Star Dou Great Forest's Undercurrents

In the Star Dou Great Forest

Everything seemed to be changing quietly, yet it also felt as though it was proceeding according to plan.

Xiao Wu's departure did not seem to have caused much of a disruption to Tang San's original destined path.

When the Shrek group entered the forest, they still encountered Chao Tianxiang and Meng Yiran, and still argued over the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, ultimately deciding the ownership of the Soul Beast through a competition.

By the second day, despite the absence of the subsequent plot points caused by Xiao Wu's presence, Tang San's powerful "protagonist's halo" remained dazzling.

While searching for a suitable Soul Ring, he still encountered the Demon-Faced Spider carrying an external Spirit Bone.

As if the plot had its own stitching ability, they met Meng Yiran again, and the second dispute over the ownership of the Demon-Faced Spider began without any warning.

In the end, both sides still agreed to settle the outcome with a competition.

This time, when Oscar proposed the condition that "the winner can receive a kiss from Meng Yiran," the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny were surprisingly pleased, and even Meng Yiran herself did not object.

At this point, the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny already greatly valued Tang San as a young man, and had seen through their granddaughter's feelings; Meng Yiran, too, had long since developed feelings for Tang San.

The result of the competition was as expected—Tang San won again.

This time, he still accepted the sudden kiss unprepared.

This was a "trophy" he had won with his own strength, and as he accepted it calmly, he couldn't help but think to himself: if this kiss had come from Xiao Wu, perhaps he would have been happier.

Next, Tang San successfully absorbed the Soul Ring of the Demon-Faced Spider and smoothly obtained the opportunity that originally belonged to him—the External Spirit Bone, Eight Spider Lances.

Feeling the surging power within him, Tang San was greatly excited: this external Spirit Bone would undoubtedly greatly enhance his strength, and his goal of becoming a powerful individual seemed to be one step closer.

Tang San's outstanding performance made the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny feel a desire to recruit talent, and they immediately invited him to join their family; however, unexpectedly, Meng Yiran's talent also caught Yu Xiaogang's attention.

With the Pan-continental Spirit Master Competition less than two years away, Yu Xiaogang was eager to assemble a strong team, but excellent geniuses were hard to find at the moment.

So he proactively extended an invitation to Meng Yiran, hoping she would join Shrek.

Meng Yiran, disregarding her elders' dissuasion, resolutely chose to join; after Yu Xiaogang revealed his identity as "Master," the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny readily agreed.

Thus, Shrek's team gained another capable member.

In another part of the forest, Ye Feiyang concluded his cultivation.

During the day he spent cultivating in this area, the environment was exceptionally quiet, with not even a single Soul Beast coming to disturb him.

He stretched, loosening his sore muscles and bones.

"Teacher, where are we going next?" Ning Rongrong approached and asked curiously.

Ye Feiyang pondered for a moment upon hearing this and said, "Why don't you all wait here for a while? Exchange your cultivation insights with each other. I have something to do and will be back soon."

Since they were not far from the Blue Silver Clan Territory, the three girls did not insist on following—they couldn't help with this matter anyway, and were more there with the mentality of "watching the show."

Since their teacher had said so, there was no point in watching the show.

After giving instructions for the subsequent matters, Ye Feiyang walked alone towards the Blue Silver Clan Territory.

Upon seeing Ah Yin again, he immediately noticed that Ah Yin's condition was much more spirited than before, and even her vines had become thicker.

Such a significant change in just one day of not seeing her indicated that this clan territory was indeed very suitable for her recovery.

Ah Yin did not choose to escape, which Ye Feiyang did not find surprising—a plant that could not move on its own, where could it escape to even if it wanted to?

He still teased her in his usual annoying tone: "Ah Yin, you've actually grown taller! Have you missed me in the past day? By the way, did you think about what I told you yesterday?"

Ah Yin: Why does this person always say annoying things? Aren't other people's mammary glands also mammary glands?

She remained silent, truly too annoyed to speak.

Although she had absorbed the power of the clan territory's origin for a day, she had recovered some spiritual power, enough for simple communication, but facing Ye Feiyang, she preferred to pretend to be mute.

Ye Feiyang then turned his gaze to the Blue Silver King, his tone tinged with displeasure: "I say, Blue Silver King, why do you have no foresight? How can you bear to watch your Queen continue to suffer like this?"

