Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Desire Is the Original Sin
Yun Feng wasted no time and shared his understanding directly, a logic that was simple yet profound.
"We soul masters may be few in number, but it only takes a few decades for one to grow from a beginner to a strong cultivator. Yet, within these decades, a powerful soul master would need at least six soul rings to reach the rank of Soul Emperor."
"This means hunting down at least six soul beasts, including century-old, thousand-year-old, and even ten-thousand-year-old ones. For soul beasts, cultivation is far more difficult than for humans; otherwise, they wouldn't classify their strength by years of cultivation."
"Even though their numbers are vast, this unrelenting slaughter will inevitably reduce their population. Particularly for powerful soul beasts—once one is killed, it's gone forever. In a few years, it might be nearly impossible to see a soul beast over a thousand years old."
This prediction resonated with events that later unfolded in the world of Douluo, where soul beasts became so scarce that soul spirits eventually replaced them.
Hearing Yun Feng's words, Zhao Wuji and the others were momentarily stunned.
Images of a Wuhun Hall notice flashed through their minds. After exchanging glances, they suddenly understood why Wuhun Hall issued a directive that most soul masters disliked.
"Wuhun Hall truly thought ahead, contributing greatly to the sustainable development of soul masters!"
"But honestly, which soul master would care about this issue? Everyone only wishes to become stronger. Even with Wuhun Hall's constraints, such efforts might still prove futile."
Yun Feng nodded slightly upon hearing this.
"Desire is the original sin."
"What amplifies this even further is the mindless slaughter for soul bones. A soul master might only need nine soul beasts in their lifetime, but how many do they hunt in total? For those who make a living hunting soul beasts, the numbers multiply exponentially. If this continues, soul masters may one day find themselves with no rings to acquire."
Yun Feng's words shattered the worldview of the listeners, forcing them to confront truths they had never considered.
They sank into deep contemplation, questioning everything they had believed in. Yun Feng smirked inwardly at their reaction.
So easily shaken? Pathetic.
Despite his scorn, Yun Feng himself had no solution to the problem.
A mysterious rule seemed to govern soul beasts. Ever since the fall of the Dragon God, their fate had been in steady decline. The divine realm did not permit soul beasts to ascend to godhood.
Even a being as deeply entrenched in power as the Deep Sea Demon Whale King failed to become a god. Was the Sea God truly more powerful than the Demon Whale King?
Yun Feng doubted it.
The logic was simple: could one being's innate talent really surpass generations of accumulation? After all, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King had been a peak existence on the continent long before the Sea God ascended. And yet, the Sea God's ascension had taken only a fraction of that time.
Sometimes, Yun Feng felt no need to argue further. This world was truly bizarre.
And then there was the Dragon God…
Yun Feng shook his head, pulling himself out of his musings.
Meng Shu and the others eventually snapped out of their existential doubts as well. Perhaps the topic was too heavy, or maybe they lacked the power to change their reality. Who could predict the future?
Their thoughts aligned with Yun Feng's: this was beyond their control. Meng Shu smiled warmly to lighten the mood.
"Alright, let's not dwell on it. These are matters we can't control. At most, we can only try to kill fewer beasts ourselves."
Zhao Wuji seemed like he wanted to say something but remained silent.
Unlike Flender, who had other income streams, Zhao Wuji occasionally resorted to poaching to cover his expenses, hoping for the occasional soul bone drop. Killing wasn't uncommon for him.
However, considering Meng Shu's strength and his assistance to their group, Zhao Wuji decided to hold his tongue.
Yun Feng was about to nod in agreement when a sharp voice from Ah Yin echoed in his mind.
"Careful! Danger!"
Yun Feng froze for an instant, instantly understanding the situation. A realization dawned on him—this was an opportunity.
An opportunity to acquire the soul bone of a Man-Faced Demon Spider.
But before Yun Feng could act, Zhao Wuji, Meng Shu, and Chao Tianxiang had already activated their martial spirits at full power. The chilling aura of their soul energy filled the air as they prepared for a fight.
"Everyone, leave the tents, now!" Zhao Wuji's deep voice thundered, carrying urgency.
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang rushed to Meng Yiran's tent.
Despite being asleep, everyone had kept their clothes on due to the dangers of the Star Dou Forest. They quickly emerged, having developed a sense of coordination over the past few days.
Hearing Zhao Wuji's urgent tone, none hesitated. As they emerged and saw the group's serious expressions, the gravity of the situation became evident. Without asking questions, they summoned their martial spirits, standing ready behind the senior soul masters.
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang exchanged glances, sensing an overwhelming aura locking onto their group.
Escape was impossible. For an enemy to suppress soul masters of their caliber so completely, their strength was beyond doubt.
Their eyes silently conveyed their decision. Turning to Yun Feng and Meng Yiran, they spoke firmly.
"If things go wrong, don't worry about us. Leave immediately and get out of the Star Dou Forest. Yun Feng, take care of Yiran in our absence."
Meng Yiran's face turned pale as her grandfather's words hit her. Realizing what he meant, she opened her mouth to speak, but Yun Feng grabbed her arm, giving her a stern look to silence her.
Meng Yiran's lips quivered, but before she could protest further, they all witnessed a chilling sight.
Two towering trees slowly parted, and an enormous figure emerged silently from the shadows.
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