[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-monsters-are-coming":3,"chapter-the-monsters-are-coming-monsters-are-coming-chapter-328":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Monsters Are Coming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2250177,4069,"Chapter 328: Soul Beast Merchant, Unexpected Client","monsters-are-coming-chapter-328",328,"\u003Cp>Three hours of frantic running, sustained entirely by consuming Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as his Crimson Gang Qi was about to run out, Yu Chuan finally reached the area where his teammates were located.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a patch of dark purple swamp, abruptly appearing within the dreamlike Sen Luo Lin Jing region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the map, it looked like a wound forcibly torn open by some kind of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the center of the swamp stood a flesh-and-blood nest, its surface covered in various spirit patterns that pulsed like blood vessels, spewing a clump of eerie green mist every few seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan wiped away sweat, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the gorgeous, dreamlike forest environment behind him, this area underfoot seemed as if its saturation had been deliberately lowered; the air carried a faint scent of blood, yet it possessed a strange allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Over here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the team leader poked his head out from behind a cracked black boulder, waving at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader, \"Pig Teammate,\" had an appearance that could only be described as abstract: a gleaming bald head, a thick gold chain made of armed modules hanging around his neck, a treasure-hunting rat perched on his right shoulder, and a floral shirt that screamed he was not a serious player.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan decisively went around the boulder to meet these teammates he had never met before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his teammates' attire, he couldn't help but laugh inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He finally understood what \"birds of a feather flock together\" meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The appearances of these teammates were increasingly outrageous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin teammate crouching in the corner wore a fluorescent pink bodysuit with the three large characters \"Seek Backstab\" printed on the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The support leaning against the tree bore the game ID \"Heal Until You Vomit,\" dressed in a nurse's uniform with a small advertisement sticker on his chest reading \"Cure All Illnesses\"...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other players in the squad shared similar styles, making Yu Chuan feel completely out of place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In comparison, his own black cloth robes actually looked quite decent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, come over and discuss tactics; I'll explain in detail what we need to do next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader hooked his arm around Yu Chuan's shoulder, warmly pulling him to sit on the ground, then picked up a twig and pointed at a twisted pattern drawn on the ground, saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already introduced the plan for this mission on your way over, but I haven't explained the situation inside the nest yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking, the team leader pointed the twig in his hand toward the nest's entrance:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is an array here designed to attract prey, luring them inside; we discovered this place while hunting prey... According to the Guidance's analysis, the array's function is to receive rule-based power to incubate soul beast seeds, and secondly, to trap prey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The prey here are divided into two types: the first type possesses life strength higher than that of the soul beasts; once detected by the array, they are directly crushed, turned into flesh and blood nutrients to nourish the soul beast seeds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The second type of prey has life strength lower than that of the soul beasts; the array will let them pass, and once inside the soul beast nest, their memories, combat talents, and other abilities will be devoured by the soul beasts, which is why we need a player with weaker strength to sneak in and steal a soul beast seed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the team leader's explanation, Yu Chuan felt puzzled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Team Leader, if you need someone weak, isn't that simple? Just have a teammate decompose their Soul Hun; as long as the evolution points from the decomposition feedback aren't used, combat power will drop quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the team leader spread his hands helplessly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have all unlocked up to the eighth Star Vein slot; even just the attribute bonuses from the Body Tempering realm exceed the strength of a soul beast cub; even if we decomposed our entire Soul Hun, we still wouldn't pass the array's detection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan nodded in realization, then continued to ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Team Leader, now that you've told me this secret, aren't you afraid I'll keep all the profits for myself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just a game, why so many schemes?\" Pig Teammate waved his hand, looking unconcerned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are all veteran players who gained qualification when the Sen Luo Lin Jing region opened; we've made many friends along the way through hunting and have never encountered a player purely intent on disgusting others; besides, this soul beast nest isn't a one-time opportunity; the production of soul beast seeds inside is endless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moreover, this place isn't safe; without team coordination, the soul slaves guarding the soul beasts inside will chase you out; if there's no support outside, you'll die anyway... And the soul beasts you steal, if they haven't been branded with a control seal and cleansed by the purification system, cannot be stored in the pet space; all of this requires help from teammates.