Zhao Wuji coughed lightly, speaking up to defend his student. "Oscar's spirit skill is quite impressive. A single Flying Mushroom Sausage allows someone to fly at the speed of a Phoenix-Tailed Chicken-Headed Snake for one minute. In critical moments, this could even decide the outcome of a battle. It's an excellent spirit skill."
"Alright, now that Oscar has obtained a suitable spirit skill, we can leave the Star Dou Forest. We've just offended the Dragon-Snake Couple, so it's best we leave as soon as possible."
At that moment, Tang San, who had just woken up, quickly interjected, "Teacher Zhao, we can't leave now. After my battle with Meng Yiran, my soul power has broken through. I'm now at the 30th level and need a third spirit ring."
His words shocked everyone present—except for Chen Yuan, who had anticipated this.
Zhao Wuji glanced at Chen Yuan and then turned his gaze to Tang San, his voice filled with excitement. "Tang San, you're only twelve years old and have already reached the 30th level of soul power. Impressive, truly impressive! Our Shrek Academy has produced a genius!"
Tang San also smiled. Though he still couldn't compare to Chen Yuan, the gap was narrowing. Tang San was proud. As a descendant of the Tang Sect and possessing twin martial souls, he would never allow himself to fall behind.
Zhao Wuji clapped his hands and said, "It seems we can't leave immediately. Let's continue deeper into the Star Dou Forest to find a suitable spirit beast for Tang San's third spirit ring. Everyone, get ready. We're moving out."
With that, the group reorganized their formation and began moving deeper into the forest. As they progressed, they encountered more spirit beasts—hundred-year and thousand-year spirit beasts—but none that Tang San found suitable.
By evening, they found an open area, lit a bonfire in the center, and sprinkled medicinal powder around the perimeter to create a simple campsite.
Gathered around the bonfire, everyone ate the sausages Oscar had prepared to restore their stamina and alleviate fatigue. The benefits of having a food-system spirit master were evident.
The sudden change happened in an instant. One moment, everything was calm; the next, the ground shook violently, and the spirit beasts in the forest began to scatter in all directions.
"What's going on? Stay alert!" Zhao Wuji roared, immediately summoning his martial soul. His body transformed as the Great Strength King Kong Bear possessed him. His muscles bulged, and brown fur grew over his skin, making him look like a bear. Seven spirit rings—two yellow, two purple, and three black—rose beneath his feet, the optimal configuration.
"Roar!"
A deafening roar echoed from the distance. Everyone turned to see a giant ape moving toward them.
The ape was over ten meters tall, like a moving mountain. Its blood-red eyes glowed like lanterns, and its mouth opened to reveal sharp fangs. The roar had come from it.
Zhao Wuji's eyes widened in terror. The overwhelming pressure and aura made his hair stand on end. He seemed to realize something. "The King of the Forest, the Titan Giant Ape! A legendary terrifying spirit beast. Even a ten-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape rivals a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast. A hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape is something even Titled Douluos dare not provoke. Why is it appearing at the forest's edge…?"
He couldn't figure it out, and there was no time to think. Zhao Wuji turned and shouted, "Run!"
As soon as he spoke, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, and Zhu Zhuqing scattered in all directions. Chen Yuan stood on his flying sword, one arm wrapped around Ning Rongrong's waist and the other holding Oscar by the collar, carrying the two support-type spirit masters away from the danger.
But Chen Yuan's gaze remained fixed on the Titan Giant Ape. His expression was calm, and a glint of insight flashed in his eyes. So far, everything was proceeding as expected. The Titan Giant Ape had sensed Xiao Wu's presence and had come to take her away.
As long as no one stood between the Titan Giant Ape and Xiao Wu, there would be no danger.
As the Titan Giant Ape drew closer, its oppressive aura was enough to terrify anyone. However, Zhao Wuji gritted his teeth and activated his martial soul's true form, transforming into a Great Strength King Kong Bear to confront the ape head-on.
