"Me?" Xiao Wu froze.
"Mm." Tang San nodded, his tone firm.
"I need to return to the Divine Realm at once and deal with God King of Destruction's investigation. You stay here and assist Xiao An with his cultivation."
"I'll tell everyone that you've entered seclusion for ten days. That'll be ten years in the lower realm—more than enough time for Xiao An to grow up safely."
Xiao Wu nodded, walked over to Tang An, and reached out to pinch his cheek.
Her fingers were long and slender, soft to the touch.
But after pinching him, Xiao Wu didn't let go. She gently rubbed his cheek with her palm before finally withdrawing her hand.
"Xiao An has such lovely skin." Xiao Wu laughed. "Third Brother, go back without worrying. I'll take care of your little brother."
Tang An felt the spot Xiao Wu had rubbed grow a little hot, and hurriedly lowered his head.
What was up with his sister-in-law Xiao Wu?
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu and gave her a meaningful look.
The look's true meaning was: [Have Xiao Wu subtly guide Tang An until he worships his own big brother and willingly devotes everything to me, his big brother.]
Xiao Wu nodded in response, indicating she understood. Tang San thought she'd grasped what he meant.
But in truth, Xiao Wu had completely misunderstood him.
To Xiao Wu, Tang San's meaningful look meant that she should take good care of her young brother-in-law, keep Tang An safe, teach him to cultivate, and make sure he never suffered a bit while training out in the world.
Then Tang San raised his hand and channeled his divine power, completely concealing all traces of Xiao Wu and cutting off the Divine Realm's every means of sensing or contacting her.
Once that was done, Tang San took out a golden token covered in Tang Sect patterns and handed it to Tang An.
"This is the Tang Sect master's token. The Tang Sect is no longer at the height of its former glory. Its talent has dwindled, its foundations have eroded, and it has fallen into utter decline."
Tang San spoke gravely, offering his careful instructions:
"Your big brother is entrusting this token to you. From now on, I hope you'll cultivate in peace and train diligently under your sister-in-law's guidance, while looking for an opportunity to restore the Tang Sect's former glory."
"Over the next few days, I probably won't be able to observe or interfere with the lower realm from the Divine Realm. If anything happens, just discuss it with your sister-in-law Xiao Wu."
"Xiao Wu, you only have three chances to use your divine abilities. Unless Xiao An's life is in danger, don't use them lightly."
After giving his instructions, Tang San gazed deeply at Tang An, his eyes filled with hope and expectation.
"Cultivate well. Your big brother will be waiting for you in the Divine Realm."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Tang San's divine sense avatar shattered. It shot through the air and swiftly returned to the Divine Realm, rushing to deal with God of Destruction at once.
With Tang San gone, the valley fell completely silent.
Tang An turned to look at his parents.
"Dad, Mom."
Tang An spoke sincerely, putting on a well-behaved, sensible act.
"I'll go train with Sister-in-law. I won't fool around or get distracted. I'll work hard to improve my strength, so I don't let Big Brother down or make you worry."
"I'll come visit you often."
Ah Yin stepped forward and hugged him gently, her eyes full of reluctance.
"Take good care of yourself while you're away. Listen to your sister-in-law, be careful in everything, and remember that your safety matters most."
Tang Hao nodded firmly, his tone stern but full of hope. "Go out and make your way in the world. A member of the Tang family fears no storm."
Only after Tang Hao and Ah Yin had finished speaking did Xiao Wu walk over and take Tang An's hand.
"Come on, little brother-in-law." Xiao Wu's lips curved into a slight smile. "Your sister-in-law's taking you to catch a Soul Beast."
As Xiao Wu led him away by the hand, the warmth of her palm made Tang An feel thoroughly uncomfortable.
Tang An sighed inwardly.
Tang San had some nerve, leaving his wife behind to play nanny.
After passing through layer upon layer of barriers, the two arrived at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Tang An looked over the mature hundred-thousand-year-old plant Soul Beasts and rare natural treasures scattered across the area, and settled on a plan.
First, he'd go subdue the million-year Soul Spirit of Sky Dream Ice Silkworm and get off to a perfect start.
Then, once his Soul Power cultivation slowed down in the future, he'd return here and sweep up all the resources, completing a comprehensive transformation in one go and maximizing his gains.
Tang An had only just made up his mind when two tall, sturdy figures came darting over from the distance. They were Niu Tian and Tai Tan, whom Tang San had summoned from the Clear Sky Sect overnight.
After a thousand years apart, they were seeing Xiao Wu again. Even Niu Tian, usually so steady and reserved, couldn't hide the joy in his eyes, while Tai Tan's rugged face was brimming with excitement.
"Sister Xiao Wu, we've finally seen you again!"
Their two voices rang out together, filled with longing.
Xiao Wu looked at the two younger brothers who'd accompanied her for a lifetime. Her eyes softened, and she smiled as she gave a gentle nod. "Da Ming, Er Ming, it's been so long. You've worked hard."
