In the small lakeside cabin, after Su Ming and Xiao Wu had finished their "exercise," they tidied up and prepared to return to the group.
If the two of them were to stay out all night, it would be hard to explain. But with just a few hours gone, Su Ming could make an excuse that he had another trump card to play, and Zao Wuji and the others wouldn't probe too deeply.
The fact that the two returned safely was a good thing. Although they were both commoners, their talent and strength were quite remarkable.
As Su Ming and Xiao Wu made their way back along the path, they soon reached the place where they had parted ways with the others. There, they saw Tang San absorbing a spirit ring while Zao Wuji, Dai Mubai, and Oscar stood guard nearby.
Su Ming found it strange that Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing weren't present. Then, remembering that Ma Hongjun had been seriously injured, he quickly understood that the three of them must have been waiting on the outskirts due to Ma's inability to move easily.
When Zao Wuji, Dai Mubai, and Oscar saw that Su Ming and Xiao Wu had returned safely, they all showed surprised expressions. After Zao Wuji calmed down, he said, "Su Ming, Xiao Wu, you're both unharmed?"
Su Ming replied calmly, "Yes, we were lucky. When we were captured by the Titan Giant Ape, a loud ox's roar sounded nearby, and the Titan Giant Ape became flustered and dropped us before fleeing."
"A creature that could scare the Titan Giant Ape must be a spirit beast with at least a hundred thousand years of cultivation," Zao Wuji muttered, looking puzzled since he didn't know much about these creatures.
He shook his head and thought about asking the Grandmaster when he arrived at Shrek Academy, as he was expected soon.
Xiao Wu, recalling the contents of Su Ming's diary, felt injustice for the original Xiao Wu in the story. If it weren't for Er Ming, the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast, Tang San would have died long before he could absorb the spirit ring. Moreover, if it wasn't for Tang San insisting on hunting the ten-thousand-year-old Pit Demon Spider for his spirit ring, Xiao Wu wouldn't have faced the six-thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider and been poisoned.
The most absurd part was that even when Xiao Wu was on the verge of death, Tang San and the others didn't rush to check on her after killing the spider. Instead, he used the Eight Spider Lances to absorb the energy from the spider's corpse. Was absorbing a spirit beast's power more important than her life?
The original Xiao Wu foolishly watched Tang San absorb the spider's power, thinking he was avenging her. The current Xiao Wu didn't feel that way; she realized Tang San didn't want to waste the spider's energy and had conveniently used the Eight Spider Lances to absorb it. Who knows, maybe it would evolve!
Xiao Wu casually asked, "Didn't Su Ming use his Wood Dragon to send all of you away? Why are you still here, and where are Rongrong and Zhuqing?"
Dai Mubai sighed and said, "Tang San was worried about your safety, so he ate Xiao Ao's Flying Mushroom Sausages and flew over. We saw him, but Xiao Ao had given him several sausages at once, and we couldn't keep up due to our earlier exhaustion. Luckily, Rongrong enhanced our spirit power."
"Rongrong and Zhuqing are waiting on the outskirts with Fatty since he's still injured. After we caught up with Tang San, we planned to rescue you both if possible."
Xiao Wu: Injuries are great. Originally, I just asked Er Ming to cripple Ma Hongjun, but Er Ming was smart enough to have Zao Wuji press on him, breaking all his limbs. That's satisfying! Let's see if he'll be so disgusting again!
Dai Mubai hadn't mentioned that Tang San had come after Xiao Wu specifically, out of fear of Su Ming. Besides Zao Wuji, no one in the group could match Su Ming's strength. Zao Wuji, weakened by his Martial Soul True Body's side effects, was only at mid-level Soul King strength, and even then, he was likely no match for Su Ming's monstrous power.
Su Ming and Xiao Wu knew that Dai Mubai was just spouting some diplomatic nonsense. If it weren't for Tang Hao being behind Tang San, Zao Wuji wouldn't have dared to pursue them. Xiao Wu, being headstrong, wouldn't accept that she owed anyone a favor, especially after she and Su Ming had already escaped.
"Why is Tang San here, absorbing the Man-Faced Demon Spider's spirit ring? That spider seems to exceed the age limit for a third spirit ring. If it weren't for a fluke, Su Ming and I would've been dead long ago; we didn't need Tang San's rescue!" Xiao Wu questioned.
Dai Mubai explained, "When we arrived, Tang San was being attacked by the Man-Faced Demon Spider and was poisoned. He needed to absorb its spirit ring to cure himself. If successful, it would also greatly enhance his strength. I helped restrain the spider so he could absorb the ring once he recovered."
"We planned to find you both after Tang San finished absorbing the ring, but absorbing a higher-level spirit ring isn't easy. You can see the Eight Spider Lances that appeared on his back."
