Chapter 701: Awkwardness
The next day—
Early in the morning, Ye Wen led a group of people to visit Pietro, but at the gates of the Lord's mansion, he found himself somewhat awkwardly scratching his foot.
Why is Qian Renxue here, blocking me so early in the morning? Ye Wen was screaming internally.
Qian Renxue was also a bit taken aback. She had only planned to conduct a routine check on Pietro's work, not expecting to run into Ye Wen.
However, a playful smile quickly appeared on Qian Renxue's lips.
"Looks like we're fated, little brother. Are you here to see Lord Pietro as well?"
"Yes, yes I am," Ye Wen replied, feeling embarrassed.
Ye Wen internally lamented that he'd been completely cornered this time. There was no escape. As soon as Qian Renxue asked Pietro, the city lord, she'd learn his identity.
But after considering his past actions, Ye Wen realized he hadn't done anything wrong in his life, so why should he be afraid? With that in mind, he confidently replied.
"I didn't expect that a simple errand would lead me to encounter His Highness the Crown Prince. Seems like today is my lucky day." Ye Wen flattered her with a polite smile.
Engaging in these superficial exchanges came naturally to Qian Renxue, as if it was second nature, and soon she and Ye Wen were exchanging pleasantries.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen's followers, initially stunned, quickly recognized Qian Renxue's identity. They marveled at their young master-in-law's talents—not only had he expanded his business to other provinces, but he'd also somehow gotten involved with the Crown Prince! It seemed they would need to show him more respect when they returned.
With each person harboring their own motives, they entered the city lord's mansion.
Upon seeing Ye Wen's apparent association with the Crown Prince, Pietro's original intent to negotiate for better benefits instantly vanished. Faced with such a "wise" future emperor, Pietro knew he had to adopt a humbler approach, whether to secure his own future or for other reasons.
The odd feeling of running into a stranger twice in such a short time amused Qian Renxue, so she didn't rush into official business with Pietro and instead listened with interest from the side.
Although Ye Wen's medicines were of low grade, capable only of saving some impoverished common folk, the low price—calculated in copper soul coins—was truly astonishing to Qian Renxue, who had grown up in luxury.
"So you can actually save a life with just a bit of money? This really is a new perspective," Qian Renxue reflected.
Observing the increasingly pleased expression of Xue Qinghe beside him, Pietro felt that his decision to yield some profit to Ye Wen had won the Crown Prince's "favor."
In the end, Ye Wen's exploratory business venture ended up yielding nearly all the profit due to Pietro's voluntary concessions and even secured full support for distribution channels. It was as if Ye Wen had struck it rich, like Emperor Qin eating Sichuan peppercorns—absolutely thrilled!
With his shrewdness, Ye Wen could clearly see through Pietro's maneuvering between himself and Qian Renxue. He deduced that the plump lord likely had ulterior motives.
But Ye Wen didn't expose him; if someone was offering benefits for free, who wouldn't accept them? If Pietro regretted it later, that wouldn't be Ye Wen's problem.
Once Ye Wen finished his business, he courteously took his leave, intending to use this opportunity to slip away and avoid further entanglements with Qian Renxue.
However, Qian Renxue, with her strong possessiveness, wasn't going to let Ye Wen go so easily once she had taken an interest in him.
Just as Ye Wen was leaving the city lord's mansion, a middle-aged man blocked his way.
"Hold up, kid. Wait here a moment. My young master has something to discuss with you."
Seeing the faint smile on the burly man's face, a trace of cold sweat appeared on Ye Wen's forehead. If his guess was right, this man was likely one of the two Titled Douluos secretly protecting Qian Renxue.
After all, if he were just an ordinary subordinate, he wouldn't dare look at him with such a brazen expression.
But even if he was wrong, it didn't matter. Whether it was Xue Qinghe or Qian Renxue, with their noble status, he—a commoner without any title—wouldn't dare oppose them.
As Ye Wen endured the minutes ticking by in anxious anticipation, Qian Renxue walked out of the city lord's mansion with a warm smile, nodding slightly at him.
"Come on, little brother. Let's go somewhere and have a proper chat."
Ye Wen forced a smile. "Alright."
But internally, Ye Wen was screaming, Help! How am I supposed to stay calm in front of the person I tried to evade yesterday?!
Pietro had promised yesterday to address the corruption issue among his subordinates, but what progress could he really make in just one day?
So Qian Renxue's visit today was more for show, though Ye Wen's unexpected appearance was a pleasant surprise for her. In this corrupt Heaven Dou Empire, Ye Wen seemed like a blooming white lotus.
It's true that the three beauties of the Spirit Hall were somewhat romantic-minded, but Qian Renxue was the most level-headed among them. In the original story, after Tang San refused to submit, Qian Renxue showed no hesitation in resorting to deadly force. Had it not been for the Asura God's secret violation of divine law, it's hard to say if the two great empires of Douluo Continent would still exist ten thousand years later.
Influenced since childhood by the Angel God and the Spirit Hall's teachings, Qian Renxue genuinely wanted to save the suffering common folk of this world.
So, when she learned about Ye Wen's work, she found it aligned with her own goals—Ye Wen's efforts, although new to her, were clearly a virtuous act that could improve life for the common people at the bottom of Douluo Continent's society.
Yes, it had a bit of a merchant's touch to it, but the flaws didn't obscure the virtues.
Moreover, making money wasn't something to be ashamed of. After pretending to be Heaven Dou's Crown Prince for so long, Qian Renxue understood the importance of wealth and was no fool.
So, Qian Renxue felt moved.
However, it wasn't the sort of romantic affection.
Although Ye Wen, having absorbed two spirit rings, now looked like a boy of thirteen or fourteen, Qian Renxue could immediately tell he was only about ten years old.
At twenty-something years old, even if Qian Renxue wanted to date, it certainly wouldn't be with Ye Wen—that would be just too inappropriate.
Qian Renxue was moved because she felt she'd found someone she could share grand ambitions with.
At this time, Qian Renxue still didn't know that Bibi Dong's ultimate goal in wanting to overthrow the two empires was actually to destroy the Spirit Hall.
Qian Renxue still believed she was destined to become the future Emperor of the Spirit Empire and was already looking for talented individuals to support her reign.
Being away from the Spirit Hall for an extended period and surrounded by Heaven Dou's corrupt aristocrats, Qian Renxue had not given much thought to such matters before.
But with Ye Wen's appearance, Qian Renxue now had ideas.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 702: False Cordiality
Earlier, inside the Lord's mansion, Qian Renxue exchanged a few perfunctory words about Pietro's work, but quickly shifted her attention to asking for Ye Wen's background information.
After all, gathering information directly from this source was far easier than conducting an investigation herself.
However, Pietro was left feeling somewhat conflicted afterward, wondering if he had successfully flattered her or just made a fool of himself. Soon enough, though, he brushed it off; while Ye Wen's apothecary business was thriving, it was still smaller compared to the century-old Pi family enterprise. Losing a bit of money to curry favor with the Crown Prince wasn't a big deal.
But Pietro's knowledge of Ye Wen's background was limited to surface-level gossip—stories about how Ye Wen had started expanding his influence after becoming a soul master and fiancé to Huo Yuer. Yet even with just this glimpse, Qian Renxue found herself appreciating him.
"So young, yet courageous and responsible, with real abilities but little interest in boasting. Instead, he dedicates himself to benefiting commoners. This young man is destined for greatness." Such was Qian Renxue's evaluation of Ye Wen.
Pietro, who was listening, nodded in agreement. Every family had its share of disappointing heirs, and Pietro had long wished for a wise successor to carry on the family legacy without causing trouble.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Ye Wen had unwittingly been led by Qian Renxue to the local Soul Arena.
