Chapter 122: Don't Tell Me This Is What You Call an Inescapable Net!

After a moment, Xiang Nan felt that enough had been killed. He signaled to Su Yao, and the two leapt through the air, exiting the forest.

Xu Jiya had been waiting outside, pacing with anxiety. Seeing them emerge together, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Yao Yao, are you alright?" Noticing Su Yao’s exhausted appearance, Xu Jiya hurried over to support her.

"With Xiao Nan here, how could I be anything but fine?" Su Yao chuckled, though she added with a lingering sense of dread, "But it was truly perilous just now. I almost became food for those vine monsters. Luckily, Xiao Nan arrived just in time."

"Vine monsters?" Xu Jiya pondered for a moment. "Are you talking about Black Soul Trees?"

"Black Soul Trees? The terrifying plants that specialize in devouring the bones and blood of humans and animals?" Su Yao pursed her lips, looking shaken. She had heard of the infamous Black Soul Trees, but she never imagined those deadly vines were actually them.

"That’s right. The instructor covered this in the theory lectures; it’s your own fault for not paying attention. Black Soul Trees usually hide in the forest in the form of vines, appearing no different from regular vegetation. Once they encounter prey, they use their vines to ensnare the target, then use sharp thorns to drain the victim’s blood and marrow."

"No wonder those vines were endless no matter how much I hacked at them. I remember hearing that Black Soul Trees like to cluster together and attack in groups once they find prey," Xiang Nan said, brushing the smoke and dust from his hands. "Fortunately, I managed to burn most of them."

"Let’s head back quickly. Li Xiang and the others must be worried sick," Xu Jiya suggested, immediately taking out a signal flare and firing it into the sky.

On the other side, Li Xiang and Meng Qingwan saw the unique signal and finally felt at ease, knowing Su Yao had been found. They began their return to the camp. The five-member team finally reunited, exchanged a few words, and retired for the night. They needed to rest well to be ready for the excitement of the next day.

In a secluded corner by the lake, far from the prying eyes of the cameras, two shadows appeared.

"Big Brother, Black Feather has lost contact. I fear he’s already been finished off by Xiang Nan!"

"I expected as much. This Xiang Nan may appear indifferent to everything, but in reality, he is ruthless."

"I’ve observed that many teams in Lingxu are keeping an eye on his movements. Could we perhaps..."

"Don't be ridiculous! There is only one divine artifact; do you think we are the only ones who want it? That is precisely why we must strike first. Tomorrow, we seize the opportunity—that is the day we make our move!"

"But there are only two of us, and Xiang Nan has an entire team."

"Has water seeped into your brain? Don't you have a team? Don't I have a team? Do you not know how to sow discord? Xiang Nan is already a target for everyone; even without our interference, the other teams won't let him off!"

"Big Brother is truly the mastermind. I understand now!"

After their discussion, the two shadows slipped back into the darkness.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke, teams across the Lingxu territory were already busy hunting spirit beasts.

Yi Wenhao was a highly gifted student from the Supreme Enlightenment Academy. Though only a sophomore, he already possessed Tier 3 cultivation, which made him outstanding among all the Ancestral Return warriors. His team had hunted dozens of spirit beasts the previous day, including three Tier 3 beasts—a truly impressive haul.

Today, Yi Wenhao’s team was in high spirits as they led their members to the Third Island, ready to continue hunting beasts and collecting Spirit Orbs.

"Captain, I heard the students on the Third Island had a barbecue party last night. It sounded incredibly lively," team member Liu Xiaoyu said with envy.

"No kidding. We could even smell the aroma from the neighboring island. It was making my mouth water," another member, Zhang Fan, added, practically drooling.

"They really know how to reap without sowing! Captain, so many people bought War Camel meat at high prices last night. That Xiang Nan team earned over a hundred Spirit Orbs from just one War Camel!"

"Everyone else is working hard to kill monsters and dig for orbs, so why should that Xiang Nan get a free ride? As an external hire, I can’t stand it!" Heihu, the mercenary hired by Yi Wenhao’s team, said with visible frustration. "Why are we even hunting monsters? Let’s just go rob Xiang Nan’s team and pocket those hundred-plus Spirit Orbs!"

"It wouldn't be wise to rob them right now. There are still plenty of spirit beasts in Lingxu. Let’s not end up fighting each other while the beasts watch the show," Yi Wenhao said, remaining rational and not easily provoked.

After some thought, however, Yi Wenhao made a decision: "If they can trade War Camel meat for Spirit Orbs, why can't we? Today, we will find a way to hunt a War Camel ourselves!"

"Captain, those War Camels are hard to find. Their tracks are notoriously difficult to track," Liu Xiaoyu said, looking discouraged.

"Xiaoyu, have you forgotten the Captain's ability? No creature's trail can escape our Captain’s 'Bloodhound' nose!" Zhang Fan flattered.

"If no one has any objections, then it’s decided. We’re going to find a War Camel!"

Heihu was displeased, but he couldn't say anything and had to follow along. In any case, they were all on the Third Island; there would be plenty of chances for sparks to fly.

Yi Wenhao lived up to his Tier 3 Bloodhound ability; not a single trace escaped his senses. After searching for two hours in the dense forest, he finally stopped.

"Everyone, be careful. The scent of a War Camel is very strong here. There’s no mistake," Yi Wenhao warned vigilantly.

Everyone stopped and hid behind the trunks of two massive, ancient trees. Holding their breath, they waited for the War Camel to appear.

The forest was filled with the sounds of birds and insects; the air was humid and hot. The five of them stood like statues, not daring to move for fear of startling the wary beast. War Camels were difficult to find not because of their strength, but because of their extreme alertness; at the slightest sign of trouble, they would bolt. Furthermore, they possessed large humps capable of storing enough food to last them half a month hidden away in a cave.

Liu Xiaoyu, crouched behind the tree, was growing impatient. Just then, a mottled venomous snake slithered down from a branch behind him.

"Oh, damn it! A poisonous snake!" Liu Xiaoyu’s heart skipped a beat. He let out a low cry and nearly jumped up.

Zhang Fan, hiding with him, turned pale with fright and instinctively wanted to leap out.

"Don't move, damn it! I'll handle it!" Yi Wenhao crouched and quickly scrambled over. He thrust his sword forward, killing the snake in a single strike.

"That was close. I almost fed the snake!" Liu Xiaoyu patted his chest.

"That was close. I almost exposed us!" Zhang Fan also patted his chest.

"Shut up, all of you!" Yi Wenhao hissed.

At that moment, there was a rustle in the grass ahead. Sure enough, a War Camel, its body as large as an elephant, sauntered out.