Zao Wuji interrupted, afraid that Dai Mubai might accidentally reveal Tang San's Haotian Hammer and Tang Hao's identity. As their teacher, Zao Wuji's words carried more weight, and he didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said since Su Ming and Xiao Wu didn't know the details.
Oscar remained silent, having no intention of speaking after Zao Wuji and Dai Mubai had already covered for him. He owed Tang San a favor anyway.
Half an hour later, Tang San finally finished absorbing the spirit ring. When he opened his eyes, he found eight spider legs sprouting from his back. He glanced around and saw that Su Ming, Zao Wuji, and the others were present, confirming that his absorption was complete.
Seeing Xiao Wu, Tang San was delighted. Although he liked her, he knew she didn't return his feelings, and with Su Ming around, he controlled his emotions.
Thinking about it, Tang San believed he still had a chance in the future. He thought Xiao Wu only liked Su Ming because of his strength. With his newly absorbed third spirit ring, which exceeded expectations, he could surpass Su Ming in time.
Zao Wuji, seeing the situation, quickly said, "Xiao San, can you control those spider legs? They seem poisonous, so be careful not to hurt anyone. Once we return to the academy, we can ask the principal or your teacher about them."
Tang San nodded, closed his eyes, and focused on his Eight Spider Lances. After a moment, he successfully retracted them.
Tang San suppressed his emotions and smiled at Xiao Wu and Su Ming. "Xiao Wu, Su Ming, I'm so glad you're okay. I was about to come rescue you both."
Xiao Wu turned away, not wanting to look at him.
Su Ming smirked. "Thanks, but you would've wasted my efforts. Even Zao Wuji couldn't handle the Titan Giant Ape; what could you have done except die?"
Tang San's smile twitched. Did you really think I was coming to rescue you?
Oscar, sensing the tension, jumped in to change the subject, asking Tang San, "Xiao San, you've gained quite a bit, right? How much has your spirit power increased?"
Tang San straightened up and replied happily, "I'm now at level thirty-four, and I should be able to reach level thirty-five soon!"
Zao Wuji's eyes lit up. The reward from absorbing a spirit ring beyond one's level was clear. Tang San had benefited significantly, especially after lingering at level thirty for a while.
Oscar exclaimed, "Wow, Xiao San, this trip to the Star Dou Forest has been eventful, but we've come out better for it. We both got spirit rings, and Su Ming and Xiao Wu are safe!"
Tang San smiled and said, "Yes, though absorbing the spirit ring was dangerous. When the Man-Faced Demon Spider blocked my path, I thought about leaving, but since my spirit power was low, I decided to go for it, even though it was risky."
As he said this, he sneaked a glance at Xiao Wu. He wanted her to know he hadn't sought the Man-Faced Demon Spider specifically, but he had no choice given the circumstances.
Xiao Wu gave him a disdainful look: Do you think I believe you?
Xiao Wu wasn't one to coddle Tang San. She immediately retorted, "I don't care what your reason was for absorbing that spirit ring. Do you think you're powerful now?"
With that, four spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, and purple—appeared beneath her.
Everyone was shocked. How had Xiao Wu not only returned safely but also gained a fourth spirit ring?
Tang San's expression was complicated. He had thought he'd finally narrowed the gap between him and Xiao Wu, but she already had her fourth spirit ring! Could she have broken through after they were separated?
Zao Wuji exclaimed, "Xiao Wu, how is this possible?"
"I broke through to level forty while being captured by the Titan Giant Ape. After escaping, Su Ming and I encountered a suitable spirit beast and killed it together, which is why we returned late. And even if you're at level thirty-four now, you're still the lowest-ranked among the new students," Xiao Wu said with her arms crossed.
Oscar felt a bit offended. He was fourteen and only level thirty-one, and although food-type spirits were harder to cultivate, Ning Rongrong was at level thirty-five at just twelve.
Tang San's face darkened. He was indeed the lowest-ranked. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Xiao Wu, what level are you now?"
Xiao Wu proudly replied, "I'm at level forty-two!"
Tang San was stunned. "Impossible! You should only be at level forty-one!"
Xiao Wu sneered. "You think you're the only one who can absorb spirit rings beyond your level? As long as you focus on improving your physical strength, it's possible. So I absorbed a stronger fourth spirit ring. Is that a problem?"
Tang San felt as if he'd been struck by lightning. He had always overlooked the fact that, as Su Ming's sister, Xiao Wu must have been training her body well. After all, when they were younger, Su Ming had proven his superior physical strength.
Su Ming: Really? Only slightly stronger than you? Don't insult me!
If Xiao Wu could absorb spirit rings beyond her level, then Su Ming definitely could too. No wonder Su Ming's spirit abilities were so powerful!
Dai Mubai, standing to the side, became even more cautious of Su Ming and Xiao Wu. Two twelve-year-old Spirit Elders—such talent was unprecedented!