Lin Xiao naturally had a solution to their predicament.
Even if he no longer had the right immortal herbs to shield them from the soul beast's aura,
deriving a technique like the [Breath Containment Technique] was now effortless for him.
As long as it didn't become public knowledge across the continent, the forces at his disposal would be more than enough to protect the two transformed hundred-thousand-year soul beasts.
After a brief moment of deliberation, Lin Xiao simply agreed to Xiao Wu's request.
"Of course, that's perfectly acceptable."
His gaze swept over Xiao Wu and Er Ming, his tone becoming more serious.
"But once you're out, you must be extremely cautious and follow my instructions. Can you do that?"
Xiao Wu and Er Ming were overjoyed and nodded their agreement.
Their current situation was dire. In the perilous human world, the only person they could trust was Xiao Wu's savior.
Naturally, they would obey Lin Xiao's orders.
The Azure Bull Python and Dugu Bo, who had been observing silently from the sidelines, had listened for so long and now confirmed that the two sides were friends, not enemies.
The invisible tension and vigilance between man and beast finally dissipated, and they slowly approached the group.
Dugu Bo looked at Lin Xiao with a strange expression, but said nothing.
Although he also coveted the 100,000-year spirit ring and spirit bone, Xiao Wu and Er Ming were now Lin Xiao's people, so he naturally wouldn't have any ulterior motives.
The Azure Bull Python first looked deeply at Xiao Wu and Er Ming, then rested its gaze on Lin Xiao.
A deep, powerful voice, seemingly resonating through the forest air, emanated from the terrifying spirit beast's mouth.
"Lin Xiao! I still have responsibilities to protect the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest and cannot leave easily."
"From now on, I'll ask you to take good care of Sister Xiao Wu and Er Ming."
"We believe in you and are willing to place our hopes... on you."
Lin Xiao simply nodded slowly, accepting the Azure Bull Python's request without making any grandiose remarks.
The Azure Bull Python's next move astonished both Lin Xiao and Dugu Bo.
Its massive body swung slightly, and twelve soul bones, emitting a faint glow, suddenly floated before Lin Xiao as if by magic.
"Lin Xiao! These twelve soul bones are the treasures of the three of us siblings over the years."
"We are offering them to you now, firstly to repay you for saving Xiao Wu's life,
and secondly, to help you better protect her and Er Ming."
With that, the Azure Bull Python's gaze, like two tangible beams of light, fell directly upon Dugu Bo, as if to gauge the Titled Douluo's reaction.
Dugu Bo was stunned as he gazed at the twelve floating soul bones before him.
The aura emanating from each soul bone was astonishing.
The youngest was at least twenty thousand years old, while the oldest reached a staggering eighty thousand years.
He was unable to react except to shock.
But facing the Azure Bull Python's oppressive gaze, Dugu Bo swallowed hard and finally, reluctantly, replied,
"Don't worry! This guy's the boss. Whatever he says is the truth. Don't worry about my opinion."
The Azure Bull Python nodded in satisfaction and turned its gaze back to Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao, looking at the twelve priceless soul bones before him, felt a surge of excitement.
Just one of these treasures would have been enough to cause a stir in the soul master world, and now, he had acquired twelve at once.
Without the slightest hesitation, he instantly stored the twelve soul bones in his soul guide ring.
Actions speak louder than words; accepting the soul bones was the best response.
Seeing Lin Xiao accept the soul bones, the Azure Bull Python's face lit up with relief. Then, turning, it bid a lasting farewell to Xiao Wu and Er Ming.
A faint sense of parting hung in the air, but more so, a sense of anticipation for the future.
Xiao Wu, her eyes red, hugged the Azure Bull Python tightly.
"Da Ming! You must take care of yourself. Er Ming and I will be fine."
Er Ming said in a muffled voice, "Brother, when I become stronger, I will definitely come back for you."
The Azure Bull Python gently nudged Xiao Wu and Er Ming with its massive head, its eyes filled with reluctance.
"Go, pursue your future. I'm here, and everything will be fine."
Finally, Xiao Wu and Er Ming released the Azure Bull Python and followed Lin Xiao, looking back every few steps.
Lin Xiao nodded to the Azure Bull Python and, accompanied by Xiao Wu, Er Ming, and Dugu Bo, headed towards the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, over twenty days had passed.
The dense, deep expanse of the Star Dou Great Forest gradually faded, replaced by increasingly visible traces of human activity.
Lin Xiao and his four companions had long since left the forest's confines and entered the territory of the Star Luo Empire.
During these twenty days, Xiao Wu and Er Ming were initially terrified of Dugu Bo, remaining quiet throughout the journey.
But as they gradually became familiar, Xiao Wu regained her former lively and adorable self,
while Er Ming remained naive and straightforward. Shortly after setting out, Lin Xiao taught them the meticulously developed [Breath Containment Technique]. This technique was extremely easy to practice.
Of course, its sole effect was to help Xiao Wu and the others conceal the presence of spirit beasts. Even a Titled Douluo wouldn't be able to detect its presence.
That day, Lin Xiao and his companions, exhausted from their journey, arrived at a remote village outside Longxing City.
The village looked rather simple, even a bit run-down.
However, from a considerable distance away, a strong, indissoluble medicinal aroma permeated the air.
This unique aroma indicated that this was the home of the Poyi Clan, one of the four former affiliated sects of the Haotian Sect.
Dugu Bo's emerald eyes scanned the scene before him, clearly recognizing the place's origins.
He tilted his head and looked at Lin Xiao with a hint of curiosity.
"Little monster, the opportunity you mentioned earlier to resolve the attribute conflict within you, could it be in the hands of Yang Wudi?"
Lin Xiao shook his head slightly.
"Not really. I just happened to be passing through here and stopped by to visit the Poyi Clan."
"There's no rush to resolve the problem anyway."
Of course, Lin Xiao had another thought that he kept unspoken.
In his past life, he remembered the stubborn Yang Wudi. Though he hadn't formally accepted him as a disciple, he had nonetheless taught him some fine spearmanship.
More importantly, the Po Yi Clan's awe-inspiring aura of "unwavering resolve, invincible"
combined with their battle-forged martial spirit, the Soul-Breaking Spear, was a force to be reckoned with.
He already had the intention of taming them, lest Tang San, that brat, beat him to the punch and become an obstacle, or even an enemy.
(End of Chapter)