Chapter 175:Meeting Xiao Wu Again

If Tang San were to directly become a divine envoy or a reincarnator or something equally inexplicable, it would undoubtedly be the worst possible scenario for You Chen.

This would be even worse than Tang San becoming a god following the original storyline.

Of course, if such a possibility were to be considered, there would be no point in playing the game from the start. Because no matter what, Tang San could always find a way to survive against all odds and make a miraculous comeback.

Therefore, You Chen wouldn't factor in such probabilities.

What he considered was only the possibility of Tang San, as the protagonist, turning the tables within the Douluo universe.

This was why You Chen was most pleased to see Tang San temporarily spared, allowing him to develop within the Douluo system like raising a pig.

The key was control and obstruction, not outright elimination, foolishly confronting fate head-on.

Some might think You Chen was making a mountain out of a molehill, acting completely foolish and ridiculous.

But while fate couldn't be proven, it also couldn't be disproven.

Since it couldn't be disproven, You Chen assumed its existence and acted accordingly based on this premise.

Even if his actions were part of the very fate he was trying to counter, he still chose to do this seemingly foolish thing.

It couldn't be said to be absolutely foolproof, but it was definitely better than doing nothing.

If no unexpected events occurred in the end, and the so-called fate was just a delusion born from his previous failures, merely bad luck, then his approach would still result in no loss.

And if he ultimately failed...

At least his heart would be at peace, and he would have no regrets.

Because he had always walked the path of his own truth.

Once You Chen possessed power at the upper limits of this universe, Tang San's protagonist halo, no matter how strong, wouldn't be able to turn the tables.

Even if Tang San inexplicably gained various fortuitous encounters and regained power equal to or even surpassing that in the original storyline, it would still be futile.

And if Tang San's protagonist halo couldn't withstand the overwhelming tide of history at this stage, that would naturally be even better...

Once Tang San reached the peak of his power, You Chen could leash him and use him for tasks, just like he did with Tang Hao.

Although it was still unclear where the system's resources came from, they could basically be considered as created out of thin air.

No matter how much was extracted, they would never run out, providing additional resources.

Even when facing higher-level enemies, they would still be a significant trump card.

'Let me see, after all my influences and preparations, where your future will ultimately lead...'

You Chen was indeed very curious about what Tang San would become after his manipulations.

His deep gaze lingered on Tang San for a few more seconds before he left the boys' dormitory and entered the girls' dormitory.

At this moment, Xiao Wu was the only female student in Shrek Academy, so naturally, she was alone here.

It had to be said, the current Tang San and Xiao Wu could really form an anxious duo.

Tang San secretly cursed Dai Mubai in his heart with "the way to death," relying on the gentleness of the Mysterious Heaven Skill to practice desperately every day.

Xiao Wu wasn't much different. The once carefree and playful girl was nowhere to be seen, as she was still diligently practicing at this hour.

Even You Chen was a bit surprised to see Xiao Wu like this.

Three years ago, Xiao Wu wasn't even a Soul Elder, but now she had broken through two major realms and directly became a Soul Ancestor.

This cultivation speed was something even Ignis couldn't match at the same stage.

However, after obtaining the Immortal Herb, Ignis's subsequent cultivation speed was something Xiao Wu couldn't hope to catch up with.

Transformed spirit beasts retained the energy from before their transformation, and there were no bottlenecks in their cultivation before becoming Soul Saints. Moreover, the first six Spirit Rings were absolutely perfectly matched.

However, correspondingly, the Spirit Rings themselves wouldn't enhance the Martial Soul Origin at all.

This was something You Chen had just confirmed using his Divine Sense.

In fact, he had speculated this several years ago when he first met Xiao Wu, and now he had simply verified this idea.

This was only natural. After a spirit beast transformed, the first six Spirit Rings were still part of the process of transforming from a spirit beast to a human, so the Martial Soul Origin naturally wouldn't change.

In other words, compared to human Soul Masters, transformed spirit beasts lacked the opportunity to enhance their Martial Soul Origin in the first three Spirit Rings, only having one sublimation at the Soul Saint stage.

Transformed spirit beasts could normally become Titled Douluos through regular cultivation, but with Xiao Wu's Martial Soul quality, without any fortuitous encounters, an ordinary Titled Douluo would be her lower limit and also her upper limit.

"Xiao Wu."

In the nearly sealed room, a somewhat unfamiliar voice suddenly sounded beside her, causing Xiao Wu to jump in fright, her head hitting the ceiling with a soft thud.

"Ouch!"

Xiao Wu cried out in pain, falling to the ground.

