Chapter 88: Your Hostages Are in Place, Entering the Forest
Perhaps because they had traveled this road once before, their pace was significantly faster this time.
With Luo Saga's increasingly skilled driving, they reached the outskirts of Star Dou Forest in just eleven days.
As they stepped into the bustling town once again, they were greeted with the same reception as last time.
After all, such a luxurious and unusual carriage was already a rare sight. And since it hadn't been long since their last departure, the locals who spent their days here had good memories and sharp eyes.
At the first sight of the carriage, they instinctively moved aside, keeping their distance.
Just like before, Luo Saga was given free time to roam, while the four of them headed to the Martial Soul Hall's local outpost.
Guang Ling wasted no time. As soon as he reached the entrance, he flashed his Elder Token, and they were respectfully ushered inside.
"Has Salas sent over the people I requested?" Guang Ling asked bluntly.
"Yes, my lord, they arrived this morning and are currently under watch. Would you like me to take you to them now?"
The outpost leader kept his head bowed, not daring to meet their gazes.
He neither wanted to know nor dared to know the details. He only hoped that this powerful lord would quickly take the three individuals away so that his role in this matter would be over.
"Good. Take us there immediately."
Guang Ling was satisfied with the response.
"Understood. Please follow me, my lords."
The steward exhaled in relief before turning to lead the way.
Arriving at a fully enclosed stone chamber, he stopped in front of a thick door.
"My lord, the individuals are inside. Here is the key. My clearance level is insufficient, so I must ask you to enter on your own."
"Alright, hand it over."
Guang Ling, understanding the procedure, took the key and waved the steward away.
Then, he turned to the three beside him. "Alright, let's go in together."
"This is…?"
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were still confused, not knowing what Guang Ling was about to show them.
"Just three criminals and fallen soul masters. Nothing important. I don't even know what they're for this was something Han Li requested."
Guang Ling pointed at Han Li, who had been silent the whole time.
"I have a feeling it's best to bring them into the forest with us. They might be useful," Han Li shrugged, holding his hands up in a carefree manner.
"Alright, no need to overthink it. Just take them along, and we'll find out later. It's only three people it won't slow us down."
Guang Ling glanced at Dugu Bo, signaling him to come along.
"Fine."
Dugu Bo glanced at the two juniors, then stepped forward. There was no way they'd be the ones to handle this task.
Han Li and Dugu Yan stayed outside to wait.
"Bringing along unrelated people can actually help us obtain soul rings?"
Dugu Yan was puzzled. No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't figure out what use these people could have.
They weren't planning to use them as human shields, right? With two Titled Douluo accompanying them, that seemed unnecessary.
Especially since Guang Ling was already at Rank 98. Even if a legendary hundred thousand year soul beast appeared, they wouldn't need someone to sacrifice themselves just to escape.
"Who knows?"
Han Li didn't bother answering. If everything went as planned, she'd understand soon enough. Spoiling the surprise would just make it less entertaining.
In just a few minutes, Guang Ling and Dugu Bo returned, each carrying a person.
Han Li and Dugu Yan looked over and saw that all three individuals had their soul power and mouths sealed by some unknown means. Under the grip of two Titled Douluo, they couldn't even struggle.
Perhaps sensing the danger, the three men glared at Han Li and Dugu Yan with vicious eyes.
Han Li and Dugu Yan had no doubt that if these criminals were freed, they would immediately launch a suicidal attack on them.
Unfortunately, neither of them cared.
Han Li aside, Dugu Yan had always been taught that while she didn't need to commit evil herself, she should never be soft on evildoers.
More importantly, she had just heard Guang Ling state that these three were criminals and fallen soul masters.
Immediately, Dugu Yan returned their glares with one of her own, making it clear that if they dared act out, she wouldn't hesitate to kill them.
Finally, the three men backed down, at least for now.
"The Martial Soul Hall has some capable people, huh? Just a simple combination of drugs, taken at regular intervals, can completely neutralize any soul master below the Soul King level. I'd love to meet whoever developed this."
Dugu Bo casually tossed one of the men up and down, intrigued.
Upon hearing this, Guang Ling and Han Li exchanged amused glances.
"What?"
Dugu Bo frowned. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Senior, you might already know him. Have you forgotten that Chrysanthemum Douluo is in charge of Martial Soul Hall's punishment division? This drug is one of his creations."
Han Li suppressed a chuckle and whispered a reminder.
Dugu Bo's hand froze mid air, and the criminal he was holding unceremoniously fell face first onto the rough ground, letting out a muffled groan.
"I forgot about that… You know what? I'd rather not know him after all. This drug isn't that impressive. Give me some time, and I could probably replicate it maybe even improve it."
Dugu Bo bent down, picked the man back up, and muttered stubbornly before leading the way outside.
"Let's go, let's go. Soul beasts aren't going to wait for us. Better to get in before someone else snatches them up."
Behind him, the three others stifled their laughter before quickly following.
Entering Star Dou Forest
At the forest's edge, Han Li and Dugu Yan passed through the town and entered the wilderness.
After traveling a fair distance, they spotted the two elders waiting for them ahead.
The reason they had split up was simple. Too many people had seen the Martial Soul Hall insignia on their carriage.
While it wasn't exactly problematic to march into the forest carrying captives, it was best to avoid unnecessary attention.
So, Guang Ling and Dugu Bo had opted to fly ahead and wait inside.
"Alright, Han Li, same as before. Now that your strength has increased significantly, and you're familiar with the terrain, you and the girl decide how you want to proceed. Dugu Bo and I will only step in to ensure your safety."
Guang Ling was as direct as always.
"No problem, Master."
Han Li readily agreed. His current strength was enough to handle himself even in the mixed zone, and his real combat experience was still lacking. Even if Guang Ling hadn't said anything, he had already planned to use this trip for training.
"Alright, that's settled. Let's move."
With that, Guang Ling exchanged a glance with Dugu Bo, and the two vanished, taking their three "hostages" with them.
(End of Chapter)
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