Soul Contract Formed, Immortal Herb as Bait

"Now, it's time to settle the score for your sneak attack."

Yang Yu's voice was not loud, yet it pierced the ears of the two across the pool like icy steel needles. He stood at the water's edge, the newly condensed deep-purple spirit ring slowly rotating beneath his feet and radiating strange spacetime fluctuations. His right hand was raised slightly, and the phantom of the Dragon of Eternity and Time drifted above his palm. Fine silver spatial ripples flickered around its crystalline body. The pressure of peak rank thirty-three Soul Power, mixed with that vast and ancient Dragon Might, crashed down like an invisible tide, leaving the badly wounded Tang San barely able to breathe.

"Y-you... who exactly are you?!" Tang San struggled to his feet with Xiao Wu's support, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. His eyes were venomous as snakes as he glared at Yang Yu. He had never been so humiliated! Never been so terrified! And never been so... jealous! This brat was even younger than him, yet he had absorbed a five-thousand-year spirit ring! And he even had Titled Douluo bodyguards! Why?!

Yang Yu did not answer such a pointless question. His gaze passed over Tang San's face, twisted by fury and fear, and settled on Xiao Wu beside him. Her face was deathly pale, her hand clutched tightly around Tang San's arm, and her ruby-like eyes were full of panic and helplessness.

"And you," Yang Yu said, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger, though his gaze was sharp as a blade. "A Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast Transformation. You've got some nerve, wandering around right under a Titled Douluo's nose."

Boom—! Those words struck Xiao Wu and Tang San like a bolt from the blue!

Xiao Wu's delicate body shuddered violently, as though she had been struck by the most terrifying lightning bolt! The last trace of color drained from her face, leaving it white as paper! Terror surged from her ruby eyes like a burst dam! Instinctively, she tried to retreat, but her legs had gone limp as noodles. If she had not clung desperately to Tang San, she would have collapsed! H-how did he know?! This secret was her greatest taboo, a fatal weakness that could doom her beyond redemption!

"W-what nonsense are you talking about?!" Tang San shouted in shock and fury, trying to conceal the turbulent waves in his heart. Yet the uncontrollable tremor in his voice betrayed him. He shielded Xiao Wu behind him, his gaze toward Yang Yu filled with absolute killing intent! That secret could never be exposed! Otherwise, Xiao Wu would undoubtedly die!

"Hmph." A cold snort swept through the clearing like an icy wind from the depths of hell, instantly freezing every sound.

Gui Mei's illusory figure appeared silently beside Yang Yu, ghostlike. His entire body was concealed in shadow, with only two scarlet points glowing beneath his hood like the eyes of a venomous serpent ready to strike, fixed firmly on Xiao Wu! An utterly terrifying soul pressure, colder and more lifeless than Yue Guan's sharp aura and filled with pure destruction, descended like an invisible iceberg and crushed down precisely upon Xiao Wu!

"The aura of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast... though it has been almost perfectly concealed by some sort of power..." Gui Mei's voice was dry and hoarse, like sandpaper scraping together. "Before absolute power, such concealment might as well not exist!"

Thud! Xiao Wu could no longer hold herself up. Under Gui Mei's horrifying pressure, which specifically targeted the origin of soul beasts, it was as if every bone in her body had been removed. She collapsed completely! Her petite body curled into a ball, trembling violently, her ruby eyes filled with despair and boundless terror! A Titled Douluo! And one with a dark attribute that was especially suppressive toward soul beasts! Her disguise had been completely seen through! It was over! Everything was over!

"Xiao Wu!" Tang San's eyes nearly split open. He tried to rush toward her, but Yue Guan merely gave him a cold glance. An invisible pressure pinned him firmly in place, leaving him unable to move! He could only watch helplessly as Xiao Wu trembled beneath Gui Mei's pressure, his heart twisting like a knife!

"Your Highness, how should we deal with her?" Yue Guan asked Yang Yu respectfully, undisguised greed and killing intent flashing in his eyes. A transformed Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast! This was practically a supreme treasure delivered by heaven! Its spirit ring and spirit bone were priceless! Especially to Your Majesty the Empress!

