Deep within the core of the Star Dou Great Forest, beside a lake that resembled a paradise on earth.
A creature that looked like a cross between an ape and a gorilla sat gloomily.
The small lake in front of the Titan Giant Ape began to boil, and an enormous ox head emerged. Eyes as large as lanterns glowed brightly, and it spoke in human language:
"Er Ming, there's no need to worry too much about Sister Xiao Wu. It's normal for humans to fight among themselves. Besides, Sister Xiao Wu has friends who are willing to protect her."
The Titan Giant Ape stood up and let out a deafening roar, its large yellow eyes filled with a violent emotion.
The Sky Azure Bull Python spoke again: "I know you want to avenge Sister Xiao Wu, but if we, as soul beasts, rashly leave the Star Dou Great Forest, human powerhouses will come to hunt us down."
Upon hearing this, the Titan Giant Ape began pounding its muscular arms against its granite-like chest, as if venting its emotions.
The Sky Azure Bull Python's gaze grew distant:
"Don't worry. All powerful soul masters will eventually come to the Star Dou Great Forest. I sensed that person's soul power aura from Sister Xiao Wu. Once he appears, we can personally avenge her."
With that, the Sky Azure Bull Python submerged back into the lake. The water shimmered, but beneath its surface lurked endless danger—this was the territory of the Forest King.
At the moment the Titan Giant Ape let out its earth-shaking roar, Qian Renxue, who had just absorbed her sixth soul ring and was preparing to leave, suddenly felt something and looked into the distance.
Qian Renxue turned to the woman beside her and said, "Elder Ling Yuan, did you feel that too? A powerful aura just flashed by, as if venting its anger."
Elder Ling Yuan's expression was grave. "That aura was filled with a primal, savage energy. It didn't feel human. Your Highness, it's not safe here. We should leave quickly."
Qian Renxue nodded lightly. A sacred light enveloped her, and she transformed from a peerless beauty into the composed and dignified Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Qian Renxue said, "Elder Ling Yuan, thank you for helping me obtain this soul ring. We can part ways here. I still have matters to attend to."
Elder Ling Yuan nodded. "Then, Your Highness, we shall part here." With that, she spread her flaming wings and flew into the sky.
As for Qian Renxue's safety, Elder Ling Yuan wasn't worried. With a level 60 soul power and her god-level martial soul, even if she encountered a Titled Douluo, she could escape as long as she didn't engage in a fight to the death.
---
Back at the hotel.
Shen An raised an eyebrow and looked at the person who had spoken. Who the hell is talking so arrogantly?
Huh? Why does he look like a dog? It wasn't meant as an insult, but Shen An genuinely felt that the man in front of him resembled a certain breed of dog known as a Husky.
The man, who looked like a well-dressed dog, was very excited. He had been infatuated with Huo Wu for a long time.
A few years ago, when he first visited the Blazing Fire Academy and saw Huo Wu, he had fallen deeply in love with this stunningly beautiful and talented girl.
Over the years, he had gone to great lengths to pursue her, even humbling himself to seek advice from the so-called "love experts" in his academy.
Although these "experts" had never been in a real relationship, they spoke with great confidence.
For example, they advised him to be a warm man—to be unconditionally good to her without expecting anything in return and to fulfill all her desires. Feng Xiaotian had followed this advice to the letter.
However, Huo Wu had never shown any interest in him and had never expressed any needs. Now, he finally saw an opportunity.
"Hey, kid, didn't you hear me? I just want to play with your cat. Isn't that what cats are for—to be petted?"
Feng Xiaotian repeated himself when he saw Shen An looking at him with a half-smile.
Upon hearing this, Shen An remained silent, but Tom glared angrily at Feng Xiaotian. What kind of nonsense is this? Are cats just playthings?
As everyone knew, cats were smaller than humans, so their hearts were also smaller. And Tom was especially known for being petty among cats.
Without a word, Tom stomped over to Feng Xiaotian, glaring at him with clear hostility.
Shen An watched with amusement. Tom is angry, and the consequences will be severe.
Feng Xiaotian, seemingly oblivious to Tom's anger, smiled at Huo Wu and said,
"Look, Huo Wu, this cat is quite understanding. It knows you want to pet it and came over on its own."
Huo Wu frowned. "Feng Xiaotian, how many times have I told you? Don't interfere in my affairs."
"Huo Wu, I'm just trying to help. You like this cat, right? Just take it and play with it."
Tom, already upset at being treated like a toy, grew even angrier when he saw the two of them flirting.
Tom's head swelled up like a balloon, turning red and huge.
Feng Xiaotian, seeing Tom like this, laughed dismissively.
"Oh, you little thing, you're quite unique. Are you angry? Do you want to hit me? Look at those tiny fists."
Feng Xiaotian didn't care. In his eyes, Tom was just an ordinary cat with no soul power, probably not even a ten-year spirit beast.
Tom took a deep breath, his chest and belly visibly expanding. Then, he placed his paw in his mouth and blew hard.
His fist instantly grew to an enormous size, and he delivered a powerful right hook to Feng Xiaotian.
"Boom!"
Everyone, including Shui Bing'er and the others, was stunned. What just happened? The tiny, timid cat's fist had suddenly grown huge and sent Feng Xiaotian flying.
Feng Xiaotian was a Soul Ancestor, a powerful soul master. Even a hundred-year soul beast might not be able to move him.
But now, he had been sent flying into the ceiling by this little cat, stuck so firmly that he couldn't even pull himself free.
"Damn cat! You made me lose face in front of Huo Wu! I'm going to teach you a lesson!"
Feng Xiaotian pulled himself free from the ceiling and floated down like a feather, carried by the wind.
"Bleeeeeehh!"
Tom, hearing this, immediately jumped into Shen An's arms and stuck out his tongue, making a face to taunt Feng Xiaotian.
Feng Xiaotian's face turned red with embarrassment. For a man, there was no greater humiliation than losing face in front of the woman he loved.
Two yellow and two purple soul rings rose from his feet as he gritted his teeth and said, "Kid, hand over the cat, or you're not leaving."
Shen An sneered. A mere four-ring Soul Ancestor? My sword is more than ready. This is a good chance to test my current combat strength.
Huo Wu, however, frowned and said, "Enough, Feng Xiaotian. Don't embarrass the Five Elemental Academies. Can't you be more magnanimous?"
Feng Xiaotian's rising aura instantly deflated. He looked at Huo Wu, confused. Is she telling me not to bully the cat?
Shen An couldn't help but laugh. No wonder he looks like a dog—he's a little simp. Well, Tom already got his revenge, so I won't bother beating up a dog.
Shen An picked up Tom and prepared to return to his room. He needed to rest, as he planned to take Tom to the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest the next day.
Shui Yue'er's eyes sparkled as she looked at Shen An. She licked her lips and said, "Sister, don't you think he's really good-looking? He's totally my type."
"Hey, Jerry! Are you here to get a soul ring too? Do you want to join us?" Shui Yue'er called out to Shen An.
The name "Jerry" made Tom freeze for a moment, looking around in confusion.
Then, he realized that the girl wasn't calling for Jerry but for Shen An.
Tom slumped dejectedly in Shen An's arms, feeling a bit melancholic. It's been so long since I last saw that little mouse. I wonder how it's doing.