp with resolve.

Dugu Bo glanced over and smiled faintly.

"Bold. You've got guts."

"In that case, let this old man see what you're capable of."

Just then, the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear, which had been pacing idly, suddenly sensed intruders. It turned its menacing gaze toward them, fully alert.

"Damn, Senior—we've been spotted!"

"I'll take the lead!"

The battle erupted in an instant. Zhao Wuji charged forward without hesitation.

"Martial Soul Possession: Vigorous Vajra Bear!"

With a roar toward the sky, Zhao Wuji's body expanded rapidly. Muscles swelled, bulging with power.

In a blink, the spirit of the Vigorous Vajra Bear possessed him. His fur thickened, gleaming with a dark luster, and his eyes turned blood-red, exuding a chilling ferocity.

"I'm ending you today, beast!"

He lunged like a tiger descending the mountain, hurling himself at the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear with a furious roar.

Not to be outdone, Dugu Bo calmly raised his right hand and chanted:

"Seventh Soul Skill—Martial Soul Avatar."

In the next instant, a colossal Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor appeared.

Its entire body glowed a venomous green. Scales shimmered with a sinister light, and its gemstone-like eyes gleamed with cold evil.

"Sixth Soul Skill—Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor's Break!"

With a low shout, Dugu Bo commanded the serpent to open its maw wide.

A thick green poisonous mist surged forth, engulfing the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear.

Everything it touched withered. Even the ground corroded, forming blackened pits.

"ROAR!"

Enraged by the sudden attack, the bear let out a thunderous roar.

The sound echoed through the entire forest. Trees trembled and leaves rustled in fear.

It raised a massive paw and swung down at Zhao Wuji with earth-shattering force.

Zhao Wuji dodged to the side just in time. The paw grazed him, the wind pressure alone tearing gashes into his clothing.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, it hadn't struck a vital point. But it confirmed how terrifying this beast truly was.

He dared not relax for even a moment. Adjusting his stance, he called out:

"Second Soul Skill—Dark-Gold Terror Claw!"

Dark light surged around both of his clawed hands as he slashed toward the bear's leg.

Meanwhile, the toxic mist crept closer, momentarily staggering the bear.

"Teacher Zhao! Watch its attack rhythm—look for an opening! I'll try to keep it distracted!" Dugu Bo shouted while casting venomous techniques, using the poison to obscure the beast's vision.

Zhao Wuji nodded, his eyes growing more determined.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A flurry of heavy collisions echoed as Zhao Wuji darted around the beast, attacking relentlessly.

Each strike inflicted some damage, but to a creature of this caliber, they were little more than scratches.

The battle dragged on.

Zhao Wuji was growing exhausted. His breath was ragged and unsteady.

He clenched his teeth. I must succeed. I have to obtain this soul ring!

Just then, the enraged bear suddenly leapt high into the air and came crashing down.

Caught off guard, Zhao Wuji was struck hard by its paw and slammed into the ground.

Seeing this, Dugu Bo no longer held back.

---

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