At the outskirts of Nuoding City, cloaked in the ethereal glow of the moonlight, the silhouettes of six formidable beings glided seamlessly through the dense forest and open glades. The atmosphere was thick with an unsettling energy as their presence reawakened ancient instincts within the earth around them.
Leading the charge were two figures, strikingly identical in their movements, stance, and sheer power—Tang Yan and Tang San, twins who embodied a perfect synergy of soul and spirit. Their very essence hummed with energy, a testament to years of arduous training. Trailing closely behind them were four more enigmatic entities: the dignified Gu Yuena, with her piercing gaze; the imposing Di Tian, an embodiment of ferocity; the graceful Bi Ji, with an aura of elegance; and the formidable Three-Headed Dog Mastiff, whose once-vibrant fur had begun to show signs of age, a token of many battles fought.
The foliage around them recognized their presence and quivered with a sense of foreboding.
**1. The Status of Monsters**
Before setting off on their perilous journey, Tang Yan and Tang San stood in a secluded clearing, illuminated by a tapestry of stars shimmering overhead. Gu Yuena, with her heightened spiritual acuity, conducted a thorough assessment of their progress. "Let's see what the past two years have crafted," she remarked coolly, her eyes focused on the glowing status panels that materialized before them.
The figures displayed were nothing short of astonishing:
❖ **Tang Yan – Status Panel**
- **Soul Power Level**: 20
- **Soul Ring (1st)**: 45,000 years
- **Strength**: 64 → +220 (over two years of rigorous training) → +57 (monthly gains over the last 19 months) → +95 (through ring age progression)
**Final Strength**: 436
- **Agility**: 57 → +220 → +57 → +95
**Final Agility**: 429
- **Physique**: 90 → +220 → +57 → +95
**Final Physique**: 462
- **Intelligence**: 3,800 → +220 → +57 → +95
**Final Intelligence**: 4,172
❖ **Tang San – Status Panel**
- **Soul Power Level**: 20
- **Soul Ring (1st)**: 35,000 years
- **Strength**: 52 (estimated) → +220 → +57 → +85
**Final Strength**: 414
- **Agility**: 53 → +220 → +57 → +85
**Final Agility**: 415
- **Physique**: 56 → +220 → +57 → +85
**Final Physique**: 418
- **Intelligence**: 1,000 → +220 → +57 → +85
**Final Intelligence**: 1,362
**2. Adult Reactions – Silent Awe**
Gu Yuena scrutinized the data in a heavy silence, her expression betraying her astonishment. Di Tian, unable to contain his surprise, clicked his tongue and murmured, "I've seen realm lords develop at a far slower rate." Bi Ji, her wide eyes glistening with disbelief, added in a hushed tone, "And they haven't even begun ring stacking yet…"
The Three-Headed Dog Mastiff let out a soft whine, his three heads nodding in unison. "Remind me to stop referring to them as cubs."
**System Status**: "Host Status: Walking Catastrophe. Intelligence has surpassed reasonable narrative thresholds."
**Tianmeng Bug**: "I think I deserve a raise."
**3. The Soul Beast Tide Rumor**
As they ventured deeper into the Star Dou Forest, an unsettling energy enveloped them, urging caution. Gu Yuena furrowed her brow, her instincts sharpening. "The tides are rising again."
The mention of a soul beast tide—a rare occurrence that unfolded once in a century—sent chills down their spines. Signs of aggression, erratic movements, and the presence of corrupted zones suggested that an unseen force was manipulating the natural balance of the forest.
Di Tian interjected airily, "We had our suspicions that the Drake and Behemoth were catalysts…"
Tang Yan countered, "Or they might be reacting to an external threat altogether."
**4. Journey Deep**
Employing illusion arrays and spiritual cloaks woven with ancient magic, their group navigated skillfully through the treacherous woodlands, evading the rogue soul beasts that prowled nearby. They traversed thunder-scorched groves where charred trees groaned under the weight of desolation and lava-threaded valleys illuminated by the ominous glow of molten rock. As they ventured onward, the spiritual pressure felt tangible, almost suffocating.
Tang San veered toward the eastern canopy trail, his movements fluid as he melded with the shadows. Meanwhile, Tang Yan took the path through the obsidian-carved valley to the south, both boys weaving through the labyrinthine terrain in perfect, synchronized silence.
**5. Sensing the Targets**
Suddenly, Tang Yan became acutely aware of a rhythmic pulsing beneath the layers of molten rock, a resonance that vibrated through his very bones. "The Infernal Vajra Behemoth… it's close," he declared, unease creeping into his voice.
In response, Tang San's trusty spear crackled to life, resonating as threads of blue lightning danced around him, drawing out the tension in the air. "The Thunder Vein Drake is cloaking itself. It's aware of my presence," he declared, determination etched across his features.
**6. A King's Whisper**
As they paused on the brink of confrontation, both twins strained to listen, picking up a soft murmur rippling from the depths of their spiritual awareness: "You came. As we hoped."
Tang Yan froze, realization dawning upon him. "They're not mindless."
Gu Yuena affirmed, her voice steady, "No. They've been waiting for us."
End of Chapter 79