Meanwhile, on the other side, Xiao Wu wandered aimlessly without seeking out her older sister figure, Huo Yu'er.
Since the sibling recognition subplot had been omitted, Xiao Wu hadn't completely let loose and become as spoiled and willful as in the original story. Instead, being around Huo Yu'er and Ye Wen had taught her to think critically, and through books, she had come to understand the terrifying intricacies of human society.
"Sigh, what should I do? I don't even know which academy Sister Yu and Ye Wen plan to enroll in next. I can't be separated from them!" Xiao Wu thought dejectedly.
In the world of Douluo, when a hundred-thousand-year soul beast transforms into human form, they typically face two main issues.
The first is that before reaching Level 70, they can still be sacrificed by humans or hunted for soul bones.
The second is that transformed soul beasts must interact with humans to sense their energy; otherwise, they cannot progress further.
At this moment, the issue Xiao Wu faced was the latter.
Not just anyone could suffice for a soul beast's interaction needs. Otherwise, with their deep understanding of soul power, ten-thousand-year soul beasts could simply hide in remote rural areas and live among ordinary humans to secretly cultivate up to the Soul Sage level and reach maturity.
Of course, it wasn't necessary for the human partner to have full innate soul power—just equal or superior cultivation. The transformed soul beast could use the human's energy as a reference to gradually shed its beastly traits. This process would continue until reaching the Soul Sage level.
Sometimes, Xiao Wu couldn't help but marvel at her luck. Though she was in a remote area, she shared a dormitory with three exceptionally talented humans who could serve as references for her energy.
However, as time passed, Xiao Wu found herself troubled. She felt unable to fully connect with any of these three individuals and stay by their side indefinitely.
Hmm…
Upon reflection, Xiao Wu realized she might have misjudged the situation. If she were willing to approach Tang San, he would gladly accept her.
But…
"Tang San claims to have full innate soul power, yet his cultivation speed is only comparable to Sister Yu's—and now, he's almost on par with Ye Wen. Something feels off."
Although Tang San's displayed cultivation talent didn't impress Xiao Wu much, he was currently the easiest person to get close to.
"Could I really choose him?" Xiao Wu pondered for a moment before shaking her head vigorously.
"No way! Tang San barely talks, and he acts so arrogant around others. To me, he's just like those lecherous humans who are attracted to my appearance. I don't want to be touched by humans."
Tang San's behavior toward others stood in stark contrast to how he acted around Xiao Wu. Even someone as slow-witted as Xiao Wu could see his oddities if they weren't blind.
Moreover, since she wasn't blinded by love, Xiao Wu still remembered her original purpose for transforming into human form:
To avenge her mother!
Xiao Wu felt comfortable getting close to Huo Yu'er because she was a powerful female, and admiring strength was a common trait among soul beasts. Associating with Huo Yu'er came naturally and without hesitation.
But someone like Tang San, who clearly had ulterior motives, was not someone Xiao Wu wanted prolonged contact with, especially since she still harbored some lingering disdain for humans.
More importantly, Tang San's cultivation progress lagged behind Xiao Wu's. How could she rely on his energy to train when doing so would only slow down her revenge?
As Xiao Wu contemplated ways to strengthen her bonds with Huo Yu'er and Ye Wen to ensure they attended the same academy for the next stage of their education…
She absentmindedly wandered outside the academy and into an alleyway, where a voice called out to her.
"Oh ho, what a cute little girl! Would you like Uncle to take you to see some goldfish?"
Hearing this, Xiao Wu paused. Her previously melancholic expression instantly brightened into one of innocent cheerfulness, as if she were truly a carefree ten-year-old.
Turning around, Xiao Wu gazed at the sleazy middle-aged man behind her with wide, sparkling eyes.
"Uncle wants to take me to see goldfish? You're such a kind person, Uncle! But Mommy told me not to accept favors from strangers.
Here, let me give you some candy."
Xiao Wu naturally pulled out a lollipop and handed it to the lecherous man, Bu Le.
Bu Le was none other than one of the infamous sleazy trio from the Douluo series.
Though Bu Le was slightly surprised that Xiao Wu would offer him a lollipop, her clear, innocent eyes lowered his guard. He instinctively accepted the candy and took a bite.
"Oh, this lollipop is rea—"
After sucking on the sugary liquid in his mouth for a moment, Bu Le's eyes widened in shock. Though the medicinal taste was faint, he recognized it immediately, and his body began to weaken rapidly. His heart raced—this seemingly harmless lollipop had been laced with a sedative!
Damn it!
But before Bu Le could react further, Xiao Wu's lips curled into a sly smile.
Recently, rumors had spread about a pervert preying on young girls in the area, using brutal methods and fleeing after satisfying his desires. The local commoners were suffering, but no officials took action, turning the perpetrator into something of an urban legend. As a result, families rarely allowed their daughters out, whether during the day or night.
Xiao Wu wasn't interested in playing the hero, but her free-spirited nature wouldn't allow her to sit idly by either. Thus, she carried a lollipop laced with sedatives to compensate for her lack of strength, using her cuteness as a disguise for counterattacks.
Now, it seemed her plan had worked perfectly. Xiao Wu's eyes flashed with cold determination as she prepared to subdue this lolicon pervert.
Just as Xiao Wu swung her braided ponytail, ready to execute her signature eight-step explosive throw, a sharp whistling sound came from nearby.
Instinctively, Xiao Wu dodged backward.
"Ahhhh!!!" Bu Le let out a blood-curdling scream.
When Xiao Wu looked closely, she saw that Bu Le, already collapsed on the ground, now had arrows piercing each of his limbs, pinning him firmly in place. Blood began to pool beneath him.
The precision of the archery made Xiao Wu's eyebrows twitch. At that moment, a familiar voice called out from nearby.
"Xiao Wu, are you alright?" Huo Yu'er asked in her cool, calm tone.
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up. Maintaining an air of fragility, she rushed toward Huo Yu'er, clinging to her arm and pouting adorably.
"Thank you, Sister Yu! You arrived just in time. I was in real danger just now."
Due to the angle, Huo Yu'er hadn't seen Xiao Wu slip the drugged lollipop to Bu Le.
However, Huo Yu'er had appeared here because she knew of a powerful pervert roaming the city—one even the lord's residence avoided provoking.
If this pervert targeted Xiao Wu, she would've been in grave danger.
After all, Xiao Wu was her predestined good sister.
"Mmm, it's alright now. Leave the rest to me," Huo Yu'er said soothingly, gently patting Xiao Wu's head.
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