Douluo Continent: Gourmet Prisoner

After everyone had finished the "Rainbow Cloud Whale Fall - A Taste Singularity," they were all immersed in the tremendous changes in their bodies. Their soul power surged, their physiques were strengthened, and their life levels were elevated—each of these was enough to make them ecstatic.

Without any further pleasantries, all the soul beasts turned around and returned to their respective lairs to cultivate in seclusion, eager to digest the energy brought by this ultimate delicacy and break through to a higher realm.

In the blink of an eye, only Shi Yu, Tang Ya, and Tianmeng Ice Silkworm, who had transformed into human form, remained in the core area.

"Sister Tianmeng, why don't you go into seclusion?" Shi Yu asked curiously. Logically speaking, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm has gained quite a bit of benefits, so there's no reason for her to give up this good opportunity for a breakthrough.

Tianmeng Ice Silkworm shrugged, looking helpless: "You might not believe it, but I still haven't figured out the hurdle of metamorphosis."

"Oh~ Sister Tianmeng is really just a nobody." Shi Yu deliberately dragged out his words, a mocking smile on his face.

"Although I don't know what 'small fry' means, judging from your tone, it's definitely not a nice thing to say!" Tianmeng Bingcan reached out and pinched Shiyu's cheek, scolding him playfully.

Seeing the two bickering, Tang Ya couldn't help but laugh out loud. The unease she had felt due to the changes in her physique and the abnormal movement of her martial soul dissipated considerably.

She took a deep breath, looked at Shi Yu, and asked expectantly, "Shi Yu, my soul power has broken through level 10. Do you think there are any soul beasts suitable for me?"

"Sister Xiaoya, show me your martial spirit first." Shi Yu put away his joking expression and said seriously.

Tang Ya nodded, extended her right hand, and a Blue Silver Grass slowly grew from her palm.

However, this Blue Silver Grass was completely different from the ordinary Blue Silver Grass. Its leaves were dark green and covered with fine black and red patterns, giving off a faintly eerie aura.

"What happened?" Tang Ya looked at the changes in her martial soul, her face instantly turning pale. "Why did my martial soul become like this?"

"It must be because the Rainbow Fruit and Rainbow Cloud Whale Fall you ate earlier provided too much energy, which not only improved your physique but also promoted the evolution of your Martial Soul." Shi Yu carefully observed the Blue Silver Grass, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.

"These black and red patterns should be a hidden part of your martial soul that has been brought out. Since it now has such characteristics, let's call it Dark Blue Silver Grass from now on."

"I can feel a devouring power within my martial soul..." Tang Ya's voice trembled slightly. "Will people mistake me for an evil soul master?"

"Take a closer look, what does your martial spirit need to devour?" Shi Yu guided.

Tang Ya closed her eyes and concentrated on sensing the energy. After a moment, she opened her eyes, her face even more grim: "It's life energy! I'll definitely be mistaken for an evil soul master!"

"Please, Sister Xiaoya, evil spirit masters kill because killing makes them stronger quickly, and their power is often accompanied by a bloodlust and a desire for destruction," Shi Yu explained helplessly.

"Your martial soul only needs to absorb life energy, and it doesn't have the strict requirement of killing. Think about it, right now, the Star Dou Great Forest has no shortage of life energy, does it?"

"But..." Tang Ya still had some concerns.

"But what?" Shi Yu interrupted her, "The life energy contained in the two meals you just ate is enough for you to cultivate for a long time. Moreover, the life energy released by the plants, fruits, and even some harmless soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest can become your nourishment. You don't need to harm anyone else at all."

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "Power itself is neither good nor bad; the difference lies in the person who uses it. If you use this power to do evil, even the brightest power will become evil. If you use it to protect yourself and those you want to protect, then this power is righteous."

Hearing Shi Yu's words, Tang Ya's unease gradually dissipated, and she nodded heavily: "Thank you, Shi Yu."

"You're welcome." Shi Yu smiled, a sly glint in his eyes. "But speaking of your spirit rings, I have a good idea. There's an interesting spirit beast that would suit you perfectly."