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking, Pig Teammate grinned, patting Yu Chuan on the shoulder:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, since you contacted me, it means we share a destiny... So, instead of worrying about the issues you mentioned, we might as well think about how to get more soul beast seeds out; once our soul beast breeding farm is up and running, everyone can earn Sacrificial Power from it, and everyone will be happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these words, Yu Chuan nodded vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Team Leader \"Pig Teammate's\" attire was truly abstract, after just a few sentences of conversation, Yu Chuan had figured out this person's generous nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a teammate worthy of trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, Team Leader, are you sure controlling the Soul Hun can control the soul beasts? Logically, soul beasts are also products of rules; do we need to inject Sacrificial Power to modify their life logic like with the Shu Yan Warriors?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Yu Chuan thought of the relevant settings regarding the Shu Yan Warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest assured, I asked the Guidance; soul beasts are merely derivative energy products of the Soul Sculpting rules, not as complex as our player system's controlling Soul Hun; they can be fully controlled; although purification is needed, there's no need to re-edit their life logic like with the Shu Yan Warriors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the feasibility of the plan confirmed, Yu Chuan immediately felt relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the team leader grinned and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only problem is that there are companion soul slaves of the soul beast seeds inside the nest; your strength might not be enough to handle them, so you must be prepared to die and try again; remember, don't get greedy once inside; grab a soul beast cub and run straight for the exit; we'll support you outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\" Yu Chuan stood up, ready to depart immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next would be a gold-mining operation racing against death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Drink the potion; restore your status to full before going in; you must have consumed a lot of vitality during the journey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the team leader's words, Yu Chuan looked slightly embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader seemed to notice his predicament, smiling as he patted his shoulder:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, there's no shame in lacking Sacrificial Power; if you have needs, just tell us; fate brought us together as friends in this game; what are a few potions? Speaking, the team leader laughed heartily and tossed a potion over:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once we pull off this job, let alone intermediate potions, even top-tier recovery elixirs will be free for the drinking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our squad values mutual aid; when playing a game, what matters is brotherhood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Team Leader.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need for politeness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin player crouching nearby also tossed over two bottles of blue potion at this moment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, catch; this is an anti-toxin potion; the Guidance says there's mist with attached toxicity inside; drink one bottle before entering, and it will last for half an hour.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deeply moved, Yu Chuan drank the potions one by one, then headed toward the soul beast nest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving before the soul beast nest, he stood still, took a deep breath, and stepped into the dim corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the team leader's voice came through:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember to start the livestream.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Started.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing through the nearly transparent light curtain, the interior scenery appeared before Yu Chuan's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interior of the nest was not the gloomy horror he had imagined; instead, it was enveloped in a dreamlike halo of eerie blue light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless translucent mycelial threads could be seen interweaving on the cave walls, forming a huge glowing neural network that pulsed slowly with a certain rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking forward cautiously, the ground along the path was covered in glowing blue moss; every step taken stirred up tiny particles of light that rose into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These light particles lingered briefly in the air before slowly settling, forming flowing halos around his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Venturing dozens of meters deeper, countless crystal-like mushrooms hung down from the ceiling above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan held his breath and focused, moving slowly along the corridor formed by the mycelial network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glowing moss underfoot rippled like water with his steps, leaving behind a trail of footprints that gradually faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned a corner, the halo of the mycelial network suddenly began to flicker erratically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the team leader's voice rang out in his mind:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be careful; the Guidance's perspective can see what is lurking in the shadows.