Chapter 104: Xiao Wu Appears — Tang San's Path to Death
Night fell, deep and mesmerizing.
The moon hung high in the sky, like a silver veil gently draped over the world. Countless stars adorned the dark heavens, and from time to time, streaks of light cut across the sky, making the already brilliant night even more dazzling.
Star Dou Great Forest.
The surface of the central lake reflected the bright moon and twinkling stars, forming a breathtaking scene—like a dream brought to life.
Xiao Wu sat atop the broad shoulder of the Titan Giant Ape, her slender legs dangling as she stared blankly at the calm lake.
She was about to leave the place she had lived in for tens of thousands of years. Naturally, her heart was filled with reluctance.
But for the sake of avenging her mother, it was necessary to understand the human world.
Moreover, there was a reason why soul beasts that transformed into human form would venture into human society.
Although they could take human shape, they did not understand human cultivation methods.
Only by interacting with humans could their strength continue to grow.
So, if she wanted revenge for her mother, she had to leave—and step into the human world.
Splash—splash—
Suddenly, ripples broke the lake's stillness. With a loud plop, the Azure Bull Python emerged from the water, its enormous head rising above the surface.
Its dark green scales shimmered faintly under the moonlight, while its massive, hundred-meter-long body loomed beneath the water, barely visible.
"Xiao Wu-jie, are you leaving?"
Its deep, rumbling voice interrupted her thoughts.
Xiao Wu nodded softly, a trace of reluctance appearing on her face.
"Da Ming, Er Ming… I'm really leaving this time."
"But don't worry. If I get the chance, I'll come back to visit you."
The Azure Bull Python gazed steadily at her, her small figure reflected in its massive eyes.
Wuu—
The Titan Giant Ape let out a low, mournful sound, expressing its unwillingness to part.
For a moment, one human and two beasts fell into silence.
Finally, the Azure Bull Python broke it.
"Since you've decided, we won't stop you. Just don't forget your purpose. And come back to see us when you can."
Beside them, the Titan Giant Ape lowered its huge head, silent and dejected.
"I won't forget," Xiao Wu said firmly. "I'm going to the human world to grow stronger… and then kill that woman to avenge my mother."
At the mention of Bibi Dong, Xiao Wu gritted her teeth in hatred.
Seeing her determination, the Azure Bull Python finally felt reassured.
"When do you plan to leave? Let Er Ming send you off."
"The sooner, the better," Xiao Wu replied. "Tonight. I'll leave under the cover of darkness."
The Azure Bull Python, though reluctant, was more rational. It quickly suppressed its emotions and said in a deep voice,
"Er Ming, take Xiao Wu-jie out of the forest."
The Titan Giant Ape let out a reluctant whine, unwilling to move.
Seeing this, the Azure Bull Python spoke slowly,
"Er Ming… don't you want to avenge Aunt Wu Qing?"
"I do!" The Titan Giant Ape nodded heavily.
Xiao Wu's mother had once saved their lives. Without her, they would not exist as they were today.
Realizing that Xiao Wu's departure was for revenge, the Titan Giant Ape finally stood up, despite its reluctance.
"Da Ming, goodbye! I'll miss you!"
Standing on its shoulder, Xiao Wu waved at the Azure Bull Python.
The Titan Giant Ape gently picked her up, protecting her in its palm. With a furious roar, it left two deep footprints on the ground before launching into the sky, turning into a dark streak that vanished into the horizon.
Watching them leave, the Azure Bull Python slowly sank back into the lake.
It, too, harbored feelings for Xiao Wu—but it had a greater responsibility.
Stationed at the central lake by Di Tian and the others, it did not know exactly what lay beneath the waters.
But it knew one thing:
What was hidden below was the future of the soul beast race.
Its duty was to guard this place and prevent any human—or even other soul beasts—from approaching.
Compared to personal emotions, the fate of its race weighed far more heavily in its heart.
Neither the Titan Giant Ape nor Xiao Wu knew this.
It was the only soul beast that had ever met Di Tian… and the only one who knew this secret.
A Few Days Later — Notting City
An old man and a young boy arrived at Notting City.
The old man had silver hair and a frail body, his face lined with deep wrinkles—as though a gust of wind could knock him over.
The boy had short blue hair and wore patched clothes.
His eyes were filled with curiosity as he observed everything around him. To him, even this small town felt entirely new.
Yet, as he glanced at the bustling crowd, a hint of vigilance flickered in his eyes.
They were none other than Tang San and the village elder of Holy Soul Village, Old Jack.
Not long ago, Tang San had awakened his martial soul.
Overjoyed, Old Jack had brought him to enroll in Notting Junior Soul Master Academy.
Located in the western part of Notting City, the academy was not easy to find. After asking for directions multiple times, they finally arrived.
In the distance stood a massive archway.
It was twenty meters wide and over ten meters tall, built from solid stone. Beneath it stood two dark iron gates, forged from high-quality refined iron.
Through the bars, one could see a winding path leading inward, lined with towering trees.
At the center of the arch were four large characters:
"Notting Academy."
After some twists and turns, Tang San, under the guidance of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, finally entered the academy.
Old Jack returned alone to Holy Soul Village.
Before leaving, Tang San glanced back at the guard at the entrance.
Tang Sect Mysterious Heaven Record — General Outline, Third Rule:
"If one determines an opponent to be an enemy, and they possess a path to death, show no mercy. Otherwise, trouble will only follow."
The guard had insulted him earlier.
That alone already qualified as a path to death.
If not for the timely appearance of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, that guard would already be dead.
Yu Xiaogang held the certificate issued by Spirit Hall for Tang San, examining it as they walked.
Suddenly, a flash of "wisdom" flickered through his lifeless eyes.
He looked down at Tang San, forcing a stiff, unnatural smile.
Tang San felt uncomfortable.
Has this person not smiled in a long time? If it looks this bad, maybe he shouldn't force it…
Unaware of Tang San's thoughts, Yu Xiaogang simply led him deeper into the academy.