Rebirth: Supreme Soul Master

“Our goal is to reach that place, where there is a fortified city.” William learned some information about that place from the map details and records he read in the library.

It is one of the few cities belonging to the kingdom, with fortifications comparable to any decent academy.

Meanwhile, many roads lead there from different locations. From there, however, only one road leads to the capital.

“This is the path we must take,” William handed over the scabbard, leading us along the line he had drawn on the map. “This is the shortest and safest route I can find to traverse this chaos. We must go straight into the heart of the forest. So, remain vigilant and strictly follow my orders, or I will not be responsible for your death.”

His last words were addressed to the members of the reconnaissance team. The route they had taken stretched a short distance on the map, but everyone knew how long it would take to get there.

It will take at least a week to cross this distance and reach the scorching land.

"Why not choose the official route?" Ibra couldn't help but point with his sword to an official route that wasn't far from here: "We can march quickly and arrive in less than two days."

“The official road is safer than going through the forest, isn’t it?” Lang asked, looking directly into William’s eyes.

The latter couldn't help but sigh.

“The news that we’re going there has already spread,” he paused, then slowly added, “so trying to take any of the expected paths will be detrimental to us.”

"Are you afraid of dark soul masters? Then why bother them?" Ibra crossed his arms, leaned against his broadsword, and looked at William with a puzzled expression.

“I don’t mind clashing with the Dark Soul Masters outside,” William nodded, pointing to the Scorching Lands region on the map. “At least we’ll fight, struggle, and suffer for the quest’s rich rewards. But I’m not one to waste our energy and time on pointless battles before we reach our destination.”

William didn't need to attend meetings of the numerous traitors within his family to know what they were doing. He had already experienced firsthand just how closely these traitors were organized and connected with Dark Soul Masters in other regions.

His past dealings with the disciples of Jintian, and the influence he received after arriving at the academy, are sufficient proof of this.

He anticipated that the enemy had learned of his plans. Therefore, he decided to avoid trouble and not take the formal route, instead using his originally prepared alternative as Plan B.

William was unaware of this, but the simple decision he made on the spot saved him and his team a lot of trouble.

The dark soul masters of this area, and even the Scorching Lands, are actively searching for him. They have seized all the official routes connecting the academy to that place and are lying in ambush, waiting for his arrival to capture him and his team.

No one expected William to take a more difficult route, risking great dangers, and traversing the deepest and most dangerous parts of the forest.

There's absolutely no point in doing this!

Just as William suspected, news of William and the others reached the ears of all the Dark Soul Masters.

They knew he was a Bronze Soul Master, and his friends were all Bronze Soul Masters as well. No one doubted that such a weak group of disciples had embarked on a path that even Gold-level Soul Masters dared not tread.

“Take these,” William began, taking out a pile of materials and dividing them into several groups, adding, “One packet each. Follow the instructions on the scroll and spread the materials on your body. Each group should meet your needs. You need to come back for supplies two days from now, understand?”

"Why don't you just give them all the materials they need for the entire journey?"

William simply smiled and did not answer.

In fact, he could do that and provide all five members with the materials they need for a week or more. But he hopes they'll come back for different reasons.

First, they need rest. Maintaining vigilance for two consecutive days is undoubtedly quite stressful for anyone. Additionally, William wants to reassess their performance and replace those who underperformed or acted recklessly with others.

Not to mention they might get into trouble, get injured, or even be killed.

William didn't want to lose all the materials; if someone fell, his items would be collected. So, after the five people received the materials, he gave them half an hour to memorize the scrolls that had been distributed earlier, then took the scrolls back and put them all back into his ring.

Even if they were killed, he would prevent the enemy from knowing what they were doing. Moreover, this novel way of using the formation was unique to his former master, and he absolutely did not want his enemies to gain such knowledge!

William knew that his master had taken items used by ordinary and dark soul masters from the outside world, modified them, and become stronger. As he put away the scroll, he didn't forget to remind the five members of the reconnaissance team of something.

"This formation can shield your aura, vision, and even soul power... but it cannot block sound. So, no matter what, if you have any doubts, stand firm, hide, and don't make any noise, or you will be discovered."