You Chen's Starlight Avatar could temporarily deceive even a Titled Douluo with its disguise; as long as it didn't exert itself fully or get harmed, it was nearly impossible to tell it was a clone.
You Chen deliberately altered the faces of the six clones, even considering that soul beasts might have some difficulty recognizing human faces, and intentionally differentiated their appearances.
Among them, the elderly-looking clone A shouted from a distance at Er Ming, "Titan Giant Ape, my master has no intention of being your enemy, retreat quickly!"
Upon hearing this seemingly submissive statement, a frown appeared on Er Ming's forehead, and his anger flared up.
Wait a minute, you killed so many soul beasts on my territory, and now you say you have "no intention of being an enemy"?
"Roar!"
Er Ming let out a furious roar, and his fist, as large as a small mountain, smashed toward clone A.
Large swathes of vegetation, soil, and stones were violently uprooted by Er Ming's immense strength.
However, this punch undoubtedly missed its target.
Although You Chen's Starlight Avatar had only the overall strength of a Soul Douluo, it, like the main body, leaned towards speed, and in terms of speed, it was definitely among the faster levels of Soul Douluo.
In contrast, the Titan Giant Ape was relatively weak in speed and agility.
Moreover, controlling the clone was You Chen, whose Divine Power had reached the Spirit Domain level, and with prior preparation, it was naturally not difficult to dodge this attack.
This only made Er Ming angrier.
Although Er Ming was not skilled in Divine Power, it had also reached the Spirit Abyss level, and it quickly noticed You Chen's main body absorbing the Spirit Ring from a distance.
Initially, Er Ming had a mindset of either swatting these annoying and weak low-level Soul Masters or ignoring them altogether.
But now, it thought it would first deal with this old guy who was spouting nonsense!
These top-tier soul beasts were naturally gifted beings; just like the Emperor Golden Lion Beast, which had a deficiency in defense but possessed invincible abilities, the Titan Giant Ape had a weakness in speed but had the innate ability of a gravity domain to weaken its opponent's speed.
Even though Er Ming was not adept at speed, its racial advantages meant that even in areas it was not skilled in, it was still at the top level of ordinary Titled Douluo. Once the gravity domain was activated, it felt that this little fly would have no way to escape!
At that moment, the remaining five clones suddenly sprang into action, each using their self-created storm currents to attack clone A and Er Ming.
Impediment to Er Ming was secondary; the primary goal was to use the power of wind to pull clone A out of Er Ming's attack range.
Boom!
Caught off guard, Er Ming's massive fist once again missed its target, and the ground of the Starry Forest let out a painful wail.
"Damn bugs!"
Seeing these little insects play tricks on him, Er Ming instantly fell into a rage.
Logically speaking, a Soul Douluo would be easily crushed in one round by a monster like the hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape.
Moreover, You Chen's clones were not even Soul Douluo, and although they had combat power close to that of a Soul Douluo, they lacked the Spirit Avatar of a Soul Saint, meaning their upper limit was not even comparable to a true Soul Saint.
But the victory lay in the seamless cooperation of the six clones, combined with You Chen's keen understanding of Er Ming's explosive temper and straightforward fighting style, allowing them to toy with Er Ming like a kite on a string.
You Chen's goal was never to inflict damage on Er Ming; as long as he could hold Er Ming back, that would be his victory.
However, in the distance, Da Ming, who was observing with Divine Power, sensed something was off and hurriedly rushed over.
As the distance closed, Da Ming's Divine Power probe became clearer, and he finally changed his expression slightly, urgently transmitting to Er Ming, "Er Ming! Don't be fooled! Those six people fighting you are not real Soul Masters; they are just clones! Stop getting entangled with them!"
Er Ming was foolish, but not completely brainless. Upon Da Ming's reminder, it instantly reacted.
It turned its head sharply, its eyes like lightning, directly looking at the figure not far away, sitting cross-legged and absorbing the Spirit Ring: 'These are all clones of that Soul Master; he is stalling for time!'
If the anger Er Ming felt from being toyed with by a few Soul Masters was a 10, realizing it was just being played by You Chen's remote-controlled clones sent its anger skyrocketing to 100!
"I! Will! Kill! You!"
The Titan Giant Ape's body swelled up again.
It completely ignored the attacks from the clones, its knees slightly bending, and its thick thighs, like towering pillars, sank deep into the ground.
With a leap, after gathering strength, it instantly exploded forward at several times the speed of sound, roaring toward You Chen.
However, at that moment.
One of the clones quietly took out a strand of black hair from a storage soul tool, raising it high while glancing toward the direction where Da Ming was rushing from.
