Chapter 312: Tang San and Xiao Wu, Finally Reunited
Early the next morning, before sunlight pierced the dense canopy of Star Dou Forest, the team was already making preparations. They awaited daybreak, knowing the dangers would lessen once the nocturnal spirit beasts returned to their lairs.
Tang San's gaze was sharp as he followed Hu Liena and the others out of the tent. He needed to understand why Spirit Hall had brought such a powerful group to the forest. With two Title Douluos, several Soul Douluos, and dozens of Soul Saints, they had enough power to obliterate a small kingdom. He couldn't believe they were here on a simple hunting expedition.
"If these people really are here for Xiao Wu, then things could turn very ugly," he thought darkly, feeling a mounting sense of dread. With his current strength, there was no way he could hinder their plans. Even Xiao Wu's friend, the Titan Giant Ape, would be hard-pressed to challenge such overwhelming power.
Within the camp, Soul Saints and Soul Douluos dressed in black robes patrolled warily. Chrysanthemum Douluo leaned against a nearby tree with an air of idle confidence, while Ghost Douluo was nowhere to be seen, though Tang San sensed he was somewhere close by, lurking in the shadows.
Hu Liena and her group were gathered in the center, guarded on all sides by the black-robed soul masters. Tang San took a seat with them, nibbling on his ration while discreetly studying the group's intentions. Finally, he seized an opening in the conversation to casually ask, "You've assembled an impressive force. Truly fitting of Spirit Hall, sending so many strong people just to hunt a few spirit beasts. Seems a bit extravagant, doesn't it?"
His remark put everyone on alert. Even though they were wary of him, the question only heightened their suspicions. Just as Hu Liena was about to speak, Dai Yao clapped a heavy arm around Tang San's shoulders, smirking as he said, "Hey, Tang, don't go prying into things above your pay grade. You've got your rank, and we've got ours. Too many questions won't do you any good, right?"
Dai Yao's tone turned mocking. "From now on, don't call me Dai Yao. Just call me Yao-ge."
Tang San's smile stiffened as he swallowed a wave of disgust, barely managing to force out, "Yes… Yao-ge."
Inwardly, he cursed Dai Yao, certain this man was trying to get under his skin on purpose. But after a moment's thought, he doubted Dai Yao could know his true identity. If he did, why would he be covering for him? What was he up to?
Hu Liena and the others gave Dai Yao a questioning look, sensing something strange about his attitude toward Tang Yin. Dai Yao was strong yet unpretentious, but his dismissive tone toward Tang Yin seemed uncharacteristic. Then again, as the newcomer, Tang Yin's question had been ill-considered, and Dai Yao was probably just reminding him of his place.
As Tang San stewed in quiet irritation, he noticed Dai Yao stifling a smile as if enjoying his discomfort.
"Form up! We're moving out!" Chrysanthemum Douluo announced once the sun was up, glancing at the sky. His order was met with swift action as everyone gathered their gear. Dai Yao and the others ate the last of their rations, scanning the area alertly.
Once the group was ready, Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded to an empty area. In an instant, Ghost Douluo's eerie shadow darted ahead to lead the way.
The team quickly fell into formation, with the strongest soul masters flanking and guarding Dai Yao's group at the center. Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo positioned themselves at the front and rear, forming a protective barrier that kept the group safe as they plunged deeper into the forest.
Although powerful spirit beasts sensed their approach, the might of the two Douluos dissuaded any thought of attack.
As they ventured further, everyone's expressions grew increasingly serious. Tang San was growing frantic as well—Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo's barrier prevented him from using his Blue Silver Domain to search for Xiao Wu. If they happened upon her, there would be no escape.
After nearly two hours, Ghost Douluo suddenly halted and called, "Rest here!"
The group stopped instantly, each member instinctively assuming their positions, forming a protective circle around Dai Yao's group. Only once they paused did Tang San feel a small surge of relief. With the barrier down, he could finally use his Blue Silver Domain.
Just as he prepared to activate it, he sensed Dai Yao's gaze on him. Forcing himself to remain calm, he dropped his hand and casually asked, "Yao-ge, is something wrong?"
Dai Yao smirked slightly as if lost in thought. "Hey, Tang, didn't I sense some kind of mental detection ability from you last night? If you've got a spirit-detection skill, why not help us track down a good spirit beast?"
Tang San's heart skipped a beat. Dai Yao had seen through his Blue Silver Domain! On the surface, this seemed like an ideal opportunity—he could finally search for Xiao Wu. But this felt too convenient. Could Dai Yao be trying to steer him into a trap?
After a brief pause, Tang San forced a nonchalant response. "You're right, Yao-ge. I do have a fairly powerful detection skill. What kind of spirit beast are you looking for?"
Hu Liena and the others brightened at this news. Though they were formidable, tracking a specific target in Star Dou Forest could take ages. If Tang Yin could indeed detect spirit beasts, it would save valuable time.
Still, asking for Tang Yin's help meant explaining the mission.
"We're looking for a specific ten-thousand-year spirit beast," Hu Liena said. "A Soft-Bone Rabbit, to be exact. It's a rare creature that's taken human form, so its spirit power should be similar to your own."
Upon hearing her mention a ten-thousand-year spirit beast in human form, Tang San's mind went blank for a second, as though thunder had struck him. He barely registered Hu Liena's next words.
"They really are here for Xiao Wu!" he realized, clenching his teeth in fury.
