The Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python finally returned, their massive bodies heaving from exhaustion. The two great soul beasts had raced back in panic—never had they imagined Xiao Wu would bring home a terrifying human like Fu Ye.
"You said you were just showing him around! Why bring him home?!" Er Ming's booming voice was full of disbelief.
Xiao Wu's mother, A Wu—her expression frosty—glared at her daughter. "Xiao Wu, what were you thinking? How could you bring a stranger into our home?!"
"Mom, I—"
(Thousands of words omitted…)
After listening to Xiao Wu's brief explanation and the testimonies of Da Ming and Er Ming, A Wu finally grasped the situation. Still, she felt nothing but anxiety. Bringing a powerful human this deep into the Star Dou Forest? Were they not worried he'd turn their entire family into spirit rings and bones?
Fu Ye, of course, understood her fears. A hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, spirit bone—who wouldn't covet them? But for someone like him, such things held no real allure.
"I'm simply curious about the Star Dou Forest's core area," he said calmly. "I have no interest in your spirit rings or bones."
To prove his intentions—and establish his dominance—Fu Ye raised a hand. A powerful energy barrier surged forth, shielding the area. Then, in full view of the spirit beasts, he released his Dragon God Martial Soul.
A brilliant nine-colored dragon spiraled into existence, radiating divine might. Behind him hovered nine spirit rings—each at the terrifying level of 990,000 years.
The pressure was unbearable.
Even Xiao Wu, Da Ming, and Er Ming couldn't raise their heads. As for A Wu, her knees buckled and she collapsed, trembling violently. The aura only lasted a second—but to them, it felt like a century of oppression.
Fu Ye withdrew his Martial Soul. Before him, A Wu lay exhausted, while the three soul beasts still cowered.
Sigh… He always had a soft spot for beautiful women.
The Dark Devilgod Tiger, too, lay motionless—grateful that he hadn't dared to provoke this monster earlier. He would've been shattered by the backlash.
Fu Ye walked over and gently lifted A Wu into his arms like a princess.
"I told you—I'm just here to visit. I'm not here for your spirit rings or bones."
Of course, he added silently, I'm just here to enjoy the lifestyle of a certain "Mr. Meng De."
He glanced toward the wooden house nearby. "Is that where you live?"
A Wu could barely respond. She was a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast who had yet to enter the mature stage. Why didn't he kill her?
She could only stammer, "Y-Yes…?"
Her body trembled. She was scared—terrified—not for herself, but for her daughter and her old friends. She was helpless in front of this man.
"You know," Fu Ye said casually, "your daughter's transformation reminds me of another little girl I know—also a transformed soul beast. She used to be the Blue Silver Emperor. Do you know her?"
A Wu's eyes widened in disbelief. "The Blue Silver Emperor transformed? You mean… A Yin?"
So they were connected.
Fu Ye nodded. "Yes. I met her while recovering near the Blue Silver Forest. She's different from you, though—she's already reached the mature stage."
A Wu was stunned. A Yin had matured before her?
Fu Ye gently opened the wooden door and entered the modest home. Inside, it was clean and simple. A bed, a few wooden furnishings, and in the corner, a cozy nest of golden hay, still dusted with Xiao Wu's soft white fluff.
He laid A Wu down gently on the bed, then pulled up a small stool to sit beside her.
"Where is A Yin now?" A Wu asked, concern flooding her voice.
"She's with me," Fu Ye replied. "She chose to follow me into the human world. She lives in my restaurant now, and she's safe—though she does like to moan until late at night."
A Wu blinked in confusion. Entering human society... Could she follow A Yin's path? But a glance at her daughter sleeping nearby crushed that thought. Her family came first.
Still, she had questions.
"But… who are you really? Why do you have so many hundred-thousand-year spirit rings? And why have you come here?"
Fu Ye smiled.
"Miss, where are your manners? It's only polite to introduce yourself before questioning a guest."
A Wu blushed slightly, realizing her mistake. "You're right…"
She exhaled slowly and replied, "My name is A Wu—Wu as in dancing. I am the incarnation of a hundred-thousand-year Soft-Boned Rabbit."
A lovely name, Fu Ye thought. She did look like an older version of Xiao Wu, though her light brown hair and calm demeanor made her distinct.
"I'm Fu Ye—Fu as in 'Master', Ye as in 'Blazing Flower'. A human soul master… with a little strength."
A Wu didn't believe that understatement for a second.
Fu Ye added with a faint chuckle, "I also carry the blood of soul beasts. You could say I'm… mixed-blood."
(End of Chapter)