Staring at the building, which strongly resembled an ancient Roman amphitheater, Ye Wen opened his mouth, slightly perplexed.
If they were here to discuss something, wouldn't it be more appropriate to find a quiet room at a hotel or teahouse? Why had she brought him to this bloody battleground? Was this troublesome woman trying to trap him into a fight to get back at him for yesterday?
Qian Renxue merely gave a mysterious smile, saying nothing, and led Ye Wen alone to a private suite in the arena.
Emmm.
Looking at the elegant room, Ye Wen was at a loss for words. So this was a private suite where they could have a conversation, huh?
Ye Wen sat there uncomfortably for a moment, while Qian Renxue, unfazed, instructed the server to bring tea and pastries before calmly taking a seat opposite Ye Wen.
"Let's reintroduce ourselves: Xue Qinghe, of the Xue family, from the Heaven Dou royal family," Qian Renxue said casually.
Even though she had already introduced herself the day before, the formality of her tone in this setting made Ye Wen's heart skip a beat. Unsolicited goodwill usually has ulterior motives, he thought. This posture of hers had to be masking a hidden agenda.
Ye Wen's senses sharpened as he raised his hand in a respectful greeting. "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince. I am Ye Wen, grandson-in-law of Earl Tianxin. May I ask what business Your Highness has in bringing me here?"
"Hehe, there's no need to be so tense, Brother Ye. I came here today simply to chat, not to discuss official matters. If you don't mind, I'd prefer you call me Brother Xue," Qian Renxue said with a friendly smile, gesturing for him to relax.
But the more at ease Qian Renxue seemed, the more nervous Ye Wen felt.
Whatever else she was, Qian Renxue was a powerful figure with endless responsibilities. If she was lowering herself to show him this much respect, she definitely had her sights set on something.
Though apprehensive, Ye Wen put on a grateful expression and replied, "Thank you for the honor, Your Highness. Then, I will humbly refer to you as Brother Xue."
The two continued their polite conversation for a while until finally, just as Ye Wen was about to reach his limit, Qian Renxue got to the main point.
"Brother Ye, I can see you intend to expand this business. Would you be willing to entrust its distribution to me? I believe my network could rapidly promote it throughout the Heaven Dou Empire. This would benefit both you and the common people greatly."
"I can also promise that the profits will be divided as they were with City Lord Pietro. You won't lose out by a single cent."
"A-ah… this…"
Ye Wen put on an expression of shocked disbelief, as if unsure how to respond, while his mind raced with resistance.
He had already considered the risks of getting involved with Qian Renxue. If he had the chance in the future, he certainly planned to save this "little angel" when necessary. But for now, he wanted to keep a low profile!
This collaboration Qian Renxue proposed would practically force him into the spotlight across the entire Douluo Continent. While a single medicine might be cheap, scaling it across the entire Heaven Dou Empire represented immense profits—enough to attract even Titled Douluo-level figures.
Ye Wen had originally intended to distribute his medicine modestly, focusing on not losing money rather than maximizing profits.
But Qian Renxue's proposal for her to act as his distributor—while it was true she had the credentials, she was only Xue Qinghe in name. Ye Wen, however, knew this "young master" would eventually be exposed.
If he agreed and Qian Renxue's identity was discovered, neither the neutrality of his backer, Earl Tianxin, nor the ignorance of Huo Yuer would spare him from being dragged into the Heaven Dou Empire's reprisals.
In bureaucracies, there was no "good" or "evil," only "sides." Ye Wen had seen countless instances in his previous life where powerful figures were betrayed once they lost favor.
But he was at a loss as to how to refuse Qian Renxue's proposal!
For the time being, Qian Renxue appeared to be Heaven Dou's most esteemed Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. Turning down such an advantageous connection would undoubtedly raise suspicion.
However, he couldn't play dumb forever, so he cautiously replied, "That might not work, Brother Xue. While I would love to see these medicines reach people across the Douluo Continent, my supply is limited, and production levels are barely meeting the demands of Farnos Province and this area."
Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging she might have been too eager.
But then, in her characteristic magnanimity, Qian Renxue said, "That's not an issue. I could not only act as your distributor but also grant you a large tract of land to grow these medicinal herbs exclusively. How does that sound?"
Ye Wen's forced smile froze. This was an extraordinary offer—an ideal arrangement that, in his previous life, he'd have celebrated if a client had made it right after graduation!
But with Qian Renxue making such an offer, he had no choice but to agree with a forced smile.
Anyone who turned down such favorable terms would seem suspicious.
Since a partnership was now unavoidable, Ye Wen decided he'd need to keep a close eye on Qian Renxue's future situation. If anything went awry, he'd run with whatever he could salvage and resurface only after he had "grown stronger."
Yet the matter of faith power would be tricky to manage if he had to go underground. Ye Wen sighed, realizing that as a side character, unexpected complications always seemed to crop up. For now, he would just have to take things one step at a time.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 703: My Wife's Too Much to Handle
Ye Wen had just wanted to take a break from work, relax, and maybe slack off a little. But instead, he had run into Qian Renxue, a major future antagonist, who completely upended his entire long-term plan. His frustration was beyond words.
However, the deal was now set. If Qian Renxue wasn't who she truly was, she would be the ideal angel investor—asking for little, offering plenty, with no unusual demands.
In the end, Ye Wen could only return to Notting City, weighed down by both a substantial fortune and mental exhaustion.
Thanks to Qian Renxue's involvement, what would have been a challenging entrepreneurial journey became a breeze, leaving Ye Wen feeling oddly unfulfilled. Now, he just wanted to lie low in Notting City and focus on his cultivation.
Still, since Qian Renxue was involved, Ye Wen couldn't ignore it. He wrote a detailed letter about the trip's events and had one of his people send it back to Huo Rui.
Huo Rui replied swiftly, advising Ye Wen not to worry and to simply enjoy the benefits. She explained that Xue Qinghe was merely using his project to boost his own reputation. And if any trouble arose, she would handle it.
Ye Wen understood this well enough, but he knew that once Qian Renxue's true identity was revealed, it would be a ticking time bomb. Those Heaven Dou nobles wouldn't care whether he was innocent or not; they'd just be thinking of how to carve up his medicinal business.
"Huo Grandma, you're too good to me. But with you being this kind, I can't bear to put you in harm's way," Ye Wen murmured.
Harboring a secret he couldn't share was painful, but Ye Wen endured it, knowing the tragedies he foresaw could be avoided with his precautions.
As time passed, thanks to Qian Renxue's support, Ye Wen's herbal cultivation enterprise began to expand, and his reputation started to spread within the Heaven Dou Empire.
But despite keeping to his training, trouble seemed determined to find Ye Wen.
Opening his eyes in resignation, he looked over at Xiao Wu, who was eagerly trying to gain his favor, while Huo Yuer was quietly observing from the side.
Emmm.
Does love really fade? Here I am with another girl openly flirting with me, and my fiancée is acting indifferent. Is this really appropriate? Ye Wen grumbled inwardly.
Huo Yuer quickly noticed his gaze and leaned affectionately on his shoulder.
A sweet fragrance filled Ye Wen's nose as Huo Yuer whispered softly in his ear, her voice sending a pleasant shiver down his spine.
"Ye Wen, I've been thinking about something for a while. Since we'll eventually build a family together, one person alone having children won't grow the family fast enough. So, I thought Xiao Wu would make a great second wife for you. Thoughtful, right? I even discussed it with her, and she agrees. So the three of us should get along well in the future."
Ye Wen, initially quite comfortable, suddenly froze, at a loss for words.
The main wife actively recruiting a second wife was a dream come true for any man.
