The group quickly began discussing how to lure in the Man-Faced Demon Spider.
After several minutes, a plan was formed—they would use the Fragrant Delicate Immortal Herb to draw in spirit beasts, while laying down a toxic array around it to deter any lesser creatures from interfering.
Sure enough!
A 6,000-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider was soon attracted by the overwhelming aroma. Just as the team lit up with joy, preparing to strike—
A shadow streaked across the forest.
It was a latecomer—an even more powerful Ten-Thousand-Year Earth Cavern Demon Spider, also drawn in by the herb's powerful energy. Its many beady eyes stared hungrily at the glowing Fragrant Delicate Immortal Herb.
Before Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang could finish his warning, the Earth Cavern Demon Spider sprang into action. It spat out web after web while lunging for the immortal herb.
Tang San's eyes lit up. Compared to the Man-Faced Demon Spider, he found the Ten-Thousand-Year Earth Cavern Demon Spider to be even more suitable. Licking his lips with anticipation, he shouted, "Go!"
In the blink of an eye, the Shrek Seven Devils sprang into action, unleashing soul skills in a dazzling storm of power. The Golden Iron Triangle—Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong—stood guard, ensuring the spider couldn't escape.
Caught off guard, the Earth Cavern Demon Spider still managed to snatch the Fragrant Delicate Immortal Herb and gulp it down before being blasted by Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun.
Boom! Boom!
Two explosive strikes slammed into the spider, sending it screeching in pain. Though badly injured, it refused to go down and tried to flee deeper into the forest.
Greedy bastard!
Tang San's expression twisted with rage. That herb was meant for him. Now the spider had to die.
"Little San! It's dangerous! Get back!" someone yelled.
Everyone feared he would recklessly charge into the outer forest, where even more terrifying soul beasts roamed.
The Golden Iron Triangle activated their Martial Souls and launched a coordinated assault—an all-out strike, not enough to kill, but enough to bring the spider to death's door.
With the spider nearly immobile, Tang San unleashed his third soul skill—Spider Web Restraint—binding the beast tight in a glowing cocoon.
He stepped forward, ready to land the final blow.
But just as he raised his hand—
A red blur streaked past, riding a white tiger, and came to a sudden halt between Tang San and the spider.
Tang San was forced to stop his attack.
Everyone stared in shock at the newcomer.
It was a child, about six years old, with a bright red gourd on his head and a green leaf skirt wrapped around his waist. His features were delicate, porcelain-like. He looked absolutely adorable.
It was none other than the first-born gourd brother—Shi Hao.
With a hint of annoyance in his voice, he said, "That spider is mine. It's supposed to guide me. You can't kill it."
Yes, this Earth Cavern Demon Spider had already crossed paths with Shi Hao earlier. When he'd just entered Star Dou Forest, the spider had tried to ambush him. After a… friendly "exchange," the spider agreed to lead him through the forest to Spirit Hall.
The spider had become Shi Hao's loyal little follower.
But the Fragrant Delicate Immortal Herb was simply too tempting. It had caused the spider to lose control and rush over.
"Aww… What a cute little guy! How old are you?"
"Come here, let big sis give you a hug~!"
Ning Rongrong and the other girls immediately melted. Shi Hao's adorable face and serious expression had completely disarmed them.
"I… I'm one month old!"
Shi Hao puffed his chest proudly.
Everyone: "What the hell?! One month?!"
They stared at him, completely dumbfounded. The kid looked six or seven at least!
"How did you come here all by yourself? Where are your parents?" Zhu Zhuqing asked gently.
"My dad doesn't know I came out… I snuck out."
Shi Hao mumbled, slightly embarrassed.
Zhu Zhuqing twitched. So the kid ran away from home?
Just as everyone was being charmed—
"Enough." Tang San's voice turned cold as he looked at the heavily injured spider. "Kid, hand it over. That's my target."
This fourth soul ring was vital. He had no time to waste arguing with a child.
"No."
Shi Hao shook his head furiously. "I already told you. It's my friend. I won't let you kill it."
"Hmph, just because you say so? If it's really yours, make it obey you."
Tang San clearly didn't buy it.
Shi Hao turned to the spider. "Lie down!"
The Earth Cavern Demon Spider instantly flopped on the ground.
"Dance!"
The spider began dancing.
"Do a handstand!"
The spider flipped upside down, wobbling in place.
Everyone: "What the… It actually listened?!"
They were stunned. Even the densest among them now realized this child wasn't normal.
"This is an adult matter, kid," said a soft voice.
Liu Erlong, the Slaughtering Horn of the Golden Iron Triangle, stepped forward. She looked at Shi Hao riding the white tiger, her heart aching a little.
If things had gone differently… My child with Yu Xiaogang would've been around this age too…
"You're really pretty, auntie!" Shi Hao said cheerfully.
"Can you let my spider friend go?"
He looked at her with wide, hopeful eyes. "Please?"
The women around him melted on the spot.
Too cute!!
Their faces broke into radiant smiles.
The white tiger under Shi Hao wore a bitter expression. Why is he so gentle with them but beats me up every other minute…?
"Brother San, why not let this one go?" Ning Rongrong said, stepping up.
"There are other soul beasts in Star Dou Forest, and this kid is just… look at him."
"Right, right. You can definitely find another one. Don't bully the child."
Thanks to Shi Hao's overwhelming cuteness, the girls all instantly sided with him.
The boys, meanwhile, looked conflicted—none of them had ever received this kind of affection.
Tang San's face darkened like he'd just eaten a pile of manure.
"I can't," he said with a cold glare.
"I've invested too much in this spider. I will have it."
_
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