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had the teammate finished speaking than a semi-transparent figure suddenly pounced down from the mushrooms overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan dodged sideways; sharp claws grazed his neck, bringing a wave of bone-chilling cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The creature landed and revealed its true form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had a nearly human silhouette but with insect-like joints, its entire body composed of flowing eerie blue energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the analysis swept over, relevant information floated into Yu Chuan's mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Soul Return · Soul Slave]:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hunting Rank: 38\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Target Introduction: Companion guards specifically bred by the Soul Return Clan for soul beasts, formed by blending the residual souls of those devoured; their duties are clear: they will tear intruders into severe injuries without taking their lives, until the prey loses the ability to resist, then summon the soul beast via a soul power link to come and enjoy the meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Receiving the analysis information simultaneously, crimson Crimson Gang Qi erupted explosively; Yu Chuan spun and swept a whip kick toward the soul slave's waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the soul slave neither dodged nor avoided; the struck area rippled like water, gradually neutralizing the impact force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, a bone-chilling cold shot up Yu Chuan's right leg; frost instantly formed a layer on his trouser leg, but under the boost of the Unyielding trait, it quickly dissipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately changed tactics, forming his left hand into a claw and grabbing for the soul slave's head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Taste this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inhaling sharply, food entered his body, transforming into surging, burning Crimson Gang Qi that released and enveloped his right arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul slave's arm snapped under this strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, watch your back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader spotted the anomaly through the Guidance's perspective and immediately warned again via the squad channel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan rolled to the right without looking back; the claws of another soul slave grazed his back, tearing three gaping wounds into his black cloth robes, emitting cold air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two soul slaves surrounded him, one in front and one behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mycelial network overhead flashed violently, and more eerie blue figures appeared at the end of the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Run, leave the exit to us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eerie blue figures at the end of the corridor surged forward like a Black Tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mycelial network flashed at high frequency, dyeing the entire corridor a dangerous dark red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a second word, Yu Chuan turned and fled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the fluorescent moss underfoot suddenly became viscous, each step feeling like stepping into glue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul slaves behind him emitted a high-frequency shriek, the sound stabbing his temples until they throbbed violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ghostly blue claw wind grazed the back of his neck, and frost instantly formed across his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duck your head!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the captain's roar, Yu Chuan instantly ducked his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soul slave's sharp claw swept over his head, shearing off a tuft of his hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the threat of death, adrenaline surged; he circulated his Crimson Gang Qi to the limit, propelling Yu Chuan's body into a mad dash toward the cave entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Faster!\" came the teammate's urge through the communicator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corridor's corner was within reach, yet the five soul slaves behind him had already flanked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fastest soul slave suddenly flickered, appearing directly behind him, its claw thrusting straight for his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heeding his teammate's warning, Yu Chuan dove forward without hesitation, narrowly dodging the claw by a hair's breadth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hitting the ground, momentum carried him into a series of forward rolls; he scrambled up and continued his frantic sprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cave entrance was just within reach; judging the distance, Yu Chuan pushed off with his feet, launched himself into the air, and dove straight through the opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the soul slaves did not cease their pursuit in the slightest; all five chased out of the cave one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as a soul slave's claw was about to pierce Yu Chuan's back, a blood-red chain suddenly shot from the side, coiling around his waist and abdomen before yanking hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan, nearly touching the ground, was instantly pulled off course mid-air by the chain, dodging the soul slaves' fatal encirclement by the slimmest margin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rolled twice on the ground to dissipate the force, then looked up to see the blood-red chain in the captain's hand, retracting rapidly into his palm like a wandering spirit snake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, a support-stream player in the team activated Life Link, adding another layer of insurance for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, a magic-system player in the team raised a hand, activating the Ice Mist Breath trait; countless ice arrows condensed around them, and with a casual wave, the arrows shot out, piercing the semi-corporeal bodies of the five soul slaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin teammate's figure also manifested from the Twilight Shadow form at this moment, wielding a short blade wreathed in purple lightning in each hand, moving like a ghost among the frozen soul slaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With every pass, the lightning on the blades surged by thirty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the final strike, the twin blades crossed and slashed, causing all five soul slaves to explode simultaneously into a sky-full of ice crystals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beautiful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Captain Pig Teammate clapped and laughed loudly, then tossed a healing potion to Yu Chuan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, recover your status first; we're in no rush. Once we've killed all the soul slaves, the soul beasts will be ours to capture at leisure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan nodded, bit off the potion bottle's cap, and downed it in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The icy liquid slid down his throat, and Yu Chuan immediately felt a warm current erupt from his stomach, surging instantly to his four limbs and hundred bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the three dark wounds on his back came a tingling sensation akin to ants gnawing; the lingering yin-cold energy of the soul slaves was forcibly expelled, condensing into tiny ice crystals on his skin before fluttering down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rolled his shoulders, glanced at his health bar recovering rapidly, and stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Full health restored.