If Ye Wen were a typical philanderer, he'd be singing his thanks.
Xiao Wu was sweet and innocent; she didn't yet have the proud and headstrong personality from the original story. She was an orphan, highly talented—a wonderful match.
The problem was, why did it have to be Xiao Wu?! Did she not realize that the protagonist was also in the room? This was practically asking for a showdown with destiny!
As Ye Wen instinctively glanced at Tang San, he saw Tang San open his jet-black eyes, fixed on Ye Wen's group with a murderous glint.
Oh, dear! Although Tang San said nothing, Ye Wen could clearly sense a you're-on-a-path-to-destruction vibe emanating from his gaze.
Ye Wen was completely at a loss. What's going on lately? First, Qian Renxue, and now I'm stealing the protagonist's love interest? This world seems determined to kill off a minor transmigrator like me!
Just as Ye Wen was about to attempt a chaste, noble act to defuse the situation, Xiao Wu suddenly wrapped her arms around him, her cheeks flushed as she declared shyly, "Ye Wen-ge, I like you, so let's be together from now on."
This wasn't just a casual hug—Xiao Wu clung tightly to him, as if trying to meld herself with him. The whole scene was deeply intimate.
This dramatic display quickly caught the attention of everyone else in the dorm, and they turned their eyes toward the scene, ready to watch the drama unfold.
Ye Wen's face darkened. Xiao Wu was putting herself out there so much that, even if he rejected her, Tang San would probably still view him as a "threat" to be eliminated.
If Xiao Wu were just a normal, talented girl, Ye Wen might have been willing to take the risk. But Xiao Wu was a 100,000-year spirit beast in human form.
Not to mention, Tang Hao was likely watching him from the shadows this very moment. Stealing someone's future daughter-in-law—and her spirit ring and spirit bone to boot—would be a life-and-death feud.
Ye Wen didn't mind dying himself, but if this mess implicated Huo Yuer and the Huo family, the guilt would be unbearable.
What to do, what to do...
Ye Wen's mind was a chaotic mess, completely unable to come up with a solution.
Meanwhile, the other work-study students in the dorm, though envious of Ye Wen's romantic fortune, offered their blessings. After all, his main wife was the boss of all the work-study students at the academy, and his "second wife" was the second-in-command. Regardless of Ye Wen's talent, they had no choice but to defer to him.
As everyone focused on Ye Wen and Xiao Wu, Tang San's gaze darkened, a cold gleam flashing ominously in his eyes. But in the heated atmosphere, no one noticed this—except Tang Hao, who was covertly observing.
Tang Hao knew his son didn't possess his own youthful charm, but losing a woman to a mere villager was humiliating nonetheless.
However, Tang Hao also understood that love couldn't be forced, especially with spirit beasts, who had a pure simplicity to them. Once they chose someone, their feelings never wavered.
Seeing the affection in Xiao Wu's gaze, Tang Hao realized she would never become his son's wife, nor a spirit ring for his son.
Tang Hao's eyes narrowed as he muttered, "It seems I can't let this little girl live. I'll find a way to kill her and obtain her spirit bone. Although it's not the optimal power type for our Clear Sky lineage, a 100,000-year spirit bone is worth any discrepancy in compatibility."
Tang Hao, used to using brute strength to resolve problems, had never considered using illusion techniques to deceive Xiao Wu or trick her into a sacrificial offering. All he wanted was to kill her and claim her spirit bone.
Though Tang Hao's killing intent was faint, Huo Yuer, who was in the middle of a flirtatious moment with Ye Wen, immediately sensed it. She remained outwardly calm but began to awaken the deepest reserves of power hidden within her.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 704: The Cowardly Tang Mouse
Although Huo Yuer's current power was less than one-tenth of her peak, both she and Ye Wen, having caught the attention of the world's consciousness during their reincarnation, had become children of the world's fortune. Over the years, this awareness had quietly aided Huo Yuer's recovery, and her latent power had now reached nearly one-fifth of her former strength.
Although far from her peak, even this partial recovery was more than enough to withstand the Shura God supporting Tang Hao.
It wasn't that Huo Yuer wanted to oppose the Shura God backing Tang Hao, so upon sensing Tang Hao's presence, she began to subtly adjust her energy.
The power of a Supreme God King was as incomparable to the mortals of Douluo Continent as a whale was to an ant. To release such immense power without harming those around her was a difficult balancing act for Huo Yuer.
But thankfully, her efforts paid off, and after years of control, Huo Yuer managed to restrict her released power to the level of a 99th-level Limit Douluo.
Even when she restrained herself to the bare minimum, her presence as a near-divine 99th-level Limit Douluo was still a force to be reckoned with—far surpassing the so-called Limit Douluos of this era, such as Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen.
At that moment, as Tang Hao was about to make a move, a terrifying spiritual pressure suddenly weighed down upon him.
This force didn't affect anyone else, but Tang Hao felt as if he were bearing the weight of a mountain, unable to breathe.
"What is this power!?"
Tang Hao first felt shock at having been discovered, then pure terror as he realized the spiritual force could crush him in an instant.
Tang Hao, who had never experienced the power of Douluo Continent's true peak, felt overwhelming dread, his mind instinctively tagging this hidden figure as an unparalleled master on the level of his grandfather.
The power of imagination was his undoing.
Before Huo Yuer even spoke, Tang Hao's mental defenses had already shattered. Dropping to his knees, he stammered in fear, unable to even speak under the crushing pressure.
Huo Yuer, who was the most perceptive to this mental energy, sneered internally as she felt Tang Hao's cowardice.
She had only a limited understanding of Tang Hao, based on stories from the world where she had once lived, primarily influenced by the tale of the Shrek Seven Devils. In those tales, Tang Hao was portrayed as a heroic figure unafraid to stand up to the "evil" Spirit Hall, a paragon of fatherly love with strength as unyielding as a mountain.
Yet the man she saw here was far from that image.
Upon first detecting Tang Hao's presence, Huo Yuer observed him carefully: unkempt, reeking of alcohol, and lacking any heroic demeanor. He resembled a man crushed by life, a failure.
As for being a "loving father"...
From the first moment she saw Tang San, Huo Yuer had dismissed the idea of Tang Hao as a caring father. Tang San was thin, with dull, dark skin—nothing like the elegant, handsome figure described in storybooks. His small, frail body suggested he'd been underfed, practically abused.
If this were a normal family, it might be excusable. But Tang Hao was a Titled Douluo! Even if he did nothing but rob a few nobles, his child shouldn't have to come to school looking like that.
It was clear that Tang Hao hadn't truly cared for Tang San, not even bothering with the basic maintenance of a fatherly facade.
This only reinforced Huo Yuer's belief that history and stories were nothing more than the scribblings of fools, full of distortions. Truth could only be discerned with one's own eyes.
In the past, Huo Yuer had avoided interacting with him due to her lack of control over her powers. But now that she had a clear plan and could avoid provoking the Shura God, she felt she could deal with him without any pretense.
Just to be cautious, Huo Yuer modified her voice, deepening it into an ancient, raspy tone as she spoke.
"Are you the current Clear Sky Douluo?"
Tang Hao, still unable to speak, nodded quickly, hoping the title of Clear Sky Douluo might earn him some leniency.
But Huo Yuer wasn't impressed by such a title and continued in the same elderly tone.
"It seems you've noticed that little girl is a 100,000-year spirit beast in human form. I don't wish to interfere otherwise. However, my disciple intends to form a sisterly bond with her for mutual growth. I hope you won't be foolish enough to disrupt their relationship. Understood?"
Terrified, Tang Hao nodded rapidly, too afraid to disagree.
In an instant, the overwhelming pressure disappeared, as if it had all been a mere illusion.
