The Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape calmed down. Even the Titan Giant Ape, whose temperament was hotheaded and impulsive, was now torn with indecision.
They had seen the determination in Su Yuntao's eyes. As Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts, their intelligence had long since matched that of humans, so they naturally understood the situation they were in.
"Human!" the Sky Azure Bull Python said. "I admire your courage. You're nothing but an ant, yet you dare threaten a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!"
Su Yuntao smiled. "Sky Azure Bull Python, truthfully, I don't want to take this risk. But risk and opportunity go hand in hand. How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger's den?"
"I know full well that though you're incredibly powerful Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts, there's something you can't bear to let go of. That means I hold the initiative in this deal!"
The Sky Azure Bull Python sighed. It had suspected as much from the very beginning. This human Soul Master clearly knew where its weakness lay, which was why he dared come alone and put his life in its hands.
"Human, I admit that you're extraordinary. Your strength is still insignificant, but I've seen something different in you. Perhaps one day, you really could become a god."
Su Yuntao smiled. "Sky Azure Bull Python, does that mean you agree to sacrifice yourself for me?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python nodded solemnly. "Human, you planned all of this long ago. Do you think I have any other choice now? From the very beginning, you knew I existed. You knew my personality and Er Ming's—and, more than that, you knew every detail of the greatest secret of the Soul Beast Clan!"
"Perhaps, just as you said, you're not from this time and space. But you know everything about this world, so I have no choice. I hope you'll keep your promise."
Su Yuntao bowed slightly. "Sky Azure Bull Python, I've sworn on my honor. I'll keep my promise. Please believe me. Before long, you'll be resurrected in the Divine Realm, and you'll never have to worry about your lifespan again."
"Big Brother!" Er Ming hurriedly said. "You really intend to sacrifice yourself for this human?"
"Er Ming, don't say any more. I know you don't want this to happen, but we have no other choice. After I die, keep my Soul Bone safe. When Sister Xiao Wu returns, give it to this man."
"From now on, you'll be the one to protect Sister Xiao Wu. Remember, don't tell her what happened to me. Let her keep living happily!"
The Titan Giant Ape's expression turned extraordinarily calm. Though it tried with all its might to hold back, two streams of tears still slid down its cheeks. Its elder brother, who had been by its side for countless years, was suddenly about to leave. It had known for a long time that this day would come eventually, but when it finally arrived, it still couldn't accept it.
The Sky Azure Bull Python said calmly, "Er Ming, don't grieve for me. I don't have much time left, and neither do you. The only thing we can do now is protect Sister Xiao Wu and let her grow up safely!"
The Titan Giant Ape nodded frantically. "Don't worry, Big Brother. I'll protect Sister Xiao Wu. I'll use my life to keep her safe as she grows!"
The Sky Azure Bull Python sighed. "Er Ming, I've seen something unusual in this human. I don't believe he's trustworthy, but perhaps one day I really will be able to awaken again in the Divine Realm."
The Titan Giant Ape's heart was heavy with sorrow, but it said nothing more. In its heart, the idea of becoming a god and being resurrected was nothing but a joke. This human couldn't become a god. Even if he somehow managed it, the Titan Giant Ape still didn't believe he would resurrect its elder brother in the Divine Realm.
Though it thought this way, it didn't want to say anything more to its brother as he was about to leave. Letting him die peacefully with that last glimmer of hope was the only thing it could do now.
The Sky Azure Bull Python spoke with earnest care. "Er Ming, you're not lacking in intelligence, but you're impulsive and rash. Once I'm gone, you must rein in your temper. After I leave, you'll be the only one who can shoulder the responsibility of protecting Sister Xiao Wu. Remember, don't act on impulse. Think things through!"
"Don't worry, Big Brother! I'll change from now on!"
The Sky Azure Bull Python nodded, then raised its head to gaze at the sky and looked over the Star Dou Great Forest where it had lived for countless years. Then it spoke with resolve. "Human, I've lived for countless years and have long since grown tired of this life. Death isn't something I can't accept."
"But I must warn you: you have to keep your promise. Even after I die, my lingering will shall remain within my Soul Ring and Soul Bone. If you break your oath, retribution will find you sooner or later!"
Su Yuntao nodded. "Sky Azure Bull Python, I believe you. I'll keep my oath. I, Su Yuntao, have always lived by my principles!"
The Sky Azure Bull Python nodded. Then, unprecedented red light burst from its eyes, and a layer of blood-red flames rose around its enormous body. It was burning its own life force!
"Er Ming! I'm leaving Sister Xiao Wu in your hands!"
The Titan Giant Ape, as tall as a mountain, looked like a child now, small and helpless. It could no longer hold back its tears, and they began streaming down its face.
The Sky Azure Bull Python took one last look at this world. The blood-red flames then blazed even more fiercely. A huge blood-red field appeared out of nowhere, enveloping it and Su Yuntao.
In an instant, countless streaks of blood-red light surged into Su Yuntao's body. As the red light poured into him, the Sky Azure Bull Python's body began to turn insubstantial. Clearly, it was merging itself into Su Yuntao's body.
"Human, you'll become the first Soul Master in the history of Douluo Continent whose third Soul Ring is a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring. I'll give everything I have to forge an unprecedented path of cultivation for you! With my Soul Ring and Soul Bone to aid you, I believe you'll go very far on the path of cultivation."
"I hope you'll keep your promise. Otherwise, I won't let you off even as a ghost!"
Su Yuntao said solemnly, "Sky Azure Bull Python, rest easy and sleep. I'll always remember everything you've given me. Believe me, I'll personally resurrect you in the Divine Realm!"
"Good!" The Sky Azure Bull Python had now turned completely insubstantial, its enormous body beginning to fade away. Its final words echoed across the land.
"Human, I, the Sky Azure Bull Python, have lived an ordinary life, achieving nothing. But if I can save Sister Xiao Wu today and save our Lord, then my life will have been worth it!"