By now, she had recognized the identity of the bespectacled man before her and was no longer as tense and guarded as before. Rubbing her head with a pained expression, she said, "Oh, it's just you, Uncle. You scared me—wait, why are you here!?"

Suddenly realizing, she froze with a dumbfounded expression, and the next second, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, her cheeks slightly red as she glared at You Chen.

You Chen adjusted his glasses and smiled, "Little girl, it's been a few years, and now you're shy? Don't worry, no matter how desperate I am, I wouldn't go after a little loli like you who hasn't even fully developed."

Even though he had the Stardust Phantom technique that could conceal his appearance at any time, You Chen still maintained the habit of wearing glasses to seal his looks.

Unlike when meeting old friends like Di Wan, without these glasses, Xiao Wu might not have recognized him.

Xiao Wu spat lightly, then quickly thought of something and, too anxious to continue bickering with You Chen, asked with a mix of urgency and feigned nonchalance, "By the way, before coming here, did you meet any strange people?"

It was no wonder Xiao Wu asked this.

In Xiao Wu's eyes, she was likely the 100,000-year Spirit Ring Tang Hao had raised for Tang San. Therefore, Tang Hao wouldn't easily let others come into contact with her.

"Oh? You mean this person, right?"

You Chen nodded calmly, casually pulling the unconscious Tang Hao out of his storage soul tool.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened, "This, this, this—"

This scene was probably as shocking to Xiao Wu as seeing a ghost.

With a mix of shock and disbelief, she blurted out, "He's a Titled Douluo!?"

"A Titled Douluo?"

You Chen tilted his head, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world, "What about a Titled Douluo?"

From his words, it was clear that You Chen had personally captured Tang Hao.

Xiao Wu felt like she was still in a dream, but the next moment, before she could feel any joy, a terrifying speculation jolted her awake.

She looked at You Chen with obvious unease and a hint of flattery, forcing a strained smile as she asked, "Uncle, you're not a Titled Douluo too, are you?"

You Chen maintained his enigmatic smile and said, "Just a 100,000-year spirit beast, right? Xiao Wu, I've known your true identity for several years now."

Boom!

Xiao Wu felt a buzzing in her brain.

"Wh-when?" Xiao Wu asked, somewhat dazed.

"Not long ago."

Of course, You Chen couldn't say he had known from the very beginning. He recited the prepared script, "During our time in Notting City, didn't I go out with You Xing for a while? At that time, I happened to obtain some Spirit Rings, and my power made a huge leap..."

He didn't continue, but Xiao Wu already understood.

It must have been then that You Chen broke through to the Titled Douluo realm... No, since there were no signs before, he probably only broke through to the Soul Douluo realm at that time. And then he noticed her abnormality.

Xiao Wu felt as if all her strength had drained away.

Had she just escaped from the wolf's den only to fall into the tiger's mouth?

"What's with that expression? You don't think I'm going to kill you to take your Spirit Ring, do you?"

At that moment, Xiao Wu heard You Chen's somewhat exasperated voice. Looking up, she saw him with a look of disdain.

Even amidst her complex emotions, Xiao Wu couldn't help but feel confused. What's with that disdainful look?

Then she heard You Chen continue.

"Although I don't know how a Soft Bone Rabbit like you managed to cultivate to 100,000 years... You don't think I'd be interested in a trash Spirit Ring like yours, do you? A Soft Bone Rabbit Spirit Ring? I wouldn't take it even if you gave it to me. It would ruin my perfect Spirit Ring configuration!"

Hearing You Chen's shocking words, Xiao Wu was dumbfounded.

And what happened next made Xiao Wu so stunned she felt dizzy, almost fainting on the spot.

You Chen actually revealed his second body's fourth, fifth, and sixth Spirit Rings.

Without exception, they were all blood-red, especially the last one, which had six mysterious and profound golden patterns. Just one glance, and Xiao Wu felt an overwhelming pressure—that was no ordinary 100,000-year Spirit Ring!

With You Chen's current abilities, it was effortless for him to display a specific Spirit Ring or a few selected ones.

If an ordinary Soul Master saw this, they would probably just be shocked and awestruck.

But...

'Bro, how thick-skinned are you? Flaunting your 100,000-year Spirit Rings in front of a 100,000-year spirit beast like me?'

Rather than being terrified by You Chen's ability to hunt so many 100,000-year spirit beasts, Xiao Wu found herself more exasperated and speechless.

But strangely, after this brief moment of exasperation, Xiao Wu felt her mood relax.

Because... if You Chen could find and hunt so many 100,000-year spirit beasts, there was no need for him to lie to her.

