Deep in the forest, two pairs of lantern-like eyes stared intently at the approaching human.
They belonged to the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape!!
These were universally acknowledged as two of the greatest soul beasts in the soul master world, beings whose very names made high-ranking soul masters pale. As one of the Clear Sky Sect's greatest talents, Tang Hao was naturally familiar with them.
Didn't these two rule over the core region?
Why were they here? Could that little girl be their offspring? But her aura didn't match!
Tang Hao's mind reeled, but he knew he could not show even a hint of fear. He clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze steady.
Da Ming and Er Ming exchanged a glance, then turned and headed toward the Mixed Zone without a word.
"Don't want to talk here? Afraid the girl will hear?"
This suited Tang Hao perfectly. He was even less willing to let his precious son's life face the slightest threat.
With great skill came great courage. Tang Hao followed without hesitation.
Once they landed in a valley, the Titan Giant Ape spoke, his voice booming like thunder.
"Human Titled Douluo, how should we address you?"
The Titan Giant Ape, described in the Clear Sky Sect's records as hot-tempered, was actually this courteous?
Was this right?
Tang Hao's palms were already slick with sweat behind his back. He could not fathom their intentions.
"Tang Hao, titled Clear Sky Douluo. Greetings to you both."
The Sky Azure Bull Python smiled.
"Clear Sky Douluo, a faint trace of soul beast aura seems to linger around your two children."
"You wouldn't want this getting out in the human world, would you?"
"???"
A string of question marks practically appeared over Tang Hao's head.
Once a transformed soul beast reached maturity, its body became entirely human. This transformation was irreversible.
Thus, he was certain his son and daughter could not possibly possess any soul beast aura.
Suddenly, something occurred to Tang Hao.
Could they have picked it up when their auras connected with Ah Yin's earlier?
As a result, they had been mistaken for children born to a human and an immature transformed soul beast.
That must have been why these two mighty soul beasts were willing to negotiate peacefully with him.
His thoughts raced, and Tang Hao spoke.
"It seems that young girl who hasn't reached maturity is very important to you."
"Indeed, Clear Sky Douluo. Why don't we make a deal?"
"Help look after our companion until she reaches maturity, and I can promise you three Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones as payment."
The Sky Azure Bull Python's voice brimmed with authority and wisdom.
According to the records left by the Clear Sky Sect's elder predecessors, the Star Dou Great Forest's history stretched back more than ten million years. Who knew how many Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones and Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones lay scattered within it?
To soul beasts, these soul bones were utterly worthless.
Trying to fob me off with this little? Do they take me for some ordinary soul master?
Tang Hao shook his head.
"Not enough. I'm a Titled Douluo. If we're going to cooperate, you ought to show some sincerity."
"Here's my price: three Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones!"
Er Ming huffed outright. "Human, are you joking? Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones are incredibly precious. Even we have trouble obtaining them."
They really could get them?!
Hearing this, Tang Hao's eyes lit up, and his mind began to race.
"Er Ming, shut up!"
The Sky Azure Bull Python glared at his bumbling teammate. He played a single three, and you threw down both jokers. How am I supposed to play now?
Then he looked helplessly at Tang Hao.
"Clear Sky Douluo, your demands are far too steep."
"This is hardly an equal trade."
"Then how about this? We both take a step back. I'll ask for only two Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones, but you must give me one in advance."
After pondering for a moment, Tang Hao presented his final proposal.
This way, he would no longer have to agonize over who should absorb Ah Yin's soul bone.
In terms of compatibility, the Blue Silver Emperor's soul bone was undoubtedly best suited to Tang San Niang. But out of his own selfish preference, he naturally wanted to give it to his precious son.
Yet knowing Tang Yin, the boy would absolutely give it to his little sister.
Wasn't that a dead knot?
Tang Hao had wrestled with this for a long time.
Now, if he could close this deal, the problem would be neatly resolved.
The Sky Azure Bull Python lowered his eyes slightly, sinking into thought.
"I can cover all our companion's expenses in human society, including arrangements for her schooling. What do you think?"
Tang Hao added another bargaining chip without hesitation.
After all, his precious son already took such excellent care of his sister.
By the same logic, looking after one child was work, and looking after two was still work. The capable should shoulder more.
Da Ming was tempted. "How can I trust you?"
"You already have something to hold over me. Do you really need any other guarantee?"
"There's a saying in our human world: a bond built on shared interests and secrets is the strongest of all."
In a flash of inspiration, Tang Hao blurted it out.
Da Ming was persuaded.
"Come here in three days to collect the soul bone."
"Thank you."
Tang Hao suppressed his overwhelming excitement and turned to leave.
On a grassy patch outside the bamboo grove, Xiao Wu sat beside Tang San Niang, nibbling on a chicken drumstick.
Tang San Niang clung to Tang Yin's arm, a trace of puzzlement in her eyes.
"Big Brother, why has Dad been gone so long?"
Tang Yin still had no idea Tang Hao had sold him out. He smiled with easy composure.
"He probably found something unusual. Let's wait a little longer."
Xiao Wu's pink eyes shifted, revealing a trace of worry.
San Niang's father had hurried off just now. Clearly, he had noticed something.
Please don't run into Da Ming and Er Ming.
Xiao Wu prayed silently.
Da Ming and Er Ming hated humans deeply.
In the short time they had spent together, Xiao Wu had already grown fond of San Niang and her brother.
Tang Yin's gentle, jade-like disposition made her feel as though she were basking in a spring breeze.
Xiao Wu greatly envied San Niang for having such a brother.
If only I had a big brother like that to dote on me.
Watching her little friend cling to Tang Yin with such attachment, she could not help looking on.
A trace of envy appeared in Xiao Wu's eyes.
Just then, a breeze swept past, and the bamboo grove rustled.
A tall, burly figure landed on the ground.
Tang San Niang's face brightened.
"Dad, you're back?"
"Mm." Tang Hao nodded slightly without explaining anything.
His gaze fell on Xiao Wu beside them, and he asked bluntly.
"Who's this?"
Xiao Wu hurriedly stood up and answered obediently, "My name is Xiao Wu. Wu as in 'dance.' I'm six this year, and I'm San Niang's friend."
"Where are your parents?"
"My mom and dad passed away."
Xiao Wu's voice sank.
"What a poor child."
Tang Hao said directly, "Why don't you become my adopted daughter? That way, you and my San Niang can keep each other company."
He really had no experience dealing with children, so he could only approach it this awkwardly.
After a soul beast took human form, most of their past memories would be sealed away, gradually awakening as they grew older.
Thus, Xiao Wu's mind was indeed no different from that of a human child at this point.
Naturally, Ah Yin had told him all this back then.
"Huh?"
Xiao Wu's eyes widened.
Tang Yin was stunned too.
What was this old geezer hiding in his gourd?
Tang San Niang tightened her grip on her brother's arm. She did not need any companions. Having her brother was enough.
But...
If it was Xiao Wu, she wouldn't mind...
Looking at the somewhat astonished little girl before him, Tang Hao studied her.
His brows knitted.
He felt a headache coming on.
"If you don't want to, then..."
"If I become your adopted daughter, then San Niang and Big Brother Tang Yin..."
"They'll be your big brother and big sister. Your big brother Tang Yin will look after you from now on."
Tang Yin: "???"
Xiao Wu's pretty face brightened.
"Adoptive Father, please accept your daughter's bow."
After paying her respects, Xiao Wu threw herself at Tang Yin and Tang San Niang. "Hello, Big Brother, San Niang~"
Who said human society was treacherous? These humans were wonderful!
Xiao Wu's heart swelled with delight.
Before you continue