Everyone stood up and followed Dai Mubai deeper into the dense forest.
Ning Rongrong walked in the middle of the team, her mind still replaying the scene she had just witnessed.
The moment Xu Yuan lunged towards Zhu Zhuqing was like a pebble thrown into the lake of her heart, causing ripples.
The light deep in the forest suddenly dimmed, and a suffocating pressure filled the air, over a hundred times more powerful than the previous Black Wind Leopard King.
"Stop!" Dai Mubai suddenly raised his hand, staring solemnly at the thick bushes ahead.
Ning Rongrong's heart tightened; the pressure made it almost impossible for her to breathe.
Tang San, Oscar, and the others couldn't help but look nervous as they felt this aura.
"Roar—!"
A deafening roar exploded, the bushes were torn apart, and a giant bear nearly five meters long walked out with heavy steps.
It was covered in dark gold fur, each hair standing up like a steel needle. Its eyes were blood-red, and the fur on its chest formed a sinister skull pattern.
"A... a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast!" Oscar's voice was trembling, and the Sausage in his hand almost fell to the ground.
For this group of Spirit Elders, the highest of whom was only level thirty-something, facing a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast was almost a certain death sentence.
Tang San looked at the bear with a grim expression because he recognized what it was.
His Teacher had once taught him that bear-type Spirit Beasts were among the top tier.
And this bear-type Spirit Beast was a ten-thousand-year Vajra Bear.
The Vajra Bear raised its fan-like giant paw and slammed it onto the ground. With a boom, the earth shook violently, and several sinister cracks spread toward the group.
"Scatter!" Tang San shouted low, and his First Spirit Skill instantly erupted.
First Spirit Skill: Binding.
Blue Silver Grass burst out of the ground like spirit snakes, instantly wrapping around the Vajra Bear's limbs in an attempt to hinder its movement.
However, the terrifying power of a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast was far beyond imagination. With just a slight exertion of force, the tough Blue Silver Grass snapped with a crackling sound.
Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and the others all dodged to the side.
Blue Silver Grass burst out of the ground like spirit snakes, instantly wrapping around the Vajra Bear's limbs in an attempt to hinder its movement.
However, the terrifying power of a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast was far beyond imagination. With just a slight exertion of force, the tough Blue Silver Grass snapped with a crackling sound.
"Run!"
Seeing this, Oscar and Ma Hongjun didn't hesitate to run backward.
If it were a powerful Thousand-year Spirit Beast, they would try to fight, but against this Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast, they were no match at all.
Seeing Oscar and the others run, Wang Hao and Shi Mo also chose to turn and flee without hesitation.
Since some had already run, they certainly weren't going to stay behind and wait for death.
Ning Rongrong's legs felt weak; facing the powerful Vajra Bear, she had no strength to run at all.
Dai Mubai and Tang San looked at the Vajra Bear with grim faces. They were the closest to it and didn't dare to act rashly.
Dai Mubai's expression changed abruptly. Seeing Tang San's Blue Silver Grass snap, he gritted his teeth and took half a step back.
His peripheral vision caught Ning Rongrong slumped on the ground. His Adam's apple bobbed, but he was forced back repeatedly by the giant paw the Vajra Bear swung.
Dai Mubai turned without hesitation and ran quickly toward Ma Hongjun and the others.
Seeing the Vajra Bear fixated on him, Tang San used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to escape quickly.
At this moment, only Ning Rongrong was left on the spot.
The Vajra Bear's roar shook the leaves down. Its blood-red eyes were locked onto Ning Rongrong, and its massive body slowly lowered, like a small mountain about to collapse.
Ning Rongrong sat paralyzed on the ground, her hands and feet cold, without even the strength to scream.
She watched the sinister skull-patterned fur on the Vajra Bear's chest quiver in the wind and smelled the pungent, rank odor wafting toward her. Her mind went blank.
"Roar!"
The Vajra Bear lunged forward, its fan-sized giant paw carrying a gust of wind that tore through the air, striking directly at her face.
Ning Rongrong instinctively closed her eyes, tears flowing uncontrollably.
At this moment, she deeply regretted coming to Shrek Academy; she would have been better off staying at home.
Just as the giant paw was about to fall, a blue shadow shot out like an arrow from a bow. Xu Yuan appeared in front of Ning Rongrong.
Pulling Ning Rongrong into his arms, Xu Yuan dodged to the side.
