A few more days unfolded by the tranquil shores of the Lake of Life. During this time, an unexpected camaraderie began to blossom between Song Qing and the three spirit beasts. Song Qing, far from acting superior or fearful, genuinely engaged with Xiao Wu, Er Ming, and Da Ming. He spent hours listening to Xiao Wu's stories of her time in the human world, her laughter echoing through the ancient forest.
He also took the time to understand the challenges faced by Er Ming and Da Ming in their role as guardians of the Great Star Dou Forest. He observed their methods of maintaining balance among the myriad spirit beasts, noting areas where he could potentially offer assistance.
'They are incredibly powerful, but their approach is mostly based on brute force,' Song Qing thought. 'Perhaps I can offer some more nuanced strategies.'
He started by suggesting ways to better manage the territorial disputes between the weaker spirit beasts, proposing methods to encourage coexistence rather than outright conflict. He spoke of creating designated feeding grounds and establishing clearer boundaries, ideas that Da Ming, with his more strategic mind, found surprisingly insightful.
"So, you're saying we shouldn't just roar at them until they stop fighting?" Er Ming asked, scratching his massive head, a confused expression on his ape-like face. "But that usually works."
Da Ming sighed, a low rumble emanating from his chest. "Little Brother, sometimes a more subtle approach can prevent unnecessary bloodshed. This… 'designating feeding grounds' idea… it might actually reduce the constant squabbling."
Song Qing nodded patiently. "Exactly. It's about creating an environment where everyone has enough resources without needing to fight for them constantly."
He then moved on to a more pressing matter: the threat of powerful human soul masters, particularly Titled Douluo, who might venture into the forest seeking spirit rings or spirit bones. He shared detailed strategies on how the two hundred thousand year old beasts should approach such encounters.
"The first thing you need to do is observe," Song Qing explained, his voice calm and measured. "Don't immediately engage. Watch their abilities, their attack patterns, their weaknesses. Every soul master has them."
"Observe?" Er Ming grunted, flexing his massive fists. "Why not just smash them?"
"Because," Da Ming interjected, his voice wiser, "a Titled Douluo possesses immense power. Rushing in blindly could lead to unnecessary injury, even for us. Understanding their abilities first gives us a significant advantage."
Song Qing continued, "You are the kings of this forest. Use your environment. The dense foliage, the uneven terrain, the natural traps… these are all weapons at your disposal. Lure them into areas where you have the advantage."
"Lure them?" Er Ming repeated, still looking perplexed. "Like… like playing hide-and-seek?"
Da Ming chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Not exactly, Little Brother. Think of it as guiding them into a strategically chosen battlefield where we hold the power."
Song Qing elaborated, "For example, Da Ming, your agility in the water and your control over the surrounding moisture could be invaluable in creating diversions or trapping opponents. Er Ming, your raw strength and ability to manipulate the earth can create obstacles and launch surprise attacks."
Er Ming still looked a bit lost. "So… instead of just punching them really hard right away… we… we trick them with trees and water?"
Da Ming nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "There's more to it than just brute force, Little Brother. This human… he has a clever mind."
Over the next few days, Song Qing continued to share his strategies, patiently explaining his reasoning and answering Er Ming's often-childish questions. Slowly, a degree of understanding began to dawn on the massive ape, though his primary instinct still leaned towards direct confrontation. Da Ming, however, readily grasped the value of Song Qing's tactical insights.
By the end of the week, a noticeable shift had occurred in their dynamic. While the immense power difference remained, Er Ming and Da Ming had begun to view Song Qing with a certain degree of respect, even affection. They had started to accept him, in their own way, as a sort of younger brother, someone who, despite his human frailty, possessed a unique kind of strength and wisdom. It wasn't a drastic transformation, but the two mighty beasts now trusted Song Qing to a significant extent.
Meanwhile, A'Rou had a serious conversation with her daughter. Following Song Qing's advice, she cautioned Xiao Wu about her human friend, Tang San.
"Xiao Wu, my dear," A'Rou said, her voice filled with concern, "I need you to be careful around that human boy, Tang San."
Xiao Wu tilted her head, her rabbit ears twitching. "Careful? But Mama, he's my friend! He's very kind."
"I know, my sweet child," A'Rou replied gently. "But his father… Tang Hao… he is a very powerful Titled Douluo. He might have already seen through your transformation, recognized you for what you truly are – a Hundred Thousand Year Old spirit beast in human form."
Xiao Wu's eyes widened slightly. "You think so, Mama?"
"It's possible, Xiao Wu. And if he has… there's no telling what a human of that power might be planning. He might even try to create a situation where you are forced to sacrifice yourself to become his son's soul ring, even if your friend Tang San is unwilling." A shiver ran down A'Rou's ethereal spine at the thought.
This was precisely the scenario Song Qing had outlined to A'Rou, emphasizing the potential danger Xiao Wu was in due to Tang Hao's power and ruthlessness. A'Rou, remembering her own tragic fate at the hands of a powerful human, readily agreed with Song Qing's assessment and felt it was crucial to warn her daughter.
Xiao Wu listened intently, her initial surprise giving way to a troubled expression. "But… Tang San would never let that happen, Mama! He's my friend!"
"Perhaps not willingly, my dear," A'Rou said sadly. "But powerful humans can be very persuasive, very manipulative. And their desires for power can often outweigh their friendships. Please, Xiao Wu, for your own safety, keep your distance from him. At least for now."