But Tang Hao knew it was real. Looking in the direction of Dorm Seven with a complex expression, he sighed inwardly, realizing that the connection between his son and this 100,000-year spirit beast was simply not meant to be.
After calming his nerves, Tang Hao's face showed a hint of struggle. Given the presence of such a powerful being nearby, should he consider relocating Tang San to a different school?
He almost made up his mind but then had a sudden realization.
"From that senior's words, it seems his disciple is that young girl with the eye-based martial spirit. And since this senior holds no prejudice against spirit beasts, otherwise he wouldn't allow his disciple to befriend one."
Sigh. "I was foolish to try to arrange a bond between Tang San and that spirit beast. I should have aimed for this young lady instead. What a wasted opportunity…"
Tang Hao shook his head slightly, but his eyes quickly filled with renewed determination.
"While it may be too late for Tang San to become her lover, if they could at least become friends, then we might gain the support of her immensely powerful master in our faction!"
With this thought, Tang Hao's lips twisted into a grin.
Fortunately, Huo Yuer was too focused on persuading Ye Wen to accept Xiao Wu to notice Tang Hao's scheming thoughts. Otherwise, she might have been tempted to send him to a truly horrifying place.
As Tang Hao's excitement began to subside, he shifted his attention to Ye Wen with a calculating look.
"Handsome, that's for sure. No wonder so many girls like him. But to truly stand beside such an exceptional young lady, he'll need more than just good looks. In the world of soul masters, strength is everything. Even if the young lady agrees to be his partner, her elders would likely break them apart if their levels are too different."
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 705: Survival Against All Odds - Part 1
Yu Xiaogang remained blissfully unaware that Tang Hao had secretly thrown him under the bus.
Tang Hao initially considered probing Ye Wen's cultivation level with his spiritual power, but feared the hidden presence of a supreme Douluo nearby. Reluctantly, he held back.
After a moment's calm reflection, Tang Hao realized that, although losing a 100,000-year spirit beast was regrettable, he now had a new and potentially bigger opportunity.
"It seems it's time for Xiao San to give up on pursuing this spirit beast. But even if they can't be lovers, they can at least be friends. Later, when Xiao San seeks revenge on the Spirit Hall, if they're already friends, won't these kids have no choice but to help? And with any luck, maybe even that powerful figure behind them will join us."
Replaying the scenario in his mind several times, Tang Hao grew more confident, increasingly convinced that this was a winning strategy.
But just as his schemes for Ah Yin had once backfired and entangled the entire Clear Sky Clan, this plan was similarly self-centered. He never considered Xiao San's position or personality and whether he could even integrate into Ye Wen's circle.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen—at the center of this swirling vortex of intrigue among top power players—had no clue about any of it.
This is bad. How am I supposed to handle this? I don't even know if Tang Hao saw what just happened. If he did, I'll be dead within two days, disappearing in some unknown corner, Ye Wen worried, panic bubbling within him.
Yet, beside him, the two charming girls constantly brought him back to the present, leaving him no chance to escape from reality.
Finally, Ye Wen sighed in resignation, giving Huo Yuer a fond but helpless look.
"Alright, have it your way. But we're still young; talking about marriage now is a bit premature. Let's spend more time together and get to know each other better first, okay?"
Seeing how Ye Wen remained steadfast and composed, Huo Yuer felt deeply satisfied. While she wanted to expand their circle, sharing her beloved with others was harder than she thought.
But Huo Yuer didn't notice the anxiety that lingered deep within Ye Wen.
That night, Ye Wen barely got any restful sleep. Despite the beautiful company by his side, his thoughts were consumed by the potential threat of Tang Hao's unpredictable fury.
The simplest solution would be to inform Qian Renxue, calling for backup, and report that Tang Hao, a wanted criminal, had been found. This would bring the Spirit Hall's forces down on Tang Hao in full force. However, a battle between Titled Douluo would devastate all of Notting City, and Xiao Wu would likely be either captured or killed.
Not that he particularly minded that outcome.
But, glancing at the peacefully sleeping Huo Yuer beside him, Ye Wen sighed deeply, dismissing the idea.
He didn't mind dying, nor did he mind if all of Notting City was destroyed. But he couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to this girl who had cared for him so devotedly over the last four years.
Ye Wen briefly considered groveling to Tang San to escape his predicament, but quickly dismissed it. After all, they'd barely interacted, and with Tang San's suspicious nature, such an act would only make him wary, possibly prompting him to kill Ye Wen as a precaution.
Ye Wen's mind was a mess, even toying with the idea of directly confronting Tang Hao and talking his way out of it. But he quickly realized that, given Tang Hao's temperament, he might very well kill him on the spot before he even got a word out, dismissing it as a threat to his secrecy, and then disappear with Tang San.
Running through countless plans and finding every one of them futile, Ye Wen finally could take it no longer. Frustrated, he rose from bed to get a drink of water.
As he passed Tang San's bed, a flash of murderous intent crossed Ye Wen's eyes.
Maybe I should just get rid of the protagonist. If I can't survive, neither should you!
Tang San, with his still-low cultivation and lack of experience in dealing with true threats, was blissfully unaware, sleeping soundly.
After gulping down a few mouthfuls of water, Ye Wen regained his composure.
"No, I can't do that. When someone loses everything that ties them to this world, they'll go mad and unleash their rage on everyone around them."
Ye Wen shuddered as images of what would happen if Tang Hao discovered he'd killed his son flooded his mind. Tang Hao would undoubtedly lash out at Ye Wen's family, perhaps even wiping out the entire Saint Soul Village, as well as harming Huo Yuer and the Huo family, all those who had shown him kindness.
As all these dark thoughts churned within him, Ye Wen strangely found a new sense of calm.
It doesn't matter what happens to me. But I won't let anything happen to the people I love, he thought, sighing heavily.
The next day, Ye Wen went to class as if nothing had happened. He seemed entirely unaffected by Xiao Wu's sudden interest, which only fueled Tang San's resentment further.
But Ye Wen couldn't be bothered with the protagonist's temper, carrying on with his usual routine. A few days later, he approached Xiao Wu with a smile.
"Xiao Wu, tomorrow I'll be heading over to the neighboring city. Would you like to come with me?"
Xiao Wu, who had been idly swinging her long legs on her bed, perked up immediately, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Yes, absolutely!" she replied eagerly.
Ye Wen went on to share a few details about their meeting time and other plans, his attentive demeanor resembling that of a doting boyfriend planning a date with his girlfriend.
But Ye Wen failed to notice the cold, lifeless look in Tang San's eyes. Yu Xiaogang had recently ordered him to stop pursuing Xiao Wu.
It was Yu Xiaogang who had encouraged him to chase Xiao Wu in the first place, only to now tell him to give up.
Though Tang San had always respected Yu Xiaogang as his lifelong mentor, his heart had grown dark, resentful of the betrayal of someone who'd taken away the only thing he'd ever loved.
"A date? And you agreed so easily, Xiao Wu? I thought you just enjoyed hanging out with the noble girls. I never thought you'd stoop to becoming someone's concubine. A woman who only values wealth and status? I don't need you anymore," Tang San muttered to himself, resentment twisting within him.
Abandoning all attachments, Tang San threw himself into his pursuit of strength.
In the shadows, Tang Hao observed his son, diligently cultivating with renewed intensity. Pleased, he nodded approvingly. Only a son like this could someday avenge him against the Spirit Hall.
"Two spirit rings with all over 10,000 years, and then a self-destructive ring technique. I can't wait to see the day," Tang Hao murmured with satisfaction.
The next day, after briefly informing Huo Yuer, Ye Wen left with Xiao Wu.