Even though Da Ming was still several minutes away from arriving, he felt as if he had locked eyes with the other party across the distance.
But at that moment, Da Ming's gaze was irresistibly drawn to the black hair raised by the clone, and his pupils constricted in urgency as he transmitted to Er Ming, "No! Er Ming! Stop! Quickly stop!"
In the midst of his furious rage, Er Ming heard this inexplicable transmission and regained a bit of clarity. Looking at the man right in front of him, he indeed felt a moment of hesitation.
In his heart, his brother's words had never been wrong.
Even if there was a temporary disagreement, it would later prove that he was the one being foolish.
Er Ming had always been extremely trusting and obedient to Da Ming's words.
However, the speed and power unleashed in his rage were too fast and strong; the time to retract was exceptionally brief.
In less than a tenth of a second of hesitation, Er Ming missed the opportunity to pull back.
Although he still managed to reduce some of his strength and slightly adjust his body, that mountain-like back still bore down with terrifying force toward You Chen.
Da Ming watched this scene from afar, his eyes wide open to the limit.
Boom!
The ground shook violently.
Er Ming's mountain-like body finally crashed down onto You Chen.
Da Ming: "..."
He remained silent for a long time, still straining to rush to the scene.
At the same time, he received a somewhat aggrieved voice from Er Ming through Divine Power: "Brother, um... what's going on? Why did you suddenly tell me to stop?"
Da Ming remained silent for a long time, struggling internally for a few seconds before finally sighing and transmitting back, "He... that human Soul Master has a strand of Xiao Wu's hair."
Another round of earth-shaking tremors followed.
Er Ming hurriedly sat up, and after a moment, replied to Da Ming, "Brother, he... he's not dead! Should I just tie him up directly or what?"
Da Ming was at a loss for words.
He was not dead, but You Chen had clearly suffered a severe injury.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Da Ming wouldn't have believed that this human Soul Master could withstand such a violent collision from Er Ming and only be severely injured.
Although his muscles were torn, and blood was spurting, he... ultimately did not die, and was merely severely injured, not in a life-threatening state.
Da Ming felt an unimaginable shock. Perhaps this was also a factor in why he couldn't provide an answer immediately.
When Er Ming charged in, You Chen actually had the opportunity to dodge.
But that would undoubtedly interrupt the absorption of the Spirit Ring, forcing him to break free from the state of absorbing the Spirit Ring.
Even You Chen did not react immediately to Er Ming's action.
Sometimes, no matter how much one calculates, it cannot compare to a fool's moment of impulsiveness.
Even when he took out Xiao Wu's hair, it was still a second too late.
You Chen had to admit that, in that moment, he felt a bit panicked.
A normal Soul Master, upon seeing a mountain peak crashing down toward their face, would likely have two reactions: being so scared they couldn't move, or running away.
But You Chen was neither.
After a moment of panic, he regained clear thinking.
No matter how fast Er Ming was, due to the distance, You Chen had the ability to activate the acceleration Spirit Bone technique to escape Er Ming's attack range after enduring the backlash of a failed promotion, but You Chen was unwilling to accept such a loss.
He used a ruthlessly cold mind to make precise calculations in an instant, analyzing that his Super Douluo-level physique could withstand this blow.
As long as he could maintain his mental clarity afterward, he could still complete the absorption of the Spirit Ring.
After all, a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Ring was far from the limit of what You Chen could endure at the eighth ring of his lifetime.
Even if severely injured and in a significantly weakened state, he was still on the edge of being able to absorb this Spirit Ring.
If this were a ferocious beast Spirit Ring, You Chen would definitely not be able to maintain the absorption state after being hit by Er Ming; he would have been killed by the backlash of the Spirit Ring.
And the final outcome was just as You Chen had calculated.
Severely injured, but not on the brink of death, and still possessing the strength to fight.
In that cold, machine-like state, pushing his spirit to the limit, You Chen unknowingly touched the realm of a tranquil heart.
The strength of his Divine Power quietly jumped up a small notch, reaching the mid-stage of the Spirit Domain.
Then...
You Chen opened his eyes.
His face was covered in blood, yet his gaze was clear, as if the blood was merely paint.
Two minutes after being severely injured, You Chen finally completed the absorption of the Spirit Ring and immediately activated the healing soul skill of this Spirit Ring.
In the distance, Da Ming, who was trying to tell Er Ming not to be so rash, suddenly changed his expression again: "Er Ming, be careful!"
Er Ming had already sensed the fluctuations from You Chen using the soul skill and realized that You Chen had awakened, but he was still a beat slow.
"You really hurt me, Titan Giant Ape."
A voice devoid of emotional fluctuation came from behind him, and the next moment, a fist infused with Stardust Power smashed into Er Ming's back.
