"Da Ming, why are you here too?" Xiao Wu asked in surprise.
"Di Tian wants to see you," the Sky Azure Bull Python said."The Three-Eyed Golden Lion sensed that your fate is intertwined with the Star Dou Great Forest—and it even concerns the life and death of all the savage beasts."
"...It can't be that serious, right?"
Xiao Wu's body trembled slightly. She was just a little Soft-Boned Rabbit. Even with the most generous description, she could only be considered a delicate and fragile jade rabbit. How could she possibly be tied to the fate of every savage beast?
"Don't worry, Xiao Wu," the Sky Azure Bull Python reassured her."If Di Tian dares to hurt you, Er Ming and I will risk our lives to send you out of the Star Dou Great Forest."
"That's right," the Titan Giant Ape added."We might only have a hundred thousand years of cultivation, but as unique species, we're stronger than the Scarlet King or the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear. We'll protect you."
"...Can I not go?" Xiao Wu asked, a little scared.
"I'm afraid that's not an option."The Sky Azure Bull Python's tone turned solemn."The Three-Eyed Golden Lion is linked to the Star Dou Forest's fate. If you try to run, she'll sense it. When that happens, every savage beast in the forest will hunt you down."
"But if you go willingly, Di Tian shouldn't make things difficult."
"…Alright," Xiao Wu nodded reluctantly.But inwardly, she muttered, Di Tian, you bastard... Just wait. When I grow up, I'll make you see what Xiao Wu is really capable of.
On the way to the Lake of Life, Xiao Wu asked,"What exactly is the Three-Eyed Golden Lion? Is it also over a hundred thousand years old?"
"She's a dragon-type soul beast descended from the Golden Dragon bloodline. She looks like a lion with three eyes and can sense the forest's destiny. But no—she's only cultivated for about a thousand years," the Sky Azure Bull Python explained.
"A thousand years?!" Xiao Wu was stunned.
"Yes, just a thousand. But the Three-Eyed Golden Lion is born with intelligence equivalent to a human adult. None of us can compare.More importantly, she represents the luck of the Star Dou Great Forest. No soul beast dares to harm her—not even ten-thousand-year-level ones.Anyone who tries is hunted down by Di Tian and the other savage beasts and... fed to her."
The Sky Azure Bull Python sighed."Of course, there are those mad enough to attack her. For example, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. It once slipped past Er Ming and me and escaped the forest. That thing dares to devour anything. If it could, it would even try to eat the sleeping Soul Beast Sovereign."
"I suspect it won't be long before it reaches ten thousand years. When it does… it'll be a disaster."
Xiao Wu knew of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.A soul beast that specialized in devouring.
While other soul beasts could absorb cultivation through devouring, it took time to digest, and mismatched attributes caused problems.But the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger?It was rumored to descend from an evil god. It could consume any soul beast—no matter the attribute—and instantly absorb its cultivation and energy.No other species came close in terms of efficiency.
Before long, the trio arrived at the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest.
There, Di Tian and the other savage beasts were already waiting.
A black dragon's massive shadow covered the sky.Alongside it were other terrifying beings:
A giant bear with claws like blades,
An emerald-green swan, graceful yet radiant with dangerous vitality,
A three-headed crimson hound, snarling at the edges,
A smaller purple dragon, still majestic despite its size,
And a golden lion-dog, small—only two meters long—but with piercing claws and a third eye on its forehead that shimmered ominously.
Xiao Wu instantly noticed two humanoid figures standing silently among them.One had green hair; the other had a strangely androgynous face.They were clearly not human—despite their appearances, the soul beast aura they emitted was overwhelming.
So... even among savage beasts, some chose to transform into human form?
"Is that her?" the massive bear rumbled. Its voice shook the trees.
"It's her," the Three-Eyed Golden Lion replied.Her voice was soft and delicate—like a little girl's.
"She has a strong aura of fate, but it doesn't belong to her. She's merely brushed against it.She's connected to this era's Son of Destiny."
Son of Destiny?
Xiao Wu's heart skipped a beat.She remembered what Da Ming had said before and quickly began piecing things together.
Could it be...
Could the Son of Destiny be San Ge?
His martial soul might only be Blue Silver Grass, but his talent was terrifying.He could create original soul skills, theorize deeply about soul master cultivation, and supported her growth in countless ways.Even though he teased her often, he always protected her. He had never hidden his intentions, and she knew he cared.
If she were to die here, Tang San would definitely come for revenge.
He was kind, but he never forgot kindness or hatred.
He'd share his theories with the world, yet he'd show no mercy to those who harmed the people he cared about.
Only Tang San truly treated me well, Xiao Wu realized.Even if he had selfish motives… he was always honest about them.
As for these savage beasts…Tang San was right.
They didn't dare take risks. They only hid in the forest, basking in their so-called superiority.One day, when humans discovered a way to target them, it would only be a matter of time before they were wiped out.
"Soft-Boned Rabbit," Di Tian's thunderous voice echoed."We hope you will approach the Son of Destiny. Bring him to the Star Dou Great Forest."
His massive dragon head dipped low, golden eyes staring coldly into Xiao Wu's trembling body.His tone brooked no refusal.
"I… I don't know who the Son of Destiny is," Xiao Wu said, forcing herself to stay calm.
But in her heart, she thought:There's no way I'm bringing Tang San here. The moment I turned human, you beasts stopped treating me as one of your own.
"You will bring whoever you think he is," Di Tian replied indifferently."We have plenty of time."
A burst of black light enveloped Di Tian's massive body—and in a flash, he transformed into a tall man over two meters in height.His face remained cold and severe.
Xiao Wu's eyes widened. He can transform too?
Just then, the Emerald Swan beside him also shifted forms.She became a beautiful woman in a flowing green dress.Smiling gently at Xiao Wu, she said,
"After a soul beast survives the heavenly tribulation, we can continue cultivating and freely transform between human and beast forms.Our cultivation is no longer restricted by our bodies.However, the human form is inherently weaker than our original beast form."
Xiao Wu lowered her head, not daring to meet Bi Ji's gaze.
Despite the soothing aura she exuded, Xiao Wu didn't trust it.
To her, it felt like an illusion, a trick designed to lure her in.
"Condense your soul ring," Di Tian said at last, then turned to the Sky Azure Bull Python."Afterward, bring the Son of Destiny here."
"Yes, Beast God."Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape exchanged a look, both visibly relieved.
At least… Di Tian wouldn't kill her.
From atop Sky Azure Bull Python's head, Xiao Wu sat cross-legged and began to condense her second soul ring.
As they watched her in silence, Di Tian turned to the Three-Eyed Golden Lion and asked:
"…Can she really succeed?"