Xiao Wu stares at Song Qing, her magenta eyes filled with a mixture of awe and a dawning understanding. The ethereal image of her mother, though fleeting, has left an indelible mark on her heart.
"You… you said you know my mother," Xiao Wu begins, her voice still trembling slightly. "Do you… do you know what I truly am?"
Song Qing, his red eyes meeting her earnest gaze, nods slowly. "Yes, Xiao Wu. I do." He uses his real name in his thoughts, a sense of gravity settling over him. 'This is a pivotal moment. I need to tread carefully.' Aloud, he says, "I know that you are a Hundred Thousand Year Old transformed beast. Your true form is that of a Soft Boned Rabbit, just like your spirit."
A small smile touches Xiao Wu's lips, a hint of relief washing over her. It is always a strange feeling when her secret is known, but there is a sense of trust she feels towards this young man, despite having just met him. She nods, her scorpion braid swaying gently. "I… I thought so. You don't seem surprised."
"I have my reasons for knowing," Song Qing replies cryptically, not wanting to reveal too much about his past or his unique abilities just yet.
Xiao Wu's curiosity deepens. "How… how did you acquire my mother's soul?" she asks, her voice dropping to a whisper, a shadow of pain crossing her face. "The last thing I remember… she… she sacrificed herself. She became a Soul Ring… for a powerful woman's spirit." The memory is still raw, a deep wound in her heart.
Song Qing smiles gently, a hint of warmth in his red eyes. "Yes, that is what happened. But I… I freed your mother from that woman's soul ring."
Xiao Wu's eyes widen in shock, her mouth slightly agape. "You… you freed her? But… how? That woman… she was ruthless. I saw her… I saw her kill my mother for her soul ring." The image of Bibi Dong's cold, triumphant face flashes in her mind, a chilling reminder of that horrific day. She can barely comprehend that this same woman would willingly relinquish such a precious prize.
"It's a long story, Xiao Wu," Song Qing says, choosing his words carefully. "It was… complicated. There were circumstances… and yes, that woman… she eventually gave your mother up willingly." He omits the details of his interactions with Bibi Dong and the deal they struck, knowing it would only further confuse and perhaps even alarm Xiao Wu.
Despite the lingering questions, a wave of immense happiness washes over Xiao Wu. Her mother is free. Her soul is no longer trapped. "But… she's really okay? Her soul… it's not damaged?"
"Her soul is… well, she exists in a spiritual form now," Song Qing explains. "She resides within my external spirit bone, the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown. That is how I was able to manifest her for you."
Xiao Wu reaches up, her fingers hovering near the crimson crown on Song Qing's forehead. "She's… inside there?"
Song Qing nods. "Yes. And with proper nourishment, her spiritual body can become even stronger and manifest for longer periods."
"Nourishment?" Xiao Wu asks, her curiosity piqued once more.
"Things are not always as they seem, Xiao Wu," Song Qing says, a mysterious tone in his voice. "There are forces at play, connections you cannot yet understand." He pauses, looking directly into her magenta eyes. "If you wish to meet with your mother's soul regularly, you should visit me alone. I can bring her forth for you to speak with."
A hopeful light flickers in Xiao Wu's eyes. "Really? I can talk to her again? Whenever I want?"
"Almost whenever you want," Song Qing clarifies. "But there is a condition."
Xiao Wu's brow furrows slightly, a hint of suspicion returning. "A condition?"
Song Qing nods. "Yes. It's a simple one. You need to tell your brother, Tang San, about my spirit, the Emerald Heart Vine."
"Your Emerald Heart Vine?" Xiao Wu repeats, confused. "What about it?"
"You need to tell him that my Emerald Heart Vine has the unique ability to nourish and strengthen plant spirits and plant beasts," Song Qing explains, his gaze intent. "Tell him that it can help his Blue Silver Grass become stronger, more resilient, and even evolve."
Xiao Wu stares at him, her mind racing. She trusts Tang San implicitly. They have been inseparable for years, like true siblings. But this request… it feels a little strange. "Why do you want me to tell him that?"
"Because it's the truth," Song Qing replies simply. "And because… it will be beneficial for both of us." He doesn't elaborate further, wanting to keep his true intentions veiled for now. He knows that Tang San's growth is crucial to his plans, and strengthening the Blue Silver Grass is a necessary step. Moreover, gaining Tang San's trust and reliance on his abilities will be invaluable.
Xiao Wu hesitates for a moment, considering his words. She trusts Song Qing, especially after he reunited her with her mother. And she knows how much Tang San cares about his Blue Silver Grass spirit. The thought of it becoming stronger is appealing.
"Okay," Xiao Wu says finally, nodding her head. "I'll tell him about your Emerald Heart Vine. I'm sure he'll be very interested."
"Good," Song Qing says, a subtle smile gracing his lips. "Then you can come and visit your mother whenever you need to. Just… make sure it's when we can speak privately." He wants to cultivate this relationship with Xiao Wu, ensuring her loyalty and willingness to cooperate with his future plans.
~~
The next morning, just as the first rays of dawn paint the sky with hues of orange and pink, Song Qing, still known as Su Qing to everyone at Shrek Academy, finds himself in a quiet corner of the academy grounds. He is observing the dew-kissed leaves of a nearby tree, his red eyes reflecting a myriad of thoughts. He anticipates Tang San's arrival. Xiao Wu, true to her word, would have undoubtedly shared the information about his Emerald Heart Vine.
Sure enough, it isn't long before a figure approaches him, his steps hesitant yet determined. It is Tang San, his dark blue hair neatly combed, his deep blue eyes carrying a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"Qing," Tang San begins, his voice polite but cautious, "Xiao Wu… she told me something about your spirit. About it being able to… enhance plant spirits?"