Combined with You Chen's earlier remarks and his indifferent, even disdainful attitude, Xiao Wu couldn't help but feel that You Chen genuinely didn't care about her Spirit Ring.

Thinking this, she even felt inexplicably exhausted...

"A 100,000-year Spirit Ring is something most Soul Masters can only dream of, but to me, it's nothing special."

As if seeing through Xiao Wu's worries, You Chen glanced at her and said indifferently, "Of course, the same goes for my disciple. If he needs a 100,000-year Spirit Ring, I'll take him hunting. No matter what, I wouldn't stoop to targeting a weakling like you. Whether you're a spirit beast or not doesn't matter to me. To me, you're just the little girl I picked up by the roadside."

"Gulp."

Xiao Wu let out an embarrassed sound. To hide her shyness, she grabbed her scorpion braid and covered her face.

Her thoughts had been completely seen through, but more importantly...

—"Whether you're a spirit beast or not doesn't matter to me. To me, you're just the little girl I picked up by the roadside."

These words echoed in Xiao Wu's mind, striking the softest part of her heart. She felt a strange agitation but also a warmth.

A smile naturally appeared on her face, which was why she had hastily covered her cheeks with her braid in her panic.

She didn't know why, but she just didn't want You Chen to see her expression now. Just imagining it made her feel inexplicably embarrassed.

But she still stubbornly retorted, "What do you mean 'little girl'? Don't you know I'm a 100,000-year spirit beast? In terms of age, I'm your elder's elder's elder... You should show respect to your elders! Respect, understand!?"

You Chen just smiled without saying a word.

After venting her emotions, Xiao Wu finally calmed down.

What followed naturally was curiosity.

Having limited knowledge and only hearing about but never seeing a ferocious beast, let alone a ferocious beast's Spirit Ring, Xiao Wu couldn't help but look at You Chen's Sea Princess Spirit Ring.

'What kind of Spirit Ring is that? Could it be a legendary ferocious beast's Spirit Ring?'

Strangely, even though You Chen had killed at least three 100,000-year spirit beasts, Xiao Wu found that she didn't feel the hatred or anger she had expected. In fact, she didn't seem to care much at all.

Even this thought was fleeting, leaving no ripple in her heart.

"Curious?"

You Chen pointed to his sixth Spirit Ring and smiled, "This is from a 600,000-year spirit beast from the North Sea, the Sea Princess."

With a snap of his fingers, a stunning mermaid appeared from the Spirit Ring.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened. This scene completely exceeded her understanding, "Wh-what's going on here?"

"Master?"

Li Na, still groggy, opened her eyes to find a pure and lovely girl staring at her.

"Oh, let me introduce you."

You Chen pointed to Xiao Wu and said to Li Na, "This little girl—no, wait—"

You Chen's eyes shifted, "Since she's a 100,000-year spirit beast, she's an old lady. This old lady is my acquaintance, a 100,000-year Soft Bone Rabbit named Xiao Wu."

Then he turned to introduce Li Na to Xiao Wu, "Xiao Wu, this is my—"

"Who are you calling an old lady!?"

Xiao Wu immediately pounced on You Chen, trying to unleash a flurry of scratches, but You Chen held her head with one hand, stopping her in her tracks.

You Chen, like an emotionless announcer, continued, "This is my female slave, the former Sea Princess Li Na, and the original owner of this Spirit Ring. As fellow spirit beasts, you two should get to know each other."

"You Chen, what do you mean by 'old lady'!? Huh?"

"Hello, Miss Xiao Wu."

While Xiao Wu was still glaring angrily, the somewhat confused Li Na smiled and expressed her friendliness.

The difference in demeanor was clear.

You Chen looked at Xiao Wu, who seemed determined to get an explanation, and sighed inwardly.

'This rascal rabbit really has no sense of danger.'

Although his goal was to win Xiao Wu's favor, it was almost too easy, making it feel somewhat unearned.

Even though he was a powerful Soul Master who had easily killed several 100,000-year spirit beasts and even ferocious beasts, Xiao Wu seemed more concerned about the term "old lady" than being afraid or wary...

You Chen didn't know what to say.

It just went to show that this was the same Xiao Wu from the original story, who, despite her deep-seated hatred, could still fall in love.

...

"What? You actually performed a Soul Sacrifice for You Chen? And you can revive through your original body?"

After some commotion, Xiao Wu, who had completed her initial conversation with Li Na and learned the truth, was still in disbelief and couldn't help but complain, "Isn't this Soul Sacrifice a bit too overpowered?"

