173 Chapter 171.

However, despite feeling restrained by the opponent's Dark Angel martial soul, Qian Renxue sensed a mysterious power subtly drawing her in.

Wang Feng remained silent, understanding the implications behind Qian Renxue's words.

Suddenly, a grumbling sound broke the silence—a sign of hunger.

Qian Renxue blushed slightly. 

"Don't you have any food in your soul guide?" Wang Feng inquired.

"I keep my provisions with my subordinates. I rarely carry food in my soul guide," Qian Renxue replied, shaking her head. "I didn't anticipate needing it."

In a hoarse voice, Wang Feng smiled and handed Qian Renxue some dry food from his soul guide. Qian Renxue accepted it but hesitated to eat.

"Why? Do you still suspect it's poisoned?" Wang Feng shook his head and began eating the dry meatloaf directly, which could be roasted over the fire. Seeing this, Qian Renxue also took a small bite.

Having frequently battled soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest, Wang Feng was well-prepared with various provisions.

"The Blood Demon Beetle is likely still nearby. We may need to stay in this cave for a day or two." Wang Feng mentioned casually. He planned to recuperate fully and bolster his soul power before parting ways with Qian Renxue the following day to confront the Blood Demon Beetle.

"Yeah," Qian Renxue responded quietly.

After finishing their meal, Wang Feng surveyed their surroundings. The cave, though not spacious, seemed to have once been inhabited by soul beasts. Now, only a few bones littered the ground alongside some weathered feces.

"Judging by this dung, it used to be the lair of Golden Rats, but they're likely all dead now, killed by other soul beasts." Wang Feng remarked after a brief inspection. "The nest of such weak soul beasts shouldn't attract powerful ones for the time being."

His knowledge of soul beasts rivaled that of seasoned experts, if not even surpassing it.

Indeed, Wang Feng's knowledge stemmed from practical experience rather than pure theory.

"You seem quite knowledgeable. Have you always lived around here?" Qian Renxue asked curiously, recalling that she had sensed Wang Feng's martial soul aura both times near the Star Dou Great Forest.

"Why do you ask so many questions?" Wang Feng chuckled. "And why should I tell you?"

"Fair enough." Qian Renxue replied, unperturbed and shook her head lightly.

After finishing their meal, the two attended to their own tasks. With little soul power remaining, Qian Renxue naturally closed her eyes to meditate and recover.

Meanwhile, Wang Feng began to sense the information contained within the skull soul bone. Having utilized it hastily earlier, he now experienced a slight sensation of induction. Wang Feng felt a formidable spiritual force emanating from the skull soul bone, impacting his own spirit.

"This skull soul bone isn't ordinary," Wang Feng realized, slightly surprised. Soul bones typically possessed unique abilities, and Wang Feng had already employed the skull's first skill—[Concealing], akin to hiding one's aura.

"This skull is more powerful than I had initially anticipated," Wang Feng mused. "Not only can it help conceal oneself, but it seems it can also conceal others."

Thinking about it, if his entire body were to be tempered with Red Lotus Karmic Fire, he might achieve a similar effect, but he wouldn't be able to extend that protection to others. Wang Feng mused. He pondered for a moment before naming the skull's first soul ability, Fog, as it enveloped the user in a mystical energy aura.

As he explored further, Wang Feng realized that the skull soul bone possessed a second soul ability. This discovery indicated that the skull was at least one hundred thousand years old. The second soul ability allowed the user to perceive the opponent's martial soul, soul rings and strength.

"Hold on, this skull soul bone doesn't resemble a soul beast soul bone from the Douluo World," Wang Feng murmured. Unlike a traditional soul beast soul bone, the skull soul bone resembled a crown with two pointed tentacles in the center, giving it a somewhat regal appearance.

The mysterious nature of the system intrigued Wang Feng, prompting him to delve deeper into its workings. Despite its enigmatic nature, Wang Feng found the study of the system to be quite fascinating.

As Wang Feng's thoughts raced, he glanced at Qian Renxue. Suddenly, a flurry of messages flooded his mind,

Martial Soul: Seraphim Martial Soul.

Soul Rings: Two yellow, two purple, one black.

Level: 60th-level

This seemingly simple information flashed before Wang Feng's eyes, yet he could vaguely sense that the second soul ability could also discern the opponent's martial soul. However, due to his limited mental power, the level of information he could glean depended on his spiritual strength, revealing a disparity in his spiritual power level.

At that moment, Qian Renxue opened her eyes, prompting Wang Feng to quickly conceal the skull soul bone.

Qian Renxue glanced at Wang Feng, her brow furrowing. "Were you just watching me?"

"I wasn't." Wang Feng denied with a straight face.

"No, you were. I felt it." Qian Renxue insisted.

Hearing this, Wang Feng inwardly acknowledged the disparity in their levels, which made it easier for Qian Renxue to notice his actions. Considering he was at level 40 while she was at level 60, it wasn't surprising that she sensed his gaze.

"If I didn't look at you, how did you know I was looking at you?" Wang Feng retorted, unwilling to concede.

"Stop interrupting." Qian Renxue said lightly. "Did you have any ulterior motives just now?"

Qian Renxue seldom experienced the sensation of being seen through by someone else. Her disguise was impenetrable, even to Soul Douluo level powerhouses. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling of being exposed by Wang Feng's gaze.

"You're just a man, what could I possibly do to you?" Wang Feng sneered with a playful smile.

