Shortly after, everyone tidied up a bit. Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, Zhao Wuji decided to search nearby for a Man-Faced Demon Spider suitable for Tang San.
Zhao Wuji didn't allow the group to rest at their original spot, primarily out of concern that Snake Granny might return with Dragon Duke to cause trouble. Although the likelihood was low, they took precautions. While searching for soul beasts, they also concealed their tracks. Only after failing to locate the spider did they set up camp at a safer location.
Su Ming had considered using his wood manipulation skill to create a shelter for rest, but doing so would make them an obvious target in the forest and invite unnecessary trouble. Additionally, such a structure would limit their mobility in case of danger.
Early the next morning, the group resumed their search for a suitable Man-Faced Demon Spider for Tang San. Since these spiders were highly aggressive and extremely fast, Zhao Wuji prioritized everyone's safety, ensuring they stayed close and moved as quietly as possible. Even so, two full days passed without success.
Tang San couldn't help but feel disappointed. If they couldn't find the spider, they would have to consider other suitable soul beasts. His teacher had planned for this, selecting the spider as the top choice for his third soul ring but also preparing backup options. These alternatives were more common soul beasts and could be absorbed as long as their years matched.
However, Tang San was unwilling to settle for less. The gap between him and Su Ming and Xiao Wu was already vast, and their soul skills were extraordinary in his eyes. He yearned for the Man-Faced Demon Spider as his third soul ring with all his heart.
Along the way, they encountered a few promising thousand-year soul beasts, but none suited Tang San. The rest were merely hundred-year soul beasts, which were far from ideal. Zhao Wuji had been especially cautious this time. With only one teacher to protect eight students, including two without combat capabilities, he dared not take risks.
The added difficulty of finding a hidden and powerful soul beast like the Man-Faced Demon Spider only heightened his caution. After all, these students were the cream of the crop from Shrek Academy, some from extraordinary backgrounds. Any harm coming to them would be disastrous.
Su Ming: Hah, isn't that the real reason? Previous batches without influential backgrounds weren't given this much care, right?
Over these two days, the girls weren't as tense as before, knowing that Tang San would encounter the Man-Faced Demon Spider only after the Titan Giant Ape appeared. For now, the journey remained uneventful.
Thus, they stuck close to Su Ming, feeling safer around him than Zhao Wuji. Meanwhile, the others were far from relaxed. Despite Oscar's sausages replenishing their energy, their minds and bodies felt exhausted.
That evening, after dinner, the group rested. Zhao Wuji approached Tang San and asked, "Xiao San, are you feeling anxious?"
Tang San's inner thoughts were exposed, but he maintained a calm demeanor. Shaking his head, he replied, "Finding a suitable soul beast is always a matter of luck, especially for something like the Man-Faced Demon Spider. There's no point in being anxious, Teacher Zhao. Don't worry, I'm patient. I've been at level 30 for a while; I can wait a bit longer."
"Taking it slow and steady lays the foundation for future growth," he added.
Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up at this response. This young boy's composure and mindset were impressive—worthy of his lineage.
Zhao Wuji sighed. "The Star Dou Forest isn't as prosperous as it used to be. It's become desolate. Even finding a suitable soul beast is so difficult now. I wonder what the cause is."
Su Ming: What else? It's the rampant hunting of soul beasts by soul masters. If this continues unchecked, soul beasts will become even rarer. Their growth rate is already slower than that of soul masters. How can overhunting not lead to scarcity? But ultimately, it's the cursed laws of this realm that are to blame.
As Zhao Wuji and Tang San spoke, his expression suddenly hardened. He pulled Tang San behind him as a powerful aura surged from his body. His Martial Soul, the Vigorous Vajra Bear, activated instantly.
"Everyone, get out of your tents now!" Zhao Wuji roared.
Even before this, Su Ming had already stepped out. He sensed an intense and overwhelming aura rapidly approaching their location. The aura had locked onto them, leaving no doubt in his mind—it was the Titan Giant Ape.
Hearing Zhao Wuji's shout, the others quickly left their tents. The three girls immediately positioned themselves beside Su Ming, knowing full well that the approaching presence was likely the Titan Giant Ape.
Ning Rongrong asked through the diary: Xiao Wu, is the Titan Giant Ape here for you? Can you sense its aura?
Xiao Wu focused for a moment before replying: Yes, it's Er Ming. I recognize his aura. Stay back when he arrives, and don't attack him. Retreat immediately to avoid being mistaken as enemies. I'll communicate with him to ensure he doesn't harm you.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances and nodded. They had no intention of acting recklessly.
Dai Mubai hurried to Zhao Wuji's side and asked, "Teacher Zhao, what's going on?"
Zhao Wuji didn't answer directly. Instead, his tone turned grave and urgent: "Stay behind me. If anything happens, don't hesitate—leave the Star Dou Forest immediately."
He turned to Su Ming. "Su Ming, your strength is the greatest here. I'm counting on you to protect everyone."
Though Dai Mubai and Tang San didn't understand Zhao Wuji's sudden tension, they instinctively summoned their martial souls. It was clear that something significant was about to happen.
Su Ming nodded in acknowledgment but thought to himself: If the Titan Giant Ape really came to take Xiao Wu, I'm going with her. I'll need to figure out a way to make that happen.
Suddenly, a massive figure emerged silently from the darkness. The sheer sight of it seemed to rob everyone of their breath and freeze their hearts in terror.
[T/N:
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