In the end, the Transparent World could indeed completely hide a soul beast's aura. Lin Yang and Xiao Wu had ventured deep into the mixed zone and near the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest, yet Da Ming and Er Ming showed no reaction at all.
If they could sense it, they would have known the moment Xiao Wu stepped into the Star Dou Great Forest—like last time.
The closer they got to the center, the stronger the spirit beasts living there became. Ten-thousand-year spirit beasts roamed everywhere. However, the two showed no intention of stopping.
They simultaneously activated "Transparency," covered their entire bodies with "Concealment," and with Xiao Wu leading the way, they easily avoided the territories of powerful soul beasts.
After passing the outermost edge of the central circle, the deeper they went, the fewer soul beasts there were. Of course, the soul beasts present were even more terrifying.
When they reached the deepest part, the auras of those soul beasts completely vanished, leaving only silence around them.
Walking here felt refreshing and cool rather than humid and stuffy, with even a faint fragrance in the air. An emerald-like lake stood quietly deep within the forest, reflecting the towering trees on its surface. Under the sunlight, it created a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, like a "fairy kingdom on earth."
Lin Yang looked around and finally fixed his gaze on the Lake of Life.
Everyone thought the most powerful soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest were Da Ming and Er Ming, but at the bottom of the Lake of Life hid the Ten Fierce Beasts, and even the Silver Dragon King existed. They were the strongest among soul beasts and the most solid foundation of the soul beast world.
This was something even the two emperors of the Star Dou Great Forest probably didn't fully understand. If the two of them could withstand the heavenly tribulation and ascend from ordinary hundred-thousand-year soul beasts to the level of Fierce Beasts, they might become one of the Ten Fierce Beasts and learn more about the inner workings.
"Who is it?"
While Lin Yang was deep in thought, a thunderous voice suddenly rang in his ears, making his head spin. Suddenly, a huge black shadow rose from the bottom of the lake, sending massive waves crashing against both shores of the lake.
At the same time, a distant mountain began to shake, then slowly rose from the ground and stood up.
Azure Bull Python! Titan Giant Ape!
Although Lin Yang had seen these two rulers through "Blindness" before, seeing them in person made his spine tingle from their terrifying pressure. Their overall strength was probably no less than—or even surpassed—that of a current level 95 Title Douluo.
"If a human has truly set foot here, they might as well stay here forever."
Xiao Wu covered her ears and deliberately revealed her presence.
"Da Ming, Er Ming, it's me."
"Xiao Wu?"
The two rulers were momentarily stunned. They quickly concealed their auras, and the oppressive, terrifying power they had displayed earlier vanished without a trace.
"You two don't even remember me?" Xiao Wu glared at their massive bodies, showing no fear at all.
"Xiao Wu, I can't sense your presence. Have you… grown up already?"
The Titan Giant Ape's huge body twisted in the air as a pair of enormous eyes stared at her.
Xiao Wu proudly hummed softly. "Remember the secret technique I said I was practicing? I succeeded. Now even you can't sense my presence."
At that moment, Er Ming stared intently at Lin Yang. White breath puffed out from his large nostrils. Judging from Er Ming's current attitude, Lin Yang felt that Er Ming disliked him and was very hostile.
"Xiao Wu, is he the human you mentioned?"
"His name is Lin Yang," Xiao Wu said with wide eyes, speaking fiercely. "Don't scare him."
"Xiao Wu, humans are masters of sweet words and eloquence—you can't trust them!" Er Ming's voice was heavy and filled with strong hostility. "He approached you because he wants your soul rings and soul bones. You've already learned the secret technique. If you kill him, no one will ever know your true identity again."
How dare he!
Xiao Wu's expression turned to anger. She stepped straight in front of Lin Yang.
"Don't even think about touching him. He is the person I love, and I will love him forever."
A faint surprise flashed in Er Ming's bright yellow eyes, but it quickly turned to sorrow and regret. Finally, he looked toward Da Ming.
"Brother?"
The silent Azure Bull Python turned its gaze to Lin Yang and let out a deafening voice.
"Human, do you have anything to say?"
Lin Yang showed a faint smile. Facing the two rulers, he displayed no fear or anxiety.
"Xiao Wu brought me here because she trusts me. And I am here because I trust her. Your trust isn't necessary. As long as Xiao Wu trusts me and I can live up to that trust, that's enough."
Da Ming remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"Lin Yang, you have accepted Xiao Wu's choice. Now I ask you—can you promise to protect her forever?"
"Promise?" Lin Yang chuckled and looked up, staring directly at the Azure Bull Python. "Promises are based on strength. Would you believe the promise of a three-ring Soul Master? Or do you think a three-ring Soul Master can stop a Title Douluo targeting a hundred-thousand-year soul beast?"
Da Ming stayed silent.
Lin Yang looked at Xiao Wu and said softly, "I can't guarantee that Xiao Wu won't get hurt in any way, but I will do my best to help her grow. We will face problems together."
"Lin Yang…" Xiao Wu unconsciously grabbed his hand. Her eyes were filled with trust and affection.
Da Ming's massive body slowly retreated as a muffled sound echoed through the air.
"I hope you keep your promise."
"Brother!!!" Er Ming looked a little uneasy. He hadn't expected his brother to trust a human.
"Understood. This is Xiao Wu's choice. We can only trust her," Da Ming said in a low voice. "If it turns out you deceived Xiao Wu, no matter where you hide, I will find you and fight you to the death!"
Even so, the massive Azure Bull Python sank back into the Lake of Life.
Er Ming angrily slammed his fist into the ground, then turned and left. He was burning with rage and looking for a sandbag to vent his frustration.
Once Da Ming and Er Ming disappeared from view, Lin Yang let out a sigh of relief. Xiao Wu's "family" wasn't very friendly, but for now, it wasn't too bad.
"Sorry, Lin Yang," Xiao Wu said, holding his hand. "Er Ming doesn't have a very good impression of humans."
Lin Yang shook his head lightly. "It's fine. For now, focus on absorbing the immortal herb."
"Good!"
Xiao Wu then sat cross-legged on the ground and took out the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum from her storage ring. Following Lin Yang's instructions, she first ate the stamen, then consumed the petals one by one.
The stamen and petals melted in her mouth. A warm current flowed down her throat into her abdomen. Xiao Wu then began practicing breathing techniques to neutralize and refine the medicinal effects.
The medicinal power of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum was very strong, but it was just right for the current Xiao Wu.