He had no intention of giving up easily and continued to launch a verbal assault on the Blue Silver King.

Upon hearing this, the Blue Silver King's branches swayed violently, and its aged voice was filled with anger: "Human, thank you for bringing our Queen back to the clan territory, but our clan's affairs are not for you to dictate!"

It had already learned from Ah Yin about her many encounters after transforming, and it was precisely because Ah Yin had "complained" about Ye Feiyang quite a bit that its hostility towards this human was so deep.

Ye Feiyang raised an eyebrow—when had he been dictating? And why did the Blue Silver King's hostility towards him seem even greater than yesterday?

He immediately retorted: "When did I dictate? Old man, I'm just making a suggestion! Do you understand what a suggestion is?"

After speaking, he turned to Ah Yin again, his tone carrying a hint of grievance: "What, did you secretly say bad things about me behind my back? Honestly, I've never harmed you, have I?"

"And I kindly took you to see your son, and brought you back to the clan territory from afar... Pfft, you scumbag, you must have said a lot of bad things about me."

Meanwhile, in another part of the Star Dou Great Forest, a dust-covered figure was speeding through the woods, emanating killing intent.

Any Soul Beast that dared to approach was sent flying with a single hammer blow, not even having time to scream.

The closer he got to the Blue Silver Clan Territory, the clearer Ah Yin's aura became in the air.

Tang Hao's footsteps quickened, his excitement almost uncontrollable—he absolutely could not accept Ah Yin leaving his side again.

Upon reaching the edge of the Blue Silver Clan Territory, he suddenly realized: Ah Yin had been brought back here!

"Ah Yin, I've finally found you."

He managed to calm his agitated heart, unwilling to reunite with Ah Yin in such a disheveled state.

For the past two days, he had been traveling day and night, with only one thought in his mind: to see Ah Yin as soon as possible.

Just as he was about to enter the clan territory, his peripheral vision caught sight of three figures not far away. He recognized one of them – it was Xiao Wu.

At that moment, Xiao Wu was sparring with Zhu Zhuqing, while Ning Rongrong watched from the side, occasionally offering a critique, the atmosphere quite relaxed.

Upon seeing the three of them, Tang Hao instantly remembered why Ah Yin would be here, and his heart tightened: since they were here, Ye Feiyang must also be nearby!

The mere thought of Ye Feiyang made his temples throb, and a monstrous rage almost consumed his reason.

A wild thought surfaced in his mind: "Ye Feiyang, you're pushing me to this."

His figure flickered, and he appeared before the three women like a phantom.

The three women sensed the disturbance and looked up at the newcomer, their faces instantly turning pale – they wanted to escape, but it was already too late.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing instinctively shielded Ning Rongrong behind them, their Soul Power secretly circulating, preparing for battle.

Zhu Zhuqing could clearly feel the terrifying pressure emanating from the intruder and said in a low voice, "This person means trouble; their strength is immense..."

Ning Rongrong also knew the situation was dire and, without hesitation, shouted with all her might, "Teacher, help!!"

No matter what, this was the only option available right now.

As soon as the words left her mouth, an invisible pressure surged like a tide, making it difficult for the three women to breathe, their clothes instantly soaked with cold sweat.

"Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, are we going to die? Teacher hasn't even agreed to my confession yet..." Ning Rongrong's voice trembled, her eyes filled with unwillingness – it was too unfair not to have even shared a kiss.

Tang Hao's gaze remained fixed on Xiao Wu, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.

In his view, all this trouble started because of Xiao Wu: if Xiao Wu hadn't gotten too close to Tang San, Ye Feiyang wouldn't have noticed the Tang family, and none of the subsequent events would have happened.

"Hmph, surrender obediently, and you might suffer a little less," Tang Hao's voice was bone-chillingly cold.

Xiao Wu felt as if that gaze were a sharp blade, piercing her body with pain.

The undisguised killing intent and inexplicable hostility sent shivers down her spine.

She instantly realized: this person before her must have seen through her identity as a Soul Beast, and Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong were dragged down by her!

She suppressed the pain from the pressure and said with a trembling voice, "Zhuqing, Rongrong, I'm sorry, I've implicated you."

As the pressure continued to increase, it became difficult for the three women to even move a finger – the gap in their levels was too vast, leaving no room for resistance.

