Three days had passed since Bibi Dong went to the Star Soul Forest to obtain her ninth Spirit Ring.
During those three days, Wu Ling's life returned to its former three-point routine: cultivation, food, and rest.
The difference was that now, with Azure and Ember, Wu Ling could talk to them whenever he felt bored.
Watching Ember and Azure train without pause, Wu Ling put down the book in his hand and muttered, "Although Hassan of the Hundred Personas is the only known Hassan without an instant-death ability, the help she gives me is something no other Heroic Spirit can compare to.
"Before, I could only squeeze out one-third of each day for cultivation. Now that I have clones, I can spend half the day refining Spirit Power.
"And because the clones cultivate too, one day of my cultivation is actually equivalent to one and a half days for others. Overall, my daily efficiency is nearly four times higher than before.
"On top of that, I absorbed above my level. After finishing the Spirit Ring absorption, my Spirit Power reached level twenty-three. At this pace, I may reach level thirty in less than two years."
Thinking back to that night three days ago, after he returned Azure and Ember to his body and felt the obvious increase in his Spirit Power, Wu Ling had been genuinely surprised. The effect was truly significant.
"My side is fine. The only thing is Teacher has not sent news yet. But the target is a hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast, and it is protected by the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape, so taking a few more days is reasonable.
"At this time, Di Tian and the others should still be eating that big worm, and my influence cannot possibly reach the Star Soul Forest from this far away. Judging by the situation, it should be soon."
...
"Soon." Inside a tent, an elder reported to Bibi Dong, who stood at the head of the group. "Your Holiness, those beasts have already fallen into our encirclement. In particular, the two-hundred-thousand-year Soul Beasts in human form are not the greatest threat. One is still in child form, and the other has already reached adulthood, but her strength is only around that of a seven-ring Spirit King.
"The greatest threats are the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python.
"Once they reach the center of the encirclement, we will force the two sides apart with a surprise attack. At that time, the two human-form targets will be left to Your Holiness. The ape and the serpent will require the two elders and the rest of us to hold them back."
Bibi Dong nodded, indicating that she had heard. The elder cupped his hands and quietly withdrew to the side.
After that, Bibi Dong asked about several possible accidents. Each possibility was analyzed and resolved individually.
"It is almost time. Prepare."
At Bibi Dong's order, the tent and every other trace of activity were packed away. A group of people, each at least an eight-ring Spirit Emperor, concealed themselves.
Not long after Bibi Dong's group hid, two running Soul Beasts appeared not far behind them and rapidly approached.
Those two Soul Beasts were the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python. Beside one of the Sky Azure Bull Python's horns stood a peerlessly graceful woman with long pink hair. She was most likely Lyra's mother.
"Big brother, why are we running? Those people may be strong, but they are not stronger than us, right?" The Titan Giant Ape, named Er Ming, asked the Sky Azure Bull Python, Da Ming, through mental transmission.
"If we forced our way out, we could indeed leave. But do not forget, her targets are very likely Auntie and Sister Lyra.
"So, they do not need to defeat us. They only need to hold us back. If that happens, Auntie and Sister Lyra will be in danger."
"So that is how it is." As an ape, the Titan Giant Ape gave a simple grunt of understanding.
"Actually, as long as you hand me over, with your strength, you will definitely be able to escape."
While the ape and serpent communicated through mental power, another mental voice entered the exchange. That mental power was pink overall, and even the voice in the transmission was gentle.
"No, Auntie. You are our family. We will not abandon you!"
When the woman heard the word family, the corners of her mouth could not help rising. But under the circumstances, that faint smile lasted less than a second.
"No. Humans are greedy creatures. If they cannot get what they want, they will never let the matter go.
"I have already hidden Lyra in an absolutely safe place. If I truly cannot return, tell Lyra that I went deep into the Star Soul Forest and disappeared. Remember, no matter what, do not let her come looking for me!"
As they spoke, the one woman and two beasts had no idea what situation they were in. Only when the woman's ears twitched slightly did her face change.
"No. There is an ambush!"
She warned them, but unfortunately, she was a little too late.
A gigantic chrysanthemum and a pitch-black ghost hand suddenly appeared, blasting the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python back several meters.
Lyra's mother, who had been standing on the Sky Azure Bull Python's head, was pulled by an unseen force and flew uncontrollably in the opposite direction.
"Auntie!"
"Humans. Die!"
The Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python were both shocked. Just as they were about to rush after her, Ghost and Yue Guan each brought three Spirit Emperors and blocked their path.
"Humans, die!"
In its fury, the Titan Giant Ape held nothing back, wildly attacking every enemy in front of it. The Sky Azure Bull Python did not speak, but while fighting, it carefully observed the battlefield, always looking for a chance to break through and save Lyra's mother.
On the other side, Lyra's mother finally broke free of the force pulling her through the air. Before she could even breathe in relief, Bibi Dong appeared before her.
"Only one? Where is the smaller one?"
Lyra's mother ignored Bibi Dong's question and simply took a fighting stance.
Seeing that she would not answer, Bibi Dong understood her intent.
"What a pity. I originally wanted to bring that smaller one back for Ling'er."
After saying that, Bibi Dong's Spirit Rings lit up one after another, and she charged straight toward the woman who had transformed from a Soul Beast.
In less than five minutes, the Titan Giant Ape was still smashing everything in sight, and the Sky Azure Bull Python was still searching for an opening. But when Lyra's mother's corpse fell to the ground, the last thread of reason in their minds snapped.
"No!"
The two-hundred-thousand-year Soul Beasts completely lost control. Their Spirit Power erupted outward as if it cost nothing.
Under the combined assault of domain, Spirit Skills, and physical force, the six Spirit Emperors, apart from Ghost and Yue Guan, collapsed almost instantly.
Bibi Dong expressionlessly stored Lyra's mother's corpse in her storage ring.
"Elder Ghost, Elder Chrysanthemum, the target is secured. Do not prolong the battle. Retreat!"
At her command, Ghost and Yue Guan exchanged a glance. Each carried two Spirit Emperors and left the area.
Unable to catch up to Bibi Dong's group, the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python could only rage helplessly where they stood.