Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends.

With that thought in mind, Xiao Wu no longer hesitated. She immediately turned around and walked quickly towards the outside of the town, following the path she had come from.

She walked quickly, almost with an urgent desire to escape.

After passing through the chaotic shantytown and crossing the creek that symbolized the boundary of human activity and emitted an unpleasant odor, the familiar forest scent finally rushed towards me again.

Xiao Wu's tense nerves relaxed considerably in an instant. She quickened her pace and almost ran into the lush greenery.

Upon entering the forest, even the air seemed to become much fresher.

She was surrounded by familiar trees, the familiar smell of earth, and the rustling sounds of those weak, ten- or hundred-year-old soul beasts that posed no threat to her.

This is her home.

Xiao Wu determined the direction and headed towards the meeting point she had agreed upon with Er Ming.

Thinking of Erming's large yet reliable figure waiting for her ahead, Xiaowu felt a little more relaxed, and her steps became lighter.

……

On the other side, Tang Hao remained hidden behind the dense vines, motionless like a solidified rock.

His gaze was fixed intently on the Titan Ape in the distance.

The Titan Ape remained in its original posture, lying prone in the shadows, its massive head slightly lowered, its eyes half-closed, seemingly resting, or perhaps intently waiting for something.

It did not exude any aggressive aura, nor did it patrol its territory.

This deepened Tang Hao's suspicions.

A 100,000-year-old soul beast possesses intelligence comparable to that of humans. Its unusual lingering on the outer perimeter cannot be without purpose.

wait?

What is it waiting for?

Are they waiting for the right time to unleash the beast tide? Or are they waiting for something important?

Various possibilities flashed through Tang Hao's mind, each one making him feel uneasy.

He must make a decision as soon as possible.

Should they retreat immediately, taking Tang San and Cindy far away from this place of trouble?

Or should we observe further and try to figure out the Titan Ape's true intentions?

The former is the safest, but it might cause you to miss important information. The latter is extremely risky; if discovered by the Titan Ape, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Just as Tang Hao was weighing the pros and cons and finding it difficult to make a decision.

His ears twitched slightly.

A very faint sound, but different from the sound of wind rustling through leaves and the sound of small soul beasts running, came from another direction, approaching from afar.

The footsteps were light and quick, carrying a familiar rhythm that belonged to the forest.

Tang Hao's heart skipped a beat.

He subconsciously looked in the direction from which the footsteps were coming.

In the distance, a slender figure could be seen nimbly weaving through the trees, rapidly approaching the Titan Ape.

She was a human girl who looked to be eleven or twelve years old.

She wore a simple pink outfit, with long scorpion braids swaying behind her, and had a delicate and cute appearance.

Chapter 184 Illustration

But Tang Hao's gaze suddenly sharpened the moment it met the girl's eyes.

He wasn't looking at the girl's appearance, but rather sensing the aura emanating from her!

That was the unique aura of a 100,000-year-old soul beast.

This girl is not human!

She is a 100,000-year-old soul beast that has undergone a transformation and rebirth!

This idea instantly popped into Tang Hao's mind, dispelling all his previous speculations about the beast tide.

Tang Hao's breathing quickened for a moment, and his fingers gripping the illusory Haotian Hammer tightened unconsciously, his knuckles turning slightly white.

A 100,000-year-old soul beast.

These five words represent an unparalleled temptation for any Soul Master.

His wife, Ah Yin, was a 100,000-year-old soul beast in human form. He paid a heavy price for this: his sect suffered a calamity, and he and his wife were separated. This is a wound in his heart that will never heal.

But this does not mean that he will have any extra pity for other transformed soul beasts.

On the contrary, it was precisely because he had experienced it that he understood more deeply what a 100,000-year-old soul beast meant to a soul master.

A guaranteed 100,000-year soul ring, plus an extremely rare 100,000-year soul bone.

This is an unparalleled treasure that would drive any Soul Master, including Title Douluo, crazy.

Moreover, the target in front of them looked so weak, just a little girl who had only recently taken human form and whose strength was weak.

Compared to those ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts that dwell deep in the forest and possess terrifying combat power, she was simply like an unguarded pastry exuding an enticing aroma.

Win her over!

This idea spread like wildfire, instantly taking over Tang Hao's mind.

He believed that as long as he acted quickly enough, he could strike with lightning speed before the Titan Ape could react, and then immediately flee...

It's entirely worth taking this risk for a 100,000-year soul ring and a 100,000-year soul bone.

However, the murderous intent that had just risen in Tang Hao's heart, before it could take shape, was suppressed by his reason.

He took a deep breath of the cool forest air, a faint stinging pain in his lungs reminding him of his current state.

His injury hasn't healed yet.

Although Tang Hao appeared to be able to move freely and mobilize his soul power, only he knew that the meridians in his body that had been eroded by the strange energy of Ge Duo were still fragile, and the old injuries in his lungs and internal organs were only barely suppressed.

With his current strength, he is not entirely confident in facing a 100,000-year-old Titan Ape known for its strength and defense.

Once they clash, the commotion will be immense.

If he were to be entangled by the Titan Ape, let alone kill that transformed soul beast, it would be questionable whether he could even escape unscathed.

Moreover, he had Tang San and Cindy behind him. He absolutely could not put them in danger.

and……

Tang Hao's gaze returned to the girl in pink, his eyes flickering.

