"Trash is trash. I heard he's from some small backwater. So what if he has two martial spirits?"
The young man in flashy clothes sneered with disdain when Tang San said nothing.
Then, without giving him a second glance, they turned and left together.
In his spiritual sea of consciousness, Tang San clenched his fists in silent fury.
"Tian Meng, didn't you say my spirit rings would gradually evolve as I grew stronger?"
By now, Tang San's trust in Tian Meng had started to waver.
In just a short span of time, he had gone from a prodigy blessed by the heavens to a target of mockery. If it weren't for his strong willpower, he would have already broken down.
"If you want to become a god, you must endure trials. If you can't even withstand a little hardship, how can you even dream of godhood?"
Tian Meng's tone remained calm and steady.
After spending so long with Tang San, he knew his weakness very well.
That unshakable obsession with becoming a god.
Or rather—the obsession with power.
"Don't worry. This situation is nothing serious. I'm here, aren't I? When the time comes, I'll help you turn all of your spirit rings into hundred-thousand-year spirit rings!"
Sensing Tang San's frustration, Tian Meng softened his tone.
Tang San's tense mood finally eased slightly.
"Really?"
His voice still carried doubt.
"When have I ever lied to you? Don't forget who I am."
"In the entire Soul Beast Forest, I've lived the longest. No one else even comes close."
Tian Meng boasted proudly.
He chuckled inwardly. This kid clearly doesn't know about Di Tian's existence. Let me brag while I can.
Tang San's tone gradually softened.
"How long will it take? I can't keep living like this."
His voice was heavy with frustration.
"Just focus on training. When the time comes, I'll awaken your third eye so you can see what I'm truly capable of."
Tian Meng's confident words steadied Tang San's heart.
He closed his eyes and began meditating again.
Inside the sea of consciousness, Tian Meng flipped over joyfully.
This mission is ridiculously easy!
His weakness is so obvious. Just wave a little bait in front of him, and he'll bite immediately.
Tian Meng was in a great mood.
It won't be long before I complete my task. After that—freedom!
Just as he was immersed in this bright fantasy of the future, a message suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Take Tang San back to the Star Dou Great Forest!"
Those few short words snapped Tian Meng back to reality.
He didn't understand why that person wanted Tang San to return to the Star Dou Great Forest, but he knew better than to ask questions. He just had to follow orders.
After thinking for a moment, a glint appeared in his large eyes.
"I just remembered—I think I left part of my body behind in the Star Dou Great Forest."
"If we recover that part of my energy, you might be able to evolve your third spirit ring into a hundred-thousand-year ring."
Tian Meng said suddenly.
Tang San's eyes flew open.
"Really?"
His tone was filled with eagerness.
"Well, it's been so long that I don't remember the exact amount… but at the very least, it should help you evolve. If it's enough, I might even be able to awaken your third eye right then and there."
Tian Meng added more temptation to his lie just to make sure Tang San wouldn't back out.
Tang San immediately sprang up from the bed and hurried out of the dorm.
At the hotel
Tang Hao had been staying there ever since sending Tang San to the Imperial Academy.
"Dad, please take me back to the Star Dou Great Forest."
Tang San looked at Tang Hao with pleading eyes.
Tang Hao took a sip of wine, his expression darkening.
He hated going near that forest unless it was absolutely necessary.
"If it's about a spirit ring, the Sunset Forest is also a good choice."
He tried to steer Tang San away from the idea.
"It's not about getting a spirit ring. I have something very important to do in the Star Dou Great Forest."
Tang San shook his head, guilt flickering in his eyes.
Tang Hao was surprised.
""Has your spirit power already reach level 40?"
He looked Tang San up and down. It had been a long time since he'd assessed his son's strength.
Tang San didn't know how to explain that his third spirit ring was only a ten-year white ring.
If Tang Hao found out, he'd definitely be disappointed.
"Dad, I really have something important to handle. Just this once—please trust me."
"As soon as we're done, we'll leave immediately."
Tang San had no way of explaining Tian Meng's involvement.
Meeting Tang Hao's skeptical gaze, he could only speak with sincerity.
There was no other way. The Star Dou Great Forest was too dangerous for him alone.
And if Tian Meng really had energy left behind, it certainly wouldn't be outside that forest.
To obtain Tian Meng's true body, he had to go deep inside.
But once he entered the deeper areas, he would surely die if unprotected.
Tang Hao was his only hope.
Looking at his son—whose face so strongly resembled his wife's—Tang Hao's gaze softened.
He finally gave in.
"I won't ask what you're doing."
"But once it's done, we leave the Star Forest immediately."
He paused before speaking in a low voice.
"Don't worry. We'll leave right after it's over."
Seeing Tang Hao agree, Tang San's eyes lit up with excitement.
Inside his spiritual sea, Tian Meng grinned smugly.
Everything is going perfectly. Once he returns to the Star Dou Great Forest, I'll have fulfilled my part of the deal with the co-leader.
Elsewhere...
Liu Erlong waved her hand and booked two luxury carriages.
She and Flander would ride in one, while the Shrek Seven Monsters would ride in the other.
Hearing Liu Erlong's travel plans, Flander grinned so widely his face resembled a blooming chrysanthemum.
Inside the carriage, Ma Hongjun stared quietly at his system panel.
Lately, he'd been pondering how to strengthen his spiritual power.
Right now, mental strength was his only real weakness.
If he wanted to make full use of the evolution points he had, he needed to think carefully.
"What are you thinking about?"
Gu Yuena, who had been resting with her eyes closed, suddenly opened them and looked at Ma Hongjun.
He hesitated, then voiced his concerns.
He felt that someone as knowledgeable as Gu Yuena might be able to give him some guidance.
After hearing him out, Gu Yuena smiled faintly.
"You don't need to worry about that for now. I've already made arrangements for your spiritual training when we return to the Star Dou Great Forest."
The silver-haired girl spoke gently.
Ma Hongjun blinked in surprise.
He hadn't expected Gu Yuena to already have a plan for him.
"What is it?"
He couldn't help but ask, his curiosity piqued.
A rare mischievous smile appeared on Gu Yuena's face.
"You'll find out once we're back in the Star Dou Great Forest."