Ning Rongrong carefully stored the precious blueprint inside her storage spirit tool.
With that, the conversation between the two came to an end, and they walked out of the small grove together.
Fortunately, although their figures had briefly vanished, their auras had remained in place the entire time.
Otherwise, Zhao Wuji—who had been keeping track of them—would have panicked.
Losing two students right under his nose would have been a serious failure on his part as a teacher.
So when he saw them return safely, he simply closed his eyes again and continued resting.
---
It took Oscar a full half hour to absorb the spirit ring.
Thankfully, everything went smoothly.
However, when his third Spirit Ability was revealed, it shocked everyone.
Flight.
Although it only lasted for a minute, its speed rivaled that of the Phoenix-Tail Crested Serpent—making it extremely valuable.
Unfortunately…
His incantation remained just as awkward as ever.
"I have a Mushroom Sausage…"
The moment he spoke, the others couldn't help but tease him.
Oscar's face darkened in embarrassment.
---
Just as everyone was preparing to continue searching for a suitable spirit ring for Lin Xian—
Tang San stood up.
"Teacher Zhao, I've also broken through to Level 30."
Zhao Wuji burst out laughing.
"Good! Very good!"
These little monsters were truly terrifying.
So young, yet progressing at such insane speeds.
It was hard to imagine how powerful they would become in ten years.
"Alright, we move out. We'll find suitable Spirit Beasts for both of you. Stay alert—the Star Dou Great Forest is dangerous."
---
Unfortunately, after an entire day of searching—
They found nothing suitable.
Either the Spirit Beasts weren't compatible, or their age was insufficient.
Sometimes, it all came down to luck.
Night fell.
It was time to rest again.
Everyone set up their tents.
Lin Xian had one too—but compared to the comfort of Moon Sea Cottage, sleeping outside felt unnecessary.
---
Just as everyone was about to settle down—
Zhao Wuji suddenly shouted:
"Everyone, get out of the tents—now!"
His voice was low but urgent.
Everyone reacted instantly and rushed out.
Dai Mubai stepped forward.
"Teacher Zhao, what's wrong?"
Zhao Wuji didn't answer.
His expression had turned extremely grim.
"Everyone, get behind me. If something happens… don't worry about me. Run. Escape the forest immediately!"
---
Before anyone could fully react—
The trees ahead suddenly split apart.
A massive figure stepped forward silently.
The moment they saw it—
Everyone froze.
It was like a mountain.
Pitch black, towering, with muscles like solid stone.
Even on all fours, it stood over seven meters tall.
Tang San's pupils shrank.
"The King of the Forest… the Titan Giant Ape!"
His voice trembled.
"But… why would it appear here? This is the outer region!"
---
Zhao Wuji didn't hesitate.
He immediately activated his Martial Soul Avatar.
But—
With a single punch—
He was sent flying, heavily injured.
Then—
BOOM!
The Titan Giant Ape smashed the ground.
The shockwave spread outward violently.
Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun—
Knocked unconscious instantly.
Tang San retreated using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, barely escaping by climbing a tree—though he still spat out blood.
Zhu Zhuqing vanished into the shadows, completely avoiding the damage.
Ning Rongrong—
Froze in fear.
---
At that critical moment—
Lin Xian pulled her into his arms.
"First Spirit Ability: Star Shield!"
A dark barrier formed around them.
It shattered under the impact—
But it was enough.
They survived.
---
The Titan Giant Ape didn't even glance at them.
It reached out—
And grabbed Xiao Wu.
Then, with a single leap—
It disappeared into the forest.
---
"No!!! Xiao Wu!!!"
Tang San dropped from the tree, blood staining his lips.
---
The others gradually regained consciousness, still dizzy.
Zhu Zhuqing reappeared, unharmed.
Ning Rongrong, however—
Was still clinging tightly to Lin Xian.
As if he were her only lifeline.
In that moment of danger—
He had stood in front of her.
Blocking everything.
To her—
He felt like an unshakable wall.
---
"You've hugged enough, right?" Lin Xian said dryly. "You're strangling me."
Ning Rongrong snapped out of it and quickly let go.
"Hehe… sorry…"
But her eyes—
Remained fixed on him.
Zhu Zhuqing noticed immediately and sighed inwardly.
You're done for.
You've fallen for him.
Then again—
Wasn't she the same?
This man…
Really could make people feel safe.
---
Zhao Wuji slammed his fists into the ground.
His injuries were severe, and his expression was filled with frustration.
He had never expected something like this.
How was he supposed to explain it to Flender?
After a moment, he sighed.
"Everyone rest. Then we'll move and reassess."
---
At that moment—
Tang San quietly took Oscar's Mushroom Sausage.
He was about to fly off to chase after Xiao Wu—
When suddenly—
A force locked him in place.
Lin Xian's voice sounded calmly:
"Second Spirit Ability: Star Imprisonment."
Tang San's eyes burned with anger.
"What are you doing?!"
Lin Xian almost laughed—but held it in.
Then said lightly:
"I know you're anxious…"
He paused.
"But don't be anxious yet."
(Author's Note)
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