Gui Mei's scarlet gaze also turned toward Yang Yu, awaiting his command. With a single word from Yang Yu, he could immediately extract the soul and refine the bones of this transformed Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!

The atmosphere froze to its lowest point. The shadow of death settled over Xiao Wu as tangibly as substance.

Yang Yu looked at Xiao Wu, trembling on the ground like a frightened little rabbit, and his eyes flickered slightly. He remembered Xiao Wu's ending in the original story, remembered her devotion and sacrifice. Kill her? Take her spirit bone? It would certainly bring enormous benefits, but... that seemed somewhat wasteful. Besides, a living Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast companion with immense potential might be more valuable than a dead one. Especially since she carried clues to those two terrifying beings deep within the Star Dou Great Forest...

A thought rapidly took shape in Yang Yu's mind.

He did not answer Yue Guan or Gui Mei. Instead, he stepped forward, walking slowly toward the collapsed Xiao Wu one step at a time. His footsteps sounded exceptionally clear in the deathly silent clearing.

Tang San let out a beastlike growl and struggled desperately, but Yue Guan's pressure held him down without mercy. He could only watch Yang Yu approach Xiao Wu, his eyes bloodshot with deep, bone-carving hatred!

Feeling Yang Yu approach, Xiao Wu trembled even harder. She squeezed her eyes shut, crystalline tears hanging from her long lashes like a prisoner awaiting final judgment.

Yang Yu stopped before Xiao Wu and crouched down. He extended a finger, and a faint yet incomparably pure emerald glow curled around its tip—the Power of Creation from the Chaos Creation Lotus!

That gentle life aura, like the only source of light in darkness, instantly drew Xiao Wu's attention. She opened her tear-filled eyes in fear and stared blankly at the small glow on Yang Yu's fingertip, which made her feel incomparably warm and comfortable. Then she looked at Yang Yu's calm, expressionless face and forgot her fear for a moment.

"Do you want to live?" Yang Yu's voice was calm, without any threat, as if he were merely stating a fact.

Xiao Wu nodded instinctively, then abruptly shook her head again, her eyes filled with vigilance and distrust.

"Sign a Soul Contract with me." Yang Yu's voice allowed no argument. "Use the origin of your soul beast essence as the foundation and acknowledge me as your master. From this day onward, your life and death will depend on a single thought of mine."

"A Soul Contract?!" Xiao Wu cried out, her eyes full of resistance and humiliation! A Soul Contract! It was the most unequal contract between soul beasts and humans! Once signed, a soul beast would completely lose its freedom and become a human's subordinate slave, with its life and death wholly controlled by its master! For a proud Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, this was even harder to accept than death!

"Xiao Wu! Don't agree to him!" Tang San roared himself hoarse, madness filling his eyes. "Even if I die, I won't let you..."

"Shut up!" Yang Yu's gaze turned cold, and he did not even look at Tang San. Behind him, Yue Guan understood at once. With a flick of his finger, he shot out a thin strand of golden light that instantly sealed Tang San's mute acupoint. Tang San could only glare uselessly, making hoarse choking sounds.

Yang Yu's gaze returned to Xiao Wu's face, and the emerald light at his fingertip flowed gently. "Sign the Soul Contract, and I'll guarantee your safety. I can even help you resolve the hidden danger from your transformation, conceal your aura, and let you truly live as a human. Refuse..." He paused, his voice remaining utterly flat. "Elder Ghost."

Gui Mei silently drifted one step forward. The shadows spread like living creatures, and that cold, lifeless aura of destruction surged again, locking onto Xiao Wu!

The threat of death swept over Xiao Wu like an icy tide, drowning her instantly! She looked at the emerald light on Yang Yu's fingertip, which represented life, then felt the hellish chill of death behind her. Immense terror and the instinct to survive finally crushed her pride and resistance!

Freedom was important, but living... was more important! Her mother's blood feud had yet to be avenged! She could not die here!

