Death Threat!

Tang San adjusted his mindset and began speaking with a slight stammer, trying to persuade Chen Xuanqing. "I... with my strength, I'll only be a burden to everyone here. Do you really want me to hold back the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny? My presence will only keep them from unleashing their full strength. How would that help the battle?"

As he grew agitated, Tang San's voice began to tremble. "Why don't... why don't you get me out first? Once the beast tide ends, I, Tang San, will keep my word. A life for a life!"

By now, however, the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny had developed a deep loathing for Tang San.

They had originally felt a trace of pity for the boy's plight, but now they saw the hypocrisy and shamelessness in his heart.

The Dragon Duke's voice brimmed with anger, his harsh tone seeming ready to swallow Tang San whole. "Boy, the trouble you stirred up nearly got all of us killed, yet you still have the gall to say something so shameless. You truly disgust me!"

Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang burned with even greater fury. Her serpentine eyes glinted coldly, as though she meant to see straight through Tang San's heart. "Before the Titan Giant Ape arrives, I shall rid the world of a shameless wretch like you with my own hands, lest you survive to bring harm to others!"

The moment she finished speaking, the formidable aura of a Soul Emperor erupted, sweeping toward him like a raging storm.

Already exhausted from the fighting, Tang San could barely move under the pressure of that aura. It felt as though an invisible mountain had pinned him down, leaving him unable to breathe.

Faced with death, Tang San finally broke down and pleaded loudly, "Spare me! Please spare my life!" His voice was filled with terror and despair.

Xiao Wu, however, could not help laughing. Watching Tang San's wretched display, she teased, "Tang San, you're exactly the kind of clown Brother Xuanqing was talking about! What a disgrace."

Then Xiao Wu turned to the others with a smile and said firmly, "Don't worry, everyone. The Titan Giant Ape won't hurt us."

Zhu Zhuqing and Chen Xuanqing naturally believed her without a shred of doubt. Both knew about Xiao Wu's relationship with the Titan Giant Ape.

After a moment's hesitation, the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny also withdrew their martial souls.

They understood that they could not even put up a fight against the Titan Giant Ape, a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, much less fight while keeping their granddaughter safe.

None of those present was likely a match for the Titan Giant Ape. In fact, not one of them could withstand even a single exchange with him.

Oscar, however, fell into hysterics, unable to accept giving up and simply waiting for death.

Oscar shouted, "Are you kidding me? I'm the most gifted food-type Soul Master on the Douluo Continent! How can I just sit here waiting to die? I don't want to die! I haven't become a Titled Douluo yet! I can't die like this!"

His words were filled with resentment and despair, but Tang San regarded his disgraceful behavior with scorn and contempt. Catching Oscar off guard, he knocked him unconscious with a single punch.

Once Oscar had fallen silent, Tang San sank helplessly to the ground as well, awaiting the judgment of fate.

As the tremors beneath their feet grew stronger and stronger, a towering figure gradually emerged from the depths of the forest, like a mountain on the move.

The surrounding soul beasts all cleared a path of their own accord, as though paying homage to the king of the forest.

At last, an enormous Titan Giant Ape came before them. Knotted muscles covered his body, and his eyes gleamed fiercely, yet he radiated an indescribable majesty.

The Titan Giant Ape extended a broad hand. His palm seemed larger than a small house, covered in thick fur and a tough, calloused layer of skin.

At the sight, an excited smile lit up Xiao Wu's face. She leaped lightly into the air and drifted into the Titan Giant Ape's palm like a butterfly.

"Brother Xuanqing, look! This is Er Ming!" Xiao Wu said, pointing to the Titan Giant Ape as she introduced him. "Da Ming doesn't much like moving around, so he sent Er Ming to pick us up."

The Titan Giant Ape seemed to understand Xiao Wu's words. He nodded in a distinctly human manner, a trace of warmth flashing through his eyes.

Everyone present marveled at the sight. They had never expected this seemingly ferocious soul beast to possess such human understanding.

Just then, Meng Yiran finished absorbing her soul ring.

The Dragon Duke and Snake Granny immediately went over to check on her with concern. Joy shone on Meng Yiran's face; clearly, the absorption had been a great success.

Afterward, the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny told Meng Yiran everything that had just happened, including the Titan Giant Ape's arrival and Xiao Wu's introduction.

After hearing her grandparents' account, Meng Yiran inwardly rejoiced that she had not taken a liking to Tang San earlier. Otherwise, her entire life would have been ruined.

Then Meng Yiran walked gracefully up to Chen Xuanqing, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Suddenly, Meng Yiran tilted her head slightly and pressed a light kiss to Chen Xuanqing's cheek. "Thank you for saving me, Brother Xuanqing."

Her voice was sweet and gentle, tinged with a young girl's shyness.

As soon as she spoke, a crimson blush spread over Meng Yiran's cheeks. She hurriedly turned and hid behind the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny, inwardly chiding herself for having been a little too bold just now.

She furtively peeked out and stole a glance at Chen Xuanqing. He stood there, seemingly still savoring what had just happened.

Chen Xuanqing was indeed savoring that sensation. He had only been briefly taken aback, never expecting Meng Yiran to express her gratitude so directly.

Then Chen Xuanqing lightly touched the cheek she had kissed, a faint smile curling his lips.

Of course, it would have been even better if he could ignore the almost tangible killing intent radiating from Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu beside him.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Chen Xuanqing immediately diverted everyone's attention. He walked up to Tang San with a teasing smile. "Tang San, a life for a life. Those were your own words."

As he spoke, Chen Xuanqing drew a sharp dagger from his waist and casually tossed it onto the ground. Then he said coldly to Tang San, "Since that's the case, kill yourself!"

Tang San's heart clenched at those words, but he feigned calm as he picked up the dagger from the ground.

With trembling hands, Tang San slowly brought the dagger to his neck.

Yet even after a long while, Tang San still had not killed himself. Instead, he flung the dagger away.

Tang San took a deep breath, then knelt on the ground and smiled at everyone. "Everyone's all right, aren't they? Then let's just let this matter go! Consider it a favor I, Tang San, owe you all. I'll definitely repay it with my life someday."

The moment Tang San finished speaking, the atmosphere grew awkward.

The others all looked at Tang San with contempt, utterly disappointed in both his behavior and his character.

They all sighed inwardly. Tang San truly was a petty scoundrel whose word meant nothing.