Reincarnated With The Designer Martial Soul

Using the savings Lin Feng had accumulated from Wang Lei and his gang, he purchased additional supplies—medicines, first aid kits, and other essentials. Only then did he return home, satisfied with his haul. Once back in his hut, Lin Feng activated his Designer Panel and began importing the resources he had gathered. While crude, the materials allowed him to craft several makeshift Martial Souls, which he stored for future use. Though not refined and only at grade 9, these creations could prove invaluable in unexpected situations.

On the morning of the fourth day, Lin Feng woke before dawn, ensuring his preparations were complete. Double-checking his supplies, he ensured his Martial Souls were ready to be exported at a moment's notice. Satisfied, he donned his newly acquired gear.

He wore one of the lightweight leather armors, its supple material offering protection without sacrificing agility. Over it, he strapped a sturdy sword across his waist, its blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. On his back, he carried a bow and a quiver filled with arrows, their fletchings neatly aligned. Attached to his right hand was a small shield, compact yet sturdy enough to deflect attacks if needed.

The transformation was striking. Gone was the frail, unassuming boy who once blended into the background. In his place stood a confident young cultivator, equipped and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

As he stepped outside, he found the other seven participants assembling near the village gates. Among them were familiar faces like Li Wei, whose bruises had faded slightly but whose scowl remained as fierce as ever. Mei Ling stood nearby, giving him a subtle nod of encouragement. Her expression conveyed both trust and caution—a silent reminder of the dangers awaiting them.

However, what caught Lin Feng's attention most was the stark contrast between his own equipment and that of the others—especially the Hunting Elder and his squad that were slowly making their way here.

Li Wei looked imposing in armor crafted from the hide of a low-tier Qi Refining beast. The dark, durable plates were reinforced with simple metal studs, providing basic protection while retaining mobility. His broadsword hung proudly at his side, its hilt wrapped in leather and its blade sharpened to a fine edge. Though not overly ornate, the weapon exuded reliability, likely forged by the village blacksmith using materials gifted by his father. Even his boots appeared sturdier than average, reinforced with toughened leather to withstand rough terrain.

Mei Ling, too, stood out with her practical yet refined gear. She wore layered armor made from hardened animal hides, treated to resist tearing and punctures. A slender rapier rested at her hip, its narrow blade designed for precision strikes rather than brute force. Around her neck hung a simple pendant infused with spiritual energy, presumably a protective charm gifted by her family. While her equipment lacked extravagance, it was clear that every piece had been carefully chosen for functionality and balance.

But it was the Hunting Elder and his veteran hunters who truly commanded respect. Each member of the squad wore armor reinforced with fragments of Qi Refining-stage beasts, though these materials were far from top-tier. Some sported chestplates lined with chipped scales or bone fragments, offering moderate protection against stronger foes. Their weapons varied—axes with slightly dulled edges, spears tipped with jagged fangs, and bows strung with sinew fibers—but each bore signs of frequent use and careful maintenance. Though not dazzling, their gear radiated practicality and experience.

Seeing them up close, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel a pang of inferiority. While he had done his best to prepare, his makeshift gear paled in comparison to their well-crafted equipment. For a brief moment, doubt crept into his mind. Would his ingenuity and Martial Souls be enough to compensate for the disparity in resources?

Before Lin Feng could dwell on these thoughts further, Li Wei approached him, his lips curled into a sneer.

"So, you think you're ready for this?" Li Wei taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You might've gotten lucky last time, but let's see how far your so-called 'genius' gets you out there."

Lin Feng met his gaze calmly, refusing to rise to the bait. "Luck had nothing to do with it," he replied evenly. "If anything, I'm looking forward to seeing how much stronger I've become since then."

Li Wei scoffed, his eyes narrowing as they swept over Lin Feng's modest attire. "Stronger? Look at yourself! You're practically wearing garbage compared to us. Did you really think those scraps would protect you against demon beasts? Pathetic."

Lin Feng smirked, deciding to turn the tables. "Oh, is that so? Funny thing though—I heard from Mei Ling that you were supposed to be bedridden for a full month. Yet here you are, walking around like nothing happened. Did your father slip you some precious medicine behind the scenes?"

Li Wei's face darkened, his fists clenching involuntarily. The jab struck a nerve, and whispers rippled through the nearby participants who had overheard Lin Feng's remark.

"What did you say?" Li Wei growled, taking a step closer. "Don't act all high and mighty just because you got lucky once. Out there, no one will save you when the beasts tear you apart."

Lin Feng shrugged nonchalantly, his tone light but laced with mockery. "Relax, Li Wei. I'm just saying, if your recovery was thanks to some special treatment, maybe you should share the secret. After all, we're teammates now, right?"

For a moment, anger flashed in Li Wei's eyes, but he quickly masked it with arrogance. "Hmph! Don't flatter yourself. My strength doesn't rely on tricks or shortcuts. Unlike you, I earned everything I have through hard work and talent."

"Sure, sure," Lin Feng said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Just don't forget—hard work and talent didn't stop me from beating you last time."

Li Wei's jaw tightened, and for a brief second, it looked like he might lash out. But before he could respond, his father—the Hunting Elder—stepped between them, his expression stern.

"That's enough, both of you," the elder barked, glaring at his son and Lin Feng in turn. "We're about to head into dangerous territory. Save your petty arguments for later."

The elder's intervention only highlighted his dissatisfaction with Li Wei. Not only had his son lost the battle, but he had also embarrassed himself again—and by extension, him as well—in front of everyone. Now, as an father he had to step in personally to maintain order, further tarnishing his reputation.

Li Wei shot Lin Feng one final glare before turning away, muttering under his breath. Lin Feng watched him go, a faint smirk playing on his lips. While he knew better than to provoke Li Wei too much, the exchange had served its purpose—it reminded everyone present that Lin Feng wasn't someone to underestimate.

Still, Lin Feng couldn't shake the uneasy feeling lingering in the back of his mind. Li Wei's words carried a kernel of truth: his equipment was inferior, and the upcoming trial would test not only his abilities but also his resourcefulness. On top of that, he had to be wary of this father-son duo. Although they wouldn't make trouble directly in front of so many witnesses, he had to remain vigilant.

"Let's hope everything goes alright," Lin Feng muttered to himself, refusing to let doubt consume him. If anything, Li Wei's hostility only fueled his determination. He clenched his fists subtly, reminding himself of the countless hours he'd spent honing his skills and experimenting with his Designer Panel. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on and prove his strength.

Next, without wasting time, the Hunting Elder issued final instructions while releasing a tinge of red aura filled with bloodlust, scaring the youngsters. This feeling could only be given by someone who had killed a lot. 

"Stick together, follow orders, and don't wander off alone. Those who disobey will face severe consequences. Let's move!"

With that, the group set off toward the Shadowfang Forest , their footsteps echoing ominously against the quiet backdrop of the early morning.

The journey to the forest took nearly two hours. As they approached, the air grew colder, and the trees loomed taller, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. Strange sounds echoed through the dense foliage—growls, rustling leaves, and distant howls that sent chills down their spines.

"This is it," the Hunting Elder announced, halting the group at the edge of the forest. "From here on, stay alert and stay in the formation. Demon beasts can attack without warning."

Lin Feng scanned his surroundings, noting the thick underbrush and uneven terrain. It was clear that navigating this environment would require not only strength but also cunning and adaptability.

As the group ventured inside, Lin Feng couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, set his nerves on edge. Yet, despite the tension, he remained focused, determined to prove himself—not just to the Hunting Elder, but to himself.

Little did he know, the trials awaiting him in the Shadowfang Forest would push him to his very limits—and beyond.