That simple greeting dispelled a thousand years of longing and waiting.
After they'd calmed down, Niu Tian and Tai Tan turned their eyes to Tang An, standing straight and handsome beside her. Their gazes were full of curiosity and confusion.
Xiao Wu introduced Tang An's background at just the right moment. "This is Tang An, the youngest son Mom and Dad gave birth to a few days ago, and Tang San's biological little brother."
"Xiao An, these two are your sister-in-law's Soul Beast companions. They sacrificed themselves to save me, and your big brother resurrected them with his divine power. They now go by Niu Tian and Tai Tan."
At her words, Niu Tian and Tai Tan were deeply shaken. When they looked at Tang An again, their expressions had completely changed.
The youngest son of the Tang family, the God King's younger brother, protected and valued so highly by Tang San... That kind of status already placed him above all others in the world.
After a pause, Xiao Wu looked at Da Ming and Er Ming and solemnly explained Tang San's arrangements.
"Third Brother said that from now on, you're to accompany me in protecting Xiao An as he trains and explores the world. You'll follow Xiao An's orders and do everything you can to help him become a god."
At that, Niu Tian and Tai Tan's eyes instantly lit up. They were overwhelmed with excitement!
They'd thought they'd only get to see Sister Xiao Wu briefly this time. They hadn't expected to follow her and protect her for years to come.
"We'll obey Sister Xiao Wu's orders. We swear to follow Xiao An to the death!"
Niu Tian and Tai Tan accepted without the slightest hesitation, bowing respectfully.
Tang An gave them a slight nod and put on a polite, well-behaved expression. "Brother Niu Tian, Brother Tai Tan, I'll be counting on you from now on."
Tang An knew exactly who they were. These two were bona fide Limit Douluo, the strongest fighters publicly known in Douluo Continent.
With two free bodyguards following him, no one would dare stop him from getting a Soul Ring—or even from swaggering across Star Dou Forest.
Niu Tian hastily waved his hands, keeping his manner humble. "You're too kind, Xiao An. Keeping you safe is our duty."
Tai Tan thumped his chest and promised, "If anyone dares lay a finger on you, I'll flatten them with one punch!"
Xiao Wu smiled and patted Tai Tan's arm. "All right, don't scare the child. Is the carriage ready? We're setting off for Star Dou Forest right away. We can't delay Xiao An's First Soul Ring."
"It's been ready for ages. It's right outside."
In the clearing outside the valley, a luxurious carriage stood waiting. Its draft animal wasn't an ordinary horse, but a Green Wind Unicorn, white from head to hoof.
Its body was sleek and powerful. A pair of wings as thin as cicada wings sprouted from its back, and wisps of wind swirled beneath its hooves as pure, rich wind-attribute Soul Power surrounded it.
It was clearly a pureblood unicorn nearing thirty thousand years of cultivation, with a speed that ranked among the best of Soul Beasts at its level.
Xiao Wu raised an eyebrow and couldn't resist teasing them. "Look at you two. You've really learned to enjoy yourselves—you've even got a ten-thousand-year Soul Beast pulling the carriage."
Tang An's eyes lit up at once.
This unicorn was so cool! It totally suited my style!
Pure white, with wings, and it kicked up wind wherever it ran. It'd be the most eye-catching mount ever.
Tang An immediately turned to Niu Tian, his voice brimming with a boy's excitement. "Brother Niu, this unicorn's great. How about making it my personal mount from now on?"
The Green Wind Unicorn snorted in protest, tossing its head. Clearly, it thought that being a thirty-thousand-year Soul Beast and serving as a child's mount was beneath it.
But just as it was about to let out an indignant neigh, Niu Tian raised his hand and lightly smacked it on the head. The blow wasn't hard, but its brain still buzzed.
"What are you snorting for?" Niu Tian scolded it sternly.
"Getting to serve as Xiao An's mount is a blessing your ancestors earned for you over eight generations!"
The Green Wind Unicorn ducked its head, its ears drooping. It didn't dare object again. Instead, it obediently lowered its head and rubbed its muzzle against Tang An's hand to ingratiate itself.
Tang An couldn't help smiling. He reached out and stroked its smooth mane. It felt as good as it looked.
"All right, get in."
Xiao Wu lifted her skirt and climbed into the carriage first. Tang An followed right behind her.
Niu Tian and Tai Tan also started to climb in, but Xiao Wu held out a hand and stopped them at the carriage door.
"You two can drive from outside."
Xiao Wu smiled as she spoke, but her tone left no room for refusal.
"I have a few things to discuss with Xiao An alone. Call us when we reach the outskirts of Star Dou Forest."
Niu Tian and Tai Tan exchanged a glance. Though they were a little puzzled about why they couldn't come inside, they obediently nodded. "All right, Sister Xiao Wu. Don't worry."
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