At this moment, Ye Feiyang, who was "reasoning" with Ah Yin, felt his hair stand on end upon hearing Ning Rongrong's cry for help, a strong sense of unease engulfing him.

He couldn't bother with Ah Yin anymore and shot off like an arrow towards the direction of the three women.

Seeing the three women being restrained by Tang Hao from afar, Ye Feiyang was instantly filled with rage and shouted sternly, "Old man, have you no shame? Attacking the juniors!"

Tang Hao's expression was calm, but his eyes were filled with madness: "Hand Ah Yin over!"

Ye Feiyang had already summoned his Martial Soul, a verdant long sword in his hand, his killing intent radiating all around: "Let them go, don't tarnish the reputation of the Clear Sky Douluo!"

His voice reverberated through the wilderness, faintly audible even to Ah Yin in the distance.

"I said, give Ah Yin back to me! Otherwise, I can't guarantee they'll survive!" Tang Hao was completely reckless now, almost insane.

He knew his actions were shameful, but when he saw the aura Ye Feiyang displayed, he knew clearly in his heart – he had no confidence in defeating Ye Feiyang.

Since that was the case, the hostages couldn't be let go easily.

Ye Feiyang frowned, afraid Tang Hao would act desperately and harm the three women, and dared not act rashly: "The person you're looking for is in the Blue Silver Clan Territory, you can go find her yourself."

"Let them go, and I promise not to attack you, allowing you to leave here safely."

He deliberately maintained a distance from Tang Hao, his heart filled with vigilance – this old man would do anything if pushed to the brink.

Meanwhile, inside the Blue Silver Clan Territory, a pale blue phantom slowly floated up from a strand of blue silver grass – it was Ah Yin's soul body.

After a night of recuperation in the clan territory and absorbing a large amount of primal energy, she could now briefly leave her body.

Upon hearing Ning Rongrong's cry for help, her expression turned anxious, and she immediately floated towards the direction of Ye Feiyang and the others.

Tang Hao was in a difficult position – the Clear Sky Hammer, crackling with electricity, was placed beside the three women, his eyes fixed on Ye Feiyang, guarding against any sudden moves.

Until he saw Ah Yin, he would never let them go easily, let alone believe Ye Feiyang's promise.

"Hand Ah Yin over to me, and then you leave here, and I will naturally let them go."

The once domineering Clear Sky Douluo had lost his former confidence in front of Ye Feiyang.

If this were before their fight, he would never have lowered his stance so much.

Ye Feiyang's voice was extremely cold: "Holding juniors hostage, have you no shame at all?"

"Let me leave first, and then you'll let them go? Who would believe such nonsense? You can do something like this, why should I trust you?"

Tang Hao's expression remained unchanged, but in his heart, he had already cursed Ye Feiyang's ancestors eighteen generations – as if stealing someone else's wife was glorious!

He never considered that if he hadn't repeatedly troubled Ye Feiyang, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation.

In the perception of the strong, others are always wrong, and they themselves are never wrong.

So what if he was holding juniors hostage? As long as he could achieve his goal, he would resort to even more despicable means.

"I don't want to repeat myself," Tang Hao's tone carried the weight of a final ultimatum.

Just then, a pale blue figure quietly floated between the two, it was Ah Yin's soul body.

Ye Feiyang glanced at Ah Yin thoughtfully, his anger intensifying—how dare this old man threaten him in front of Ah Yin!

Before he could speak, Ah Yin spoke first, "Hao-ge, what are you doing? Let them go quickly!"

She had figured out the situation as soon as she arrived and felt quite favorably towards these three vibrant young girls, not wanting them to be implicated because of her.

Seeing the woman he longed for, Tang Hao's frantic heart calmed slightly, but he still shot Ye Feiyang a wary glance. "Ah Yin, I'm here to save you! This Ye Feiyang is no good. I have a grudge against him. He stole you, he must have bad intentions! I had no choice but to resort to this!"

Ah Yin continued to persuade him, "Hao-ge, listen to me, let them go quickly, don't do anything foolish."

Having spent time with Ye Feiyang these past few days, she already knew how terrifying his strength was. Moreover, being in the Star Dou Great Forest at this moment, if she truly angered him, it might even alert the two beings in the Lake of Life. Tang Hao would have no chance of winning then.

"Ah Yin, trust me! As long as that Ye fellow leaves here, I absolutely won't harm these three girls," Tang Hao promised hastily.

