The morning sun cast long shadows across the Nuoding Academy courtyard as Tang San stood patiently by the main gate. He'd been there since dawn, a small pack containing essentials slung over his shoulder, mentally reviewing the notes on soul beast he meticulously compiled. The air was crisp, filled with the promise of the hunt. And the wait.
And wait he did.
The sun climbed higher, birdsong giving way to the distant sounds of students beginning their day. No, Xiao Wu.
Tang San's initial calm focus began to fray at the edges. He scanned the path leading from the dormitories for the hundredth time.
Where is she? His brow furrowed slightly. Considering her flighty, impulsive nature… Did she forget? The thought wasn't unreasonable. Excitement about her own "family trip" yesterday might have completely overwritten their plan.
He shifted his weight, a sigh escaping him. Relying solely on Xiao Wu's memory might have been optimistic.
Maybe I should find a teacher? He thought pragmatically. Master Luo might be willing to escort a student for their first ring. Or perhaps… Mei.
The image of Mei, surrounded by her books, flashed in his mind. She wouldn't fight, but her knowledge of spirit beasts and their habitats could be invaluable in locating the perfect Ironbark within the 300-400 year range. It would be imposing on her time, but it was safer than going alone.
Decision made, Tang San turned away from the gate, intending to head towards the faculty quarters. Just as he took his first step, a familiar, energetic voice pierced the morning calm.
"Brother Saaaaan! Wait uuuup!"
He spun around. Bouncing down the path, radiating enough energy to power the academy, was Xiao Wu. Her pink outfit was slightly dusty, her scorpion braid flying behind her. And clutched firmly in her hand, being pulled along at a pace just short of a jog, was Mei.
Mei looked… flustered. Her usually neat pink hair was slightly askew, and her expression was a mixture of surprise and mild alarm. She wasn't struggling, but she was clearly not in control of her trajectory. Ai flickered into existence as a tiny, agitated hologram near Mei's ear, waving tiny arms.
'Unhand the idol! This is a violation of idol safety protocols! Abort! Abort!'
"Xiao Wu! Mei!" Tang San exclaimed, his planned apology to Mei already forming in his mind before he even fully processed the scene. He felt a pang of guilt. What in the world did she do? Dragging Mei out here like this… He quickly stepped forward, intercepting them. "Xiao Wu, let go of Mei. What are you doing?"
Xiao Wu skidded to a halt, releasing Mei's wrist with a final flourish. Mei stumbled slightly, catching her balance and instinctively smoothing her robes, a faint blush on her cheeks. Ai vanished with a relieved digital sigh.
"Sorry, I'm late!" Xiao Wu announced, completely unabashed. "Got a little sidetracked saying bye to Da Ming and Er Ming!" She beamed. "But look! I brought reinforcements! And I didn't forget our deal!" She puffed out her chest proudly.
Tang San ignored the mention of her brothers for now, his focus entirely on the bewildered Mei. "Mei, I am so sorry," he said sincerely, bowing his head slightly.
"I didn't ask Xiao Wu to involve you. I was actually just about to seek out a teacher or perhaps ask you for some advice later, when it was convenient. Dragging you out here like this… It's unacceptable." He shot a pointed look at Xiao Wu.
Mei took a deep breath, regaining her composure with visible effort. The disciplined idol persona slid back into place, though a hint of residual surprise lingered in her pink eyes. "It's… alright, Tang San," she said, her voice regaining its usual calm melody.
"Xiao Wu was quite… insistent." She offered a small, understanding smile. "She mentioned you needed help."
Tang San nodded, "Yes. Based on Liu Xian's research and the bestiaries, there are a few soul beasts that fit my criteria. Not only will it enhance my spirit vitality and sturdiness, but it might even give me control skills. But I never intended to bother you to help us with the hunt." He emphasized the last part, glancing meaningfully at Xiao Wu again.
"Exactly! If we run into trouble, maybe her singing will scare the beasties away? Or mesmerize them with your song." She looked at Mei with hopeful, starry eyes.
Mei blinked, momentarily speechless at the idea of using her idol performances as a deterrent or charm against spirit beasts. Ai flickered back, snickering silently.
Tang San rubbed his temple. "Xiao Wu…". Mei suddenly thinks back to when she first came to this world and thinks of the soul beast that came and was docile while listening to her singing.
Well, I think that's possible, and plus I feel bad letting them go without a proper countermeasure if things get ugly.
"It's alright Tang San, I don't mind helping, and more people are always better when hunting." She says resolutely, trying to ease Tang San's mind.
Tang San contemplated for a few minutes and nodded, "You're right, then I'll trouble you to help us."
"Yayy, since Mei is here with us, it's going to be much easier and fun." Xiao excitedly exclaimed, while also bouncing off to the woods first. "Wait, Xiao Wu, don't go off on your own !" Mei panicked and went after her.
Tang San sighs at this scene and goes after both of them. Will this be alright? Xiao Wu didn't even know what soul beast I needed.