Crystalline tears rolled down like pearls from a broken string. Xiao Wu shut her eyes in despair and nodded with all the strength she could muster. A drop of Essence Blood, containing a faint golden halo and shining like a ruby, slowly seeped from between her brows. Carrying the aura of her soul beast origin, it floated in the air and gave off a weak, sorrowful glow. This was the Blood Guide of a Soul Contract!

Yang Yu's expression remained calm, without the slightest surprise. He bit his fingertip and forced out a drop of crimson blood as well. With a thought, the phantom of the Dragon of Eternity and Time flashed behind him and vanished, while a majestic will capable of governing soul contracts merged into the drop of blood.

The two drops of blood slowly approached each other in the air before finally fusing together! A complex and profound Contract Rune, shining with gold and silver light, formed instantly. Then it split in two—one half branding itself deep within Xiao Wu's soul, the other merging into Yang Yu's Sea of Consciousness!

The contract was formed!

A wonderful connection was instantly established between Yang Yu and Xiao Wu. Yang Yu could clearly sense the fluctuations of Xiao Wu's soul—her fear, despair, unwillingness, and the hatred buried deep within her. At the same time, a powerful restraint descended upon Xiao Wu, making her instinctively feel awe and obedience toward Yang Yu.

"M-master..." Xiao Wu opened her tearful eyes. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum, filled with humiliation and confusion.

Yang Yu did not respond to her form of address. He simply withdrew his hand and stood up. Looking at Yue Guan and Gui Mei, he said, "Elder Ju, Elder Ghost, keep this matter under wraps for now. Her identity is to be classified as Spirit Hall's highest secret. Aside from my teacher, no one is to know."

Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a glance, each seeing shock and reluctance in the other's eyes. Such a precious Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast was just... being taken in as a servant? His Highness the Holy Son truly had a grand hand. Yet they did not dare question him and could only bow. "Yes! We obey Your Highness's decree!"

Gui Mei also withdrew the terrifying pressure aimed at Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu felt the weight on her body lighten, and the shadow of death that had suffocated her vanished. Yet the restraint of the contract mark deep within her soul was incomparably clear. She struggled to her feet, lowered her head, and silently stood several steps behind Yang Yu like a frightened little beast, not daring to look at Tang San again.

Watching Xiao Wu stand behind Yang Yu, seeing her obedient appearance, Tang San felt a surge of blood rush straight to his head! His eyes were crimson as he stared at Yang Yu like a madman, hoarse growls issuing from his throat. He wanted nothing more than to eat Yang Yu's flesh and sleep on his skin! Xiao Wu! His Xiao Wu! She had actually been forced to acknowledge this bastard as her master?!

Only then did Yang Yu turn his attention toward Tang San, who was pinned down by Yue Guan's pressure and struggling like a trapped beast. His eyes were ice-cold.

"As for you, Tang San." Yang Yu's voice sounded like ice beads falling to the ground. "For the sake of us being from the same hometown, and for the sake of your father Tang Hao, that stray dog, I'll spare your miserable life today."

"You!" Tang San's eyes nearly burst apart. Humiliation and fury almost burned him to ashes!

"But while you may escape death, you will not escape punishment." Yang Yu changed his tone, his gaze sweeping over the cracked black ring at Tang San's waist, Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night. A cold curve rose at the corner of his mouth. "Those bits of scrap metal you used to ambush me, along with the worthless junk on you, will serve as payment for your life."

With a thought from Yang Yu, Yue Guan immediately understood. Chrysanthemum Douluo flicked his finger almost imperceptibly.

Whoosh! A thin streak of golden light flashed past, precisely severing Tang San's Soul Tool belt! The black ring and several small pouches hanging from the belt were instantly swept up by an invisible force and flew toward Yang Yu!

"No!!" Tang San let out a despairing howl! That was his Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record! His Hidden Weapons! His mother's keepsake! Everything he had!

Yang Yu casually caught the ring and pouches. Without even looking at them, he tossed them straight into his own Storage Soul Tool. Looking down at Tang San, who seemed to have had all spirit drained from him, Yang Yu said indifferently, "Take your miserable life and crawl back to Nuoding City. Tell that useless Yu Xiaogang that his theories are worthless in my eyes."

