Bibi Dong's gaze was fixed intensely on the demonic spider not far ahead, which was poised to strike. Her breathing had become somewhat rapid. Despite having been engaged in combat with the demonic spider for some time, she had yet to emerge victorious.
Incorporating her martial soul into her body, Bibi Dong no longer exuded the elegance and grace she was known for. Her current disheveled state gave her a somewhat sinister appearance. This was precisely why she had chosen to hunt souls alone. As a woman, she was very conscious of her appearance, particularly of her martial soul, which she found unattractive, especially when manifested. Therefore, disregarding her teacher's warnings, she ventured alone to hunt souls.
However, she had overestimated her abilities. Clearly, she was now in a precarious situation.
If she were to flee now, she might still have a chance of survival. But being as proud as she was, she was unwilling to do so.
"Looks like Bibi Dong is in a bit of trouble with that demonic spider," Su Bai remarked from his vantage point atop a tree, observing the scene below.
He could see that Bibi Dong was no match for the demonic spider and that she was in distress. Moreover, her pride seemed to prevent her from considering withdrawal.
If he didn't intervene soon, the future Empress might meet an untimely demise.
With this realization, Su Bai wasted no time. He leaped down from the tree.
Meanwhile, the demonic spider launched an attack on Bibi Dong.
Hissing, it spat out several strands of silk.
"Oh no!"
Bibi Dong's face paled, and she injured her foot in her haste to turn. As a result, she was trapped by the silk.
Seizing the opportunity, the demonic spider advanced towards her, poised to strike with its sharp spider legs.
Just as Bibi Dong prepared to use her soul skills to grasp a lifeline, a loud noise rang out.
She instinctively opened her eyes, only to widen them in disbelief.
Before her stood a strikingly handsome and uniquely charismatic young man.
Meanwhile, the demonic spider lay beneath him, subdued by his strength. Perhaps due to the force of his impact, it was now on the brink of death.
"Are you okay?"
Su Bai's gentle and soothing voice reached Bibi Dong's ears like a beacon of hope.
At the same time, curiosity about Su Bai began to stir within her.
Despite being so young, Su Bai was almost identical to Bibi Dong in strength. Yet, he could effortlessly dispatch the demonic spider that had given her such a tough fight. Such power...
"I-I'm... fine," Bibi Dong stammered, her eyes fixed on Su Bai, instinctively shaking her head in response.
"That's a relief," Su Bai smiled, landing gracefully. "I saw you were in danger, so I intervened. I hope you don't mind me interrupting your battle."
Bibi Dong shook her head with a wry smile. She was at the end of her rope. Without Su Bai's intervention, she might have met her end.
She couldn't afford to be proud now.
Curiously, she asked, "Why did you save me?"
Su Bai looked at her puzzled, then shrugged, chuckling. "No particular reason. I saw you needed help, so I stepped in. Simple as that."
Bibi Dong pursed her lips, deep in thought. She had ventured out to hunt souls without informing anyone, so Su Bai couldn't have been sent by her teacher, Qian Xunji, to protect her. Furthermore, Su Bai was the same age as her yet possessed such formidable strength.
He must have stumbled upon her by chance.
Nodding to herself, Bibi Dong glanced at the still-breathing demonic spider on the ground.
She then asked Su Bai, "Can I have this soul beast? I'll compensate you, of course."
Since Su Bai had subdued the soul beast, she couldn't just absorb it directly.
Su Bai replied, "You want to absorb it as your fourth soul ring, right? Honestly, this soul beast's lifespan is a bit low for you."
Bibi Dong's expression was incredulous. Was he even aware of what he was saying?
A fourth soul ring with a lifespan of a thousand years considered low?
"Yes, a thousand-year soul ring is too short-lived. If you trust me, I can help you absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring as your fourth one," Su Bai continued.
"Impossible!" Bibi Dong shook her head vehemently.
A ten-thousand-year soul ring as the fourth? That was unheard of in the history of the Douluo Continent. Even in her extensive studies at the Martial Soul Hall, she had never come across such a thing.
Seeing her disbelief, Su Bai didn't explain further. Instead, he demonstrated his point through action.
Utilizing his soul rings, Su Bai simulated six soul rings.
And they were all black soul rings, meaning that all of them were ten thousand years old.
"How is this possible!?"
Bibi Dong was utterly shocked.
Such a young Soul Emperor?
And all six soul rings were ten thousand years old?
How did he achieve this?
A person like this couldn't be called a genius anymore; he should be called a monster.
Su Bai retracted the soul rings with a smile. "Now, do you believe me?"
After a long while, Bibi Dong calmed down and asked in a low voice, "Why did you help me?"
"Like I said, I wanted to help," Su Bai shrugged.
But seeing Bibi Dong's skeptical expression, Su Bai decided to be blunt. "Okay, fine! I actually took a liking to you."
Bibi Dong surprisingly nodded.
Su Bai raised an eyebrow.
Indeed, women's minds were unpredictable.
And this woman seemed a bit too confident in her charm, didn't she?
Well, it was true that Su Bai had genuine intentions; he really did fancy her.
While they talked, Bibi Dong had already healed her sprained foot.
Looking up at Su Bai, she asked, "Are you really willing to help me?"
Su Bai nodded.
"Follow me!"
With that, Su Bai left directly.
After hesitating for a few seconds, Bibi Dong followed him.
"Bibi Dong."
Bibi Dong suddenly spoke up.
Hearing this, Su Bai knew she was asking for his name, so he replied, "Su Bai."
Before long,
Su Bai brought Bibi Dong to a certain place.
"We're here."
Su Bai said, then rushed out.
Bibi Dong then realized that Su Bai had brought her here to find a ten-thousand-year soul beast, the Abyssal Devil Spider.
While Bibi Dong was still in a daze, Su Bai had already crippled the Abyssal Devil Spider.
He waved to Bibi Dong, who approached him.
Su Bai raised his hand and said, "Give me your hand."