"Bang—!"
The Vajra Bear's giant paw brushed past their clothes as it slammed down. Although it didn't hit directly, the violent wind still smashed into Xu Yuan's back like a heavy hammer.
He gave a muffled groan and, holding Ning Rongrong, flew backward like a broken kite, slamming hard into a tree as thick as a man's embrace.
"Crack—"
The tree trunk actually cracked from the impact.
Protected in Xu Yuan's arms, Ning Rongrong felt the world spinning, her ears filled with the sound of whistling wind.
It wasn't until a sharp pain came from her back that she realized she was pressing down on Xu Yuan.
Looking at Xu Yuan in front of her, Ning Rongrong felt her heart beating very fast and was incredibly moved.
When everyone else had abandoned her, Xu Yuan had saved her like a Heavenly God and protected her with his body.
Ning Rongrong's tears flowed like a spring as she asked with concern, "Are you okay? Thank you..."
Xu Yuan said to Ning Rongrong, "I'm fine. Get off me first, I'll take you and run."
Ning Rongrong snapped out of it and hurriedly scrambled off Xu Yuan.
Xu Yuan stood up, picked up Ning Rongrong, and used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to run toward Liu Erlong.
Currently, only Liu Erlong could handle the opponent.
Xu Yuan held Ning Rongrong and pushed Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps to the limit, his figure darting through the tree shadows like lightning.
Ning Rongrong clung tightly to Xu Yuan's neck, her small face pressed against his chest, clearly feeling his heartbeat.
Meanwhile, a hundred meters away, Tang San, who was fleeing for his life, suddenly felt as if he had been struck by an invisible giant hammer.
"Thud—"
Falling to his knees, Tang San spat out a large mouthful of blood.
Tang San clutched his back; his bones felt as if they were breaking inch by inch, and every breath brought a tearing pain.
"What's going on? Why is this happening again?" Tang San said with a grim face as he felt his physical condition.
He thought those two times were accidents, not expecting this to happen to him again.
Tang San didn't last long before he fainted.
Xu Yuan sped through the forest holding Ning Rongrong, soon overtaking Ma Hongjun and Oscar, who had fled first.
As they ran, Xu Yuan felt the girl in his arms still trembling, her warm tears soaking his clothes, accompanied by faint sobbing.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here," Xu Yuan whispered to comfort Ning Rongrong.
He felt a bit speechless; not long ago, God King Tang San had told him to go to a certain place.
He was quite puzzled at first, but following what God King Tang San said, he saw Ning Rongrong being attacked by a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast, so he stepped in to save her.
"Bang!"
A dull thud of a heavy object striking came from ahead. Out of the corner of his eye, Xu Yuan saw Dai Mubai being swatted away by the Vajra Bear like a rag doll, hitting a tree and sliding to the ground, his life or death unknown
Hearing the sound, Ning Rongrong subconsciously gripped Xu Yuan's lapel tightly.
"Don't look," Xu Yuan whispered, increasing his speed even further.
Executing the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps to its limit, his figure flickered uncertainly among the shadows of the trees.
But the Vajra Bear's speed was far beyond imagination; it seemed to have locked onto Ning Rongrong and Xu Yuan as its prey, crazily smashing through everything in its path.
Before long, the miserable screams of Shi Mo and Wang Hao echoed from ahead.
The two were struck by the Vajra Bear's giant paw, tracing two parabolic arcs through the air before crashing heavily into the depths of the dense forest, their fate unknown.
Ning Rongrong's tears flowed even more fiercely; she didn't dare imagine what her end would be if it weren't for Xu Yuan.
Those companions who usually called each other brothers were now either unable to save themselves or had already become victims under the Spirit Beast's claws; only this boy, whom she had met by chance, was doing his utmost to protect her as they fled.
After a while, two panicked figures suddenly appeared ahead.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun were running blindly in panic; seeing Xu Yuan holding Ning Rongrong, a flash of surprise crossed their eyes, which was immediately drowned out by the roar behind them.
"Move!" Xu Yuan barked, holding Ning Rongrong as he sidestepped to avoid the two.
Almost at the same time, the Vajra Bear's massive body crashed through; Oscar and Ma Hongjun had no time to react before being sent flying by that violent force, their screams instantly vanishing into the woods.
Ning Rongrong closed her eyes, burying her face deep into Xu Yuan's chest.
