At the same time, Ignaz and his group had already taken advantage of Tang Hao's battle with the Spirit Hall to leave Spirit City.
Although Xue Qinghe's protection made it unlikely that Bibi Dong would act against them, for safety's sake, Ignaz needed to use this chaotic moment to leave the city as soon as possible. Fortunately, with Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi providing protection along the way, nothing went wrong. They safely reached a small town about twenty miles from Spirit City.
"Kid Ignaz, shouldn't we be heading north back to Skywater City? Why are you having us ride west?" Dugu Bo, sitting at the front of the carriage, frowned in confusion.
"Are we going to Hanhai City, or perhaps that Sea God Island you mentioned?"
"Neither. I have something I need to do, so I won't be returning to Skywater City with you this trip."
"What? You're not going back? Don't you know how dangerous it will be after the Spirit Master competition? If Tang Hao finds you, you won't survive."
Earlier, after Dugu Bo defeated Tang Hao, he had recounted the battle to Ignaz, hoping Ignaz would stay in SkyWater City under his protection to ensure his safety.
Yet now, Ignaz planned to leave that protection?
Seeing Dugu Bo's worry, Ignaz explained calmly:
"I understand your concern, but this is something I must do. If I miss this chance, it may be impossible to get another one."
Dugu Bo was momentarily confused by his words, but soon realized what Ignaz meant.
"No, going alone is suicide. Have you thought about Yan Yan's feelings? I'm going with you."
"I have thought about it, which is why I'm discussing this with you outside the carriage."
Ignaz glanced back at Dugu Yan and the others inside. Zhu Zhuqing was absorbing the Gale Right Leg Bone he had given her, while Ye Lingling was taking in the 50,000-year Spirit Wisdom Skull. Initially, Ignaz had planned to absorb the Spirit Wisdom Skull himself—that was one of his main reasons for entering the Spirit Master competition.
But after much consideration, he decided against it, and at the three girls' insistence, he allowed Ye Lingling to absorb it instead.
"You need to stay in SkyWater City, not just to protect the girls, but also to serve as a deterrent to the Spirit Hall."
Ignaz was equally helpless. With Xiao Wu separated from Tang San and Tang Hao not there to protect her, now was the perfect window to hunt her.
As a half-relative, Dugu Bo naturally wanted to keep Ignaz under constant protection, but that was impossible. Dugu Yan and the others had to return to SkyWater City first, or they would miss the critical timing.
"I will be cautious. If the situation becomes untenable, I'll retreat immediately. Besides, I carry a poison strong enough to threaten Titled Douluo—Tang Hao alone can't kill me."
"Time is the real issue. Going back and forth, we won't make it."
"…This…"
Dugu Bo was at a loss for words. Judging by Ignaz's current abilities, anyone below Douluo rank couldn't catch him. Even if they did, the poison he developed would seriously disrupt them.
"Fine. Once I send Dugu Yan and the others back, I'll come find you." Dugu Bo still worried about Ignaz's safety.
"Then I'll be off. Take care of yourself."
Without further delay, Ignaz activated his Spirit Bone ability and sped into a dense forest. Dugu Bo and the others urged their horses toward SkyWater City.
...
Night gradually fell. Tang Hao sat beside a campfire, cooking and watching the waking Xiao Wu.
"Child, you miss Xiao San's mother. Like her, you are a 100,000-year Spirit Beast in human form. Right now, your power is weak and you haven't matured. Staying with Xiao San is dangerous for both of you."
"You need to return to where you belong. When you reach maturity and gain self-protection, and when Xiao San can protect others, then you can meet again."
Tang Hao was showing Xiao Wu remarkable mercy. In the past, discovering her true identity would have prompted him to knock her out, waiting until Tang San became a Spirit Sage to absorb a 100,000-year Spirit Ring and maximize his gains from Spirit Rings and Bones.
But now, Xiao Wu's bond with Tang San was more than that of ordinary teammates. As a father, he had to abandon those immature plans.
"And Xiao San…"
Before Xiao Wu could finish, Tang Hao spoke:
"He's fine. Under my arrangement, he will grow stronger. Then you two can be together openly."
"Move under cover of night. Hurry."
With reluctance, Xiao Wu dashed toward the Starfall Great Forest.
The place Tang Hao had chosen for her return was less than ten miles from the forest—undoubtedly the safest distance for her. Xiao Wu sped toward it, using her Spirit Beast senses to detect two burly men approaching within a mile or two.
"I have to run."
Though she didn't know if they were friend or foe, these were dangerous times. The men might be Spirit Hall hunters sent to kill her.
Xiao Wu sprinted toward the forest, using instantaneous Spirit techniques to widen the gap.
Yet a signal flare shot above the forest. In the next moment, a Spirit Emperor appeared behind her, less than three hundred meters away.
"Third Spirit Skill, Eagle Cry!"
Sharp sound waves shot toward Xiao Wu. She deftly dodged with agile maneuvers and countered with the Zhuge Divine Crossbow.
Though powerful, it was almost ineffective against a Spirit Emperor.
"Fifth Spirit Skill, Air Blast!"
The Spirit Emperor flew at incredible speed, rapidly displacing the air and generating a heavy, powerful sonic explosion. Xiao Wu, caught on the edge, was thrown aside, crashing under a massive tree.
Seeing his chance, the Spirit Emperor unleashed a third skill on her again.
"Fourth Spirit Skill, Invincible Golden Body."