"What kind of soul beast is it?" Tang Ya asked immediately, curious.

"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough." Shi Yu kept everyone in suspense, then turned to Tianmeng Ice Silkworm, "Sister Tianmeng, come with us. It'll help us digest our food, and we can also see if your power has increased."

"Hehehe, I was just thinking of going out to bully some of the little soul beasts outside!" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm immediately became excited, put her hands on her hips, and looked smug.

The three packed up and headed towards the mixed zone of the Star Dou Great Forest.

After walking for about half an hour, they arrived at an exceptionally dense forest.

"We're here, this is it." Shi Yu stopped and pointed to the forest ahead, saying, "There are soul beasts here that are most suitable to become Sister Xiaoya's soul rings, but be careful, this place is very dangerous."

"With Sister Tianmeng here, what's there to be afraid of?" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm patted her chest, looking completely unconcerned. "Even a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast, I can kill it with a single slap!"

"This is no ordinary place." Shi Yu's expression turned serious.

"This place is called the Forest of Dog. It suddenly appeared in the mixed zone three years ago. When it first appeared, the thousand-year-old soul beasts that went in had a slim chance of survival, and very few of them came out alive. Now, three years have passed, and I have no idea what it has become."

He paused, then added, "Perhaps some weaker ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts can only become fertilizer for this forest."

"Tch, I thought it was something special." Tianmeng Ice Silkworm curled her lip, her nose twitching high. "It's just a forest that can trap tens of thousands of years old soul beasts, right? Your sister Tianmeng can still rule the world with a single hand here!"

"Tianmeng, you mustn't intervene unless absolutely necessary," Shi Yu quickly reminded her. "This is a trial for Xiaoya. Only through personal combat can she better control her power and martial spirit."

"Huh? Me?" Tang Ya pointed to herself with her index finger, her face full of insecurity. "I...can I do it?"

"Don't worry, I'm not asking you to fight the final boss of this forest," Shi Yu reassured with a smile. "But speaking of which, the final boss of this forest is the most suitable soul beast to become your soul ring."

"Then I'm relieved... Wait, what did you say?!" Tang Ya's heart, which had just settled down, jumped again, and she looked at Shi Yu with a look of horror.

"Alright, don't worry, with me and Sister Tianmeng backing you up, nothing will happen to you." Shi Yu patted her shoulder.

"Besides, this forest is a place where danger and delicious food coexist; we might even find some good food."

He looked up at a large tree in the distance, which was covered with fruits that looked like red lanterns, and a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes.

"See that tree? That's a raffia tree. Its fruit contains natural fruit wine with a high alcohol content. It has a mellow and rich flavor and is a rare delicacy."

"There are trees that produce wine?" Tang Ya's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Of course, the Star Dou Great Forest has now entered the era of gourmet food, and all sorts of strange ingredients can be born," Shi Yu said.

"Shi Yu, Shi Yu, look what this grass is!" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm suddenly plucked a lush green grass from the ground and held it up to Shi Yu. "I smell a strong milky fragrance!"

"This is cheese grass." Shi Yu sniffed it and said with a smile, "The grass leaves contain natural cheese ingredients, and it has a salty, fragrant, soft and chewy texture, making it a great snack to accompany drinks."

"Hey, Shiyu, look over there, there's a huge peach!" Tang Ya suddenly pointed to a short tree not far away and said. A huge, pink and plump peach was hanging on the tree, emitting an enticing fruity aroma.

"Don't go near it!" Shi Yu's expression changed, and he quickly warned, "That's not a peach, it's a peach-furred beast! A soul beast that uses the scent of peaches to lure prey before hunting them."

"Ah? So it's a soul beast." Tang Ya stopped in her tracks, saying with lingering fear.

"Alright, Sister Tianmeng, stop eating. We should move on." Shi Yu said helplessly, watching Tianmeng Ice Silkworm stuffing cheese grass into her mouth as she walked.

The three continued deeper and soon arrived at the true edge of the Forest of Dogs.

Unlike the lush vegetation outside, the trees here are much taller and thicker, with intertwined branches that almost completely block out the sky, making it appear unusually dark.

