As soon as the group entered the Core Zone, Zhu Ziyang immediately sensed a change.
The vital energy here was incredibly dense—perhaps even richer than on Sea God Island, rivaled only by the ancient Golden Tree. With such nourishing energy, even the most ordinary trees here were full of vitality. Some ancient trees had evolved into spiritual plants just by growing in this environment.
"Wow~ This is the Core Zone? The air feels so fresh!"
Ma Xiaotao exclaimed. It was her first time entering the Star Dou Forest's innermost region.
She wasn't alone. Besides Zhang Lexuan and Han Ruoruo, it was the first time for everyone else as well. Their curious gazes took in the surroundings, seemingly forgetting they were in an extremely dangerous place.
"Everyone, stay alert!"
Zhang Lexuan's sharp voice rang out. "This isn't a sightseeing tour—it's the Core Zone of the Star Dou Forest! This place is full of unknown dangers. We can't let our guard down for even a moment!"
Her words instantly snapped everyone back to their senses. Guilt and tension replaced their earlier awe.
"Alright, let's start searching this area," Zhang Lexuan said once the group looked properly focused again.
They reorganized into formation and began their search.
Zhu Ziyang walked in the middle of the group, quietly observing the environment. At the same time, he began attempting to use his death energy to erode the dense life force around them.
His control over the death element had reached an advanced level. According to elemental affinity theory, his compatibility with death energy was now close to 80 points—although death wasn't technically an element, so the scale didn't perfectly apply. As Electrolux had once said, his progress in death energy had already surpassed what most would achieve in five years.
At his current level, it was difficult to directly steal life force from living beings. However, absorbing ambient life energy—especially one this rich—was relatively easy. While he couldn't fully refine it yet, converting even 10–20% was manageable.
Just as he began channeling death energy, Electrolux's voice suddenly rang in his mind.
"Ziyang, if you're planning to refine this forest's life force, I strongly advise you not to."
"Huh?" Zhu Ziyang was taken aback. He quickly diverted part of his consciousness to speak mentally.
"Why not, Teacher?"
"Because the life energy here carries a strange spiritual signature," Electrolux replied. "Which means it has a master."
He continued gravely:
"Such dense life energy, infused with spiritual will… its owner must be a truly terrifying being—possibly even stronger than Mu En. If you try refining this energy with death power, you'll strip away that spiritual imprint. And that will alert the owner. If that happens, not even Elder Xuan may be able to protect you."
"Are you serious?"
Zhu Ziyang's heart dropped. He looked around with sudden paranoia, feeling as if he were being watched.
Electrolux chuckled.
"No need to panic. Based on how freely this life force is leaking, its owner is likely badly injured. If they were healthy, they wouldn't let their essence spread so openly."
"From how inactive the spiritual imprint is, I'd say the being is in deep slumber—unlikely to wake easily. And judging by the direction of the energy's flow, I suspect the entity lies at the very center of this forest."
"I see… that's a relief."
Zhu Ziyang finally relaxed. Then his curiosity took over.
"Teacher, what do you think this being's strength is? The Core Zone is massive—bigger than Shrek City!"
"If I had to guess…" Electrolux paused.
"Stronger than I ever was at my peak. Possibly one of this world's gods."
"God?!"
Zhu Ziyang was stunned.
"Just a theory," Electrolux said with a chuckle.
"You can't judge someone's true power just by the scale of their life force. After all, among all races, humans have the weakest life force."
"…Fair enough."
Zhu Ziyang nodded slowly. Then, glancing at his teammates marching quietly through the forest, he couldn't help but smile. Truly, an old teacher is like a hidden treasure. Even something this obscure, he could deduce from just the ambient flow of energy…
I wonder… does the Academy leadership know about this secret?
Two days passed in the Core Zone, but the group still hadn't found a soul beast suitable for Zhang Lexuan.
That evening, they gathered to rest and share dinner.
As always, Zhu Lie handled the cooking. He truly lived up to his reputation as the Inner Court's glutton. His soul tool arsenal included an array of cooking gear and spices, and they never lacked ingredients thanks to the various soul beasts they'd hunted.
The fresh meat became gourmet cuisine in Zhu Lie's hands, and everyone feasted heartily.
"Hmm?"
Wu Ming suddenly looked up, puzzled.
"Where's Elder Xuan? He didn't show up tonight?"
"Now that you mention it—" Ma Xiaotao added, "—I don't remember seeing him at lunch either…"
"That's not like him," Zhu Lie laughed nervously.
"Isn't he always first in line when food's involved?"
"Elder Xuan! Elder Xuan!" he shouted into the dark forest. His booming voice echoed through the trees, sending flocks of birds fluttering away.
No answer.
Zhang Lexuan, Han Ruoruo, and Zhang Weiwei immediately sprang to their feet. The grave looks on their faces said it all.
They had lost contact with Elder Xuan.
"Retreat immediately!" Zhang Lexuan ordered without hesitation.
"Everyone, move—now!"
"Huh? Why?" Su Meng asked in confusion, still chewing on a roasted leg.
The others also looked bewildered—they hadn't realized the danger yet.
"We may have lost Elder Xuan!" Han Ruoruo said slowly, each word striking like thunder.
Silence.
Then, a wave of terror swept through the group.
Without a Titled Douluo accompanying them, remaining in the Core Zone meant death.
This wasn't paranoia—it was fact. The Core Zone housed many 100,000-year soul beasts. Each had their own territory. Right now, the group could very well be trespassing on one.
"Go! We're leaving—immediately!"
No one needed to be told twice.
"Stick to formation. Fall back toward the Mixed Zone!" Zhang Lexuan commanded.
"Ruoruo, leave markings along the way."
"Understood." Han Ruoruo nodded, face grim.
With the route confirmed, the group began a swift and desperate retreat.
Then—fate intervened.
Just as they neared the edge of the Core Zone, a massive figure blocked their path.
It was a giant silver-white python, its body coiled like a mountain, stretching dozens of meters. Twin horns crowned its head, silver scales gleaming like moonlight. In the gloom of the forest, it looked divine and terrifying.
Its eyes, like twin moons, locked onto the group—cold, merciless, intelligent.
"Humans…"
Its deep, echoing voice rang out.
Everyone froze. A horrifying aura of pressure descended on them. Faces went pale. Fear turned to despair.
To speak was the unmistakable sign of a 100,000-year soul beast.
"The Ghostmoon Python Emperor…"
Zhang Lexuan's voice trembled. Her beautiful face turned deadly serious.
"Senior Sister… what do we do?"
Ma Xiaotao's voice shook with fear.
"You dare trespass into our lands again?"
The Ghostmoon Python Emperor hissed, its tongue flicking like blood.
"You humans... always hunting us down!"
"Everyone—prepare to fight!"
Zhang Lexuan ignored the beast's speech and raised her voice.
"There's no way it's letting us go. We hold out—no matter what! Elder Xuan has to be nearby!"
"She's right! We fight!"
"We'll slaughter this thing!"
"There's thirteen of us—we can take a snake!"
"Maybe we'll get a 100,000-year soul bone out of it!"
"Look! Its aura matches what Senior Sister Lexuan needs!"
Despite the looming crisis, not one of Shrek's inner court disciples backed down. They had hoped to avoid disaster—but now that it was here, they stood ready to face it head-on.
Their spirit was unbroken.