Fearing Tang Hao would lose control and harm the three girls, Ye Feiyang decisively turned around. "Tang Hao, I hope you keep your word! Otherwise, you, your son Tang San, and this entire Blue Silver Clan Territory will be wiped out!"

He coldly dropped this sentence and turned to leave, not forgetting to cast a reassuring glance at the three girls before departing.

Seeing Ye Feiyang leave, Tang Hao breathed a sigh of relief—Ye Feiyang's gaze just now was as cold as if he were looking at a dead man, giving him an inexplicable sense of unease.

But he never expected that Ye Feiyang had no intention of truly leaving.

"Damn it, how did this old schemer track me down here? I was careless..."

"No wonder everyone calls him an old schemer, it's true... damn it!"

Hiding in the shadows, Ye Feiyang was filled with regret—he never imagined Tang Hao could find this place, it completely disrupted his plans.

However, he believed that with Ah Yin present, he could temporarily stabilize Tang Hao's emotions, which was why he dared to pretend to leave.

He silently circled behind Tang Hao, a cold glint flashing in his eyes—since you like playing dirty, wouldn't it be a disservice to you if I didn't play dirty too?

At this moment, Tang Hao was in a standoff with Ah Yin. "Hao-ge, let them leave first."

Tang Hao suddenly glared viciously at Xiao Wu. "Ah Yin, you don't know! This Xiao Wu, she caused our son so much trouble! If it weren't for her, how could Xiao San..."

Hearing this, Xiao Wu felt as if struck by lightning—what did that mean?

Her mind raced, and she instantly understood the key point, staring intently at Tang Hao. "You're Tang San's father, Tang Hao!"

"Hao-ge, now is not the time to talk about this. Do you intend to break your promise? You weren't like this before," Ah Yin urged again, her tone carrying a hint of disappointment.

"Ah Yin, where is your true form? Hurry and take me there." Tang Hao ignored Xiao Wu, his gaze locked onto Ah Yin, his eyes filled with fervor.

Facing Tang Hao's obsession, Ah Yin gently shook her head—Ye Feiyang's words to her earlier were quietly taking root in her heart.

She had met Tang San and seen Tang Hao. Now that she had finally returned to the clan territory, she just wanted to cultivate in peace and recover her strength.

"I'm not leaving, I'm staying in the clan territory."

Tang Hao was full of surprise, clearly not expecting Ah Yin to refuse. "Ah Yin, why won't you come with me? I was careless this time. From now on, I'll never leave your side, I'll never let you be in danger again!"

Ah Yin sighed helplessly—she hadn't encountered any danger at all, she just occasionally got so angry with Ye Feiyang that she felt short of breath.

"Hao-ge, it's not because of that..."

"I'm tired, you know? I want to stay in the clan territory to cultivate. Actually, Ye Feiyang once gave me to Xiao San, but Xiao San pushed me away himself."

Tang Hao was completely stunned upon hearing this. "When did this happen? How could... Xiao San wouldn't..."

"Ah Yin, there must be some misunderstanding! Xiao San doesn't know your identity, otherwise, he would never..."

Ah Yin's mind repeatedly echoed Ye Feiyang's words: "You don't owe the Tang father and son anything," "You should think for yourself," "You've already died once, you should live for yourself..."

Every sentence made her unable to refute.

Although Ye Feiyang often angered her, he had never truly harmed her, and had even sent her back to the clan territory, which was most suitable for her recovery.

"No, there's no misunderstanding," Ah Yin said softly.

"Ah Yin, you must come with me!" Tang Hao's tone became obsessive. "If you don't tell me, I'll find it myself!"

A wave of disappointment washed over Ah Yin—the man before her seemed to be drifting further and further away from the image in her memory.

He knew the clan territory was more suitable for her recovery, yet he insisted on taking her away?

She sighed softly. "Hao-ge, let these three girls go first, and I'll go with you."

Tang Hao was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly agreed. "Okay! Okay! I'll let them go right now, hurry and take me to find your true form..."

The moment his guard dropped, a strand of invisible sword energy silently entered his body, so fast that he didn't even have time to react.

Tang Hao vaguely sensed something was wrong, but at this moment, his mind was solely focused on taking Ah Yin away, and he paid it no mind.

However, the next moment, an icy voice sounded from behind him:

"Eighth Soul Skill: Heart Reflection Universe - Sword Planting."

"Heart Lock."