The air was filled with the damp smell of decaying leaves, mixed with a faint, almost imperceptible, pungent odor of blood.

"Is this the Forest of Dogs? It's so dark." Tang Ya couldn't help but shrink her neck, and her unease resurfaced.

"This is a plant hell," Shi Yu said in a low voice. "A forest dominated by plants, filled with carnivorous plants that even wild beasts can prey on. You could easily become their food if you're not careful."

"Is it that dangerous?" Tang Ya's voice trembled slightly.

Just then, a scream of "Ahhh!" suddenly rang out. Tang Ya subconsciously looked up and a sticky thing fell onto her shoulder.

"What is this? How disgusting!" Tang Ya looked down and saw that it was a clump of black bird droppings. Her face turned pale and she tried to wipe it off.

"Don't touch it! Quickly tear off that part of your clothing!" Shi Yu shouted hurriedly, "These bird droppings contain seeds of carnivorous plants; once they come into contact with skin, they will quickly take root and grow!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Ya's face turned deathly pale. She turned to look at her shoulder and saw several tiny green shoots emerging from the bird droppings, growing rapidly. A miniature mouth with sharp teeth was biting at her neck.

"Mysterious Jade Hand!" Tang Ya reacted extremely quickly, immediately activating the Tang Clan's ultimate technique. Her right hand became as hard as jade, and without hesitation, she tore off the clothes on her shoulder along with bird droppings and tender buds, throwing them far away.

After the tender sprout landed, it instantly grew wildly, turning into a small carnivorous plant half a meter tall, baring its fangs and claws at the three of them, looking extremely ferocious.

"What vigorous vitality! It was able to take root and grow in such a short time!" Tang Ya said with lingering fear.

"Alright, let's get out of here quickly, be careful not to get hit by the 'feces rain'." Shi Yu pulled Tang Ya back a little, "Although these small carnivorous plants are not a big threat, it is really disgusting to be entangled by them."

"You bet it's disgusting!" Tang Ya nodded repeatedly, her face full of disgust.

Shi Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression becoming wary: "Be careful, a powerful aura is approaching."

No sooner had he finished speaking than several thick branches suddenly shot out from the dark forest, whistling through the air, and lashed out at the three of them.

"Get out of the way!" Shi Yu shouted, pulling Tang Ya aside. Tianmeng Ice Silkworm also dodged the attack of the branches with ease.

The three steadied themselves and looked in the direction from which the branches had come. They saw a huge tree slowly "walking" out of the forest.

This tree is tens of meters tall, with a trunk so thick that it would take more than a dozen people to encircle it. Its bark is dark brown and covered with wrinkles, and from a distance, it looks like a fierce human face.

Countless thick branches waved like arms, with sharp barbs at their ends, and dozens of root-like "feet" grew from the base of the trunk, supporting the massive body.

"This is the soul beast you said was suitable for me?" Tang Ya stared at the monstrous tree before her, her face pale and her voice trembling. "I... I'll become fertilizer for this forest, won't I?"

"Don't worry, this tree is called the Zombie Tree, and it's the undisputed overlord of the Xu Forest," Shi Yu reassured him. "You just need to fight it and do your best. Leave the rest to me and Sister Tianmeng. We'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Tang Ya swallowed hard, her heart filled with fear as she looked at the countless animal and soul beast skeletons entwined around the zombie tree. But when she thought of her revenge and the potential of the Dark Blue Silver Grass, she gritted her teeth and her eyes hardened: "Alright, I'll go!"

Before she finished speaking, Tang Ya swayed and used the Ghostly Shadow Step to nimbly dodge the branches that shot out from the zombie tree, quickly approaching it.

She activated her Purple Demon Eye, keeping a close eye on the zombie tree's attack trajectory, and with her exquisite footwork, she narrowly dodged the attacks time and time again.

Approaching the zombie tree, Tang Ya activated her Xuan Yu Hand, grabbed an incoming branch with both hands, and yanked it off with a sharp pull, snapping the thick branch in two.

