Shackles

The Nine-Colored Deer raised its head, its clear eyes gazing at her with no surprise, only a gentle inquiry: "Have you thought it through?"

"Mm." Xiao Wu nodded heavily.

"My cultivation has hit a bottleneck, and I must go to the human world to break through. Besides... I am confident now that I won't be discovered."

The Nine-Colored Deer watched her quietly for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Since it is your decision, then go. Mind your safety."

There was no excessive entreaty, only pure trust and blessing.

This left Xiao Wu feeling warm inside, yet somewhat bittersweet.

She went to bid farewell to Da Ming and Er Ming once more.

"Sister Xiao Wu, are you really leaving?" Er Ming's voice sounded muffled, his massive palms scraping uneasily against the ground.

The Sky Azure Bull Python, Da Ming, said in a deep voice: "The human world is dangerous, be extremely careful."

"I know."

Xiao Wu looked at these two companions who had grown up with her since childhood, trying her best to put on a relaxed smile.

"Rest assured, I'm super strong now! Besides, I'll come back often to visit you!"

Having bid farewell to her companions at the Lake of Life, Xiao Wu set out alone on the road leading away from the Star Dou Great Forest.

When she truly stepped past the forest boundary and her feet touched the dirt road leading toward human towns, the sunlight washed over her without obstruction, carrying a dry warmth completely different from the forest.

She glanced back at that vast, boundless sea of dark green foliage, her heart a tangled mess of emotions.

Right at that moment, the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's eager and enticing voice sounded in her mind again:

"Little Sis Xiao Wu! Don't rush to find some Soul