\" Yu Chuan twisted his neck, feeling his Crimson Gang Qi surging through his meridians like a river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember, never get greedy; if you encounter danger, retreat immediately, and we'll cover you at the entrance,\" the assassin player in the team said with a smile, flicking the liquid off his dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan nodded solemnly, turned, approached the soul beast lair, and stepped into the dim corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time he was more cautious, his gaze constantly scanning the surrounding environment as he advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching the bend where he had previously encountered the soul slaves, he continued deeper for about a hundred meters before the sight before him made his breath catch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of soul beast eggs hung silently within a circular cavern, connected by nerve cords resembling a spider's web.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pale blue light particles floated around each egg, drawing in derived energy through energy transmission nodes interfacing with the rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were exactly the soul beast seeds they sought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Captain, target acquired; ready to make our move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reported in a hushed voice while vigilantly scanning his surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Numerous soul slaves could be seen hibernating in the corners, their curled postures resembling fetuses in a womb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The livestream saw it; try making your move. If the soul slaves wake up, run outside; don't try to be a hero.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan nodded, lightened his steps, and approached beneath the soul beast seeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he reached out toward the nearest egg, a drop of viscous fluid suddenly dripped from the cave ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan instantly retreated; the ground where he had been standing was corroded, emitting wisps of green smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, he saw countless blood-red eyes open within the mycelial network, appearing out of nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scan analysis revealed them to be another form of soul slave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We've been discovered; run!\" the captain's roar echoed in the team channel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a bat-like soul slave pounced down; Yu Chuan spun to evade, condensing his Crimson Gang Qi into a thin blade in his palm and slashing horizontally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sliced that soul slave in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul slave's powerful regeneration ability was meaningless against the player system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Black Black Tide evil influences could not heal, let alone the soul beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the challenger notification for a successful kill rang in his mind, Yu Chuan decisively turned and sprinted away. Although he very much wanted to take two soul beast seeds with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as the captain had said, regarding matters of profit, there was no need to rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spatial Sack could not contain \"items\" possessing a complete life form, and the Pet Space could only accept life forms that had been purified and cleansed; carrying soul beast seeds while running would only limit his escape speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing a swarm of bat-like soul slaves diving at him, Yu Chuan applied Crimson Gang Qi to his soles and sprinted toward the cave entrance as fast as his legs could carry him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But an unexpected situation arose this time as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still four or five hundred meters from the entrance; before he could retreat, he was surrounded by soul slaves with faster movement speeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dense barrage of attacks struck his body; defense was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul slaves' sharp claws and teeth tore through his throat; the excruciating pain lasted only a moment before Yu Chuan's vision sank into boundless darkness, his soul returning to Di Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he entered the Little Black Room, he received a transfer of 2000 points of Sacrificial Power from the captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The transfer note read: Brother, don't be discouraged; go to the Armed Vehicle Factory first to equip an Electric Light Steed or a simple hovering skateboard. We'll be hunting near the old spot waiting for you. Victory and defeat are common occurrences for players; there's no need to feel guilty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a great captain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They say veteran players are arrogant, yet this bald captain, sporting a comical ID, showed Yu Chuan a different kind of veteran magnanimity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This proves that those who like to show off before newcomers are only a segment of veteran players; many enthusiastic veterans are willing to help newcomers grow and offer various encouragements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pulling himself together, while still in the Little Black Room, he began browsing guides on Crimson Gang Qi usage techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour later, Yu Chuan spent 1200 points of Sacrificial Power in Emperor Tomb Village to equip a simple version of a hovering skateboard, then set off again toward the area where his teammates were located.