Precisely where Er Ming had been pressing down on You Chen.
Boom!
With this punch, You Chen held back no strength, even extravagantly activating the fourth soul skill, the Emperor Golden Body, just for the power boost.
Because of this, the power of this punch reached the peak level of a Super Douluo, sending the mountain-like Er Ming flying.
Can you imagine it?
The sight of a small mountain over ten meters high soaring through the air.
The sound of Er Ming breaking through the air and crashing through countless ancient trees over a hundred meters tall was as grand and magnificent as a magnitude ten earthquake.
Boom!
Accompanied by a violent tremor, Er Ming finally crashed to the ground.
"Roar!"
With a painful cry, Er Ming stood up again, his eyes turning red.
Even with the Titan Giant Ape's physique, suffering such a blow caused significant internal injuries, and Er Ming now felt his organs shaking.
Just then, the Sky Blue Bull Python finally arrived at the scene.
"Impressive as always, Sky Blue Bull Python."
Before Da Ming could question about Xiao Wu's hair, You Chen smiled and said, "That foolish Titan Giant Ape didn't even realize those were just my clones, yet you noticed the clues from such a distance. I must say, that was my oversight. If my body hadn't held up well, I might have really met my end here today."
The reason he took that hit from Er Ming was not only due to Er Ming's impulsive action but also a major miscalculation in underestimating Da Ming's perception and judgment.
You Chen hadn't expected that both Ju Gui and Da Ming would only discover the truth of the clones after inflicting damage on them, while Da Ming, from such a distance, had already seen through the truth of the clones.
It seemed that although the original text did not explicitly state it, this Sky Blue Bull Python's mastery of Divine Power was definitely not low; even if it hadn't reached the Spirit Domain level, it had likely reached the peak level of the Spirit Abyss.
Hmm, judging by its Spirit Bone technique "Sky Blue Dull Claw," which slows down the time based on the strength of the attacked party's Divine Power, the Sky Blue Bull Python's slowing domain might simultaneously affect both the mental and physical realms.
Given Da Ming's high mental prowess, or rather, that he was a soul beast with mental attributes, it was not surprising.
The mental domain, the innate ability to slow down or control the perception of speed and physical speed...
'Hmm?… In that case, I should increase the weight of choosing the Sky Blue Bull Python as a backup for the seventh ring. If by that time I still haven't evolved my Martial Soul again, perhaps I can rely on the Sky Blue Bull Python's slowing domain to comprehend the corresponding acceleration realm.'
A glimmer of light flashed in You Chen's eyes as he thought silently.
In fact, after the evolution of his Martial Soul, Da Ming had always been on his Spirit Ring backup list, but now he stood out even more.
Unaware that he had silently been listed as a Spirit Ring backup, Da Ming showed no intention of responding to You Chen, lowering his massive bull head and rumbling, "Human, why do you have that strand of hair, and why did you show it at that moment?"
You Chen possessing Xiao Wu's hair was already enough to draw Da Ming's full attention, but You Chen specifically showing Xiao Wu's hair in front of them was even more noteworthy!
Because this could very likely mean... You Chen had captured Xiao Wu and had forced her to reveal their relationship!
This was the reason Da Ming had stopped Er Ming.
The worst-case scenario of Xiao Wu already being hunted was needless to say, and Da Ming didn't even want to think about it.
If it were indeed this second-worst situation, and Er Ming killed You Chen, they would have no way to know where Xiao Wu was, let alone rescue her!
Upon hearing Da Ming's question to You Chen, Er Ming also reacted.
When a sycophant is concerned about their goddess, their brain often operates at a speed that even their friends find hard to comprehend.
Er Ming was just like that.
After Da Ming's hint, it now fully realized the problem.
"Kid, quickly tell us Xiao Wu's whereabouts! But if you say anything unpleasant, my brother and I will tear your mouth apart right now! Be prepared for that!"
Er Ming clenched its fists, holding back the urge to smash down, only letting out a thunderous roar at You Chen.
You Chen looked at these two turtle men... no, turtle beasts, and couldn't help but laugh.
"Human! What are you laughing at! Shut up!"
Er Ming didn't know what You Chen was laughing at, but it felt a strong discomfort from You Chen's laughter.
"Er Ming!"
Da Ming scolded Er Ming, then narrowed his eyes slightly, addressing You Chen, "Human, our patience is limited. Since you didn't continue to attack after that punch, you must have something to say!"
"You're quite clever."
You Chen glanced at Da Ming, a mocking smile curling at the corners of his mouth: "Rest assured, the truth is somewhat different from what you imagine."