It was all so natural, so much like a normal day in the ordinary flow of life.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 706: Survival Against All Odds - Part 2
Only Ye Wen knew how much courage it had taken him to take this step.
That night, the only solution he could think of was to use himself as bait. If Tang Hao's target was indeed Xiao Wu, then he would bring her along.
The countless "coincidences" that had led to Tang Hao's entanglement with Ah Yin all pointed toward his greed for her 100,000-year spirit ring and bone. But if Tang Hao didn't love Ah Yin or Tang San, why hadn't he simply hunted Ah Yin directly, even while she was pregnant?
The answer was simple: any soul master who had absorbed a spirit ring over ten thousand years knew how dangerous it was to deal with the soul resonance involved. A 100,000-year spirit ring, especially from a creature as unique as a spirit beast, was practically unheard of. Even the Clear Sky Clan had only fragmentary accounts of such things.
While Tang Hao appeared bold and mighty, he was actually cowardly and cautious to the core. He didn't dare to kill Ah Yin outright, especially while she was pregnant, fearing her intact soul would bear immense resentment that might kill him during the spirit ring absorption. So, he'd tricked her into sacrificing herself willingly.
Applying this reasoning to Xiao Wu, the story made perfect sense.
A father-son duo, one at level 90 and the other at level 60—both prime levels for receiving a sacrifice. It was a meticulously crafted plan.
Although Tang San had sacrificed his Blue Silver Emperor spirit rings in the original story for Xiao Wu's sake, Ye Wen couldn't ignore the fact that losing all his spirit rings hadn't crippled him. Instead, it allowed Tang San to hunt for new, stronger rings, and he ultimately became far more powerful than before. No matter how Ye Wen looked at it, Tang San had only gained from this.
Though Ye Wen disliked viewing the protagonist with such suspicion, the reality was that Tang San had ended up as the one reaping the most benefit.
But now, Xiao Wu's heart clearly wasn't set on Tang San, so Tang Hao's plan to manipulate her through love was out of the question.
Even without a spirit ring, Xiao Wu's death would still yield a 100,000-year spirit bone—a priceless treasure for any soul master. Greedy as Tang Hao was, he would never easily give that up.
So, Ye Wen decided that rather than waiting in the shadows for Tang Hao to ambush him, he would take the initiative, using himself as bait and leaving Notting City with Xiao Wu. Maybe if both he and Xiao Wu died, the whole situation could be resolved.
Walking along the road, Ye Wen tried to maintain a calm expression, but beads of cold sweat kept forming on his forehead—an unusual sight for a soul master of his level.
However, Xiao Wu, too engrossed in the excitement of their outing, failed to notice his anxiety.
We're almost at the next city. Why hasn't Tang Hao shown up? Didn't he notice that Xiao Wu is missing? Ye Wen thought, his mind filled with a mix of dread and anticipation. He was ready to die, yet waiting endlessly for the one who would do it was agonizing, as if he were dancing on the edge of life and death.
Could he be waiting for a more secluded location, reluctant to make a move in broad daylight? But for a Titled Douluo, that would be pretty absurd.
Ye Wen discreetly observed his surroundings. There wasn't even a passerby in sight, yet Tang Hao still hadn't appeared, leaving him with a sense that something was amiss.
By the time he finally reached the next city by nightfall, Tang Hao had yet to make a move, plunging Ye Wen into deep self-doubt.
This isn't right. Something's seriously wrong. Based on what I know of Tang Hao, he shouldn't be indifferent to Xiao Wu's disappearance.
Just as Ye Wen began to mentally retrace his steps, wondering if he'd miscalculated somewhere, Xiao Wu suddenly hugged his arm and exclaimed cheerfully, "Brother Wen, look over there! They have delicious food! Oh, and there are people performing acrobatics! Let's go watch!"
And so, Ye Wen, once weighed down with gloom, was swept along by the exuberant Xiao Wu, exploring the sights of this unfamiliar city.
Gradually, Ye Wen let go of his worries, allowing himself to enjoy a moment of carefree happiness.
Without supervision, the two wandered late into the night. Just as Ye Wen was about to book two rooms, hoping for some peace to reflect on everything, Xiao Wu adamantly insisted on a shared room.
"Come on, Brother Wen. Back at school, I've watched you sleep with Sister Yuer for so long. I want to try it too!"
In the end, Ye Wen had no choice but to concede. While he knew Xiao Wu was no stranger to such mischief, they were only twelve, so he decided to let it slide.
After a simple wash, the tension and recent relaxation left Ye Wen utterly exhausted, and he soon drifted into a deep sleep.
Once, Ye Wen could have been considered merely handsome, but after absorbing two spirit rings and awakening his martial spirit's essence, his features had become strikingly refined.
As always, Xiao Wu was full of life, but seeing Ye Wen's sleeping face brought a slight blush to her cheeks.
"Maybe it's partly because of Sister Yuer, but now that I'm really looking, this guy is pretty good-looking. Hehehe…"
With a mischievous smile, she let her hair dry, then climbed into bed and wrapped her arms around Ye Wen, snuggling up closely.
While Xiao Wu slept soundly, deep in slumber, Ye Wen felt as though he were being constricted by an octopus. The heat eventually jolted him awake, leaving him panting for breath before dawn had even arrived.
Seriously, I knew Xiao Wu had a bad sleeping posture, but this is ridiculous.
Xiao Wu, unbothered and sound asleep, barely reacted to his attempts to untangle himself from her grip, dozing as if she hadn't a care in the world.
Ye Wen was now wide awake. Gazing out at the dark, quiet streets beyond the inn, he felt his restlessness return. Soul masters, with their extraordinary senses, rarely felt sleepy once awake, so Ye Wen found himself brooding alone, leaning against the headboard.
With Tang Hao's obsession with Xiao Wu, he should have acted by now. Xiao Wu has clearly distanced herself from Tang San, so why hasn't he made a move?
Ye Wen pondered this endlessly, even wondering if Tang Hao had gone out drinking and missed their departure altogether.
Wouldn't that make all of this effort pointless?
As he pondered, Xiao Wu's slender hand suddenly reached over and settled around his waist, pulling him closer.
Drawn back to reality, Ye Wen looked down at Xiao Wu. She had matured into a graceful young girl, thanks to her rapid growth influenced by her spirit ring, and her beauty left him momentarily captivated.
In that moment, Ye Wen felt at peace, reminded of all he had come to appreciate. After all, he had already faced death twice.
Involuntarily, Ye Wen caressed Xiao Wu's soft skin.
Fine. If I have to die, so be it. But before that, I want to savor all the beauty this world has to offer.
With that thought, he lay back down, adjusted Xiao Wu's sleeping posture, and pulled her into his embrace, inhaling her sweet scent as he drifted back to sleep.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 707: Xiao Wu's Heart – Part 1
In the days that followed, Ye Wen constantly wondered if Tang Hao had simply failed to notice that he'd whisked Xiao Wu away.
So, he kept testing, trying again and again.
For the next few months, Ye Wen would take Xiao Wu out once or twice a month, all in the name of "testing the waters." This made Huo Yuer a bit jealous.
Ye Wen found this ironic. If it weren't for her stirring things up, he'd be calmly training instead of wandering with Xiao Wu around remote towns, though he did have to admit the local foods were quite tasty.
But after so many trips, Ye Wen reached a conclusion.
Either Tang Hao wasn't around at all, or some hidden power was keeping Tang Hao at bay, preventing him from attacking him and Xiao Wu.
Ye Wen also noticed a strange shift in Tang San's behavior.
