My Name Is Xiao Wu, Wu as in Dancing...

Ling Chang'an, Muxi, and the Emerald Swan sat atop the Titan Giant Ape's shoulder just like that. Under Duolunka and the others' watchful eyes, they headed toward the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest.

Though they were sitting on his shoulder, Ling Chang'an did not feel the slightest jolt. Yet the Titan Giant Ape was still moving incredibly fast, leaving Ling Chang'an deeply impressed.

Worthy of being the overlord among Soul Beasts, the Titan Giant Ape's control over his body had truly reached the pinnacle!

Muxi's little face remained pale, but there was no fear in her eyes. Still, the worry in their depths could not be concealed.

"What are you worried about?" Ling Chang'an asked, pinching Muxi's chubby little cheek.

"I... I don't want to drag you down..." Muxi said weakly, her voice still soft and sweet.

"Silly girl, I told you I'd protect you. Don't worry, it'll be fine." As he spoke, Ling Chang'an casually let Muxi rest her little head against his shoulder, then watched the scenery constantly changing around them.

At this point, the conflict between humans and Soul Beasts was not yet as acute as it would be ten thousand years later. After all, it was only with humanity's technological advances ten thousand years later, and the slaughter of more and more high-level Soul Beasts, that beast tides began to occur time and again.

He wondered what the legendary Lake of Life truly looked like, how many kings lay sleeping beneath it, and whether Xiao Wu was there now. Maybe he could flirt with her a little.

As his thoughts drifted, Ling Chang'an sensed a special aura drawing ever closer. It was the aura of life, a feeling that refreshed both heart and mind!

They were almost there!

From atop the Titan Giant Ape's shoulder, Ling Chang'an could clearly see a large clearing not far ahead, surrounded by lush trees. At the very center of the clearing lay a lake as still as a mirror...

Although Ling Chang'an had known what the center of the Star Dou Great Forest looked like, when he saw it with his own eyes, he was still stunned by the beauty. If he had to find a word to describe it, there were only two words: holy shit!

Holy shit, so such breathtaking scenery really existed in this world!

The Titan Giant Ape slowed down as well. When they neared the Lake of Life, he once again placed his palm by his shoulder, signaling for Ling Chang'an and the others to get down.

Only after setting foot on the ground again did Ling Chang'an feel more at ease. Muxi, meanwhile, was completely captivated by the Lake of Life, her peach-blossom eyes wide as she stared at the lake before her.

"Hello, are you... humans?"

At that moment, a crisp and adorable voice rang out. A girl appeared from nowhere and ran over to Ling Chang'an and Muxi.

The little girl was about the same height as Ling Chang'an. She wore pink clothes, and her fair little face was tinged with red. She looked as soft and pink as a peach, making people want to take a bite.

What drew the most attention, however, was her braid. It was a scorpion braid, and it hung all the way down to her buttocks.

Ling Chang'an had already guessed the newcomer's identity, and delight surged through his heart. Yet he kept a calm expression. "Hello, my name is Ling Chang'an. This is my friend, Muxi."

The little girl nodded, then pointed at her little face and said with a grin, "My name is Xiao Wu, Wu as in dancing."

It really was her!

Ling Chang'an howled with joy inwardly. Assessment complete: this girl was absolutely gorgeous. He was definitely going to win her over!

At that moment, the Titan Giant Ape also transformed into human form—a burly middle-aged man over two meters tall.

Tai Tan walked over to Ling Chang'an and the others with the Emerald Swan. He first flashed Xiao Wu a broad, toothy grin. "Sister Xiao Wu, I'm back."

"Xiao Cui's life has reached its end. It just so happens that this human girl can absorb her as a Soul Ring, and Xiao Cui has chosen her as well. So over the next few days, I'll help Xiao Cui safely give birth, then let this girl absorb Xiao Cui's Soul Ring."

Only then did Xiao Wu nod sadly. She walked over to Xiao Cui, stroked her head, and said softly, "Xiao Cui, go in peace. I'll take good care of your child for you."

Tai Tan then said to Muxi, "Your body is somewhat weak. You may not be able to withstand Xiao Cui's Soul Ring, but fortunately, Xiao Cui is willing. Over the next few days, I'll help strengthen your body as well. Come with me."

With that, Tai Tan led Xiao Cui toward the nearby Lake of Life.

Muxi did not follow immediately. Instead, she looked up at Ling Chang'an. Seeing this, Xiao Wu smiled. "Don't worry. Er Ming is a very nice person, and this matter counts as you helping Xiao Cui. I guarantee you'll be fine!"

"Ahem, after all, I'm Sister Xiao Wu of the Star Dou Great Forest!"

Ling Chang'an gave Muxi an encouraging smile as well and said gently, "Go on. When you come back, you'll be a one-ring Soul Master. I'll wait for you here."

Only then did Muxi nod and obediently follow Tai Tan toward the nearby Lake of Life.

"We call this lake the Lake of Life. The life energy around it is incredibly dense, and Xiao Cui's vitality isn't enough to support her through giving birth. That's why Er Ming went over there to help Xiao Cui deliver her child. Your friend will benefit greatly as well."

"Oh, right. That Titan Giant Ape is my little brother. I call him Er Ming."

Xiao Wu smiled as she explained to Ling Chang'an, then sat down on the grass and gestured for him to sit too.

"Can you tell me about the human world? In another year, I might be going out there. I want to hear about the human world."

Hearing that, Ling Chang'an thought, Just as I calculated. If I'd come any later, Xiao Wu might really have gone out already. Flirting with her then would have been much more complicated, so this time, I have to win her over!

After all, Xiao Wu was as blank as a sheet of white paper right now, while Ling Chang'an was already a seasoned player...

"The human world? The human world is actually very interesting. There's delicious food, fun things to do, and all sorts of interesting stuff."

"The most interesting thing, in my opinion, is the story of the stick and the abalone. Of course, I'll take you to try it someday when we get the chance. Besides that, there's also..."

As Ling Chang'an described things, Xiao Wu gradually became absorbed. It was the first time she had ever heard someone describe the human world to her, and she was filled with curiosity and questions about everything.

For example:

"Why can't you take me to play with the stick and the abalone now? Didn't you say it was fun?"

"Right now? Right now, the stick can't move as it pleases yet, and the abalone hasn't grown up. In a few more years, I'll definitely take you to play, okay?"

"Okay! You'd better not lie to me!"

"By the way, Xiao Wu, how's your waist?"

"My waist? My waist is perfectly fine." As she spoke, Xiao Wu stood up and bent over, placing her little hands directly on the ground.

"Mhm, that's good. Before I leave, I'll teach you a few interesting moves. They'll be important for our fun in the future, so you have to study them properly!" Ling Chang'an said with a completely serious expression.