You Chen shrugged, "It's a miracle that can only be born from a spirit beast willingly offering everything. Isn't it only natural that it's stronger than a normal sacrifice?"

Xiao Wu couldn't help but spit at You Chen, "What do you mean 'willingly'? You clearly forced Sister Li Na to sacrifice herself to you! How can you say that with a straight face!? I never knew you were such a bad uncle!"

With that, Xiao Wu couldn't help but move closer to Li Na, who had temporarily revived in her original body, and grabbed her hands, saying with pity, "Sister Li Na, you've really suffered, having to follow such a bad person all the time. If You Chen ever treats you badly, be sure to tell me, and I'll definitely teach him a lesson!"

Then she waved her pink fist at You Chen and said, "And you, stop calling Sister Li Na a slave! I've wanted to say this for a long time—your personality is just too awful!"

You Chen remained calm, but Li Na couldn't help but try to dissuade Xiao Wu, "Actually... I think being a slave isn't so bad... So, little sister Xiao Wu, you don't need to worry about it."

As she spoke, Li Na inexplicably blushed, holding her face with both hands, swaying as if immersed in happiness.

"Huh?"

Xiao Wu looked at the infatuated Li Na in confusion, feeling inexplicably shocked.

You Chen silently put down the teacup he had somehow taken out of his storage soul tool and said indifferently, "You can think of it as a special kind of play between us."

His tone was calm, but the words were shocking.

Xiao Wu was completely bewildered.

She glanced at the still infatuated Li Na, and a flame of irritation suddenly rose in her heart.

Although Xiao Wu was inexperienced, she was theoretically an old hand. How could she not understand the implications of those words?

Looking at the still calm You Chen, Xiao Wu felt a pang of bitterness.

She even inexplicably had a thought that, as a spirit beast, she should never have.

'If only I could perform a Soul Sacrifice for him too.'

Xiao Wu was suddenly startled, 'What am I thinking!?'

She felt uneasy about her own thoughts and didn't even have time to vent her emotions by taunting You Chen, lowering her head.

"Seeing you still lively and well, I can rest easy."

At that moment, You Chen suddenly spoke.

These words, hinting at his departure, forcibly pulled Xiao Wu out of her previous turmoil, and she looked up abruptly, "You're leaving again?"

She wanted to say "take me with you" like last time.

But the sudden impact made her emotions too complex at this moment.

Before she could sort out her feelings, she couldn't bring herself to say those words as decisively as last time.

Because she herself vaguely realized that even if the words were exactly the same, the meaning would be vastly different this time.

Some words, once spoken, cannot be taken back.

Especially when... the other person already has someone else by their side.

"My true enemy, my opponent—you should know who it is by now, right? Pope Bibidong. Unlike me, who is still on the path to godhood, she is someone who has already been chosen by the gods."

In the conversation between Li Na and Xiao Wu, it was only natural that You Chen's ambition to become a god would be revealed.

To be honest, although such a thing was shocking, considering You Chen's age and his ability to easily defeat ferocious beasts and subdue Titled Douluo, it wasn't entirely unexpected.

So, even though this statement involved the concept of gods, it was merely an extension of the previous topic and wouldn't leave Xiao Wu unable to comprehend it.

Xiao Wu only felt the presence of "fate" more strongly when she confirmed that You Chen's enemy and her own sworn foe were the same person.

At this moment, Xiao Wu's gaze grew resolute.

'Fate has bound us together. Since that's the case...'

What does it matter if the opponent is someone who can become a god?

Just as Xiao Wu was about to speak, You Chen forcibly linked his spiritual power with hers.

"Xiao Wu, it's likely we won't meet again in the future. This is my final gift to you. If you master it, you can conceal your beast aura even in front of a Titled Douluo. Well then, goodbye."

"W-wait..."

Xiao Wu's pupils contracted, her small mouth slightly open as she tried to stop You Chen.

But the massive influx of information left her in a state akin to CPU overload, her thoughts momentarily jammed.

By the time she regained her senses and spoke the words to stop him, the figure before her had already vanished once more.

"I told you to wait! Why won't you listen to me, you damn old man?!"

But this time, instead of feeling heartbroken, Xiao Wu couldn't help but explode in frustration.

You Chen, who had been concealing his aura nearby, silently watched Xiao Wu's furious outburst. Like someone who had just eaten three bowls of rice, he wore a satisfied expression before truly slipping away unnoticed.

What he had given Xiao Wu was a simplified version of the Aura Concealment Art, specialized solely for concealing beast aura.

From the fact that Xiao Wu had never once mentioned Tang Hao being Tang San's father to persuade him to show mercy, it was clear that his arrangements had gone very smoothly.