She could clearly hear his powerful heartbeat, feel the ripple of his muscles as he ran, and sense the determination with which he refused to let her go no matter what.
Ning Rongrong buried her face even deeper, the scent of Xu Yuan's body lingering at the tip of her nose.
Xu Yuan's chest wasn't particularly broad, yet it was exceptionally solid; every rise and fall carried a steady strength, isolating the fear and chaos of the outside world.
Those figures fleeing in panic, the shrill screams, and the Vajra Bear's roars all seemed to become a blurred background now, leaving only this clear, powerful heartbeat at her ear, thumping against her heartstrings again and again.
Her heart accelerated uncontrollably, beating even more violently than when she had faced the Vajra Bear just now.
The grievance of being abandoned and the fear of death quietly receded at this moment, replaced by a strange throb of emotion.
So this is what it feels like to be protected by someone giving their all, Ning Rongrong thought secretly.
After a while, the two arrived at an open space.
Xu Yuan went before Liu Erlong and said, "Teacher, a Ten-thousand-year Vajra Bear is hunting us."
Liu Erlong saw Xu Yuan holding Ning Rongrong tightly in his arms; both were covered in grass clippings and dirt, and Ning Rongrong's eyes were red, clearly having suffered a significant fright.
Hearing the words 'Ten-thousand-year Vajra Bear,' Liu Erlong's face, which originally carried anger, instantly tightened, and the spirit power around her surged violently, her long hair moving without any wind.
"Vile beast, how dare you!"
After saying that, she immediately performed Martial Soul Possession and charged toward the Vajra Bear that had just rushed out.
"You dare harm my student? You're looking for death!" Liu Erlong's figure was like lightning, her Dragon Claws carrying a fierce wind that tore through the air as she went straight for the Vajra Bear's neck.
Though the Vajra Bear was fierce, it was suppressed by this dragon pressure and subconsciously raised its paw to parry.
*Clang—*
With a crisp sound, the Dragon Claws collided with the bear paw, actually sparking dazzling fire.
The Vajra Bear was shaken and retreated repeatedly, the dark gold fur on its chest actually having several bloody gashes torn into it.
"So strong..." Ning Rongrong poked her head out from Xu Yuan's arms, her eyes full of shock as she watched Liu Erlong's figure, which was like a God of War.
She had never seen any female Spirit Master possess such violent power; it was absolute strength capable of crushing a ten-thousand-year Spirit Beast.
Tang Hao was watching all this from the shadows, and at this moment, he noticed something.
Xu Yuan didn't have a single injury on him, which was truly too strange.
One must know that Xu Yuan had been slapped by the Vajra Bear earlier.
Not dying instantly was already considered a miracle.
Carrying the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and running all this way was truly ridiculous.
Tang Hao subconsciously looked at Tang San in his arms and checked the injuries on Tang San's body.
He was surprised to find one thing: the places where Tang San was injured were exactly where Xu Yuan had been attacked earlier.
Could it be... a very bizarre idea appeared in Tang Hao's mind.
The injuries on Xu Yuan's body had actually all been transferred to Tang San!
An absurd yet unignorable thought exploded in his mind.
Could there exist some special Spirit Ability that can transfer the damage one receives onto someone else?
But such an ability that defied common sense was unheard of, even for a Titled Douluo.
Tang Hao shook his head, tossing those thoughts aside, and prepared to leave the Star Dou Great Forest with Tang San.
The current priority was to quickly treat the injuries on Tang San's body.
As for the matter with Xu Yuan, he would study it slowly later.
Just as Tang Hao was about to leave, his head throbbed, and some blurred memories surfaced.
It seemed... Ah Yin had given birth to two children back then?
One of those children, for some unknown reason, had gone missing.
Tang Hao shook his head and quickly left the Star Dou Great Forest with Tang San.
On the open ground, Liu Erlong's battle was nearing its end.
Her Dragon Claws tore through the Vajra Bear's final defense, and a scorching Dragon Breath was poured into its throat; the massive body crashed to the ground, completely devoid of life.
Liu Erlong deactivated her Martial Soul and turned toward Xu Yuan and Ning Rongrong, the ferocity on her face not yet faded: "You're not hurt, are you?"
At this moment, Xu Yuan was surrounded by Xiao Wu and the others, who were looking at him with faces full of concern.