Although Tang San hadn't been especially proactive before, he'd regularly try to make his presence felt in front of Xiao Wu. But since Ye Wen had begun taking Xiao Wu out frequently, Tang San had stopped making any efforts, as if he were no longer the loyal admirer he used to be.
Something was definitely off.
Ye Wen was sure that Tang San's change wasn't simply due to Xiao Wu's "announcement" about him, but because someone had reprimanded him in the background.
Otherwise, given Tang San's perseverance, there was no way he would give up so easily. After all, they were all still young, and Tang San would have plenty of chances to "steal her back." And considering Tang San's past, where he hadn't hesitated to steal secrets from his clan to prove his worth, there was no way he'd give up over something so trivial.
The elusive Tang Hao, Tang San's abrupt change in behavior—all these things pointed to a terrifying presence around Ye Wen, one strong enough to intimidate these two troublemakers into compliance.
So who could it be? Ye Wen thought, lying on his bed, contemplating.
A wise man once said, "All the hustle and bustle in the world is for profit, and every pursuit is in the name of gain."
There had to be something around him worth the attention of such a supreme being, something that could keep Tang Hao restrained.
Turning to his side, Ye Wen's gaze settled on Huo Yuer, who lay peacefully asleep, her face radiant in the moonlight, as serene and enchanting as a moonlit fairy.
Could it be you, Yuer? Though you're not innately full of soul power, your Lingmou Martial Spirit might have drawn the interest of someone powerful enough to protect you from the shadows. And, you weren't even in the original story…
If this mysterious powerhouse had some connection to Huo Yuer, Ye Wen would feel much more at ease.
But Ye Wen also felt the pressure weighing even heavier on him.
To be worthy of Huo Yuer's family, with a Contra-level soul master as its head, Ye Wen had already been pushing himself to train hard and expand his assets.
But now, with Huo Yuer's family possibly linked to a Super Douluo, Ye Wen found himself overwhelmed, not knowing how he could possibly measure up to such a figure.
Even if Huo Yuer didn't mind, Ye Wen's pride wouldn't allow him to relax.
However, since he couldn't achieve this goal in the short term, Ye Wen was left in a spiral of uncertainty, his mind wandering to all sorts of ideas about Huo Yuer's mysterious benefactor.
Top talents with innate soul power around level 9 weren't unheard of on the Douluo Continent, but few would warrant the attention of someone so powerful. Perhaps this hidden figure was connected to the Body Sect, known for their interest in body-based martial spirits.
Now that Ye Wen thought about it, the Body Sect wasn't necessarily something Tang San founded after becoming a god. Could it already exist as a reclusive sect, aiming to recruit Huo Yuer because of her unique martial spirit?
As he thought more, his mind drifted into a restful sleep.
The next day, with newfound clarity, Ye Wen put aside his worries and once again immersed himself fully in his training.
Why bother with all these complicated thoughts? The most important thing is becoming strong enough to be worthy of Huo Yuer. Otherwise, I'm no better than Yu Xiaogang.
But the winds of fate refused to calm.
Having tasted the joys of adventuring outside, Xiao Wu soon persuaded Ye Wen, who hadn't yet fully recovered from his recent mental fatigue, to take her out again.
Ye Wen had to admit that he was a bit soft-hearted when it came to Xiao Wu.
He could no longer bring himself to treat her as coldly as he once had, allowing her more leeway. Still, the thought of Xiao Wu becoming as headstrong and domineering as she was in the original story made Ye Wen shiver.
So, for the sake of his own future peace of mind, he decided to set some ground rules.
"Fine, I'll take you out. But you have to agree to three conditions," Ye Wen said firmly.
"Uh-huh!" replied Xiao Wu enthusiastically, readily nodding without any suspicion, having grown used to Ye Wen's frequent indulgence.
Relieved that the first step of rule-setting had gone smoothly, Ye Wen continued, "First, we're still young, so our main focus should be on training. We can't go out too often—no more than once a month, and each outing can't exceed three days. Got it?"
Accustomed to going out for longer, Xiao Wu was initially disappointed at the short duration, but she recalled Huo Yuer's reminders and obediently nodded.
Ye Wen went on, "Second, when we're out, you can't just run off anywhere. You have to stay with me at all times. I don't want to go crazy searching for you across a whole town again."
At this, Ye Wen's tone grew a bit resentful. Xiao Wu's free-spirited nature had caused him to nearly lose his mind on several occasions, frantically searching for her after she'd wandered off.
No matter what, Ye Wen had to curb Xiao Wu's impulsive behavior.
Hearing the exasperation in his voice, Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue sheepishly but nodded again.
Finally, Ye Wen raised three fingers and said seriously, "Third, and this is the most important one: if we encounter danger, and I tell you to run, you must immediately flee and find Yuer to help me. Don't try to fight alongside me."
The first two conditions were easy enough, and Xiao Wu, knowing she was somewhat in the wrong, had accepted them without protest. But the third condition made her frown. Instantly, her playful spirit returned, and with hands on her hips, she pouted.
"What do you mean by that, Ye Wen? Are you looking down on me, your Sister Xiao Wu?"
But before she could finish her indignant retort, Ye Wen pinched her cheeks, making her pout like a little fish.
"Listen carefully. I'm telling you to find help only if there's real danger, not to call for backup over every small problem."
"Okay, okay, I get it…" mumbled Xiao Wu, her words muffled by Ye Wen's grip.
Finally releasing her, Ye Wen rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"Now, who do you think is stronger between us?"
"You…" Xiao Wu admitted reluctantly, pouting again.
There was no way around it. Although Xiao Wu had two spirit rings, both were only century-level. One ring granted her the Waist Bow, enhancing her waist strength by 30%, and the other gave her the mental skill Charm.
Both were decent skills, but when faced with Ye Wen, who had comprehensive defensive capabilities and a reflective counterattack skill, they were rather ineffective.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 708: Xiao Wu's Heart – Part 2
Although Xiao Wu had accepted Huo Yuer as her "big sister," submitting unconditionally to a man was another story. For that, he would need to prove himself by defeating her in a direct confrontation.
So, in secret, Xiao Wu challenged Ye Wen to a spar. But after he reluctantly agreed, he ended up giving her a "harsh lesson." Xiao Wu couldn't get out of bed for an entire day, her backside sore and swollen.
Since that fight, Xiao Wu no longer had the same confidence when calling herself "Sister Xiao Wu" in front of Ye Wen.
Seizing this moment, Ye Wen began explaining things to her carefully.
"Think about it, Xiao Wu. If I can't handle an enemy, you definitely won't be able to either. Although your Charm skill might help in some situations, it'll be useless if the gap in cultivation is too large, or if there are too many enemies. You'd only end up hurting yourself mentally and becoming a burden. Don't you agree?"
Xiao Wu thought it over, replaying the scenario in her mind, and realized he was right. She nodded begrudgingly.
For the first time, she regretted her impulsive choice of Charm as her second soul skill. Perhaps she should have picked a skill similar to Huo Yuer's illusion-based ability, rather than something so unreliable.
Ye Wen continued, "So, if you can't help in a tough situation, isn't it better to go get help? Besides, as long as I tell them I'm with the Huo family, any enemies would likely just want ransom money and wouldn't hurt me. That way, both of us can get out unharmed. Isn't that ideal?"
Xiao Wu nodded again, feeling unexpectedly useless under Ye Wen's reasoning.
While her Waist Bow skill was decent, she was still young and hadn't fully matured, so her power was limited. And with Charm only being effective on weaker opponents, she was left feeling even more frustrated.
"Fine, I'll agree to all three conditions," she said, sulking.
Suddenly, though, a thought struck her. She remembered Huo Yuer praising Ye Wen's knowledge, mentioning that he'd selected his own soul rings and had a vast understanding of other subjects as well. Huo Yuer had even said he could become not only a powerful Titled Douluo, but perhaps even a pioneering theorist—a perfect husband.
