Soul Land: Xiao Yan Reincarnates as Huo Yuhao

The dense forest canopy stretched endlessly, casting heavy shadows that concealed much of the sky above. Occasionally, through gaps in the foliage, Xiao Yan could glimpse soldiers of the Star Luo Empire, their flight soul tools streaking across the heavens in pursuit.

Hidden within a thick patch of underbrush, Xiao Yan's dark eyes peered cautiously through the leaves. Watching the patrolling soldiers, his brows furrowed deeply. The sheer number of troops blanketing the area was proving to be a considerable obstacle.

"It seems the collapse of the cave and the subsequent noise brought the entire Star Luo Western Army here," he murmured, retreating further into the shadows. Glancing at the ring on his finger, he muttered, "This will be troublesome."

"Their marshal was at the epicenter of the incident," Yao Lao replied grimly. "Of course they're scrambling. Don't worry; I'll use my soul power to mask your presence. Find an opportunity to head toward the Sun Moon Empire's border. Once you're in their territory, it'll be far more difficult for these soldiers to track you."

"Understood." Xiao Yan nodded, a cold smile forming on his lips. He slid down the trunk of a tree with practiced ease and began moving swiftly toward the Sun Moon Empire's border.

The Mingdou Mountain Range was perilous, with treacherous terrain that made crossing extremely difficult. Both the Star Luo and Sun Moon Empires maintained garrisons on either side of the range, with daily aerial patrols conducted by soul masters. Any attempt to cross was fraught with risk, as both nations treated trespassers as enemy spies.

To the south, the mountain range gave way to the Mingdou Great Forest, a vast expanse of soul beast territory covering nearly half the area of the Star Dou Forest. This wilderness, teeming with mutated soul beasts of extreme aggression, was the only part of the mountains unoccupied by military forces.

After careful consideration, Xiao Yan decided to traverse the Mingdou Great Forest. The risks posed by soul beasts seemed a lesser evil compared to the armies on either side.

---

As the sun set, casting the mountains in shadows, Xiao Yan ventured deeper into the forest. Darkness soon enveloped the landscape, and he found himself slowing to a cautious pace. Glancing around, he sighed. "Looks like I'll have to camp here for the night."

Pushing through a small grove, he suddenly spotted a faint flicker of firelight ahead. His eyes narrowed as he muttered, "Fire? Could it be someone from the Sun Moon Empire?"

Curiosity piqued, he carefully approached the source of the light.

---

Drawing closer, Xiao Yan saw a campfire surrounded by seven people: six men and one woman. They were equipped with advanced soul tools, and their attire marked them as high-level soul engineers. The woman, strikingly beautiful with long, wine-red hair, wore a matching red combat outfit that accentuated her slender figure. A golden belt cinched her narrow waist.

Beside her sat a man with similar features—wine-red hair, short and neat, and piercing blue eyes. He exuded a quiet confidence.

The tallest of the group, a man wearing a seven-ring soul engineer's badge, stood abruptly, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yan's position. "Who's there? Show yourself!" he barked, his voice sharp with caution.

His companions tensed, hands instinctively reaching for their soul tools.

Emerging from the shadows with empty hands raised in a placating gesture, Xiao Yan spoke calmly. "There's no need to be alarmed. I was just passing through and saw your fire. I mean no harm."

The tall man scrutinized Xiao Yan for a moment before asking, "You're a soul master?"

Xiao Yan nodded. Activating his Lingmo (Spirit Eyes), he discreetly assessed the group's capabilities. Smiling politely, he replied, "I'm heading west, trying to cross the Mingdou Great Forest to the Sun Moon Empire. Judging by your equipment, you must be from there?"

"Yes," the tall man confirmed after a moment's hesitation. His expression softened slightly as he gestured to the fire. "I'm Ma Rulong, and these are my teammates. We're here to help one of our members obtain a suitable spirit ring. It's dangerous to travel at night with soul beasts prowling. If you don't mind, you're welcome to join us by the fire."

"Thank you, Brother Ma." Xiao Yan nodded gratefully and settled near the fire, offering a shy smile to the group.

Throughout the conversation, Xiao Yan's spiritual detection remained active, gauging their intentions. While the group was wary, there was no overt hostility, which reassured him.

"Hello, young man." The wine-haired woman's voice broke the silence. She rested her chin on her hand, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I'm Meng Hongchen, a five-ring Soul King."

"Greetings, Miss Meng. I'm Yan Xiao, a two-ring Great Soul Master," Xiao Yan responded with a modest smile, casually adopting an alias.

"A two-ring soul master? And you're attempting to cross the Mingdou Great Forest alone?" Meng Hongchen's brother, Xiao Hongchen, looked incredulous. "Do you have a death wish? If you hadn't run into us, you'd likely have been a soul beast's dinner by now."

"I'm Xiao Hongchen," he added with a smirk. "Also a five-ring Soul King."

Xiao Yan chuckled lightly, avoiding further elaboration.

The others introduced themselves: Mi Jia, Xiao Xiafeng, Chen Fei, and Lin Xi. Though they maintained a degree of vigilance, the camaraderie around the fire gradually eased the tension.

---

As the night deepened, the group began retiring to their tents. Ma Rulong arranged for Xiao Yan to use a spare tent.

Inside another tent, Mi Jia voiced his concern. "Captain, is it really wise to let this stranger tag along? What if he's trouble? The dean specifically warned us to be cautious."

Ma Rulong waved off the concern with a chuckle. "He's just a two-ring soul master. What harm could he possibly do? Besides, his story checks out—another victim fleeing the Star Luo Empire's nobility. We've seen plenty of refugees like him in recent years. We'll part ways in the morning and let fate decide whether he makes it to the Sun Moon Empire."

---

As dawn broke, Xiao Yan emerged from his tent, helping Ma Rulong pack up their gear.

"Brother Ma, thank you for your kindness," Xiao Yan said earnestly. "I'll take my leave here and continue toward the Sun Moon Empire."

Meng Hongchen stepped forward, her tone gentle but firm. "Yan Xiao, the forest is too dangerous for someone of your level. Why not travel with us? Once we're done hunting spirit beasts, we can escort you to the Sun Moon Empire."

Before Xiao Yan could refuse, Mi Jia interjected. "Miss Meng, the dean warned us—bringing along a liability like him isn't wise."

Meng Hongchen's expression darkened as she snapped, "I don't need your permission. I've made my decision."

Before the argument could escalate, a deafening roar shook the forest. Xiao Yan's Lingmo activated reflexively, revealing an enormous figure crashing through the trees.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!" Ma Rulong shouted as a massive soul beast entered their line of sight—a forty-meter-tall Twin-Headed Cyclops, its twin glowing eyes radiating malice.

"Twin-Headed Cyclops?" Xiao Yan murmured, recognizing the creature from his studies. "A mutated variant… This won't be easy."

As the beast roared, the group sprang into action. Metallic clicks echoed as their full-body soul tool armor activated, transforming them into hulking figures bristling with weapons.

For a brief moment, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smirk. "Soul tool armor? Looks like I've stumbled upon some 'Iron Men.'"

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