Seeing that Xu Yuan was fine, Xiao Wu and the others couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Hearing Liu Erlong's words, Xu Yuan snapped out of it, shook his head, and said, "I'm fine; even though Ning Rongrong suffered a little injury, it's already been treated."
Seeing Liu Erlong arrive, Ning Rongrong thanked her: "Senior, thank you."
Liu Erlong waved her hand, her brow slightly furrowed as she asked Xu Yuan, "Are you really okay? I thought I saw your clothes were torn just now."
Xu Yuan smiled and said, "Teacher, my Physique is quite special; my recovery speed is very fast."
After saying that, he showed his back to Liu Erlong.
Xu Yuan turned around; the lapel on his back was indeed sliced open, with grass clippings still clinging to the edges, yet not a single wound was visible, not even a red mark from an abrasion.
"See, I'm perfectly fine."
"This recovery power of yours..." Liu Erlong walked a few steps closer, her fingertips grazing over Xu Yuan's back; the skin she touched was warm and smooth, and she couldn't help but marvel, "This recovery power of yours is truly terrifying."
When she touched Xu Yuan's body, she subconsciously thought of what happened that night, and her face couldn't help but turn slightly red.
Looking at the conspicuous tear on Xu Yuan's back, Ning Rongrong suddenly remembered the Vajra Bear swinging its paw earlier.
Logically, that hit should have broken at least a few bones, yet now even his skin wasn't broken.
This made her somewhat confused, but she didn't feel it was appropriate to say anything.
Xu Yuan said with a smile, "Alright, alright, isn't it enough that everyone is okay
Xiao Wu and the others nodded in agreement, taking Ning Rongrong to continue exploring the Star Dou Great Forest... In the blink of an eye, a day passed.
"Hmm..."
Tang San slowly opened his eyes, feeling an intense ache all over his body.
It felt as if someone had given his entire body a massage with a large hammer.
After a moment, Tang San realized he was in a hospital.
This left Tang San utterly confused; he remembered being in the Star Dou Great Forest, so how did he end up here?
At that moment, a doctor pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing Tang San awake, he strode over.
The doctor looked at Tang San and said, "Tang San, how are you feeling now?"
Tang San sat up and asked hoarsely, "Doctor, how did I get here? I remember... I was in the Star Dou Great Forest."
The doctor picked up the medical chart, flipping through it, his tone calm yet carrying a hint of seriousness: "You were brought in by a middle-aged man. He said you were attacked by a wild beast while exploring the wilderness, suffering multiple bone fractures and severe internal bleeding. Your condition was critical when you arrived."
Tang San's fingers clenched the bedsheet tightly, his knuckles turning white.
A middle-aged man... Could it be Dad?
"Attacked by a wild beast..." Tang San murmured these words softly, the ferocious image of the Vajra Bear flashing through his mind.
He was deeply puzzled: Ning Rongrong was at the back at the time, so why was he the one injured?
Unable to figure it out, Tang San gave up thinking about it.
"Doctor, my back..." Tang San inquired about his condition.
The doctor smiled and said, "It's already healed. You've been completely treated and can be discharged today."
Tang San was stunned, instinctively reaching to touch his back.
"Thank you, Doctor." Tang San picked up the clothes on the bedside table.
The doctor waved his hand and said, "No problem."
With that, the doctor turned and left the ward.
Seeing the doctor leave, Tang San sat on the bed and began to ponder.
Now, his top priority was to obtain a third spirit ring, then return to Shrek Academy to properly improve his strength.
But which Spirit Beast would be best for the third spirit ring?
As Tang San thought, he instinctively thought of Xu Yuan.
He remembered that Xu Yuan followed the Life Path and was considerably stronger than him.
Of course, that was without him using the Tang Sect's Ultimate Skills. If he used them, he could easily beat Xu Yuan.
"No, if I follow the Life Path, Teacher will definitely be disappointed in me." Tang San had just entertained the idea of following the Life Path but immediately dismissed it.
Wait... Tang San had another thought: why couldn't he follow both the Life and Poison Routes simultaneously?
Combining the two, he could easily overpower Xu Yuan, and it would also show Teacher that his theory was sound.
Thinking this, Tang San got out of bed, changed into his clothes, and headed outside.
Leaving the ward, Tang San went outside, planning to head straight to the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Tang San!"
Just then, Zhao Wuji's voice rang out from behind.
