Tang San's heartfelt "Mom" brought tears streaming down Ah Yin's cheeks. She immediately hugged her son tightly, and Tang San, no longer struggling, allowed himself to be embraced, savoring the gentle warmth and maternal love—a feeling he had never known in his past or present life.
Tang Hao watched the joyful reunion with a smile. Such a scene—father and child reunited in harmony—had been only a drunken dream before, but now it was reality.
During their recent talks, Tang Hao had selectively revealed some truths to Tang San, but withheld many crucial details—like the existence of his twin brother, now taken by Spirit Hall and recognized as their Holy Son. Regarding Ah Yin's restoration, Tang Hao only mentioned a kind soul who helped her regain physical form.
Now wasn't the time for full disclosure. When Tang San's strength grew, all would be told.
——
Click!
The office door opened.
Ah Yin and Tang Hao held Tang San's hands, and the three happily stepped out.
Others had long since departed, except Xiao Wu, who lingered outside. She sensed a kindred aura on Ah Yin—both were soul beasts who had transformed into human form. Moreover, Ah Yin looked exactly like the mysterious martial soul manifestation of Teacher Tang who had killed Er Ming. Xiao Wu suspected a connection and needed to confirm. If they were related, she was at a loss what to do.
On one side, Er Ming, her beloved "brother," had been killed, a debt she must repay.
On the other, her lover's parents might be connected to the enemies.
Caught between loyalty and love, Xiao Wu felt torn.
"Tang San!" Seeing Xiao Wu's brightened eyes, Tang San eagerly introduced, "I want you to meet my dad and mom."
"Hello, uncle, auntie," Xiao Wu forced a smile and politely greeted.
"Xiao Wu, is it?" Ah Yin easily recognized the young girl, aged eleven or twelve, as a ten-thousand-year Rabbit-type soul beast transformed into human form.
A quick note: Even among rare ten-thousand-year soul beasts, not all knew or got along well. Xiao Wu, Titan Giant Ape, and Sky Azure Bull Python's closeness was rare.
Nature's balance dictated natural enemies—like the grass-eating Rabbit being a natural counter to Blue Silver Grass.
For soul beasts, there are mutual restrictions:
A ten-thousand-year Blue Silver Grass can overcome a ten-thousand-year tiger; that tiger can prey on a ten-thousand-year rabbit; yet the rabbit can eat Blue Silver Grass. This is natural mutual control.
Hence, despite all being rare ten-thousand-year beasts of Star Dou Forest, Ah Yin avoided Xiao Wu and others. Blue Silver Grass is simply too tempting a target for rabbits.
Eating Blue Silver Grass greatly boosts a rabbit's power.
So frankly, Ah Yin was wary of rabbits. Yet now, learning her son was close to one, childhood friends even, puzzled her.
"Xiao San, mom wants to say something to Xiao Wu," Ah Yin said, smiling, taking Xiao Wu's arm, leading her away. Xiao Wu did not resist.
Tang San was puzzled. Tang Hao sighed, recognizing the resemblance to his younger self. He decided to tell Tang San Xiao Wu's true identity, letting him choose.
"Xiao San, do you know who Xiao Wu really is?" Tang Hao asked.
"Xiao Wu's identity? Dad, what do you mean? Is she some princess abandoned among commoners?" Tang San asked puzzled.
Tang Hao was speechless. Clearly Tang San read too many fantasy stories.
"Well, her situation is like your mother's." Tang Hao said simply.
"Like mother's situation…" Tang San murmured, realization dawning. "So Xiao Wu is also a ten-thousand-year soul beast transformed into human?"
——
Elsewhere,
Ah Yin took Xiao Wu to a secluded spot, ensuring no one eavesdropped, and asked the silent girl, "Do you like my son?"
"Xiao San really is your son?" Xiao Wu asked the mature woman. "So he's half human, half soul beast?"
Ah Yin nodded: "Honestly, I didn't expect my son to share a fate like mine. I can see he likes you too."
Blushing, Xiao Wu then asked, "I once met a Tang soul master whose martial soul was Blue Silver Grass, and his martial soul manifestation was a human form exactly like you. Is he your son?"
Startled, Ah Yin thought of Yun Chuan—that child taken by Spirit Hall, and her heart pained deeply. Tang Hao would surely battle Spirit Hall one day, facing his lost son…
Even knowing the truth, Yun Chuan was determined to stand with Spirit Hall; a father-son clash could arise, causing terrible strife.
So Ah Yin chose to conceal the truth—for now.
"It's just coincidence," Ah Yin said lightly, "I am the Blue Silver Emperor; all Blue Silver Grass in the world belong to me. That's probably why that soul master's martial soul took my form."
"I see…" Xiao Wu murmured, still sensing something amiss but relieved that the man had no real familial connection to Tang San. Now she could focus on avenging Er Ming, even asking Tang San for help without worry.
(End of Chapter 109)