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the vehicle's boost, he reached his teammates' location in only one-fifth of the time it took previously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Executing a sharp stop with the hovering skateboard, Yu Chuan landed steadily at the entrance of the soul beast lair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath, circulated his Crimson Gang Qi within his body, and adjusted his status to optimal condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm going in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go in with confidence; don't fear death. We have plenty of time; we'll wait for you outside.\" The captain poked his head out from the side of a huge rock, gave him a thumbs-up from afar, and grinned, revealing teeth so white they seemed to glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan returned the thumbs-up, turned, and entered the lair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping into the corridor again, he immediately sensed something amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mycelial network on the walls was more active than last time, emitting a dangerous red glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lightened his footsteps; Crimson Gang Qi formed a thin isolation layer on his body's surface to prevent his aura from leaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving once more at the spacious area where the soul beast seeds had been placed earlier, Yu Chuan did not rashly enter this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly circled around to the front of the nearest soul beast seed, gathering Crimson Gang Qi beneath his feet and continuously compressing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he opened the Exchange Row, spent 350 points of Sacrificial Power to purchase a Wind-Running Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the side effects, they could be ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the theft succeeded, it would be a victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pill melted upon entering his mouth, transforming into a pungent hot current that surged straight to his four limbs and hundred bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, his body was filled with an invisible force, and every pore erupted with pale green qi whirlwinds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan held his breath, continued compressing the Crimson Gang Qi beneath his feet, squatted down, coiled like a fully drawn bowstring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ready, he suddenly leaped upward, grabbed a soul beast egg, and before his body even touched the ground, unleashed Crimson Gang Qi to thrust himself sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the mycelial network on the cave ceiling, dozens of scarlet eyes opened simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing he had been exposed, Yu Chuan released all the Crimson Gang Qi within his body; upon landing, he shot toward the entrance like an arrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul slaves in the lair emitted piercing shrieks, and the mycelial network covering the cavern lit up instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His right hand formed a claw, firmly grasping the soul beast seed, while his left hand released an energy blade condensed from Crimson Gang Qi backward to force back the pouncing soul slaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he sprinted through the narrow corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soul slaves behind him, however, pursued relentlessly; their sharp claws grazed his back several times, tearing his black cloth garment into strips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with the boost from the Wind-Running Pill, the disadvantage in speed was not significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the distance to the entrance grew ever closer, Yu Chuan let out a roar, suddenly accelerating his running speed, then leaped, diving straight out of the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant his body flew out of the cave entrance, Yu Chuan hurled the soul beast egg in his hand forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Catch!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The teammates, who had been waiting for a long time, acted immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading captain decisively released the Star-Shift Soul Mark at him; after swapping positions, he raised his hand to summon a giant shield and slammed it into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Taunt trait was released instantly, forcibly drawing all the soul slaves pouring out of the cave to his side and launching an attack against them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin player in the team transformed into a shadow, dual-wielding daggers to precisely pick off soul slaves just outside the range of the Taunt coverage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One chubby teammate twisted his body, transforming into a giant black-armored snake, and crashed down toward the captain's location with the weight of Mount Tai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captain had just leaped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by a deafening roar, entire swathes of soul slaves were crushed to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan, meanwhile, rolled to dissipate the inertia of Star Shift, then dove forward to catch the falling soul beast seed just before it hit the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, given the resilience of a soul beast seed, it had nothing to fear from hitting the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If brought into the real world, the defensive power of a soul beast seed would be sufficient to withstand bombardment by ordinary missiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, under their combined assault, his teammates had also finished their battles and were gathering around Yu Chuan one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mission accomplished.\" Yu Chuan grinned, holding the soul beast egg (seed) high above his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the moonlight, the dark blue patterns on the surface of the soul beast egg shimmered with starlight, resembling a clump of solidified nebula.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having clearly secured the soul beast seed, the entire squad instantly erupted into an uproar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha, we've got the first one!