Hearing Zhao Wuji's voice, Tang San couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
With Zhao Wuji, his trip to the Star Dou Great Forest would be extremely safe this time.
Zhao Wuji strode over, somewhat puzzled as he asked Tang San, "Tang San, where are Dai Mubai and the others?"
Tang San hesitated for a moment, then told Zhao Wuji about their unauthorized trip to the Star Dou Great Forest.
After hearing Tang San's words, Zhao Wuji's brows instantly furrowed into a knot, anger surging on his dark face: "Ridiculous! A Spirit Elder and six Spirit Grandmasters daring to venture deep into the Star Dou Forest on their own? Do they think their lives are too long?!"
Zhao Wuji raised his hand and gave Tang San a light knock on the head, controlling his strength carefully: "You too! You knew it was dangerous yet still joined in recklessly. Scared now?"
Tang San covered his forehead and said softly, "Teacher Zhao, we didn't expect to encounter a ten-thousand-year Spirit Beast. Dai Mubai and the others... I passed out later, so I don't know how they are now."
Mentioning his companions, his voice carried a hint of worry.
Learning that Dai Mubai and the others were missing, Zhao Wuji's expression changed drastically.
"Let's go."
The two sped through the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, Zhao Wuji moving with exceptional agility among the trees.
Tang San followed closely behind, constantly scanning the surroundings.
Suddenly, Tang San paused, his gaze locking onto a bush ahead filled with small purple flowers.
"Teacher Zhao, wait!"
Zhao Wuji stopped at the sound, following Tang San's line of sight. Deep in the flower bush, a palm-sized Spirit Beast was curled up on a leaf.
It was entirely emerald green, resembling a lizard, but with several crystal-clear tender leaves growing on its back. With each breath, the surrounding small flowers would sway gently, emitting a faint life aura.
Tang San said with some surprise, "It's actually a thousand-year Life Lizard."
The Life Lizard was a mutated Spirit Beast, perfectly suited for him.
Zhao Wuji leaned in to examine it for a moment, smacking his lips: "This little guy is only a thousand years old, but it's a good find. If Oscar were here, it could be given to Oscar."
Tang San looked at Zhao Wuji and said, "Teacher, I plan to absorb this Spirit Beast's spirit ring."
Although the Life Lizard had little combat power, its speed was extremely fast.
Zhao Wuji said somewhat puzzled, "Are you sure? Weren't you going to choose a Spirit Beast with poison attributes?"
Tang San looked firmly at the Life Lizard curled up on the leaf and said to Zhao Wuji, "Teacher Zhao, my teacher said Blue Silver Grass can absorb Spirit Beasts with life attributes."
Upon learning it was Yu Xiaogang who said this, Zhao Wuji nodded in understanding.
Immediately after, Zhao Wuji used his fifth Spirit Ability, Gravity Compression.
Zhao Wuji's spirit power erupted suddenly, his fifth spirit ring glowing as a black halo spread out, an invisible heavy pressure instantly enveloping the bush.
"Hum—"
The air seemed compressed, the ground slightly sinking, and the flower bush where the Life Lizard was instantly pressed flat against the ground.
The little creature clearly hadn't anticipated such a turn of events; the tender leaves on its back tensed sharply as it tried to struggle and escape, but it was pinned firmly in place by the gravity, unable to move even slightly with great difficulty.
"Done." Zhao Wuji withdrew his spirit power and clapped his hands, "Now, you handle the rest."
Looking at the wilted Life Lizard, Tang San said gratefully, "Thank you, Teacher Zhao."
With that, he walked forward, took out a dagger, and stabbed the Life Lizard.
As the dagger fell, the Life Lizard barely struggled.
Its emerald body trembled slightly before falling silent, a purple spirit ring slowly rising from it.
Tang San sat cross-legged on the ground, absorbing this thousand-year spirit ring.
Zhao Wuji stood guard beside Tang San, constantly monitoring the surroundings.
After an hour, Tang San successfully absorbed the thousand-year spirit ring.
Tang San opened his eyes, feeling that the third Spirit Ability he obtained was quite good.
The third Spirit Ability was named Vitality Conduction.
The effect of Vitality Conduction is that Blue Silver Grass will condense a seed containing life energy. Upon hitting a target, the seed quickly integrates into their body, slightly increasing the target's life force recovery rate for a short time.
If the target is a plant-type Spirit Beast or Spirit holder, the effect increases by 50%.