'Was that... an Emerald Swan?'
Judging by its appearance, this Emerald Swan wasn't particularly powerful—its body wasn't especially large, and its cultivation level was probably only around five or six hundred years. But that wasn't the point.
The real issue was... they couldn't afford to mess with this soul beast!
As one of the extremely rare healing-type soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest, Emerald Swans were fiercely protected by all the soul beasts residing there.
If Mu Xi dared to absorb this Emerald Swan as her soul ring today, Li Chang'an could guarantee one thing—none of them would be walking out of this forest alive.
"Mu Xi, be good. We can't afford to mess with this one. Let's find another soul beast," Li Chang'an said gently, trying to comfort her.
Mu Xi had always listened to Li Chang'an. Hearing his words, she nodded obediently and didn't argue further.
But to Li Chang'an's surprise, the Emerald Swan didn't fly away. Instead, it flew straight toward them, and judging by its trajectory, it was coming directly for Mu Xi!
Damn it! Just what he feared the most—had happened!
"Teacher! Everyone! Don't attack this soul beast! This is an Emerald Swan—it's considered a national treasure of the Star Dou Forest. If we attack it, we'll be in serious trouble," Li Chang'an quickly warned, afraid Duolong and the others wouldn't understand the danger.
Duolong looked doubtful but didn't refute Li Chang'an. Instead, he waved his hand, signaling everyone to stay calm and not make any sudden moves.
Under the gaze of the entire group, the Emerald Swan slowly descended, flapping its wings as it landed beside Mu Xi after letting out a soft cry.
"This..." Duolong was completely baffled. His eyes shifted toward Li Chang'an. Why were all the people around this kid so strange? He had never seen a soul beast take the initiative to approach a human before!
Li Chang'an himself was also stunned. Why wasn't it leaving?
Just then, the ground began to tremble—as if an earthquake had struck. The rumbling grew more intense, and in the distance, flying soul beasts scattered in panic. Something terrifying was coming their way.
"Not good! Run!" Duolong reacted immediately. Two yellow, two purple, and four black soul rings appeared and shimmered around him. Four angelic wings spread out behind his back.
A giant ape, more than thirty meters tall, pitch-black in color with eyes glowing like lanterns, appeared in their field of vision. And it was headed straight for them!
"Humans—leave the Emerald Swan!" The giant ape suddenly spoke in human tongue. At the same time, Li Chang'an and the others felt an overwhelming force weigh them down—as if they were sinking into quicksand.
Gravity Domain—Titan Giant Ape!
Even a spirit Douluo like Duolong found it difficult to move under the pressure. As for the others? They could barely stand.
The Titan Giant Ape didn't even unleash its full aura, yet many were already trembling in fear. Only a few remained calm.
One of them was Li Chang'an. Holding Mu Xi's hand tightly, he continued to comfort her.
Li Chang'an hadn't expected that the Titan Giant Ape would appear in person for the Emerald Swan. He had clearly underestimated how valuable this creature was.
The lantern-sized eyes of the Titan Giant Ape swept over the crowd and landed on the Emerald Swan beside Mu Xi. It then uttered a series of grunts and growls—beast language, Li Chang'an guessed.
The Emerald Swan responded with a few cries of its own.
After the exchange lasted for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the Titan Giant Ape finally spoke:
"I'm taking the girl and the Emerald Swan. The rest of you may leave."
"No!" Li Chang'an shouted without hesitation, cutting in before anyone else could respond.
If he had chosen to pursue Mu Xi, then it was his responsibility to protect her, no matter the cost.
This was what set Li Chang'an apart from others—he gave his heart sincerely. Even if he might die, he would still stand by Mu Xi's side!
"Human, don't test my patience. This girl's body is special, and the Emerald Swan was once injured by humans. I'm taking them both so she can absorb the soul ring while also ensuring the Emerald Swan can reproduce," the Titan Giant Ape explained with irritation.
If the Emerald Swan hadn't asked him to stay calm, he would've swatted these humans like flies.
Li Chang'an suddenly understood. No wonder the Titan Giant Ape had come in person—the Emerald Swan was pregnant and near death. Each one of these creatures was a treasure. No wonder the Star Dou Forest placed such importance on it.
"Can you guarantee our safety?" Li Chang'an asked, softening his tone.
He understood the reasoning. Truthfully, he didn't want to see such rare soul beasts go extinct either.
"I am the Titan Giant Ape. My word is my bond."
"Good. Then I'll go with Mu Xi!" Li Chang'an agreed without hesitation.
"No!" Duolong and Song Rentou both objected at once. Anyone else could go—but not Li Chang'an. If something happened to him, they'd all be doomed.
"Teachers, we have no other choice. I can't leave Mu Xi behind. Once you've helped the others find suitable soul rings, leave the forest and wait for me at the outer perimeter. If I don't return in three days—go find my teacher," Li Chang'an said firmly, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of someone used to giving orders.
In terms of status alone, Li Chang'an far surpassed anyone present.
"Chang'an, what are you trying to do..." Duolong frowned, clearly torn.
"Vice-Dean, please give me three days. I can't just abandon Mu Xi. The Titan Giant Ape's words seem trustworthy," Li Chang'an said calmly, yet resolutely.
"Sigh... You young people..." Duolong relented. "Fine. We'll give you three days. But if you're not back by then..."
He didn't finish the sentence—but the implication was crystal clear. If Li Chang'an didn't return, the Spirit Hall would stir up a storm.
This was the confidence of the most powerful organization on the continent—Spirit Hall. That was also why Duolong agreed in the first place. However, they hadn't revealed their Spirit Hall identities yet. After all, there was too much past enmity—resolving things peacefully was best.
Seeing that everything was settled, the Titan Giant Ape finally deactivated its gravity domain. Then, it placed its massive hand on the ground, gesturing for Li Chang'an and Mu Xi to climb on.
Mu Xi hadn't spoken a word the entire time, but the way she looked at Li Chang'an had completely changed.
_____
T/N:
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