He already has all nine soul rings. Even if he successfully kills this 100,000-year-old soul beast, he can only obtain a soul bone, while the precious 100,000-year-old soul ring will be wasted.

That's such a pity.

A clear and swift thought appeared in Tang Hao's mind.

His son, Tang San.

Xiao San's talent is his greatest pride: twin martial souls and innate full soul power, his future achievements are limitless.

If... if the mistress could obtain a 100,000-year soul ring in the future...

Tang Hao's heart began to pound uncontrollably.

He personally experienced the benefits of sacrificing a soul beast that had been around for 100,000 years.

Ah Yin's sacrifice not only gave him a powerful ninth soul ring, but also saved his life in that desperate situation.

That kind of sacrifice, which is completely unrepulsive, perfectly integrated, and comes with a soul bone and powerful soul skills, is a perfect absorption that no other hunt can match.

He wanted to build a future for his mistress.

He wanted this 100,000-year-old soul beast to willingly sacrifice itself for his son in the future.

Once this idea takes hold, it can never be shaken.

Tang Hao was absolutely confident that this idea could be realized.

He knew too well about transformed soul beasts. Because of his wife, Ah Yin, he knew that after a 100,000-year-old soul beast chose to transform, in order to accelerate its cultivation, it had to integrate into the human world, come into contact with humans, and experience humanity.

This is their inescapable and unchangeable fate.

Therefore, this gave him room to maneuver.

He doesn't need to act now; he just needs to observe and guide secretly over the next few days, like the most patient hunter, laying a trap that is all-encompassing.

He could create opportunities for this soul beast to come into contact with Tang San, get to know him, and even... develop feelings for him.

Tang Hao believed that with Xiao San's temperament and talent, coupled with his secret encouragement, it wouldn't be difficult for him to make a shapeshifting soul beast who was ignorant of the ways of the world and longed for human emotions fall deeply in love with him.

Once the relationship has deepened to a certain extent, then create some unexpected events and crises at the right time...

At that time, in order to save his beloved, sacrifice will become the only option for this 100,000-year-old soul beast, just like Ah Yin did for him back then.

Thinking of this, the last trace of killing intent in Tang Hao's eyes completely disappeared, replaced by an unfathomable coldness and calculation.

The way he looked at the girl in pink was no longer like looking at prey, but like looking at a precious offering tailor-made for his son.

He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and the restless soul power around him completely calmed down. His aura once again merged with the surrounding forest, as if he had never existed.

……

"Er Ming!"

Xiao Wu leaped lightly over a clump of bushes, let out a joyful cry, and ran a few steps to the Titan Ape's mountain-like body.

Titan Ape Erming lowered his head, his twin lamps emitting a gentle light, and his deep, resonant voice rang out: "Sister Xiaowu, you're back."

It carefully extended its huge finger and gently touched Xiao Wu's shoulder, as if to make sure she was alright.

"Okay, okay, I'm fine." Xiao Wu patted its rough skin, a relaxed smile on her face as she returned to a safe environment.

"The human world is still so annoying, so noisy, and it smells awful. Let's go back quickly, I miss Daming and Lord Ruishou."

Erming nodded, its enormous body slowly rising to its feet, casting a large shadow. It bent down, spreading its massive palms in front of Xiaowu, and said, "Alright, let's go home."

Xiao Wu skillfully jumped up and landed firmly in its palm.

Erming gently lifted her up and placed her on his broad shoulders.

After settling in, Xiao Wu glanced back at the town outside the forest one last time, a complex look flashing in her eyes.

"Let's go, Erming, let's go home!"

Erming responded in a low voice, took heavy steps, causing the ground to tremble slightly, and carried Xiaowu away towards the core of the Star Dou Great Forest, the Lake of Life.

Chapter 185 Return

Tang Hao quietly returned to the place where Tang San, Cinderella, and Yu Xiaogang were waiting.

Seeing him return, Yu Xiaogang, who had been tense, visibly relaxed and quickly stepped forward, asking, "Mr. Wu, what's the situation up ahead? Have any powerful soul beasts appeared?"

Tang San and Cinderella both looked at Tang Hao, their eyes filled with a questioning look.

Tang Hao's face remained expressionless; he simply lowered the brim of his straw hat, concealing all the changes in his eyes.

He replied in a hoarse, low voice, "It's nothing. An older soul beast was inhabiting the area, but it has already moved away."

Tang Hao didn't want to offer any further explanation, nor did he want to arouse any unnecessary speculation.

"Get ready, we're leaving the Star Dou Great Forest immediately." He gave the order directly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Although Yu Xiaogang still had some doubts, seeing that Tang Hao was unwilling to say more, he did not dare to ask any more questions and could only nod hurriedly: "Yes, yes, I will follow Mr. Wu's arrangements."

Tang Sanmin keenly sensed that Tang Hao's aura seemed a little more somber than when he left, but he didn't ask any further questions.

He never cared about Tang Hao's thoughts, nor did he want to know too much about them.

Cinderella stood obediently beside Tang San, quietly tidying up her not-too-messy clothes.

Without any delay, led by Tang Hao, the group quickly headed towards the outside of the Star Dou Great Forest.

Tang Hao walked at the front, his steps steady yet swift.

His mental power spread out like an invisible radar, avoiding all the soul beasts and soul masters he might encounter along the way.

He must get Tang San and Cindy out of this area as soon as possible.