The Lake of Life!

Just then, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing walked over. They both coughed a few times, displeasure showing on their faces.

Xiao Wu pouted and said, "Brother Xuanqing, you can't play favorites. We want you to look after us too."

Zhu Zhuqing chimed in, "Exactly! You... you can't forget the old ones just because someone new has come along."

Hearing this, Meng Yiran hurried to explain, "Don't worry. I'll get along well with Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing too. We're all friends, so we should look after one another."

As Chen Xuanqing looked at the three of them, warmth welled up in his heart.

Then Chen Xuanqing smiled and said, "You're all the most important people to me. I'll treat you equally and take good care of every one of you."

Satisfied smiles appeared on Xiao Wu's and Zhu Zhuqing's faces at his words.

The four of them then prepared to leave, leaping up in unison and landing on Er Ming's enormous, broad, thick palm.

Meng Yiran tilted her head slightly and glanced down at the figures from Shrek Academy below.

Parting her rosy lips, she asked Chen Xuanqing softly, "Brother Xuanqing, is it really all right to let them leave unharmed like this?"

Chen Xuanqing raised his head slightly, disdain and contempt in his eyes, and gave a faint smile. "Hmph, they're nothing but insignificant small fry. I never took them seriously in the first place. Letting them live a little longer won't hurt."

As Er Ming strode onward, they gradually ventured deeper into Star Dou Great Forest.

On the ground, Tang San had regained a little consciousness. Watching their figures recede into the distance, he felt despair and fury intertwine in his heart.

At that moment, Tang San knew that all he could do now was struggle to survive and wait for a chance to avenge himself and wash away his humiliation.

An hour later.

As the group ventured deeper, the plants around them grew ever taller and denser, their lush branches and leaves blotting out the sky and sun.

All sorts of strange plants appeared one after another. Some gave off faint fragrances, while others exuded scents that refreshed the mind and lifted the spirits.

They also encountered more and more soul beasts. These creatures came in all shapes and sizes, and all sorts of ages and species were common sights.

Standing in Er Ming's palm, Zhu Zhuqing felt the rich natural aura around her, and excitement could not help welling up in her heart.

She took a deep breath and said with feeling, "Star Dou Great Forest really is the best place to cultivate! The natural aura here is so much better than those so-called mimicry cultivation environments."

Hearing Zhu Zhuqing's words, Xiao Wu eagerly agreed. "Yes! Exactly! This is our true home! Since we're going to stay in Star Dou Great Forest for a while, Da Ming, Er Ming, and I will do everything we can to take good care of everyone!"

At Xiao Wu's words, Er Ming let out a sky-shaking roar that echoed through the forest.

The roar sent the nearby flying soul beasts scattering, afraid of being accidentally hurt by this Forest King.

"Er Ming, don't scare them."

Xiao Wu chided him softly and gently patted his enormous palm. Though Er Ming was massive, he was always as docile as a kitten before Xiao Wu.

Er Ming grunted softly, seemingly apologizing, then continued onward with the four of them resting steadily in his palm.

With Er Ming's swift strides, they soon arrived at the Lake of Life.

Towering trees surrounded the Lake of Life, their branches thick with leaves. Sunlight filtered through the gaps and spilled across the lake, making its surface shimmer with breathtaking beauty.

Beside the lake, a waterfall thundered down, its waters rumbling. It truly was an excellent place to live in seclusion and cultivate.

"Look, this is my home!" Xiao Wu bounded toward the lakeshore like a cheerful little deer, her face full of pride.

Then, without hesitation, she scooped up a handful of clear lake water and gently drank it, her face glowing with contentment and happiness.

Yet at that very moment, waves suddenly churned across the lake, and an enormous bull's head burst out of the water.

A thick, python-like body followed, slowly rising like a towering mountain thrusting into the clouds.

His body was covered in azure scales that gleamed brilliantly, inspiring awe.

Witnessing this, Meng Yiran could not help crying out in shock, "Heavens, is this the legendary Sky Azure Bull Python? Another ruler of Star Dou Great Forest!"

Her voice trembled slightly, clearly shaken by the Sky Azure Bull Python's imposing presence.

"Moo-"

A long, drawn-out bellow resounded across the entire Lake of Life, echoing into every corner of the forest.

The Sky Azure Bull Python lowered his head and gazed at the people below with his deep eyes, as though weighing their identities and intentions.

"Da Ming, you're finally here!" Xiao Wu cheered. She ran up to the Sky Azure Bull Python, an innocent smile lighting her face and anticipation and joy sparkling in her eyes.

"Sister Xiao Wu, you're back!" the Sky Azure Bull Python said gently. Though his voice was deep, it was filled with warmth and concern.

He seemed delighted by Xiao Wu's return, his eyes revealing how deeply he had missed her.

"Yes, I'm back!" Xiao Wu nodded, then turned to introduce him to Meng Yiran and the others. "This is my good friend Da Ming. He's one of the guardians of Star Dou Great Forest. Brother Xuanqing, Zhu Zhuqing, Yiran, come say hello to Da Ming!"

Hearing Xiao Wu's introduction, the others were just about to step forward and greet the Sky Azure Bull Python warmly.

However, the Sky Azure Bull Python spoke slowly in his rich, deep voice. "Sister Xiao Wu, you may think humans are worthy of trust, but I cannot agree."

His gaze shifted to the others, a trace of wariness and coldness in his eyes. "The conflict between humans and soul beasts has long been deeply rooted, enduring through countless years. Taking human form and befriending humans is your choice, and I have no right to interfere. But as for me, I will not trust humans so easily."

At these words, the atmosphere immediately grew somewhat tense.

The Titan Giant Ape seemed to sense the Sky Azure Bull Python's emotions as well. He let out a sky-shaking howl, as though voicing his hostility and displeasure toward humans.

Seeing this, Xiao Wu felt that Da Ming and Er Ming were making her lose face, and she could not help growing a little angry.

She was just about to lash out when Chen Xuanqing gently held her back.

Chen Xuanqing stepped forward to face the Sky Azure Bull Python, his voice calm but firm. "Da Ming, I understand your concerns and wariness. But I want to tell you that you cannot judge someone merely by what they say. More importantly, you must look at what they do."

Chen Xuanqing met the Sky Azure Bull Python's gaze openly. "We did not come here with ill intent. We came out of care and concern for Xiao Wu, not for any other purpose."

However, the Sky Azure Bull Python seemed unmoved.

He gave Chen Xuanqing a long, searching look, then slowly sank into the lake, leaving only ripples on its surface.

Faced with the Sky Azure Bull Python's attitude, the group could only give up helplessly on trying to speak with him further.