Inside Star Dou, Tang San's eyes were dull, calling Xiao Wu's name as he walked like a puppet toward the forest's depths.
Spirit Hall's main force followed about two kilometers behind, only Ghost Douluo able to hide within Tang San's shadow.
Getting closer to Lake of Life, ten-thousand-year beasts could be seen everywhere. Among them, two ten-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbits.
As the Blue Silver Emperor could rule all Blue Silver Grass, a hundred-thousand-year Xiao Wu was king of all Soft Bone Rabbits.
Hearing their king's name being called, two rabbits ran to the lake's edge to report.
At the lake, Xiao Wu, Titan Giant Ape, and Sky Blue Bull Python stood guard. They were the lake's guardians, preventing intruders from disturbing the true rulers' cultivation.
Hearing someone was searching for her and recognizing the description, Xiao Wu guessed it was Tang San and became overjoyed. "Brother San! He's come for me! Da Ming, Er Ming, did you hear? I must go see him now!"
"No, Xiao Wu! Reports say a group has entered the forest—including Titled Douluo, the highest-level humans. If you run into them, it'll be dangerous!" Da Ming (Sky Blue Bull Python) stopped her.
Er Ming (Titan Giant Ape) nodded. "Yes, stay at the lake. Only here can we protect you."
Xiao Wu laughed. "Don't worry, Brother San would never hurt me. He loves me most in the world."
With that, she leaped hundreds of meters away.
The two beasts sighed. Honestly, her words stung. She'd only known Tang San ten years, but they'd cultivated together for tens of thousands. Did she think their love was less?
"Big brother, is the human world really so good? Xiao Wu wants to return there for Tang San." Titan Giant Ape wondered.
Sky Blue Bull Python lowered his huge head. "Sigh, I don't understand either. Humans and soul beasts should be enemies, but Xiao Wu loves one. I just hope the human she chose is worthy of her."
Indeed, the two beasts had worried endlessly for her.
…
Leaving the lake, Xiao Wu followed her subordinate rabbits' directions, and soon saw the figure she yearned for.
"Xiao San!" Xiao Wu cried with joy, rushing to him.
Her heart was filled with longing; she didn't even notice Tang San's strange state.
Tang San's eyes were still blank, and in his shadow, a ghostly hand crept out.
Ghost Douluo was delighted—using Tang San had worked. The hundred-thousand-year rabbit they couldn't find had foolishly come out.
At that moment, a powerful mental force struck, forcing Ghost Douluo out of Tang San's shadow, and Tang San instantly regained clarity.
Seeing Xiao Wu rushing over, he shouted anxiously, "Xiao Wu, run! Spirit Hall is here for you. They just controlled me to lure you out!"
"What?!" Xiao Wu stopped in her tracks.
Tang San, finding himself free, quickly grabbed her hand. "Let's run! Their main force is close. If we're caught, it's over!"
Seeing the pair flee, Ghost Douluo tried to chase, but a holy light swept over, making him feel mortal danger. His arm was scorched as if by fire, pain splitting his soul. Without hesitation, he gave up the chase and dodged the light.
But that light didn't seem intent to kill, just to block him. In that moment, Tang San and Xiao Wu vanished from sight.
"Damn! Who dares ruin Spirit Hall's plans?!" Ghost Douluo roared. If not for that light, he'd have caught Tang San and Xiao Wu.
He was both angry and afraid—the mysterious attacker's power was not less than his, and the attribute was his nemesis. Against that light, he was helpless.
"Old Ghost!" Hearing his roar, Chrysanthemum Douluo led the group over, heart aching at his injured arm. "What happened? Why are you hurt?"
"I'd found the hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit, was about to catch her, but a sudden master stopped me with a light. He didn't even appear—just the light injured me." Ghost Douluo replied bitterly.
Chrysanthemum Douluo was shocked. Who could injure Ghost Douluo so easily without showing themselves?
"Don't be too afraid. That person's power is strong, but not necessarily higher than ours—he just restrains me by attribute. Now that the rabbit has fled, we must give chase. If we fail, the Pope will punish us."
Chrysanthemum Douluo agreed. Now wasn't the time to ponder this—the priority was the Soft Bone Rabbit. With two Titled Douluo sent as insurance, the mysterious person might restrain Ghost Douluo, but not necessarily him.
Spirit Hall immediately pursued Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Behind a large tree, Tianlin leaned against the trunk, a smile on his lips. Things were proceeding as he'd hoped.
He was the one who intervened just now—both the mental force that freed Tang San and the holy light (Holy Spirit Pearl's skill—Five-Elemental Purification). Against most, it did little, but Ghost Douluo was a ghost martial soul—completely restrained.
He couldn't let Xiao Wu be caught so soon. Only when the two Titled Douluo clashed with the two forest kings would it be time for the Emperor Battle Team to act.
…
In the forest, Tang San and Xiao Wu ran for their lives. Xiao Wu said, "Xiao San, at this rate we'll be caught. Even the weakest of them is stronger than us."
"What can we do? Xiao Wu, you go on—I'll hold them off, even for a second. Every second I hold them, you gain a chance!" Tang San said, about to turn back.
Xiao Wu was deeply moved. Tang San truly loved her, even willing to die for her. Her trust in him peaked.
"Xiao San, no need. Let's find my two brothers. With them, even more Spirit Hall members are no match!" Xiao Wu pulled Tang San towards the Lake of Life.
Soon, Tang San saw two gigantic figures—one a mountain-like black gorilla, the other a massive snake with a bull's head.
"Are they the forest kings my teacher mentioned—Titan Giant Ape and Sky Blue Bull Python?"
"That's right. This time, I'll make sure no one from Spirit Hall leaves alive!" Xiao Wu said coldly. Her hatred for Spirit Hall ran deeper than the ocean.