She then used the Crane Control and Dragon Capture technique, pulling on the surrounding branches to run quickly along the trunk of the zombie tree, while constantly tearing off branches that tried to attack her.

In the blink of an eye, Tang Ya had torn off dozens of branches from the zombie tree, leaving the ground littered with broken twigs. Panting, Tang Ya turned to look at Shi Yu, a hint of smugness on her face: "How about that? Little Ya passed the test, right? It's nothing special."

"Take another look behind you," Shi Yu said with a hint of mockery.

Tang Ya's heart tightened, and she quickly turned around to look. She saw that from the broken ends of the branches she had torn off, more tiny branches were rapidly growing, like tentacles, and they were densely wrapping around her.

"What!" Tang Ya's expression changed drastically. She quickly circulated her soul power and used the Xuan Yu Hand again to quickly tear off the newly grown branches.

But these branches grew so fast that as soon as one batch was torn off, another batch sprouted up, endlessly keeping her busy.

Soon, Tang Ya's physical strength and soul power were almost exhausted, and her movements became sluggish. A thick branch seized the opportunity, suddenly wrapped around her ankle, lifted her up, and sent her toward the gaping mouth of the "human face" on the zombie tree trunk.

"Help me, Shi Yu!" Tang Ya cried out in terror, staring at the gaping maw filled with sharp teeth. "Isn't this just a training exercise? You don't really want to see me eaten, do you?"

"Hey, I really want to see," Shi Yu said with a smile, but there was no worry in his eyes. "But don't worry, I'll save you."

"Stop watching the show! Help me!" Tang Ya was so anxious she was almost crying.

Shi Yu flashed forward, leaping onto the branches of the zombie tree like an arrow, nimbly dodging the branches that kept shooting at him. At the same time, he took out a tuna from his bag and split it open with his hand.

As he approached Tang Ya, he sprinkled the fruit wine from the raspberry onto the surrounding branches.

Soon, Shi Yu rushed to Tang Ya's side, cut the branches that were wrapped around her ankles with his sword, held her firmly in his arms, and then leaped back to the ground.

"Are you alright?" Shi Yu asked with concern as he put Tang Ya down.

"It's nothing, thank you." Tang Ya was panting heavily, her face pale, but her eyes held a hint of excitement. Although the battle just now was dangerous, it had given her a clearer understanding of her own strength.

Shi Yu took out a box of matches from his pocket, lit one, and threw it toward the zombie tree.

The wine from the raspberry jelly is flammable and explosive, and it instantly burst into flames, engulfing the entire zombie tree.

The zombie tree let out a piercing roar, its branches flailing wildly, but under the scorching heat of the fire, its movements became increasingly sluggish, and its branches began to wither gradually.

Looking at the burning zombie tree, Tang Ya said somewhat dejectedly, "Did I perform too poorly? In the end, I still need your help."

"Sister Xiaoya, you've done a fantastic job," Shi Yu said with a smile, trying to comfort her. "To face such a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast in your first real battle (the age of the Zombie Tree is approximately five to eight thousand years, close to ten thousand), to achieve this level has exceeded my expectations. However, there's one thing Sister Xiaoya could have done better: why didn't you use your hidden weapons?"

"Uh..." Tang Ya looked embarrassed. "Seeing that you and Qiu'er usually fight head-on, I forgot that I also have hidden weapons."

"Hidden weapons are your forte, so remember to use them in the future," Shi Yu reminded her. "Alright, Sister Xiaoya, use your hidden weapon to deliver the final blow. This spirit ring is yours."

Tang Ya nodded, took out the Zhuge Crossbow from the storage bag at her waist, aimed at the "face" on the zombie tree trunk between the eyebrows, and pulled the trigger without hesitation.

Several poisoned crossbow bolts shot out like lightning, hitting their targets precisely.

The zombie tree let out a final roar, its massive body slowly collapsing and being completely burned to ashes by the flames.

Amidst the ashes, a purple soul ring slowly rose, radiating a rich fluctuation of soul power.

"This is my first spirit ring!" Tang Ya looked at the purple spirit ring, her eyes sparkling with excitement.