While Xiao Wu's initial goal in getting close to Huo Yuer and Ye Wen had been to form a united front against the Spirit Hall, realizing her own weaknesses sparked a new motivation.
Just as Ye Wen was quietly celebrating his success in reining in the wild Xiao Wu, she suddenly leaned against him, pressing her soft, warm figure close to his.
Feeling the unexpected softness, Ye Wen couldn't help but silently curse.
As his heart raced, Xiao Wu's breath brushed his ear.
"A-Wen, I think you're absolutely right. I'm not very strong right now, so could you help me plan out which spirit beast to hunt for my third soul ring? Pretty please?"
Although Xiao Wu's charms weren't as refined as those of certain flirtatious girls from his past life, her high beauty combined with her innocent appeal left Ye Wen defenseless.
"Uh… Alright, I'll think it over. But for now, focus on training. You've still got a ways to go before needing a third ring."
"Thank you, A-Wen! You're the best!"
Overjoyed by his agreement, Xiao Wu kissed him on the cheek, causing Tang San, who was watching nearby, to practically burn with jealousy.
Damn you, Ye Wen! You're on a path to destruction! And Xiao Wu—don't forget, I'm a genius with innate full soul power and a disciple of Grandmaster! Why ask him for advice on spirit rings instead of me?
Inwardly, Tang San's frustration was growing, coiling like a dark shadow within him.
But in the end, Tang San did nothing, bound by his respect for his teacher. If Yu Xiaogang told him to hold back, he wouldn't act.
Yet human desire never stops growing. For now, Tang San could suppress it, but with time, he might find it harder to keep his current promise.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, delighted by Ye Wen's answer, ran off to enjoy her day.
Ye Wen stood there in a daze, watching her lively figure retreating, before snapping himself back to reality and giving his face a couple of quick slaps.
Sigh, boundaries really do start slipping once they're crossed. My resistance to Xiao Wu is definitely getting weaker.
Pulling himself together, Ye Wen's mind once again turned to his concerns. Although Tang Hao wouldn't harm Xiao Wu for now, that madman might someday try to drag him into his schemes, accusing him of collaborating with a spirit beast and forcing him to join his camp.
Looks like it's time to refine my escape plan. Once the whole continent is caught in a war against the Spirit Hall, there won't be a safe place anywhere. Where could I possibly hide?
Fleeing overseas sounds good, but if I'm not strong enough and run into a 100,000-year spirit beast, I'd be done for.
At this point, Ye Wen hadn't yet realized that he, too, had the potential of a protagonist. Whenever he thought of Tang San becoming a god around age 25, he couldn't help but feel anxious.
Even top-tier talents with innate full soul power would usually be around Soul Emperor or Soul Sage level by 25. The shortcuts Tang San's group took on Sea God Island were absurdly excessive.
Wait…?
Suddenly, an idea struck Ye Wen.
The reason Tang San achieved all that despite Yu Xiaogang's flawed guidance was because he took so many immortal herbs, giving him an incredibly solid foundation. But what if I intercept that opportunity?
If Tang San keeps practicing recklessly under the Shura God's influence, would he still have a chance to catch the attention of the Sea God? Most likely, no.
Reflecting on his past, Ye Wen realized that he had come a long way from his initial helplessness. Over these past four years, he had slowly transformed from someone with no resources or exceptional martial spirit to someone with substantial promise.
At least his martial spirit had potential that was possibly unmatched on Douluo Continent. And with a powerful and mysterious fiancée like Huo Yuer backing him up…
Ye Wen's eyes grew resolute.
In the past, he'd avoided competing for the resources of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well because he hadn't yet matured. He hadn't dared to meddle in the affairs of the gods.
But everything had changed.
Ye Wen glanced inconspicuously at Tang San, who was seated in the corner of their dorm room, and clenched his fist.
If others can do it, so can I. It's time to start thinking about how to solve Dugu Bo's poisoning problem.
To avoid arousing Tang Hao's suspicion, Ye Wen maintained his usual demeanor and continued his training.
No one realized that Ye Wen, who had once just wanted a peaceful life, now harbored ambitions to shape the continent's destiny.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 709: Xiao Wu's Heart – Part 3
With Xiao Wu now obedient, Ye Wen was determined to fulfill his promise. However, this time, it wasn't just the two of them—Huo Yuer had insisted on coming along as well, and he couldn't refuse.
Bringing Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu together felt like herding a thousand lively ducks. The two close friends chatted non-stop, even about the barren landscape around them, long before they reached the city.
This is torture. I thought shopping with them was bad enough, but going on a trip with them is even worse.
Ye Wen wore a pained expression but couldn't muster a word against their excitement, so he simply went with the flow.
As he was hoping they'd reach the city soon, where he could finally relax with a cool drink, a slow-moving carriage approached them from behind.
Glancing back, Ye Wen stepped aside and quickly signaled Huo Yuer to move with him, standing close with the girls.
He doubted there would be any danger, but in Douluo Continent, even slavery still existed, so anyone with good looks, whether male or female, needed to be cautious in the wild.
Sometimes, the more you fear something, the more likely it is to happen.
Just when Ye Wen thought it was a carriage simply passing by, two figures suddenly sprang out from it, targeting Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu.
Already on guard, Ye Wen immediately activated his martial spirit.
In an instant, he formed hand seals and sent his power forward.
"Second Soul Skill: Wind Element Control – Chain Slash!"
The hastily summoned wind blades weren't very powerful, but they effectively forced back the two attackers.
"Second Brother, this one's tricky!"
"No kidding, I'm not blind! Be careful with these two; if they get damaged, their price will drop!"
Their brief exchange sent a chill down Ye Wen's spine. These men were clearly traffickers, targeting Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu.
And what about me? I'm a handsome guy, too. Is a noblewoman not interested in a catch like me? Ye Wen thought, feeling a twinge of indignation.
In the few seconds since the fight began, Ye Wen assessed their strengths. The one called "Second Brother" was a Soul Elder with one white and two yellow rings, while the other was also a Soul Elder, albeit with weaker rings—two white and one yellow.
Regardless of the soul ring configurations, both of them had a clear advantage in cultivation over Ye Wen's group, and with beast martial spirits, they had even more powerful combat strength.
Ye Wen quickly formulated a battle plan.
Better to break a finger than injure ten.
The initial wind blades weren't very strong, which might have led the attackers to underestimate his abilities.
Meanwhile, Huo Yuer summoned her martial spirit and retrieved her longbow from a storage soul tool, firing arrows to keep the men at bay.
Taking advantage of the moment, Ye Wen formed new hand seals, preparing his strongest attack skill, Void Slash.
This condensed and rapidly rotating wind blade had previously allowed him to take down two Soul Elders with a sneak attack, though he was unaware of his own "heroic" achievements at the time. Regardless, he trusted its effectiveness.
The attackers were close enough that, despite the faint noise from the Void Slash, the weaker Soul Elder had no time to react.
Seeing the distorted space around the approaching wind blade, the man's face turned ashen with fear. Frozen in terror, he couldn't dodge.
"Useless!"
At the last moment, a gruff voice echoed from the carriage, and a stream of flames burst forth, colliding with Ye Wen's Void Slash.
Although the flame technique was powerful, it couldn't fully cancel out Ye Wen's attack, only giving the weaker Soul Elder a chance to escape.
Ye Wen's face darkened.
This is worse than I thought.
He'd estimated that with three skilled Soul Grandmasters on his side, they'd be able to handle two moderately powerful Soul Elders. But he hadn't anticipated a third person hidden in the carriage.