These words were difficult for Xiao Wu to accept. Tang San was her first true friend in the human world, someone she cherished deeply. But the fear in her mother's voice, the genuine concern in her ethereal eyes… it was something she couldn't ignore.
'Mama is right,' she thought, a wave of sadness washing over her. 'She would never tell me to stay away from a friend unless it was truly necessary.'
With a heavy heart, Xiao Wu nodded slowly. "Okay, Mama. I… I understand. I'll be careful. I won't go near Brother Tang San." Even though the thought of distancing herself from her friend caused her a pang of sadness, her bond with her dear mother, the one she had thought lost forever, was infinitely more precious. She would heed her mother's warning, no matter how unwillingly.
~~
As the week drew to a close, the tranquil rhythm of life by the Lake of Life began to feel like a comforting routine. But Song Qing knew that his time here was limited. He gathered A'Rou, Xiao Wu, and the two towering beasts, his expression carrying a hint of seriousness.
"It's time for us to return to the Spirit Hall," Song Qing announced, his voice calm but firm.
Xiao Wu's ears drooped slightly, her eyes filled with a familiar sadness at the prospect of parting from her mother again. "Must you go so soon, Big Brother Song Qing?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment. This week had been a precious gift, a chance to reconnect with her mother, and she didn't want it to end.
Even Er Ming and Da Ming, who had initially been wary of Song Qing, rumbled their agreement with Xiao Wu, a newfound fondness evident in their gazes. They had grown accustomed to his presence, his insightful advice, and his surprisingly gentle nature.
"Yeah, human," Er Ming grunted, scratching his head. "You just got here. Why leave already?"
Da Ming nodded in agreement. "We have learned much from you, Little Brother. Perhaps you could stay a while longer."
Song Qing smiled gently at their reluctance. "I appreciate your kindness, but I must return. My teacher… she might be getting worried. I've been gone for an entire week, and she doesn't know my whereabouts. She might even send a group of Titled Douluo to search for me, and that could cause unnecessary trouble for all of us."
A'Rou gently placed an ethereal hand on Xiao Wu's head. "Your Big Brother Song Qing is right, my dear. We cannot burden him any further. He has done so much for us already." She then turned her gaze towards her nephews. "And you two, you must not keep him from his duties."
Song Qing then offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, all of you. I have already set up an Anchor Point here. I can teleport myself back to this very spot whenever I want to. We don't have to say goodbye forever."
He looked at Xiao Wu, his eyes filled with sincerity. "In fact, I promise to visit at least once a week, maybe even more often if my duties allow. I will make sure you get plenty of time with your mother."
A'Rou nodded in agreement. "That sounds perfectly fine. We can manage with that."
Reluctantly, Xiao Wu, Er Ming, and Da Ming nodded their acceptance. They knew Song Qing was right, and his promise to return regularly eased their disappointment.
"Alright then," Song Qing said, taking a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his will. Then, with a powerful surge of soul power, he unleashed his Abyssal Demonic Dragon God Emperor spirit. The majestic, obsidian dragon materialized behind him, its draconic presence instantly dominating the surrounding area.
He then activated the Fifth Soul Ring, the Void Anchor, its spatial energy swirling around him and A'Rou. In the blink of an eye, they vanished, leaving behind only the lingering scent of abyssal energy and the stunned silence of the three spirit beasts.
The moment Song Qing's draconic spirit had manifested, an invisible wave of immense pressure had washed over the entire region. Er Ming, Da Ming, and even Xiao Wu, despite her own powerful lineage, felt their very bloodlines tremble. It was as if an ancient, primordial force had descended upon them, a power that dwarfed their own. Their abilities felt… restricted, as if a powerful seal had been placed upon them.
Er Ming stumbled back a step, his usually boisterous demeanor completely gone, replaced by an awestruck silence. "W-what was that…?" he finally managed to stammer, his voice barely a whisper.
Da Ming, his massive serpentine form coiled tightly, felt a primal fear he hadn't experienced in centuries. His reptilian eyes were wide with shock. "That… that spirit… it's… it's too powerful! Our bloodline… it felt like it was completely suppressed!"
Even Xiao Wu, in her human form, felt a suffocating pressure, her legs trembling beneath her. 'That feeling… it was terrifying! What kind of spirit does Big Brother Song Qing possess?'
Er Ming turned to his elder brother, his confusion evident. "His plant spirit was already so weird and strong… but that… that dragon thing… it felt like it could crush us with a single glance!"
Da Ming nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the spot where Song Qing had just disappeared. "Indeed. The spirit of this human… it is truly extraordinary. Just like his other plant spirit, it defies all logic."
But it wasn't just the three of them who had felt the immense pressure. Throughout the myriad of spirit beasts inhabiting the forest near the Lake of Life, a wave of primal fear and reverence had rippled outwards. Every creature, from the smallest insect to the largest beast, had instinctively bowed their heads or cowered in fear, their bodies trembling under the weight of Song Qing's Abyssal Demonic Dragon God Emperor spirit.
Da Ming, his wise eyes reflecting the lingering shock, couldn't help but think about their Aunt A'Rou. 'She truly has formed a unique connection with a very extraordinary human,' he mused, a sense of wonder and perhaps a touch of unease settling within him.