The Outskirts of the Star Dou Forest
Tang San awoke from his coma and immediately scanned his surroundings with sharp vigilance.
The wind whispered through the grass, producing faint rustling sounds.
Everything around him was eerily still.
Pressing a hand to his chest, a pained expression crossed Tang San's face.
He hadn't expected to still be alive.
Suddenly, his pupils contracted as a thought struck him. He frantically called out to Tian Meng in his mind.
"Tian Meng…"
"Tian Meng, are you there?"
His repeated calls were met only with silence.
Tang San's eyes reddened.
Tian Meng was his greatest trump card—if Tian Meng was gone too…
His expression turned grim.
Just then, Tian Meng finally awoke, hearing Tang San's urgent cries.
At first, he didn't want to answer. But sensing Tang San's turbulent emotions, he eventually replied lazily.
"I'm here."
The voice wasn't loud, but to Tang San it sounded like an explosion in his ear.
He froze for a second before ecstasy washed over his face.
"You're okay! I'm so glad you're okay."
"I knew that with your strength as a million-year soul beast, there's no way you could die so easily."
Tang San's words tumbled out with relief.
Inside his spiritual sea, Tian Meng rolled his eyes lazily.
If this boy knew who had attacked him, he wouldn't be so confident.
It had been the leader of the soul beasts.
The only reason Tian Meng had survived for so many years was because that being needed him.
If he hadn't been useful, he would have long ago become food for the ferocious beasts of that deadly place.
"I didn't expect the Star Dou Forest to be so dangerous. To think I'd actually encounter such a master."
"It's a shame I couldn't regain my strength—instead, I ended up gravely injured again."
Tian Meng sighed heavily.
Tang San was silent for a long moment.
He had thought this trip to the Star Dou Forest would help him return to his peak.
But not only had his strength failed to recover, it had declined.
Even his Purple Demon Eye had regressed.
Noticing the changes in himself, Tang San relaxed slightly.
He had feared all his mental energy had been drained by that mysterious woman.
Instead, his spiritual power was untouched—though Tian Meng was clearly weakened.
Tang San mistakenly believed Tian Meng had taken the attack for him, and gratitude flickered in his eyes.
"I really owe you this time. If you hadn't blocked that woman's attack, my mental power might have been completely drained."
His voice was laced with hatred, not only for the mysterious woman but also for Ma Hongjun.
Tian Meng hadn't expected him to misunderstand like this.
Amusement glimmered in his gaze, but he didn't bother correcting him.
"Even as a spiritual beast, I suffered greatly from that blow."
"Without rare treasures to heal me, it'll take a long time to recover."
Tian Meng dropped the hint.
Tang San caught it immediately.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure you recover as soon as possible, whatever it takes."
Determination burned in his eyes.
Tian Meng was his only support now—he wouldn't let anything happen to him.
Relieved to know Tian Meng was still alive, Tang San finally looked to his side.
There, lying on the ground, was Tang Hao.
The grass had grown tall, covering most of his body.
If not for the faint rise and fall of his chest, Tang San would have thought him dead.
"Dad…"
"Dad, wake up. Are you alright?"
Tang San rushed to his father's side, worry etched deep in his face.
Since coming to this world, Tang Hao's concern for him—though not always expressed—had been genuine.
Tang San knew his father was the foundation of his survival here.
In his previous life, he could have lived independently without Tang Hao's help.
But now, he was nothing more than a cripple with a mere ten-year third soul ring.
Without Tang Hao's intervention, he wouldn't have even made it into the Royal Academy.
Carefully, Tang San examined Tang Hao's condition.
When he finished, his expression darkened.
Tang Hao's life was hanging by a thread.
Producing silver needles between his fingers, Tang San quickly pierced several key acupoints.
His face was tense, his movements swift and precise.
The Tang Sect's hidden weapons could take lives—but they could also save them.
Within moments, some color returned to Tang Hao's pale face.
After stabilizing his father's condition, Tang San wiped the cold sweat from his brow.
Tang Hao's injuries could no longer be delayed, yet Tang San had no means to heal him here.
The only option was to return to Heaven Dou Imperial City and seek his aunt's help.
Narrowing his eyes, he hoisted Tang Hao onto his back.
After scanning the area, Tang San set off toward the edge of the Soul Beast Forest.
Meanwhile, the Shrek group was also on their way back to Heaven Dou Imperial City.
"Brother Hongjun, you said you went to look for Xiao Wu—so why didn't you return with her?"
Now that they finally had time, everyone could ask about earlier events.
Ma Hongjun hadn't expected Ning Rongrong to remember such details, and embarrassment flashed across his face.
Could he admit he hadn't seen Xiao Wu at all?
It wasn't easy to reveal her true identity.
Fortunately, the girl with scorpion braids stepped forward to cover for him.
"When Brother Hongjun came to find me, I sensed it. But I was in the middle of absorbing my spirit ring's power, so I couldn't respond."
"Right after I finished, I saw him rushing off, so I followed immediately."
"That's when I caught up and saw everyone fighting the Wind Wolves."
Xiao Wu's explanation was flawless, and Ning Rongrong finally let go of her suspicion.
Still, she tapped Xiao Wu lightly on the forehead.
"Next time, don't run off on your own. Even though Nana is strong, this is still the Soul Beast Forest—it's far too dangerous."
Ning Rongrong felt a pang of worry for her younger sisters.
Running around alone in a place like this could easily end in disaster.
Even their whole group had been terrified—how could Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena be safe alone?
A gentle warmth filled Xiao Wu's eyes as she took Ning Rongrong's arm.
"Alright, I understand."
"I won't run off next time, and I'll let you know if anything happens."
She then stuck out her tongue playfully.
Seeing her like this, Ning Rongrong gave up the lecture.
Laughter returned to the group.
Ma Hongjun let out a long breath—at last, the matter was settled.