Just then.
Meng Shu stared fixedly at Xiao Wu, his expression shifting as his breathing grew increasingly ragged.
"Old man, what's wrong?" Chao Tianxiang asked, confused by his reaction.
Mu Chen noticed Meng Shu's strange behavior. Following his gaze, he glanced at Xiao Wu and understood.
Under Meng Shu's stare, Xiao Wu felt a chill creep over her. She swallowed nervously, then immediately hid behind Mu Chen.
"Meng Shu!"
Mu Chen's voice was calm but stern.
The voice carried an unparalleled dragon's might, instantly dragging Meng Shu's thoughts back to reality.
Meng Shu raised his eyes to meet Mu Chen's gaze.
All he received in return was Mu Chen's cold stare, brimming with murderous intent.
The atmosphere around them suddenly froze.
The harmonious mood created when Mu Chen accepted Meng Yiran as his disciple shattered in an instant.
The confused onlookers looked back and forth between Meng Shu and Mu Chen, not understanding what was happening. Only Xiao Wu's heart gave a jolt as she stared blankly at Mu Chen's back.
"Put those thoughts away!"
"Forget everything you saw!"
"Otherwise, you and your family will have no reason to exist!"
This time, Mu Chen sent his words through Soul Power. Only Meng Shu could hear them; the others heard nothing.
Meng Shu's pupils contracted slightly.
In an instant, his eyes filled with wariness, and his grip on the Dragon Head Staff tightened involuntarily.
A transformed Soul Beast!
He had never imagined that he would encounter a transformed Soul Beast today!
But...
Meng Shu stared fixedly at Mu Chen, tempted to make a move.
Should he take a chance?
"Old man!"
Chao Tianxiang called sharply.
She didn't know what had happened, but the tension was unmistakable. Mu Chen and Meng Shu were at daggers drawn. If they really fought...
Meng Shu loosened his grip on the staff.
Mu Chen's gaze was too resolute; the murderous intent in it had never wavered.
He knew their reputation, yet remained so confident. There was only one possibility: Mu Chen was certain he could kill both him and Chao Tianxiang right here.
Should he gamble or not?
"Grandpa?"
Meng Yiran hurried to Meng Shu's side, her brows knitted with worry.
What was going on?
"Young friend Mu is gifted and accomplished at such a young age. This old man admires you."
Meng Shu suddenly clasped his hands and smiled.
His abrupt change of face left everyone present except Mu Chen stunned.
Chao Tianxiang let out a small breath of relief.
At Meng Shu's words, Mu Chen gave a wicked smile. "Without some real ability, why would I dare bring so many little geniuses into Star Dou Forest with such confidence?"
Meng Shu nodded repeatedly, then smiled. "It's getting late. Why don't we hurry along? We can try to find another suitable Soul Beast before nightfall. If not, we can at least find somewhere to rest."
Mu Chen replied calmly, "All right. Elder Meng, please go ahead. With a Soul Douluo leading the way, us juniors will feel much safer."
"Good."
Meng Shu agreed with a smile, then led the way with Chao Tianxiang. They didn't move very quickly.
Mu Chen led the others after them.
Xiao Wu stayed close by his side.
"It's all right. Don't worry. Nothing will happen."
Mu Chen gently patted Xiao Wu's shoulder and sent his words through Soul Power. Only she could hear them.
Xiao Wu's delicate body trembled.
To anyone else, those words were nothing more than ordinary concern. But to her, they carried a different, deeper meaning.
"Old man, what happened just now?" Chao Tianxiang communicated with Meng Shu using Soul Power.
"It's nothing." Meng Shu didn't want to explain further, lest something go wrong. Even more, he didn't want to invite trouble because of it.
However...
Chao Tianxiang noticed Meng Shu's grave expression and knew something had happened. He wouldn't tell her, and his face was so solemn. Whatever it was, it had to be serious—serious enough that even she couldn't be told.
She glanced back at Mu Chen.
Little did she know...
Mu Chen had been watching her and Meng Shu the whole time.
The moment her eyes met Mu Chen's, Chao Tianxiang felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet.
She quickly looked away, not daring to linger. Even so, she still felt as if a thorn were pricking her back.
After searching the forest for a while longer without finding anything, the group finally set up camp in a clearing. They planned to rest for the night and continue searching the next day.
Xiao Wu quietly slipped into Mu Chen's tent and ran straight into his arms.
"Teacher, you're still awake!"
Xiao Wu gave an awkward smile.
"I was about to go on watch, to keep any Soul Beasts from suddenly attacking the camp."
"What did you come to see me about?"
Mu Chen knew full well that Xiao Wu had come to talk to him about what had happened earlier.
Xiao Wu gripped the hem of her skirt, head bowed as she tried to figure out where to begin.
"Come here. Take your time." Mu Chen led Xiao Wu farther inside the tent.
Xiao Wu knelt in front of Mu Chen and lowered her head, lost in thought for a long while. Under his gaze, she finally spoke. "Teacher, did you already know about me?"
Mu Chen released his Soul Power to block out sound before replying, "If you mean your identity, then yes, I've known for a long time. How could I be your teacher without having some ability?"
He smiled faintly and lifted Xiao Wu's face.
Xiao Wu's pupils trembled slightly.
She didn't know whether to feel afraid or relieved.
"Don't worry. I won't hurt you."
"You're my disciple."
"If you're still worried... your home is in Star Dou Forest, isn't it?"
"I'll escort you out of here and take you home."
Mu Chen gently caressed Xiao Wu's face. His voice was tender, and his smile was as warm as a spring breeze.
Even if Xiao Wu returned to Star Dou Forest now, it wouldn't affect him. Their master-disciple relationship would remain, and as long as Xiao Wu was alive, she would still benefit him.
"I... I'm not leaving!" Xiao Wu's eyes reddened. She suddenly threw herself into Mu Chen's arms and clung to him tightly, her tears gradually soaking his collar.
"Don't cry, don't cry... It's all right... It's all right. As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you." Mu Chen gently patted Xiao Wu's back and comforted her softly.
Xiao Wu whispered, "Teacher, I'm scared... Can I sleep here with you tonight?"
There was a Soul Douluo outside. She would feel safer staying with Mu Chen.
Mu Chen smiled faintly. "Of course. Didn't you used to sleep here with me before?"
Xiao Wu broke into a smile through her tears. She looked up at Mu Chen, suddenly kissed his cheek, then wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"You little rascal! Lie down. I'll cultivate with you and teach you the Yin-Yang Heart-Linked Technique!" Mu Chen patted Xiao Wu's bottom and laid her down.
"Ah—"
A moment later, Xiao Wu let out a soft cry.
Of course...
Not a sound escaped the tent, and there was no third person who could hear them.
The next morning, everyone emerged from their tents in ones and twos.
Xiao Wu was among them.
Her cheeks were flushed, and as she walked, she began coiling up her long scorpion braid.
"Xiao Wu, no wonder I couldn't find you. You went to Teacher's tent."
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing came over, and both glanced toward the tent behind Xiao Wu.
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