As the Titan Giant Ape slowed its massive steps, the dense foliage of the forest began to give way to a more serene and open area.
The air around them grew cooler and fresher, infused with a faint, rejuvenating fragrance that seemed to emanate from the heart of the forest.
The faint sound of flowing water reached their ears, and the creature finally came to a halt at the edge of a wide clearing.
It lowered its enormous hand to its shoulder, gesturing for Xuan Yan and Mo Xie to get down.
Xuan Yan helped Mo Xie down carefully, as her feet touched the soft ground.
Mo Xie gazed around in awe looking at the breathtaking sight... a pristine, crystal-clear lake nestled within the lush greenery.
The water shimmered under the filtered sunlight, its surface reflecting the towering trees that encircled it.
The Lake of Life.
Mo Xie's steps were hesitant but drawn by the ethereal beauty of the lake.
She let go of Xuan Yan's arm, walking toward the edge.
The calm, tranquil waters mirrored her petite figure as she crouched down, brushing her fingers gently against the surface.
Xuan Yan stood a few steps behind and looked at the Lake of Life as he knew this wasn't the real Lake of Life.
"It's so beautiful…" Mo Xie whispered, her voice filled with childlike wonder as she turned back to glance at him.
"Brother Yan, have you ever seen anything like this?"
Xuan Yan's lips curved into a small smile. "Not quite like this,"
Mo Xie took a few steps back toward him.
However, before she could say anything, a soft, melodic voice rang out from behind them.
"Hello, are you humans?"
The voice was light and sweet, carrying an almost playful curiosity.
Both Xuan Yan and Mo Xie turned abruptly, their attention drawn to the source.
Emerging from the dense greenery was a girl who looked no older than Mo Xie.
She wore a flowing pink dress that swayed gently as she moved, her rosy cheeks and soft features giving her an appearance as sweet as a ripe honey peach.
Her large brown eyes sparkled with innocence and intelligence, framed by long hair tied into a scorpion braid that fell gracefully past her waist.
Xuan Yan's gaze narrowed slightly 'So, this is.. Xiao Wu.'
"My name is Xiao Wu!" she muttered cheerfully, her hands clasped behind her back as she leaned forward slightly.
Mo Xie blinked, startled by the girl's sudden appearance.
She glanced up at Xuan Yan for reassurance, instinctively stepping closer to him.
The girl tilted her head, her braid swaying slightly as she giggled. "It's not every day that humans come this deep into the Star Dou Forest. You must be special to have made it this far without being eaten."
Mo Xie stiffened, her grip on Xuan Yan's sleeve tightening 'What is a human doing here in the center of the forest?'
Xuan Yan looked at her and showed a small smile "We're here for her spirit ring," he said, gesturing toward Mo Xie.
"The Titan Giant Ape brought us here."
Before Xiao Wu could respond, the deep, rumbling voice of the Titan Giant Ape filled the clearing, reverberating through the air "Sister Xiao Wu, I am back."
Xiao Wu's gaze shifted toward the Titan Giant Ape, and her playful smile softened into one of familiarity and warmth. "Welcome back, Er Ming," she said, nodding slightly before her eyes turned to the Emerald Swan, who was now perched on the ground.
Xiao Wu's smile dimmed, a hint of sadness clouding her features as she walked toward the swan.
Kneeling beside it, she gently patted its head, her touch filled with tenderness and care.
The Titan Giant Ape stepped closer, its massive frame looming over the group. "Sister Xiao Wu..."
"Little Xiu's life is nearing its end. Her energy has been depleted, and she has chosen to sacrifice herself to become a spirit ring for this little human girl."
The giant beast gestured toward Mo Xie, who stood frozen beside Xuan Yan.
The Titan Giant Ape continued, "Before that, Little Xiu must give birth to her child. In the next two days, I will ensure that the process goes smoothly, and with the vitality of the Lake of Life, she will be able to complete it without any pain."