Song Qing, internally pleased that Xiao Wu had followed his instructions, turns to face Tang San, a gentle smile on his face. "That's right, Xiao San. My Emerald Heart Vine possesses a unique ability to nourish and strengthen plant life, including plant-type spirits and even plant-type spirit beasts."
Tang San's gaze intensifies, his eyes scrutinizing Song Qing's face, searching for any hint of deception. "She didn't… she didn't tell me much else. Just that you said it could help my Blue Silver Grass."
'He's wary,' Song Qing thinks, understanding Tang San's cautious nature. 'He wants to see proof.' Aloud, he says, "Indeed. The Blue Silver Grass, despite its common perception as a weak spirit, has immense potential. With the right nourishment, it can evolve into something truly remarkable."
"Evolve?" Tang San repeats, his interest piqued. He has always felt a deep connection to his Blue Silver Grass, sensing a hidden strength within it that others often overlooked. The possibility of it evolving is something he has often pondered. "How… how would that work?"
Song Qing extends his right hand, and the vibrant emerald vines of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit, disguised as the Emerald Heart Vine, begin to sprout, their leaves shimmering with a faint, healthy glow. He focuses his soul power, activating his First Soul Ring ability.
"First Soul Ring: Verdant Embrace," Su Qing murmurs, a soft, green aura emanating from the vines. He directs the energy towards a patch of ordinary grass nearby, and almost instantly, the blades of grass visibly thicken and grow taller, their color becoming a richer, more vibrant green.
Tang San watches this demonstration with wide eyes, a look of astonishment spreading across his face. He can feel a subtle resonance with the enhanced grass, a faint connection that sparks his curiosity even further.
"Now," Song Qing says, turning his attention to Tang San, "extend your Blue Silver Grass."
Tang San hesitates for a moment, then nods, extending his right hand. Several strands of Blue Silver Grass emerge, their appearance still rather ordinary.
Song Qing gently guides the emerald vines towards Tang San's Blue Silver Grass, allowing them to intertwine. The green aura of Verdant Embrace flows from the Emerald Heart Vine into the Blue Silver Grass. Tang San closes his eyes, focusing his senses. He can feel a subtle warmth spreading through his spirit, a gentle energy coursing through the Blue Silver Grass, making it feel… invigorated.
"Can you feel it?" Song Qing asks softly.
Tang San opens his eyes, a look of surprise and wonder on his face. "Yes… it feels… stronger. More alive." He flexes his hand, and the Blue Silver Grass seems to pulse with a newfound vitality.
"This is just a small taste," Song Qing explains. "With regular nourishment, the effects will become much more significant. The essence of my Emerald Heart Vine is incredibly pure and potent for plant life." He doesn't reveal the true nature of his spirit, the Primordial Life Tree Spirit, knowing that such a revelation would be far too shocking and raise too many questions. The guise of the Emerald Heart Vine is sufficient for now.
Over the next few days, Tang San becomes a regular visitor to Song Qing's quiet corner of the academy grounds. He is eager to explore the potential of his Blue Silver Grass, and Song Qing willingly assists him, spending hours channeling the Verdant Embrace into Tang San's spirit. Tang San diligently cultivates his Blue Silver Grass, carefully observing the subtle changes. He notices that the blades are becoming thicker, more resilient, and even slightly longer. The faint blue hue seems more vibrant, more… regal.
One afternoon, after several days of this routine, Tang San extends his Blue Silver Grass, and a gasp escapes his lips. The familiar blades have undergone a significant transformation. They are now broader, thicker, and possess a faint, metallic sheen. Intricate, silver patterns run along their length, giving them an almost majestic appearance. The aura emanating from them is noticeably stronger, carrying a sense of resilience and authority.
"Qing… look!" Tang San exclaims, his deep blue eyes wide with disbelief and excitement. "It… it evolved! It's different!"
Song Qing smiles, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. His plan is progressing smoothly. "Indeed, Xiao San. Your Blue Silver Grass has evolved. It is now the Blue Silver Grass King."
Tang San stares at his spirit, his mind racing. He can feel the difference, the immense potential that now resides within his seemingly ordinary spirit. He looks at Song Qing, a deep sense of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Qing. You… you have no idea how much this means to me."
"You have the potential, Xiao San," Song Qing replies modestly. "I merely provided a little guidance." He knows that this evolution will not only benefit Tang San but will also make him a more valuable asset in his future endeavors.
As Tang San, filled with elation, departs to further explore the newfound power of his Blue Silver Grass King, Song Qing allows himself a moment of quiet contemplation. His gaze drifts towards the distant mountains, a flicker of anticipation in his red eyes. He knows that his actions have not gone unnoticed.
Just as the last vestiges of Tang San's presence fade from his senses, a figure materializes silently in front of Song Qing. The newcomer is a tall, muscular man with a rugged appearance and a stern expression etched on his face. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and his eyes, though hidden beneath a slightly furrowed brow, exude an aura of immense power. It is Tang San's father, Tang Hao.
Tang Hao's eyes, sharp and piercing, bore into Song Qing. He has been watching his son, observing his progress, and he has undoubtedly witnessed the remarkable transformation of the Blue Silver Grass. The appearance of Song Qing's unique plant spirit and its effects have not escaped his notice.
"You," Tang Hao says, his voice deep and carrying an unmistakable weight of authority, "come with me." There is no room for argument in his tone. He has seen enough. He needs to understand the full extent of this young man's abilities. He needs him to help someone else. Someone very important.