"If you dare appear before me again..." Yang Yu's gaze suddenly became like ten-thousand-year ice. The chilling killing intent made the air around them seem to freeze. "I'll send you to reunite with your father, so you can both go down and see that mother of yours who died early!"

"Pfft—!" Tang San could no longer endure such extreme humiliation and vicious cursing. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his vision went dark, and he completely passed out!

"Brother!" Xiao Wu cried out and instinctively tried to rush over. But the moment she moved, an intense stab of pain came from the restraint of the contract deep in her soul, freezing her in place. She could only watch Tang San collapse like a broken sack, his breath faint.

Yang Yu no longer looked at Tang San, who lay on the ground like a dead dog. Turning to Yue Guan and Gui Mei, he said, "We shouldn't stay here long. Let's go."

"Yes, Your Highness," Yue Guan and Gui Mei answered.

Gui Mei raised his hand, and shadows surged as he formed another Space Gate. Yue Guan stepped through first.

Yang Yu walked toward the gate. As he passed Xiao Wu, who stood frozen in place like a puppet with empty eyes, he paused slightly.

"Follow." He left behind two words, his voice allowing no disobedience.

Xiao Wu's body trembled. She looked at Tang San lying unconscious on the ground, his fate unknown, then at the gate radiating spatial fluctuations. Her ruby eyes were full of struggle and pain. But the irresistible power of the contract deep within her soul pulled her like invisible chains in the end. Like a walking corpse, she lowered her head and silently followed behind Yang Yu, stepping into the Space Gate.

Gui Mei gave the unconscious Tang San one final glance. Scarlet light flickered in his eyes, but in the end, he did nothing. His figure disappeared into the gate.

The spatial fluctuations settled, and the forest clearing returned to silence. Only Tang San remained, unconscious and barely breathing, along with the faint scent of blood and lingering soul pressure in the air, silently telling the tale of what had just happened.

The dizziness from Space Travel faded. Yang Yu found himself at the edge of an unfamiliar valley. Steep mountains surrounded them, thick vegetation covered the area, and the humid air carried strong moisture and the fresh fragrance of grass and trees. They had clearly already left the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest.

Yue Guan and Gui Mei stood behind him. Xiao Wu also stood silently to the side with her head lowered, like a doll that had lost its soul.

"Your Highness, this is an unnamed valley at the southwestern edge of the Star Dou Great Forest. It is relatively safe here," Yue Guan reported.

Yang Yu nodded. His gaze swept over the silent Xiao Wu as his thoughts turned. Subduing Xiao Wu was only the first step. To truly make her submit willingly, the force of the Soul Contract alone would not be enough. He needed to give her hope, a reason to cooperate of her own accord and perhaps even be grateful to him.

"Xiao Wu." Yang Yu spoke.

Xiao Wu's body trembled. She slowly raised her head and looked at him with hollow eyes, instinctive fear lingering in them. "M-master..."

"Do you want to completely resolve the Soul Defect left by your transformation, perfectly fuse with your human body, and conceal your Soul Beast Aura?" Yang Yu's voice carried a strange hint of temptation.

A faint spark suddenly lit up in Xiao Wu's empty eyes! The greatest hidden danger of her transformation was the fusion of her soul with her human flesh, as well as the aura she could not completely conceal! It was her deepest worry and greatest fear! This devilish master... knew about it? Did he... have a way?!

"Y-you have a way?" Xiao Wu's voice trembled with disbelief and faint hope.

Yang Yu did not answer directly. Instead, he changed the subject. "Have you heard of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

Xiao Wu nodded blankly. One of the Upper Three Sects, wealthy enough to rival a nation. Of course she knew of it.

"There is a treasure vault within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." Yang Yu's voice was quiet, yet every word entered Xiao Wu's ears clearly. "Inside is an Immortal Grade Herb named Aromatic Silk Beauty. This flower is blessed by the essence of heaven and earth and contains the purest origin of life and soul-nourishing power. If you can obtain it, not only can your Soul Defect be cured, but your body and soul will merge flawlessly, and your Soul Beast Aura will be perfectly concealed. Even a Titled Douluo would have difficulty detecting you. Your cultivation aptitude may even undergo a complete rebirth!"