Qian Renxue fell silent. It seemed Wang Feng had not found her true identity. He didn't know her true identity or her disguise. He had never even seen her before. Could it have been a mere illusion?

Qian Renxue pushed the thought aside. Night descended, prompting Wang Feng to retrieve bedding from his soul guide. The uneven stones of the cave floor made for an uncomfortable surface.

The day's events had left Wang Feng feeling weary, particularly the impact of his martial soul. Despite his escape, the strain on Wang Feng's spirit was considerable. He resolved to rest well tonight and confront the Blood Demo Beetle the next day.

Observing Wang Feng's preparations, Qian Renxue silently wondered if the Meng Shen Ji trio were searching for her. They were likely alive, having only delayed the Blood Demon Beetle temporarily.

"Feeling sleepy?" Wang Feng asked, noting the fatigue on Qian Renxue's face.

Considering Qian Renxue had spent the day leading the way and then endured a fierce battle before the frantic escape, her exhaustion matched his own.

"Do you mind if I take this?" Qian Renxue asked quietly, eyeing the clean bedding Wang Feng had prepared. She, too, longed for rest.

"Think again, you'll have to sleep on the stone. We don't have that kind of relationship and I also don't swing that way." Wang Feng retorted angrily.

Qian Renxue raised her eyebrows in response, but her cultivated calmness prevented her from becoming angry or feeling entitled to anger. She resigned herself to the cold surface of the stone, spreading out some licorice before lying down.

Glancing over, Qian Renxue noticed that Feng Yuxiu had already drifted off to sleep. "This person... is too mysterious and infuriating," she mused silently, reflecting on the day's events.

It seemed that Feng Yuxiu possessed a twin martial soul without soul rings, leaving his level shrouded in mystery. Yet, he had managed to completely overpower her. Despite initiating the confrontation earlier, Qian Renxue found herself at a loss for words after their encounter.

Furthermore, she was surprised by their miraculous escape from the clutches of the Blood Demon Beetle. 

"Is shielding the mechanism a soul ability of his? Why didn't he use it earlier? What kind of soul ability can even block the soul power lock of a 60,000-year soul beast?" Qian Renxue pondered, feeling a sense of intrigue towards the enigmatic man who lay just a few feet away.

"This must be... the first time a man has slept so close to me... and a complete stranger at that," Qian Renxue reflected with a hint of irony and apprehension. Despite the absurdity of the situation, it had indeed come to pass. Fortunately, Wang Feng remained oblivious to her true identity as a woman.

Though the licorice provided some relief, the uneven stones beneath her made Qian Renxue uncomfortable. Nonetheless, she chose to endure the discomfort in silence.

The fire, which had emitted residual heat, slowly dwindled, and the temperature gradually dropped. Though Qian Renxue didn't feel cold, a sense of unease settled in her heart.

"Tomorrow morning, I hope that Blood Demon Beetle is gone from the vicinity," she thought, closing her eyes slowly.

Suddenly, Wang Feng rose from his spot and spoke in a deep voice, "I've reconsidered. This is the deep forest. Despite this cave being well-hidden, it's still vulnerable to attacks from soul beasts. You sleep first, and I'll keep watch. After three hours, I'll wake you, and you'll take over for the rest of the night."

With that, Wang Feng exited the cave. Startled by his sudden decision, Qian Renxue opened her eyes. Yet, she couldn't help but admire his vigilance and composure.

After contemplating his suggestion, Qian Renxue moved to Wang Feng's bedding. As she lay down, a faint blush tinted her cheeks upon feeling the residual warmth he left behind. Despite her initial hesitation, she found the bedding to be far more comfortable than the hard stone floor.

Soon, she drifted into a deep sleep.

When Qian Renxue awoke on the third day, she found the sky already brightening with the dawn.

Upon waking up to the brightening cave, Qian Renxue stood up abruptly, calling out, "Feng Yuxiu?" 

Her voice echoed through the cavern, but no response came.

"Gone?" Qian Renxue murmured, feeling a pang of surprise. "He didn't wake me up? And just left?"

As a sense of loss crept into her heart, Qian Renxue quickly shook her head to dispel the feeling. Just then, a figure entered the cave.

"Oh? Awake already?" It was Wang Feng. He glanced at Qian Renxue and cursed, "Why do you sleep like a log? I couldn't rouse you when I called out last night! I spent the whole night meditating outside!"

Wang Feng entered with a roasted rabbit in hand. 

"..." Qian Renxue looked at him, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. Had she really slept so deeply that she didn't wake up when he asked her?

Placing the rabbit in front of Qian Renxue, Wang Feng said, "Take it, we'll leave temporarily..."

Qian Renxue frowned at the sight of the rabbit. "I am vegetarian... this rabbit, I..."

"If you won't eat it, I'll toss it." Wang Feng's interruption left no room for negotiation.

"..." Qian Renxue hesitated before reluctantly starting to eat.

Observing Wang Feng's energy and vitality, she couldn't help but feel surprised. Little did she know, he had spent the night studying the skull soul bone, which provided him with an unexpected surge of vigor and mental clarity.

"What's your plan?" she inquired, glancing at Wang Feng.

"Hunting soul beast." he replied casually.

"Mind if I join you? I'm eager to hunt as well." Qian Renxue suggested, her eyes lighting up.

However, Wang Feng's response left her stunned: "I plan to hunt... the Blood Demon Beetle. Are you sure you want to join me?"

…..

Please support me and read atleast 20 chapters ahead at my patréon.

patréon.com/PrimorDious.

I'll be very grateful. Thank you.