"Oh, not bad!"
The Rakshasa God watched the situation in the mortal realm and nodded with satisfaction.
It seemed preparing multiple toys in advance was the right move—they might bring pleasant surprises at unexpected moments.
A drop of ink-like energy appeared at her fingertip, and a rift suddenly tore open in the void. The drop of energy then vanished without a trace.
Seizing this brief opportunity, the Rakshasa God shifted her gaze elsewhere.
Noticing Bibidong's strength had progressed further, she gave an almost imperceptible nod.
"What is that boy doing in the Star Dou Great Forest again?" The Rakshasa God furrowed her willow-leaf eyebrows.
Tang San's unwavering self-belief was something she hadn't anticipated and certainly didn't wish to see.
Because it made things rather dull for her.
Her vision swiftly scanned the continent until it settled on a familiar figure—Yu Xiaogang.
However, Yu Xiaogang's current condition was far from ideal.
For some reason, he had returned to the Heaven Dou Empire and coincidentally encountered former students of the Canghui Academy. Now, he was being pinned to the ground and beaten by several people.
"Level 19 Soul Power isn't enough to accomplish anything!" The Rakshasa God felt somewhat troubled.
She realized she couldn't devise a reasonable plan to make Yu Xiaogang seek revenge against Tang San, who had devoured his Soul Power.
"Ah! Here it comes again!"
Before she could formulate a plan, the Rakshasa God sensed a trace of Aura and sighed.
As the attack approached, she tore open a rift and slipped inside.
In the Star Dou Great Forest at night.
Tang San led Tang Hao forward. By now, he was more familiar with this place than Tang Hao himself.
Soon, the two crossed through the mixed region.
"Xiao San, do you truly believe this place is safer than the Clear Sky Sect?" Tang Hao peered through the layers of obstacles and caught sight of the central lake ahead.
The full moon hung high in the sky, its reflection shimmering on the rippling emerald waters, like an unfolding painting in the mortal realm.
"Father, after everything that has happened these past few years, do you still think we can remain there peacefully?"
Tang San slowed his pace, gradually approaching the central lake.
Tang Hao fell silent.
Their situation within the Clear Sky Sect had indeed grown increasingly difficult.
Even with his elder brother's protection, he couldn't stem the malice directed at them by the entire sect.
Now, all the sect's casualties and decline were being blamed solely on them.
If not for Xiao San, Tang Hao might have long since reached his limit and never returned.
"Father, the Clear Sky Sect is finished."
Tang San walked forward as if on a pilgrimage, yet a trace of mockery flickered in his eyes. "They've already offended Li Xun. Given his nature, he will surely seek revenge."
"Hiding away in seclusion? Once the Heaven Dou Empire fully annexes the Star Luo Empire, it'll be nothing but waiting for death."
Recalling the disgusted looks from the elders when he suggested the Clear Sky Sect retreat into the Star Dou Great Forest, a cold smile tugged at his lips.
Hearing this, Tang Hao felt both resentment toward the sect and an inexplicable reluctance.
After all, it was still his home.
Just as Tang San and Tang Hao were lost in their respective thoughts, the moonlight ahead was suddenly obscured. An attack, accompanied by a roar of fury, surged toward them.
"Human, how dare you return!"
Boom—
A powerful aura slammed into Tang San, sending him flying backward instantly.
The incident was too sudden for either Tang San or Tang Hao to react.
Watching Tang San shoot backward like a cannonball, Tang Hao snapped to his senses.
He swiftly channeled his Soul Power and chased after him, grabbing Tang San and shielding him in his arms.
But Bear Monarch's strike, even if casually delivered, carried the force of hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation—how could it be easily withstood?
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Tang Hao's back smashed through three large trees in succession, and he slid across the ground like a rolling gourd before finally dissipating the immense impact force on Tang San.
By now, not only was Tang Hao stunned, but Tang San was equally bewildered.
He hadn't expected this giant bear to attack without a single word.
Without bothering to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, Tang San cupped his hands respectfully toward Bear Monarch and said, "Greetings, Senior. I wonder if that strike has eased your anger?"
Tang San dared not let any emotion seep into his words, afraid of provoking the Soul Beast before him.
Repeated failures and setbacks since childhood had gradually taught him the art of restraint.
"And if I say I'm still not satisfied, will you stand there and let me strike again?"
Bear Monarch's eyes flashed with disdain and disgust as he strode toward Tang San, each step causing the ground to tremble.
If it weren't for this human tricking that serpent away, those human powerhouses wouldn't have so easily captured Red King and Zi Ji that night.
Even if that serpent was weak, just holding back two or three people might have bought enough time for Ten Thousand Demon King and Bi Ji to arrive.
Seeing the look in Bear Monarch's eyes, Tang San's heart tightened. He lowered his head, a flicker of killing intent passing through his eyes.
What he hated most now was that kind of gaze.
The indifference in Li Xun's eyes was infuriating enough, but this blatant disgust and contempt were even more humiliating.
It was the same at the Clear Sky Sect, and now here among the Soul Beasts.
Every one of them truly deserved death!
"If it would ease your anger, Senior, what harm is there in taking another strike from you?" Tang San's chaotic thoughts lasted only an instant. When he raised his head again, he wore a smiling expression.
But at that moment, Tang Hao had already risen to his feet, the Clear Sky Hammer materializing in his hand. Nine Spirit Rings emerged one after another beneath his feet, with that striking red ring particularly dazzling against the night sky.
"A 100,000-Year Soul Ring!!"
Bear Monarch's gaze shifted from disdain to murderous intent. Hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation surged within him, flowing toward his claws.
Though injured, it was more than enough to deal with these two human pests.
"Enough, Bear Monarch!"
A cool voice rang out as Bi Ji descended gracefully from the sky, landing between the two humans and the bear. "Have you forgotten what this child said about his mother?"
Bear Monarch wrinkled his nose, thinking for a moment, then recalled Tang San's earlier account of his mother, the Blue Silver Emperor, and her Sacrifice.
Bear Monarch snorted coldly, calming the energy within him. "Who knows what trickery he used to obtain it..."
"How dare you insult my parents?"
A cold glint flashed in Tang San's eyes as he pointed at Bear Monarch. "Even if I can't defeat you today, I swear it will be a fight to the death!"
Tang San's words shocked both beasts and the human present.
No one had expected that, faced with such an overwhelming disparity in strength, Tang San would speak such words over his parents.
A warm current rose in Tang Hao's heart as he tightly gripped the Clear Sky Hammer, sending a voice transmission: "Xiao San, I'll buy you some time later. You must escape quickly."
Just as Tang Hao was lost in his emotional moment, he heard Bi Ji say: "You are indeed remarkable. I never expected you to care so deeply about the relationship between your parents."
"I apologize to you on behalf of Bear Monarch."
Bear Monarch, meanwhile, had somewhat toned down the arrogance he displayed during their initial meeting.
A flicker passed through Tang San's eyes, his expression shifting uncertainly as if wrestling with inner conflict.
After a long pause, he sighed: "Since you're being so sincere, I shouldn't dwell on this matter any longer."
"However, I hope this will be the last time."
"Naturally, I'm pleased to see genuine affection can exist between Soul Beasts and humans," Bi Ji said gently. "Might I ask what brings you back this time?"
"Didn't Sky Blue Bull Python return with you?"
(End of Chapter)