Still, he suppressed his rage, schooling his expression into one of forced indifference as he nodded and said, "Very well."
He then activated his Blue Silver Domain, sending pulses of his spirit energy through the blue silver grass on the forest floor, scanning for the familiar presence of his friend. Each spirit beast's aura appeared in his mind as he sifted through them one by one.
Watching Tang San's focus, Dai Yao's lips curved into a slight, mocking smile.
He had long wondered why, in the original story, Tang San had activated his Blue Silver Domain within Spirit Hall's hunting party. If not for his hasty actions, Xiao Wu might have survived.
If he remembered correctly, Tang San's motives stemmed from the urgency of finding Xiao Wu amidst the thinning opportunities to use his Domain due to Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo's barrier, as well as his overwhelming yearning to see her.
With Tang San completely immersed in his search, Dai Yao considered how ironic it was that the very skill Tang San was using to find Xiao Wu was ultimately the thing that would lead Spirit Hall right to her.
Dai Yao could barely hold back a laugh. If it weren't for Tang San, Spirit Hall's group might never find Xiao Wu, and she wouldn't be forced to sacrifice herself. In a twisted sense, Tang San himself was the one who'd be leading Xiao Wu to her death, despite his undying devotion.
"Truly impressive, our ever-faithful, ever-clever 'God King Tang,'" Dai Yao muttered with a mocking smirk.
Some time later, Tang San let out a pained groan, his eyes snapping open as he coughed up blood, collapsing to the ground.
"What's wrong, Little Tang? Are you okay?"
Dai Yao had been watching closely. He was at Tang San's side in an instant, helping him sit up with a look of genuine worry. His expression of concern seemed almost touching to Hu Liena and the others, who marveled at how quickly Dai Yao seemed to have grown attached to Tang Yin.
Ghost Douluo appeared beside them, peering intently at Tang San. He raised a finger to lightly touch Tang San's forehead, and instantly Tang San jerked awake, gasping as though he'd just come up for air after nearly drowning. His face was pale as he tried to calm his breathing.
Dai Yao pulled out a water flask, holding it to Tang San's lips. "Take it easy, Little Tang. Here, drink some water to steady yourself."
Tang San felt a surge of irritation as he watched Dai Yao's overly concerned expression. He tried to push the flask away but found himself too weak to resist. Noting Tang San's faint struggle, Dai Yao pressed the flask closer, leaving Tang San no choice but to take a sip.
"What's the matter, Little Tang?" Dai Yao asked innocently. "You can't possibly be turning your nose up at a drink from me, can you?"
Bitterly, Tang San drank from the flask, solidifying his resolve to one day eliminate Dai Yao. Satisfied, Dai Yao finally pulled the flask back, releasing him.
Ghost Douluo, now caught up on the situation, watched as Tang San's strength returned. "Tang Yin, what exactly happened during your detection? Why did you suddenly collapse?"
Suppressing his resentment, Tang San chose his words carefully. "While scanning the forest, I detected a very powerful presence. It must have picked up on my spirit signature and retaliated with a mental attack. I barely managed to react in time to save myself."
He managed to add, "That beast's strength is at least at the level of a Soul Douluo."
Tang San concealed the fact that he had sensed not one, but three auras—two as strong as his father's and one closer to his own level. He was certain this was where Xiao Wu was hiding. If Spirit Hall recklessly pursued that area, those two soul beasts would decimate them.
"A Soul Douluo-level beast? Then it's probably not the one we're looking for," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, frowning.
"Regardless, we can't ignore a lead. Better to investigate and risk error than let it slip away," Ghost Douluo said cautiously. "Everyone, move out."
At his command, the group of over twenty sprang to action. Dai Yao immediately adjusted his grip on Tang San's shoulder, ensuring he couldn't break away.
Tang San ground his teeth. "Yao-ge, I think I can manage on my own now."
"Oh, don't be silly, Little Tang. You're still recovering from your injury, and we wouldn't want you slowing down the group. Besides, I'm only looking out for you," Dai Yao replied in that same, needling tone.
As Tang San forced out a tight smile, he bit back the desire to spit an insult. "Thanks, Yao-ge."
"No problem," Dai Yao replied, ever the big brother figure.
"Where is the beast, Tang Yin?" Ghost Douluo asked, turning back.
Tang San pointed in the direction of Xiao Wu's aura. The Spirit Hall team immediately set off, following his lead. As they progressed deeper into the forest, all of them began to notice the strange stillness around them. Fewer spirit beasts appeared, and eventually, none could be sensed at all.
The deeper silence was unnerving, with not a sound to be heard save the wind in the leaves and the soft calls of distant birds. They heightened their guard, alert to the possibility of danger.
"Welcome to Star Dou Forest," a soft, feminine voice called from ahead. Everyone halted.
Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately leapt to Ghost Douluo's side, exchanging a wary glance before signaling to the group. The black-robed soul masters quickly closed ranks around Dai Yao's group, weapons at the ready, each releasing their martial spirits.
Dozens of soul rings illuminated the dense forest, filling the air with an intense, almost suffocating power. Waves of energy rippled outward, distorting the air around them.
Upon hearing the voice, Tang San's heart leapt in his chest. It was Xiao Wu—finally, after all this time.
Dai Yao, standing beside him, felt his pulse quicken as he searched the trees, his golden eyes gleaming with a fierce, cold light. Like a hunter closing in on his prey, he took in the silence, his attention fixed, awaiting the moment Xiao Wu would fall into his trap.
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