The foundations within the Small World had been secured, and the three clan members who had successfully undergone Transformation had also been properly settled.
For the time being, he left all matters within the Small World entirely to them.
This also eased Lan Aotian's burden considerably.
He could now be a hands-off shopkeeper.
Most importantly, there was not much to manage there anyway.
The next step was to let the Blue Silver Grass people cultivate properly under the operation of the Creation Spirit Soil and the Small World's order, increasing their years of cultivation.
They also needed to become more familiar with and practice the Blue Silver Creation Technique.
Only then could they become his capable assistants in the future.
Only then could they become the hope for the rise of the entire Blue Silver Grass Clan.
With a thought, Lan Aotian's figure appeared beside the lake in the Core Region of the Star Dou Great Forest.
The Sky Azure Bull Python's enormous head slowly emerged from the water, while the Titan Giant Ape approached from nearby. The two overlords had long sensed his presence.
"Apologies for disturbing you two." Lan Aotian gave a slight nod.
"Blue Emperor, you are too polite."
"May I ask what brings you here this time, Blue Emperor?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python spoke in a deep voice, curiosity and respect in his eyes.
In such a short time, the aura around this New Emperor seemed to have grown even more condensed and profound.
"There is indeed something." Lan Aotian said frankly, "I came this time to inform you both. I have already settled the Blue Silver Grass within the Star Dou Great Forest, and I intend to leave the forest for the time being today and visit the Human World."
The Titan Giant Ape said in a deep voice, "Isn't the Star Dou Great Forest good enough? Why does everyone insist on going to the Human World?"
"I must go. I also want to familiarize myself with the Human World sooner, study their development, and use it as a reference when planning the future direction of my Blue Silver Clan."
"Besides, I also intend to search for some extremely rare medicinal herbs."
Lan Aotian nodded, a suitably thoughtful expression appearing on his face.
The Sky Azure Bull Python said, "I see. A path of development is indeed extremely important to a clan. It must be said that the Human World's ways of operation are truly worth studying. As for rare Spiritual Grass and medicinal herbs, nowhere on the continent has more than the Star Dou Great Forest."
"I have searched the forest," Lan Aotian said. "Most of the Spiritual Grass and medicinal herbs I need are difficult to trace. The scattered clues pointing to their places of growth often lead to areas occupied by powerful Soul Beasts or places with harsh environments. The search is far too inefficient and could easily cause conflict."
He paused and looked in the direction of the Human World. "The Human World, on the other hand, gathers resources from all directions, and trade circulates conveniently."
"Whether through large-scale auctions, bounties offered by the Soul Master Guild, or sects and factions renowned for medicine, it will be easier to find leads—or even directly purchase finished medicinal ingredients."
"My primary purpose in leaving this time is to study clan development that can be used as a reference. After that, I will gather these Spiritual Grass and medicinal herbs."
This reason was perfectly reasonable.
Though the Star Dou Great Forest was vast, certain specific heavenly treasures were indeed difficult to find. Human society's concentration of resources and commercial networks—
gave it an inherent advantage in finding particular items.
Given Lan Aotian's current status and strength, searching for medicinal herbs in the Human World would be far more efficient than looking for a needle in the ocean-like forest.
Most importantly, the Star Dou Great Forest was simply too vast.
Upon hearing this, the Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape deeply agreed.
They understood the Human World's complexity, but they understood even more clearly that the Blue Silver Emperor before them possessed extraordinary intelligence and overwhelming strength. He was certainly no reckless individual.
"The Blue Emperor has considered everything thoroughly."
"In that case, there is one matter we would shamelessly like to entrust to you, Blue Emperor."
The Sky Azure Bull Python voiced his agreement.
Then, he exchanged a glance with the Titan Giant Ape. A rare warmth and earnestness appeared in his bovine eyes.
Lan Aotian roughly guessed what they meant and chuckled. "Please speak. So long as it is within my abilities, I will do my utmost to accomplish it."
The Sky Azure Bull Python slowly said, "It is not anything too significant. During your journey through the Human World, Blue Emperor, you may... encounter an old acquaintance."
"Her name is Xiao Wu. Her true form is a Soft Bone Rabbit, and she is also a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast who underwent Transformation. She should currently be studying in a place called Shrek Academy under a human identity."
"She... is like an elder sister to us."
The Titan Giant Ape scratched his head, and his voice unconsciously softened, thick with longing.
"Xiao Wu loved to play and cared deeply about others. After her Transformation, she had always wanted to experience human life. We could not stop her."
"But the Human World is filled with dangers, especially Spirit Hall... and powerful Title Douluo... We truly cannot rest easy."
"If the Blue Emperor happens to encounter her during your travels, or hears news of her on some occasion..."
Lan Aotian understood inwardly. This was precisely the plotline of the Original Work.
His expression remained calm as he nodded. "I understand. If, by fortuitous chance, I meet this Miss Xiao Wu, and she encounters danger she cannot handle, I will act as circumstances warrant to keep her safe."
"After all, Soul Beasts do not cultivate easily, and one hundred thousand years of cultivation is achieved only through immense hardship."
He did not rashly promise to protect her at all times. That would have seemed less believable.
He would agree first and avoid offending the beasts. As for what happened afterward, would it not still be up to him?
Offering help only upon a fortuitous chance encounter and when she faced danger she could not handle both demonstrated kinship with his kind and suited the identity and conduct of a New Emperor.
He would not deliberately become her nanny, but if they met and he could help, he would.
Gratitude appeared in the eyes of both the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape.
Receiving such a promise from a New Emperor of unfathomable strength was already an unexpected delight.
"Thank you, Blue Emperor!"
"If you have a chance to see Xiao Wu, please tell her..."
"Da Ming and Er Ming both miss her greatly. The Star Dou Great Forest will always be her home. We hope that she... can return to visit us when she has the time."
The Sky Azure Bull Python spoke sincerely.
By the end, the forest overlord's tone had grown somewhat low.
The Titan Giant Ape also nodded forcefully, his eyes full of reluctance.
"If I see her, I will certainly deliver those words."
Lan Aotian agreed solemnly.
This was not mere politeness, but a sign of respect for these two overlords who sincerely cared for their companion.
"Then we will not delay the Blue Emperor any longer."
"We wish the Blue Emperor a smooth journey and hope you gather everything you need soon."
The Sky Azure Bull Python lowered his head slightly.
"You two, take care."
"Though the Blue Silver Forest has already been relocated, if anything important arises, you may send word to me through the Secret Marks left behind by my clan throughout the forest."
Lan Aotian also left behind a promise, repaying them for their previous cooperation and their current entrustment.
With that, he did not linger. His figure transformed into a streak of azure light and silently swept out of the Core Region of the Star Dou Great Forest, speeding toward the human cities.
His objective was clear: enter the Human World, gather the ingredients for the Grade 7 Transformation Pill, and quietly observe this turbulent era.
An additional promise: keep an eye on Xiao Wu and lend her aid if necessary.
Deep in his heart, he also harbored a far-reaching scheme to use this journey to arrange for the future and stir the winds and clouds.
The forest wind billowed his robes, and his blue hair fluttered wildly.
The legend of Lan Aotian, the Blue Silver Emperor, had officially stepped from this vast forest onto the more complicated—and more wondrous—stage of the human world.
His departure was not an end.
It was a brand-new beginning.
Although Lan Aotian stood on the side of the Soul Beasts,
at heart, his soul was human as well.
He also wanted to see with his own eyes what the humans of this world were truly like.
Before you continue