C30 A Black Shadow Sneak Attack!

The Void Grass had become an essential item for Ye Tian to secure. It was the only herb capable of aiding his father, Ye Chengfeng, in his recovery from serious injuries.

Yet, Ye Tian was aware that acquiring the Void Grass was far from straightforward. The merit system based on slaying magical beasts was rife with shortcuts and schemes.

Wealthier students even resorted to purchasing beasts slain by upperclassmen with Vast Essence Coins. But Ye Tian, standing alone, knew he had to double his efforts.

Once all the students had assembled, the elder instructed the class mentors to lead them to the Fallen Maple Forest.

"Classmates, the perils of the forest lurk in its depths. We must exercise the utmost caution to avoid danger," Zi Hanyue cautioned her fellow students as they entered the forest.

However, Ye Tian, who seemed more interested in exploring his surroundings than heeding her warnings, only intensified Zi Hanyue's irritation.

She recognized that Ye Tian had made significant strides since his earlier days, but the perils of the Fallen Maple Forest were such that even Zi Hanyue couldn't ensure complete safety.

"Stay close to me, everyone. If trouble arises, it'll be easier for me to come to your aid quickly!" Zi Hanyue reiterated her instructions, readying the students to begin their training—their true reason for being there.

The forest was a shadowy realm beneath the canopy of ancient trees, some centuries old, their lush foliage obscuring the sky above.

"Zongsheng, I'll signal you before I make a move. Make sure to gather all our close allies from the academy," Ye Zonglei whispered to his brother as they walked together. To Ye Zonglei, the academy's trials paled in comparison to the importance of settling scores with Ye Tian.

Ye Zongsheng was determined to reclaim their lost honor, even if it meant crippling Ye Tian in the process.

But after Ye Zonglei finished speaking, Ye Zongsheng's silence lingered. Turning to look at his brother, Ye Zonglei noticed his distraction, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

"Zongsheng, what's on your mind? We've been waiting for this moment; we can't afford to lose focus now!"

Ye Zonglei issued his orders with urgency. His sole focus was to see Ye Tian hurt from this ordeal; nothing else mattered to him now.

"Brother Lei, maybe we should... not go through with this?"

Ye Zongsheng struggled to voice his thoughts, his words barely a whisper, betraying his lack of conviction and only serving to infuriate Ye Zonglei further.

"What's gotten into you? Remember, this was your idea in the first place. Now you're backing out because you're scared?"

Ye Zonglei's anger was palpable. After all, it was Ye Zongsheng who had originally proposed the plan, and Ye Zonglei had been eagerly awaiting such an opportune moment!

With his eighth-level Qi Profound Stage prowess, Ye Zonglei was more than capable of eliminating Ye Tian in the Fallen Maple Forest. Yet, even with the intent to cripple, he dared not go too far.

Ye Zongsheng's words died in his throat as he nodded, then shook his head, his inner turmoil evident.

He vividly remembered witnessing Ye Tian's effortless and brutal killings by the waterfall, an image that haunted him still.

If they persisted in antagonizing Ye Tian, Ye Zongsheng genuinely feared the consequences. After all, Ye Tian wouldn't need to waste any time dispatching them, much less than he did with the Heaven Hunting Sect disciples.

"Heh, Zongsheng, I see now that you're nothing but a coward. I had plans to entrust you with important responsibilities once I took over the Ye family, but it seems..."

Ye Zonglei shook his head, his disappointment clear. "If you're scared, then don't stand by my side. Go find someone who can provide the security you crave!"

With those final words, Ye Zonglei strode away. Realizing his brother was resolute, Ye Zongsheng had no choice but to quickly follow after him...

Meanwhile, Murong Xue stayed close to Ye Tian, convinced he still required care and could not afford to be reckless.

Unbeknownst to her, Ye Tian had already reached the seventh level of the Qi Profound Stage, just one tier below the class monitor, Du Chun.

If it ever came to a real fight, Ye Tian was sure he could trounce Du Chun. Yet, he chose not to reveal his true power, subtly ensuring Murong Xue remained close without drawing attention.

"Ye Tian, let's target some weaker magical beasts first. After we take them down, we'll split the loot. I won't let you return empty-handed!" Murong Xue proposed, her kindness shining through as she considered Ye Tian's interests, unaffected by her own.

As Murong Xue cheerfully chatted with Ye Tian, the grass around them stirred inexplicably. Before Ye Tian could make sense of it, a black shadow darted out and vanished into thin air.

"Ah!" A pained cry escaped Murong Xue; Ye Tian whirled around to see a ghastly wound on her arm, blood oozing out steadily.

Murong Xue bit down on her teeth, her lips paling—a clear sign that too much blood loss could be life-threatening.

Ye Tian quickly supported Murong Xue, inwardly cursing his negligence that had led to his classmate's injury, and frustrated at not catching a glimpse of the assailant's true identity.

"Ye Tian, don't fuss over me. I'll call the teacher to take me back..." Murong Xue insisted, more concerned for Ye Tian's safety than her own, urging him to get to safety.

The Fallen Maple Forest was a haven for magical beasts, with creatures nearby highly attuned to the scent of blood, ready to swarm at its slightest whiff.

Ye Tian's peril would only escalate, but Murong Xue, following her instincts, chose their safety over the chance to hone her skills.

"Shh... no more talking. You're safe with me here," Ye Tian reassured her gently. They were at the forest's edge, where the beasts were less formidable.

At the Seventh Level of the Qi Profound Stage, Ye Tian wasn't invulnerable, but his ace in the hole was the soul force at the Great Perfection of Mortal Stage.

Now, Ye Tian lay in wait, ready to confront and eliminate the shadowy figure that had ambushed Murong Xue as soon as it dared to strike again.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Just then, the elusive black shadow reemerged, and this time it wasn't so lucky—Ye Tian had been lying in wait for this creature.

"Stay right there!"

A spark ignited in Ye Tian's gaze as his hand shot out like a bolt of lightning, reaching for the shadow.

"Ye Tian, you fool!"

Murong Xue watched his movements with growing concern. She was unsure of the black shadow's strength and feared that Ye Tian might be injured due to his recklessness.

What she didn't realize was that Ye Tian, with his undying warrior's body, couldn't even be killed by a full-force strike from Zi Hanyue. To him, the black shadow in the Fallen Maple Forest posed no threat whatsoever.

"Squeak, squeak, squeak!" The black shadow was forcefully restrained by Ye Tian, emitting frantic squeals as it finally showed its form.

It was a black shadow mouse, as large as a calf, and considered one of the most insignificant creatures in the Fallen Maple Forest.

Its size and speed made it elusive to predators, but upon seeing the black shadow mouse, Ye Tian's expression soured.