Xiao Wu's hand remained on the Emerald Swan's head. "Don't worry, Little Xiu. I'll take care of your child. I'll make sure they grow up safe and strong."
The Titan Giant Ape's gaze shifted toward Mo Xie, its massive eyes narrowing slightly "Little girl, your body is weak. Absorbing Little Xiu's spirit ring will not be easy for you."
"But because she is voluntarily offering herself, the process will be smoother. You must still prepare yourself...this will not be a simple task."
Mo Xie nodded hesitantly, her hands clenching nervously at her sides. "I-I'll do my best," she stammered.
She glanced up at Xuan Yan, who gave her a reassuring nod and patted her head.
The Titan Giant Ape gestured toward the lake, its massive hand sweeping across the serene waters. "Let us move to the Lake of Life,"
"The vitality of the lake will help Little Xiu conserve her remaining strength and ensure a safe birth."
As Xuan Yan watched Mo Xie timidly follow the Titan Giant Ape and the Emerald Swan toward the Lake of Life, he sighed in his heart.
Mo Xie's small figure seemed even smaller next to the towering beast, and she glanced back at him one last time, uncertainty flickering across her face.
Xuan Yan smiled gently, stepping closer and placing a comforting hand on her head. "They are trustworthy,"
"You can go with them. I'll wait for you here."
He knew about Er Ming and it is not a mindless beast going around killing humans for fun.
If Er Ming wanted it, it could have already killed them.
Mo Xie nodded hesitantly as she clutched her hands together.
But his reassurance gave her the courage to move forward.
With a final glance, she turned and followed the Titan Giant Ape and the Emerald Swan deeper into the Lake of Life.
Once they disappeared into the distance, silence settled around Xuan Yan and Xiao Wu.
The petite girl stood a few steps away, her curious brown eyes fixed on him.
*swoosh* Suddenly the petite girl dashed toward and Xuan Yan turned to look at her in confusion.
Eh? Without hesitation, she jumped on him and a sharp *thud* echoed as the two of them tumbled to the ground, with Xiao Wu landing squarely on top of him.
-_- xuan Yan stared at her blankly "What are y-"
But before he could speak further, she leaned down and opened her lips, biting down his cheek.
Ehhh? He hurriedly pushed her away from him and sat upright on the grassland.
Raising his hand, he rubbed the saliva from his cheek and glanced at Xia Wu, who was looking at him curiously.
"What were you trying to do?"
Xiao Wu tilted her head "You look good? I don't know... your cheeks looked plum and biteable, so I did that..."
Xuan Yan's lips twitched slightly 'My cute cheeks...'
Xiao Wu pouted, crossing her arms as she stood up and dusted herself off.
She looked at him for a moment, "Sorry about that," she said, her voice quieter.
Then, as if a switch flipped, her eyes lit up again with excitement "Hey! Let's go to the grass field over there. We can sit and talk. I want to know everything about you!"
Xuan Yan raised an eyebrow, "Everything?"
"Everything!" Xiao Wu chirped, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the grassy area near the Lake of Life.
Despite her small stature, her energy was boundless, and Xuan Yan found himself reluctantly following her lead.
'I forgot the young Xiao Wu was naive, energetic and playful...'
As they reached the field, the soft grass swayed gently in the breeze and she plopped down onto the ground without hesitation, patting the spot beside her with a grin.
"Sit!"
Xuan Yan sighed but complied, sitting down next to her.
He leaned back on his hands, his posture relaxed as he glanced at her. "So, what do you want to talk about?"
Xiao Wu turned to him, her braid swishing behind her as she tilted her head. "Everything! Where you're from, what you like, why you're here. And," she paused dramatically, leaning closer,
"...why you're strong and look so good to eat."
She grinned sheepishly, "So, little plum, tell me more about the human world."
Little plum?
Xuan Yan sighed in his heart 'I guess it going to be pain in the ass dealing with this hyper-energetic rabbit...'
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!