Aromatic Silk Beauty! An Immortal Grade Herb! Resolve her Soul Defect! Perfectly conceal her aura! A complete rebirth!

Every phrase struck Xiao Wu's heart like a heavy hammer! Her breathing immediately quickened, and unprecedented longing burst from her hollow eyes! This... this was practically a lifeline prepared specifically for her! The hope she had dreamed of!

"R-really?!" Xiao Wu's voice rose sharply with excitement.

"Believe it or not." Yang Yu's tone was calm. "The Immortal Herb is in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. But such a treasure will naturally be heavily guarded. How you obtain it is your problem. I am only telling you that it exists."

He paused, watching the longing in Xiao Wu's eyes nearly ignite into flames. Then he slowly said, "I can give you an opportunity. I will temporarily return your freedom and allow you to go to Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy as an ordinary person."

Xiao Wu abruptly raised her head, staring at Yang Yu in disbelief. Freedom? Go to Nuoding Academy? He... was willing to let her go? Why?

"Don't be happy too soon." Yang Yu's voice turned cold. "The Soul Contract mark is branded into your soul. No matter where you flee, I can find you. Your life is still in my hands. I am sending you to Nuoding City for only one task—get close to the Little Princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong."

"Get close to... Ning Rongrong?" Xiao Wu was stunned.

"That's right." A calculating glint flashed through Yang Yu's eyes. "Ning Rongrong is the beloved daughter of Ning Fengzhi, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. She is greatly doted upon and will soon enter Nuoding Academy as well. I want you to become her friend—preferably her best friend. Gain her absolute trust."

"And then?" Xiao Wu asked instinctively.

"And then?" A meaningful curve rose at the corner of Yang Yu's mouth. "Wait for the right time. When the time comes, I will tell you what to do next. As for whether you can obtain that Aromatic Silk Beauty, that will depend on whether you can seize that opportunity."

He stepped forward and leaned close to Xiao Wu's ear. Lowering his voice, he spoke like a demon whispering, "Remember, this is your only chance. Obtain the Immortal Herb, resolve your hidden danger, and only then can you truly cast off the shadow of being a soul beast. Otherwise..." He did not finish the sentence, but the cold threat was self-evident.

Xiao Wu's delicate body trembled as she looked at Yang Yu, so close before her. Those deep, calm eyes seemed able to see through everything about her. Great temptation and cold threat intertwined, making the contract mark deep in her soul grow faintly hot. Freedom... hope... an Immortal Herb... and that inescapable control...

She bit her lower lip tightly, nearly drawing blood. In the end, her longing for the Immortal Herb and desire for freedom overcame her fear of Yang Yu and her worry for Tang San, which had already become blurred in her heart. She nodded forcefully, her voice carrying a trace of resolve. "I... I understand! I'll go to Nuoding City! I'll get close to Ning Rongrong!"

Yang Yu nodded in satisfaction and straightened. He casually tossed Xiao Wu an inconspicuous gray pouch containing several Gold Soul Coins and a map of Nuoding City.

"Go. Don't disappoint me." He waved a hand, as though dismissing an unimportant servant.

Xiao Wu caught the pouch and gave Yang Yu a complicated look. Then she glanced in the direction of the unconscious Tang San, though he could no longer be seen. Her eyes struggled for a moment before settling into hollow determination. She no longer hesitated. Turning around, her small figure quickly vanished into the dense forest.

Watching Xiao Wu disappear, Yue Guan could not help but speak. "Your Highness, you're just letting her go? What if she..."

"She won't dare." Yang Yu's tone was certain, his eyes gleaming with the confidence of complete control. "The Soul Contract mark is a shackle upon her soul. And the temptation of Aromatic Silk Beauty is hope she cannot resist. She will obey obediently."

He turned to Yue Guan and Gui Mei, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes. "Elder Ju, Elder Ghost, it is time for us to set out as well. Our destination—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"

"Let's meet that Little Princess... whose wealth spans the world." A determined smile curved across Yang Yu's lips.