\" The team leader dashed forward in a single stride; after activating Analysis, his gaze swept back and forth over the soul beast seed, unable to hide the joy in his eyes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although its Hunting Rank is only 23, it will definitely fetch a high price.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin player in the group also sheathed his dagger at this moment, saying with an approving expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That mid-air change of direction just now was not bad; was that taught at the Ale Training Camp?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the teammates also crowded forward, looking at the soul beast seed in Yu Chuan's hand, smiles impossible to suppress on their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the first \"mining\" operation successful, the next step was to find a client.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding profit distribution, all team members would split it equally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind a giant rock outside the soul beast lair, the group sat on the ground in a circle around the soul beast seed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the team leader, \"Pig Teammate,\" summoned the forum interface, activated shared vision, and posted in the trading section to seek clients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title read:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[All-around Pet, capable of instant form-switching. Undeniably the strongest controllable pet at the current stage. Seeking clients in need; private message to negotiate price.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Poster: Pig Teammate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Content: (soul_beast_seed.jpg).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as this post went live, private messages flooded in like raindrops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Price inquiries, questions about where it was captured, requests from novices for free gifts... various private messages were overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pig Teammate's approach was to first review the public personal information of the players messaging him, confirm they had the strength to purchase, and only then proceed with price negotiations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan curiously asked the team leader what price he intended to set for the sale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader's idea was to sell it for 190,000 Sacrificial Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this soul beast seed had not yet hatched, its growth potential and functionality were far superior to those of a Shu Yan Warrior, making this price entirely reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, each person would receive ten thousand; subsequent soul beast seeds captured would also be sold at this price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the private message negotiation process, the team leader kept shared vision active the entire time, ensuring every step was open and transparent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnessing this scene, Yu Chuan felt moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guild he had joined early in his time in the Sinful Lands had disbanded precisely because profit distribution lacked transparency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding profit distribution, trust among teammates was one thing, but the team leader's conduct was another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if members had developed deep bonds through years of interaction, all transaction processes still had to be completely open and transparent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Iron Face of profit, once suspicion arose, even the deepest bonds could develop cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only transparency could prevent any seeds of suspicion from taking root; this was the guarantee that allowed a fixed team to endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the private message negotiations, players continuously offered high prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most bids were above 150,000 Sacrificial Power, but the team leader did not rush to accept, negotiating prices simultaneously with multiple players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, another private message window popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other party's game ID was \"Lingering Echo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This ID was no stranger to veteran players; it belonged to the Controllable Flow player who had briefly ranked first on the player strength leaderboard back in the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, the once-niche Controllable Soul also saw an explosive surge in popularity because of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, amidst existing sect playstyles, he even pioneered the Controllable Pet Flow playstyle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ID \"Lingering Echo\" was one of the representative figures of the Controllable Flow in the eyes of its practitioners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingering Echo: Brother, what's the price?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pig Teammate: Big shot, you name a price; if it's suitable, I'll sell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingering Echo: I've checked the current prices for Shu Yan Warriors. Although your soul beast has better functionality than a Shu Yan Warrior, it hasn't hatched yet, and its Hunting Rank is relatively low, requiring some resource investment in the early stage. I offer 220,000; that's reasonable. Don't raise the price; this is a very fair offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pig Teammate: Big shot, you're generous. The trade will take place in the Senluolin Realm region; the soul beast seed cannot be traded over there directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingering Echo: I'm coming over now; wait for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the team leader sell the soul beast for 220,000 Sacrificial Power, all team members erupted in cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's celebrate after we receive the Sacrificial Power; don't pop the champagne early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, the team leader summoned the group vehicle \"Sky Float Boat\" and led them toward the exit of the Senluolin Realm spatial node.