Facing Zhao Wuji's challenge, the Titan Giant Ape's eyes flashed with a hint of human-like disdain. It swung its massive fist, striking Zhao Wuji with devastating force.
In an instant, Zhao Wuji felt as if his internal organs were being crushed. He spat out a mouthful of blood and was sent flying at incredible speed. As a Soul Sage, he was no match for the Titan Giant Ape in terms of raw strength.
After dealing with this obstacle, the Titan Giant Ape continued its pursuit of Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu, seemingly frightened, collapsed to the ground. The Titan Giant Ape caught her in its massive hand, then turned and began to retreat.
Its arrival had been baffling, and its departure was equally perplexing. But when Tang San saw this, he went into a frenzy. He roared, "Xiao Wu!"
Tang San's eyes were bloodshot as he ran toward Chen Yuan. When he got close, he quickly said, "Oscar, help me out. Make a few Flying Mushroom Sausages!"
Oscar, still being held by Chen Yuan, wanted to tell Tang San to calm down. But when he met Tang San's bloodshot eyes, he shuddered and began chanting the incantation, producing a handful of Flying Mushroom Sausages.
Tang San grabbed the sausages, ate one, and a pair of wings sprouted from his back. Without looking back, he flew off in the direction the Titan Giant Ape had gone.
Chen Yuan watched Tang San leave, then set Oscar and Ning Rongrong down on the ground. He said in a serious tone, as if considering Tang San's well-being, "You two go check on Teacher Zhao. I'll follow Tang San and make sure he's safe. If anything happens, I'll do my best to bring him back."
With that, he flew off on his sword.
Ning Rongrong watched Chen Yuan's figure disappear into the distance, biting her lower lip. Her eyes were filled with worry as she thought, *I shouldn't have said those things earlier. Brother Chen Yuan, you must come back safely. Whether it's Tang San or his weapons, none of it is as important as your safety.*
Oscar, filled with regret, quickly ran toward Zhao Wuji. *What have I done? Giving Tang San those Flying Mushroom Sausages was practically sending him to his death. Now, we need to get Teacher Zhao back on his feet and take things one step at a time.*
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Meanwhile, on the other side!
Tang San ate one Flying Mushroom Sausage after another to maintain the speed of a Phoenix-Tailed Chicken-Headed Snake. In no time, he had flown a great distance.
By now, it was dark, and the forest was even more foreboding at night. Tang San, focused solely on his pursuit, failed to notice his surroundings. Suddenly, a large web shot toward him.
Thanks to his Purple Demon Eyes and Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Tang San narrowly dodged the web. When he landed, he saw his attacker.
It was a massive spider, its carapace glossy black, its legs covered in barbs, and its abdomen marked with pale patterns that resembled a twisted human face.
Tang San's expression darkened, and he nearly growled, "The evil killer, the Man-Faced Demon Spider!"
Both the spider and the human wanted to kill the other, but neither made the first move.
At that moment, Chen Yuan arrived on his flying sword. His eyes gleamed as he shouted, "Tang San, don't act rashly! Leave the Man-Faced Demon Spider to me. Stay back!"
When Tang San saw Chen Yuan, he was first relieved, but then a dark thought crossed his mind. 'Chen Yuan is strong. He can handle the Man-Faced Demon Spider alone. But I still need to save Xiao Wu…'
He shouted, "Chen Yuan, I owe you one! Hold off the Man-Faced Demon Spider. I need to go save Xiao Wu!"
After saying this, he ate another Flying Mushroom Sausage, bypassed the Man-Faced Demon Spider, and continued chasing the Titan Giant Ape.
Back at the scene, Chen Yuan stood face-to-face with the Man-Faced Demon Spider, completely unfazed. "Man-Faced Demon Spider, let me be your opponent!"
Chen Yuan smiled, his expression filled with confidence.
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,417
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