Talking About Xiao Wu

Zhu Zhuqing likewise felt a gentle yet exceedingly pure energy flow from the fingers of the senior called Taibai into her body. Compared to this power, the Soul Power within her was as different as heaven and earth, utterly incomparable. No wonder she had been unable to sense this senior's strength.

As this energy circulated through her body along a certain path, every cycle noticeably improved her physical constitution. She was visibly growing stronger. Not only her body, but even her Soul Power became far more refined under the suppression of this energy, much stronger than before.

Realizing this, she immediately understood why Rong Rong had disregarded her image and sat down cross-legged to begin meditating. Without further thought, she too sat cross-legged and entered meditation.

Only Xiao Wu remained seated across from them, looking like a startled little rabbit.

When Xiao Wu saw that Zhu Zhuqing had also entered deep meditation, she became even more worried. She feared that if she said the wrong thing, the unfathomable old man before her would attack her. Should she immediately use Teleportation to flee and inform Third Brother and the others?

When she noticed Xiao Yun turn his gaze toward her, she immediately raised her guard. The muscles in her legs tensed, and she looked ready to spring up and strike at any moment.

Xiao Yun naturally noticed Xiao Wu's movements through his Spiritual Sense. He had no intention of stopping her and merely reached out for his teacup.

That slight movement startled Xiao Wu so badly that she sprang from her chair and flew backward until she reached the Walls of the private room.

Seeing how wary Xiao Wu was, he found himself rather curious. Why had she not been afraid when she went with Tang San to meet Tang Hao? As a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in human form, she should have been able to sense the vast Soul Power within Tang Hao. Unless someone had deliberately suppressed Tang Hao's Soul Power. If so, only the Divine Power of the Asura God could likely accomplish that. Still, this was merely Xiao Yun's speculation.

Xiao Yun lifted his teacup and took a light sip, then beckoned to the wary Xiao Wu. "Little rabbit, there's no need to be so nervous. I have no intention of harming you. Come over and sit down."

Upon hearing how Xiao Yun addressed her, Xiao Wu immediately looked toward Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, afraid that they might have learned her identity.

Xiao Yun continued, "Don't worry. The two of them have already entered deep meditation and cannot hear outside sounds."

Only then did Xiao Wu relax somewhat. Still watching Xiao Yun warily, she deliberately pretended not to understand. "What little rabbit? My name is Xiao Wu—the Wu from dancing."

Xiao Yun shook his head. "Don't be nervous. I know your identity. You are a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, a Soft Bone Rabbit."

With Xiao Yun exposing her identity, Xiao Wu grew even more nervous. She feared the person before her would make a move and that she might very well lose her life here.

Xiao Yun continued, "Don't worry. I will not attack you. I am not a Soul Master, nor do I need Spirit Rings or Spirit Bones. You needn't worry about me making a move."

Only then did Xiao Wu return to her original seat. Somewhat curiously, she asked, "Since you aren't a Soul Master, Senior, what kind of power do you use? Why does it feel so much stronger than Soul Power?"

Xiao Yun did not answer Xiao Wu's question. Instead, he warned her in the tone of an elder, "You little rabbit, your strength is lacking, but your courage is considerable. You dared come alone to the imperial capital. Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Xiao Wu immediately retorted, "I'm not alone. I have my Third Brother. He'll protect me."

Xiao Yun gave a cold laugh. "Little rabbit, you're far too naive. Do you think he would still protect you once your identity was exposed? You're thinking too highly of him. You should know that your identity is an invaluable treasure to any Soul Master. They would capture you and, when needed, turn you into their own Spirit Ring and Spirit Bone."

Xiao Wu immediately objected, "Nonsense! My Third Brother would never be that kind of person. He said he would protect me for the rest of his life."

Xiao Yun did not answer directly. The more he spoke ill of Tang San now, the more it would provoke Xiao Wu's resentment. That was the rebellious mindset many girls had when they were in love.

So Xiao Yun directly changed the subject. "Little rabbit, do you know Third Brother's background, and who his father is?"

In Xiao Wu's impression, Third Brother was merely a gifted commoner Soul Master from an ordinary rural village. As for his father, he was just an ordinary blacksmith. What special background could they possibly have? Thus, she answered with full confidence, "Third Brother is just a commoner Soul Master of ordinary birth. As for his father, he's an ordinary blacksmith."

Xiao Yun let out several disdainful chuckles. Sure enough, this little rabbit had been completely played in the palm of someone's hand.

Hearing Xiao Yun's laughter, anger immediately appeared on Xiao Wu's little face. She demanded, "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing at a certain little rabbit who was tricked away and still helped count the money for the person who tricked her." Xiao Yun made no attempt to hide his contempt for Xiao Wu.

Before Xiao Wu could speak, Xiao Yun asked a pointed question. "Xiao Wu, you've spent quite some time in the human world. Haven't you noticed a major problem?"

"What problem?" Xiao Wu immediately asked.

"Names." Xiao Yun gave her a two-word answer.

"What's wrong with names?" Xiao Wu still did not understand.

Xiao Yun could only explain patiently. "All humans have names. For example, your Third Brother's surname is Tang and his given name is San; Ning Rongrong's surname is Ning and her given name is Rongrong. The vast majority of humans have their own surnames, and nearly all Soul Master clans have distinct family names. Mentioning a surname usually makes people think of a particular clan. Yet many Soul Beasts who take human form do not understand such concepts, so they end up with rather bizarre names. Take your name, Xiao Wu, for example. There is no Soul Master clan on the continent with Xiao as its surname. If anyone noticed that and investigated further, your identity would have been suspected long ago."

Xiao Wu immediately retorted, "You're talking nonsense. Then why has no one questioned me for using the name Xiao Wu?"

"There is naturally a reason for that," Xiao Yun answered calmly.

"What reason?" Xiao Wu desperately wanted to know why.

"On one hand, they may believe that you deliberately concealed your surname. On the other hand, someone may have been backing up your identity behind the scenes. Otherwise, people would have suspected you long ago," Xiao Yun voiced his speculation.

Xiao Wu somewhat accepted the first point, but she did not believe the second at all. She objected, "The first point is understandable, but as for the second, I don't know any important figures. Who would back up my identity?"