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, he also invited \"Lingering Echo\" into the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When casual conversation turned to the purpose of purchasing the soul beast, Lingering Echo, now in the group, couldn't help but sigh:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should know I have a Heavenly Soldier that escaped from an Ascension Clan breeding farm, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course; an early divine pet. Back then, you relied on that Heavenly Soldier to secure the number one rank on the strength leaderboard in the forums,\" the team leader said with a flattering smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Heavenly Soldier's Hunting Rank of 75 back then was indeed powerful, but now it can no longer keep up with the combat strength of top-tier players. I can't bear to kill it, so seeing you sell a soul beast, I thought I'd buy one for the Heavenly Soldier to devour, allowing it to revert to its original form. This way, I can quickly possess a Heavenly Soldier of equivalent combat strength, and subsequently accelerate its growth by devouring other monsters...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour later, Yu Chuan's squad met Lingering Echo at the exit of the Senluolin Realm node.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the representatives of veteran players, Lingering Echo's attire was extremely simple: a green long robe. He was accompanied by two Shu Yan Warriors and a giant beast with a Hunting Rank of 89, still adhering to the Controllable Pet Flow playstyle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader also trusted him completely, directly handing over the soul beast seed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big shot, here is your soul beast seed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking the soul beast seed, Lingering Echo smiled and nodded, then immediately transferred 220,000 Sacrificial Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the transaction complete, once the squad returned to the vicinity of the soul beast lair, everyone finally could not hold back, bursting into earth-shaking cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, we're probably going to get rich; there are quite a few soul beasts in the lair, so we can definitely mass-produce them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was worth it, truly f***ing worth it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning against a rock, Yu Chuan watched his celebrating teammates, the corners of his mouth involuntarily curling upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second, a transfer notification rang in his mind; the team leader had sent him 11,580 points of Sacrificial Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decisively transferred 2,000 points of Sacrificial Power back to the team leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sacrificial Power the team leader had gifted him in the early stages, he had no Iron Face to keep; he had always regarded it as a loan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the smiles on his teammates' faces, Yu Chuan also felt genuinely happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This feeling was like the growth brought by sweating profusely during battles in the Ale Training Camp, or perhaps the first time he had saved enough Sacrificial Power to embed a Crimson Gang Qi soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the intrinsic value of the Sacrificial Power itself, there was the tangible sense that effort had finally yielded rewards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secondly, there were these newly made teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They carried a certain purity about them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They played no tricks, kept no tally of gains and losses; they laughed heartily when they won and started over from scratch when they lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they had known each other for only a short time, Yu Chuan felt that same exhilaration he had experienced when fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with his brothers back in the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the team leader's bald head glowed red under the firelight; he was pouring spiritual wine from his spatial bag, while the assassin and the monster player were playing finger-guessing games, and Star Mang  and Green Pouch were huddled together chatting about something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This simple and direct way of interacting made Yu Chuan feel exceptionally grounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing at his teammates laughing and playing by the bonfire, a decision formed in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he could temporarily halt his solitary journey and walk alongside this squad for a stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dream of the Emperor Tomb Mountain Range would not change; that was the goal he had set for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But on the road to the pinnacle of players, encountering such a group of sincere companions was perhaps a form of luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interacting with them might be just one stop on his long journey through the Monster World, but it would surely become an indelible bright spot in his memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Chuan's technique for stealing soul beast seeds was becoming increasingly proficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In these past two days, he had already earned over 100,000 Sacrificial Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, no warriors from the Soul Return Clan had appeared yet; the \"Soul Beast Gold Mine\" still held potential for continued mining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this day, after the squad successfully stole two soul beast seeds and was seeking clients, a player very famous on the forums proactively sent a private message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Mage: I want to buy soul beast seeds; are they available? High price offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the game ID pop up in the team leader's private message light screen, the entire squad, who had been laughing and joking, instantly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This... was truly a thorny problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5720,"2026-06-19T09:20:37.851Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5544e5528e7d07677819219af27723ed9cdb7c3ed87ab96ac0c5bb34b2c1cb25","monsters-are-coming-chapter-329","monsters-are-coming-chapter-327",393,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmonsters-are-coming-cover.jpg"]