At that moment, Xiao Wu snapped out of her initial shock, realizing they were under attack.
As she prepared to join the battle, activating her martial spirit and summoning her soul rings, Ye Wen, facing away from her, whispered sharply.
"Run!"
Xiao Wu's body tensed, her instinct to argue and offer to fight.
Hearing no movement behind him, Ye Wen focused on the attackers and barked in a low, stern voice, "Run! Remember the promise you made me! Don't be foolish—go find Granny Huo and bring her to help us!"
Though the original story portrayed Xiao Wu as an assault-type soul master, Ye Wen felt her Soft-Boned Rabbit martial spirit was actually better suited for agility-based combat, given her strong leg strength. Combined with certain soul tools, she could be an excellent high-speed assassin, much better than a brute-force attacker.
He also quickly realized that of the two attackers, the stronger one had been addressed as "Second Brother," meaning the one in the carriage was likely their "Big Brother."
And to lead two Soul Elders, this "Big Brother" was likely a high-level Soul Elder or even a Soul Ancestor.
The thought of a Soul Ancestor made Ye Wen gulp nervously.
Though Dai Mubai, in the early stages of the original story, had seemed unimpressive, his first three soul skills offered a well-rounded mix of ranged, close-quarters, and self-boosting abilities. Even so, he still struggled against equally ranked opponents. Fighting someone one rank higher was nearly impossible.
While Ye Wen considered himself no weaker than Dai Mubai, he now faced three opponents at the Soul Elder level, while he and his friends were only Soul Grandmasters. It was enough to make him deeply uneasy—hence why he'd ordered Xiao Wu to flee for help.
In the wilderness, if all three of them were captured, there would be no one to save them. Even if he revealed Huo Rui's title as a Contra, they'd likely kill him to avoid any potential retaliation. The only way to ensure safety was for Xiao Wu to escape and bring reinforcements.
But Xiao Wu was, without a doubt, someone who acted from the heart. Although she wanted to listen to Ye Wen, her emotions conflicted, leaving her frozen in place, torn between staying and helping him.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 710: Xiao Wu's Heart – Finale
Xiao Wu's moment of hesitation had given the enemy an opening, and the situation quickly deteriorated.
A low, mocking voice filled the air.
"Oh? Trying to run?"
As the words settled, Ye Wen suddenly felt an oppressive weight press down on him. He quickly glanced over to check on Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu behind him.
Damn it! A group control skill? And wasn't this guy using a fire-type soul skill earlier? What exactly is his martial spirit?
Ye Wen cursed inwardly but maintained a calm facade, his gaze fixed on the carriage.
At that moment, a massive figure slowly emerged from within the carriage. At first, Ye Wen thought his eyes were deceiving him—this man was so obese that his limbs appeared short and stubby, more like a massive meatball than a person.
But Ye Wen had no time to joke; the man possessed four soul rings, and though his configuration was modest—one white, two yellow, and one purple—it still demanded caution.
Due to the influence of his snail-like martial spirit, the slaver leader spoke slowly and with a strange cadence. He chuckled deeply, saying, "Not bad, kid. Once we catch you, we won't make it difficult for you."
"So, what'll it be? Come quietly, or do we need to rough you up a bit first?"
"Fatty, if you've got the guts, come at us! You really think Sister Xiao Wu is afraid of you?" Xiao Wu retorted defiantly.
Having realized her initial hesitation may have endangered all three of them, Xiao Wu decided to go all in. She taunted the slaver, hoping to draw his anger and create a better opening for the three of them to fight.
Her insult landed perfectly. The slaver's face twisted into a menacing grin upon hearing the words "fatty."
"Oh, your voice is lovely. I can't wait to hear you scream… when we're through with you. Take them down, but go easy on the other two. Break the little rabbit's arms and legs if you must, just don't hurt her face."
The two underlings exchanged glances, their soul rings glowing as they charged forward with clawed hands, ready to strike.
Ye Wen took a deep breath and spoke with determination.
"My defenses are strong. I'll lead the charge. You two—watch for openings and attack!"
With that, Ye Wen activated his soul armor, transforming into a silver-armored warrior and throwing himself into the fray against the two attackers.
Though the slavers had higher cultivation, Ye Wen's excellent martial spirit, rigorous training, and enhanced soul ring effects allowed him to hold his ground, at least temporarily.
Noticing Xiao Wu's urge to jump into the battle, Huo Yuer discreetly pulled her back, whispering, "Don't interfere, Xiao Wu. Your physical strength isn't enough to take them on. Instead, find the right moment to use Charm and create an opening for us."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu realized that while her Eight-Dan Slam could be effective, the chaotic nature of the battle made it hard for her to jump in without disrupting Ye Wen's strategy.
However, she still had her Charm skill, and the thought reassured her that she wasn't entirely useless.
Meanwhile, Huo Yuer cast her first soul skill.
"Illusory Sight!"
In an instant, the two slavers, locked in battle with Ye Wen, were suddenly disoriented, ending up punching each other in the face with loud yelps of pain.
Seizing this opening, Ye Wen's eyes lit up as he quickly formed hand seals, unleashing his most powerful attack, Void Slash. The devastating wind blade sliced through the air, cutting down the stronger of the two slavers, who cried out in agony.
But before Ye Wen could press his advantage, a low, sinister laugh sounded in his ears.
"So, that's your little soul skill, huh? Well, now that I know what you can do…"
Ye Wen looked up to see the slaver leader's grotesque figure sporting a massive snail shell on his back. As his century-level soul ring glowed, the shell twisted, transforming into a massive cannon aimed directly at the three of them.
Ye Wen's face turned grim. Although snail-type soul masters were typically defense-oriented, this one had taken an unusual path. Between his earlier flame attack and group control, it was clear he was highly versatile—and dangerous.
This time, the slaver leader offered no chance to surrender. With a malicious grin, he fired a powerful shockwave toward them.
One of the underlings shouted in panic, "Stop, boss! I haven't gotten clear yet!"
"Like I care! You're just cannon fodder to me. Don't go thinking calling me 'boss' makes me care about you," the leader sneered, firing his attack.
Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu, with their quick reflexes, tried to dodge.
But just as they were about to leap out of the way, the slaver's purple soul ring flashed again, amplifying the suppressive pressure and immobilizing them momentarily—a split second that sealed their fate.
The shockwave struck, kicking up a massive cloud of dust that obscured everything in sight.
Yet, the slaver leader's expression held no satisfaction. His last glimpse before the impact revealed something unsettling.
"Such a disgusting little brat. Not only is he handsome, but he actually shielded those two girls before my skill hit."
Huo Yuer and Xiao Wu, unharmed, stared in shock at the still-rising dust cloud. Slowly, they registered what had happened, and tears filled their eyes.
"A-Wen!" both girls cried out in panic.
But the ruthless slaver leader, who didn't care for his own men's lives, certainly wouldn't pass up the chance to finish the job.
Channeling his soul power, the slaver leader leapt to where the two girls stood, a twisted smile on his face.
"No need to be scared. I'll take good care of you two now that that boy's out of the way."
Huo Yuer's response was swift, launching a deadly arrow at him.
"Unforgivable! I'll make you pay with your life for hurting A-Wen!" she shouted, seething with rage.
Initially, she'd viewed the three assailants as insignificant, but her brief lapse had cost her dearly—her beloved was injured right before her eyes. She swore to tear this fiend to pieces to quell her wrath.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu seemed to mature in that moment. Seeing Ye Wen sacrifice himself, she fully understood her feelings for him.
Although Xiao Wu said nothing, her once-soft gaze had hardened, her eyes now veined with blood-red streaks, a silent testament to her deadly intent.
(End of Chapter)
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