He directly took out a soul guide device with recording capabilities, and under the vigilant gazes of Da Ming and Er Ming, it began to play.
"Take me with you too."
As the voice synchronized with the image, upon hearing this voice and seeing this scene, both Da Ming and Er Ming froze.
What was playing was Xiao Wu's hopeful expression, grasping You Chen's arm, pleading for You Chen to take her away from Notting City.
Biu——.
You Chen pressed the button, ending the playback and retracting the soul guide.
"Wait!"
Er Ming made a gesture as if it wanted to see Xiao Wu's face one more time, even if she showed such an expression to another man, it didn't matter.
Da Ming, on the other hand, asked with a complex expression, "Who... exactly are you? Did Xiao Wu tell you about our relationship herself?"
Although the man in the video had a different appearance from the one in front of them, it was clearly the same person.
As for doubting the authenticity of the footage? Although the footage was indeed real, Da Ming was clearly not clever enough to consider the possibility of the footage being faked.
Just like many people today still do not know or believe that scammers can use AI to simulate the appearance of familiar faces during video calls.
Especially with the fleeting complex and vivid expression on Xiao Wu's face, Da Ming firmly believed this was a real person and had no doubts whatsoever.
"It was just simple reasoning."
You Chen quietly took out a pair of glasses, put them on his nose, and gently pushed them up, saying, "I met Xiao Wu in a town on the edge of the Starry Forest. As my cultivation improved, upon discovering she was a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, it wasn't difficult to deduce the possibility of your connection based on the current information about hundred-thousand-year soul beasts in the Starry Forest. More importantly, at that moment, I was trying to save my life, so naturally, I would use every means possible, and instinctively want to believe and try any possibility."
Da Ming nodded, very much in agreement with this explanation.
After all, he could never have imagined that someone could remain calm enough to think and analyze, even conduct meticulous calculations in such a situation.
Such a thing, let alone soul beasts, was beyond the comprehension of most people in this world.
It was a realm that only You Chen, undoubtedly the number one in the world in terms of Divine Power talent and potential, could touch.
"As a result, did we end up exposing ourselves?"
Da Ming gazed deeply at You Chen and asked, "Human, how is Xiao Wu doing now?"
You Chen scoffed and shrugged, "Didn't you just see? I didn't take her away; it's been several years since we parted in Notting City, and I have my own matters to attend to. How would I know how she's been doing since then?"
Er Ming saw You Chen's expression and instantly labeled him as a heartless scoundrel in his heart. Anger surged within him as he glared, saying in a deep voice, "Kid, don't think you can just brush this off! Even if you have a connection with Sister Xiao Wu, it doesn't cover up the fact that you recklessly slaughtered soul beasts before!"
Er Ming was indeed angry, but how could the deaths of those little brothers compare to the news about Sister Xiao Wu?
At this moment, he was merely using this as an excuse to threaten You Chen while venting his anger towards him!
What he desired but could not obtain was casually discarded by the other party…
How he wished that it was himself whom Sister Xiao Wu had tried to save!
How could this not infuriate Er Ming!?
However, You Chen merely looked at Er Ming as if he were a fool and said, "Soul beasts and humans are inherently adversarial. What's so strange about me killing soul beasts? It's only natural for Soul Masters to hunt soul beasts, just as soul beasts hunt Soul Masters."
Er Ming felt a surge of blood and anger, exclaiming, "So, is that how you view Sister Xiao Wu as well!? Indeed! It's just as I thought! A naturally evil human Soul Master, I'll personally kill you right here!"
A hint of sympathy appeared on You Chen's face: "Once a soul beast transforms, it belongs to our human side. There's no longer any reproductive isolation with humans. After reaching the seventh ring, they are completely indistinguishable from human Soul Masters. Even if someone wants to use the pretext of killing soul beasts to hunt transformed soul beasts for their Spirit Rings and Spirit Bones, it's merely a facade for murder and treasure-seeking, a struggle for profit. But you two, as soul beasts, still have your hearts set on comrades who have already joined the human camp. Isn't that a bit overstepping? From both a racial and lifespan perspective, you are completely different beings now."
This was a lie. After a soul beast transforms, although there is no reproductive isolation with humans, they still retain the bloodline of soul beasts, which will be passed down to their descendants. This is also why Xiao Wu has an innate sense of closeness to Tang San.
But Er Ming and Da Ming didn't understand these things. Upon hearing this, they were both shaken.
The concepts of race and reproductive isolation were not easy for them to grasp, but the difference in lifespan was something even soul beasts could understand immediately.
For a life that only lasts a hundred years, or at most a few hundred years, compared to them who had already survived the heavenly tribulation and could live for at least another hundred thousand years, the difference was indeed like heaven and earth.
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