Although she was also shocked to learn that Xiao Wu was a 100,000-year Spirit Beast, she suppressed the greed in her heart.
She knew very well what the name "Wu Tong" represented.
He was a Divine Trial Candidate supported by the majority of the continent's factions and the first sage praised by almost everyone on the Douluo Continent.
Given her family's strength, even if they could obtain this Spirit Beast, they would offend Wu Tong in the process. Such a move would undoubtedly be picking up a sesame seed but losing a watermelon, for Wu Tong's friendship was far more valuable than any 100,000-year Spirit Ring.
After all, a 100,000-year Spirit Ring could only empower one person, while Wu Tong's friendship could potentially elevate their entire family.
Hearing Chao Tianxiang's words, Meng Yiran also realized this and quickly reined in her greed. She then stood aside with Chao Tianxiang, watching the events unfold like an onlooker.
...
"..."
Surrounded by gazes filled with greed, resentment, and desire—all brimming with negative emotions—Xiao Wu, who had always been well-protected by Tang San since leaving the Star Dou Great Forest, was stunned. She had never experienced such a scene of betrayal and condemnation before.
Did I just ruin my only chance of survival?
At this thought, Xiao Wu, whose mind had been clouded by infatuation, finally regained her senses under the threat of death.
"Heh, still refusing to talk? You've been abandoned by Tang San, yet you're still defending his whereabouts so loyally. Tsk tsk…"
Seeing Xiao Wu finally snap out of her lovesick state, Wu Tong clicked his tongue in amusement.
It seems this old rabbit still has some brains. At least she hasn't completely turned into Tang San's accessory like she does five years later.
Though Xiao Wu had regained her rationality, her mouth hadn't caught up yet, and she instinctively defended Tang San:
"You're lying! Third Brother would never abandon me!"
"Then explain why he didn't take you with him when he fled?"
Wu Tong scoffed at Xiao Wu's retort. The matter couldn't withstand scrutiny—if Tang San truly cared for Xiao Wu, why wouldn't he take her with him?
No matter the reason, the fact remained that Tang San had left Xiao Wu behind. No amount of sophistry could change that.
...
Meanwhile, in another place.
Blue Silver Forest.
Tang San, who had been knocked out and carried away by Tang Hao, slowly regained consciousness.
Upon seeing Tang Hao's figure, Tang San was overjoyed.
After several hours of emotional exchanges, Tang San learned from his father about Wu Tong's pursuit.
The news filled Tang San with fury: "Wu Tong, not only did you drive my teacher to despair, but you also dared to harm my family. You've already invited death!"
Filled with rage and hatred, Tang San and Tang Hao followed the latter's guidance to the inheritance ground of the Blue Silver Clan, where they found the Blue Silver King—a being that could help Tang San's Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit undergo a second awakening.
"Father, is that the Blue Silver King?"
Staring at the towering blue tree in the distance, Tang San was awestruck. He had never imagined that Blue Silver Grass could grow to such a level—it defied his understanding.
"Yes, Little San. Go. Your body carries the bloodline of the Blue Silver Emperor. The Blue Silver King will surely aid you."
Tang Hao's voice was filled with anticipation as he gazed at the distant Blue Silver King.
"Remember, no matter how painful the awakening process is, you must endure it. Only by successfully awakening the Blue Silver Emperor Martial Spirit can you match Wu Tong's talent and avenge your elder brother and our sect."
"As for Xiao Wu, don't worry. She's a 100,000-year Spirit Beast in human form, and staying in the human world would be dangerous for her.
"Today, the Shrek group was heading to the Star Dou Great Forest for a Spirit Hunt, so I left a letter telling her to return there. As long as she stays in the forest, Wu Tong won't be able to harm her."
"What? A Spirit Beast in human form?" Tang San was shocked. He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to be non-human.
The revelation left him feeling deeply unsettled. As a reincarnator from a feudal society, he had heard of folklore about spirits and monsters.
He had once dismissed such tales as mere fiction, but now, it had happened to him. The idea was hard to accept.
In the eyes of the Yanhuang descendants, non-human races were barbarians, let alone beings that weren't human at all.
Though Tang San was a hypocrite and a double-standardist, this feudal mindset was deeply ingrained in him, leaving him conflicted about how to face Xiao Wu.
"I understand, Father. This might be for the best—Xiao Wu will be safer this way. Once we deal with Wu Tong, I'll bring her back from the Star Dou Great Forest."
Still troubled, Tang San chose to set the matter aside for now as he focused on the Blue Silver King ahead.
"I'll go now, Father."
"Go, Little San. Remember—persevere."
As Tang San walked away, Tang Hao watched with hope. Hold on, Little San. You must succeed.
However, Tang Hao hadn't considered one thing: the dilapidated Shrek Academy dormitories were drafty, and the letter he left on Xiao Wu's desk had long since been blown away by the wind to an unknown location.
Thus, a peculiar misunderstanding was born.
...
Leaving aside Tang Hao and Tang San for now, the scene returns to the Star Dou Great Forest.
"This…"
Xiao Wu had no answer to Wu Tong's question.
Why didn't Tang San take me with him when he left?
Now that she had calmed down, she quickly pieced together Wu Tong's purpose.
*Wu Tong slaughtered Third Brother's family. That means he's here today to eliminate Third Brother completely.
But Third Brother left Shrek Academy in advance, which means he knew Wu Tong was coming.
If that's the case… Third Brother, why didn't you take me with you?
Were you afraid I'd hold you back? Or was there some other reason?*
...
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(End of Chapter)