Chapter 197: Isn't it exhausting to talk so much?

The Sunset Forest was located not far from the Heaven Dou City.

In terms of both quality and quantity, the soul beasts here were inferior to those in the Star Dou Forest. However, it had one advantage: safety.

This was a forest controlled by humans, so there were no 10,000-year-old spirit beasts, and major riots had never occurred. Over time, it became a hunting ground for the surrounding cities and even the royal family.

Of course, this was just a layman's perspective. Everyone in Tang San's group knew that the Sunset Forest was actually under the control of the Spirit Hall.

As Tang San and his companions made their way through the forest, their formation remained tight, with no signs of carelessness.

Even though the soul beasts here were much weaker than those in the Star Dou Forest, none of them, including Ma Hongjun, let their guard down.

This vigilance pleased Flender and the others who were observing them.

"This kid finally understands. I thought he was just paying lip service to being serious, but it seems he truly means it now," Flender remarked with a satisfied smile. "With such a serious attitude, it's clear he's matured."

"Tianyang played a significant role in this," Yu Xiaogang added, observing their behavior. "Countless training sessions have shaped them, and Tianyang's influence has been subtle yet profound. Whether in strength or character, they are constantly improving."

"Why are you starting to sound like Tianyang? Isn't it exhausting to talk so much?" Flender teased, curling his lips. "To put it simply, they're growing up. No need to drown it in so much 'poisonous chicken soup.'"

"Poisonous chicken soup?" Yu Xiaogang frowned, confused.

"Never mind," Flender chuckled awkwardly. He had picked up the phrase from some of Bubu's books and periodicals.

Suddenly, a faint sound echoed from ahead. The noise of battle grew increasingly intense, as if it was reaching its climax.

"Brother Tang San, from the sound of it, the soul beast seems to have the upper hand," Ma Hongjun said, his ears twitching slightly as he frowned. "Should we go take a look?"

At their age, saving people was a natural impulse. Whether the person was good or bad was something they could analyze later, but sometimes overthinking wasn't beneficial.

This was one of the lessons Xiao Tianyang had taught them: life should be lived seriously, but also with a touch of foolishness. Everyone chooses their own path, but few truly understand how to live fully.

In Xiao Tianyang's view, the people of the Douluo Continent were too tense, some even devoid of life's vitality. He didn't want Tang San to become like that, though the final choice was always personal.

However, their youthful nature made it impossible for them to ignore someone in danger. After a brief moment of thought, Tang San nodded. "Zhuqing, go around and block their retreat first."

Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily surprised but quickly understood and nodded. With a light tap of her toes, she leaped onto a tree branch, moving swiftly and gracefully like a civet.

"Little San, what are you..." Oscar was puzzled. Why block their retreat when they were going to save them?

"Brother Tianyang taught me that while it's okay to act willfully in our youth, we must never let our guard down and let others harm us," Tang San explained seriously. "Besides, don't forget we're still being tested."

The others were struck by Tang San's reasoning. "You think this might be part of the test?" Ma Hongjun asked, still processing.

"Who knows. So, we need to be cautious and not act recklessly," Tang San reminded them. "The other party is a stranger. Whether this is a test or not, maintaining proper precautions is both self-protection and respect for them. Getting too close too quickly would feel unnatural."

"Is this what Tianyang taught you?" Dai Mubai mused, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

Tang San sighed. "Brother Tianyang has taught me many things since childhood, but what he wants most is for me to be more open minded."

"I think your personality is fine as it is," Ma Hongjun interjected with a grin. "But Tianyang's words make sense. Carrying too much baggage can be exhausting."

Tang San fell silent. Truthfully, there were many things he couldn't let go of—Tang Hao, the Tang Sect, and the mother he had never met.

Dai Mubai, too, was affected by this, as the royal family's ruthless politics disgusted him. But soon, his expression shifted from dark to bright. He now had the strength to no longer fear such matters.

After a while, they bypassed a dense thicket and saw the battle scene ahead. A woman and three men were sieging a saber-toothed black wolf.

At that moment, the woman was struck by the wolf's tail, staggering back and leaving herself wide open. The wolf, its eyes gleaming with bloodlust, lunged at her, jaws wide open, aiming for her neck.

"Brother Dai, stop it!" Tang San's pupils contracted as he immediately issued the command.

Dai Mubai was already in motion. He knew Tang San wouldn't hesitate in such a situation. There were only two options: act or watch the woman die.

Tang San's earlier reasoning was sound, and Dai Mubai was following those principles. But in moments of urgency, instinct takes over.

However, just as Dai Mubai left the group, a black figure suddenly appeared, standing between Tang San's group and Dai Mubai.

"It's you!" Tang San recognized the figure instantly. A sense of dread washed over him, but it was too late to react.

The black figure punched the air with cold precision, creating a crackling sound that sent shivers down their spines.

Those who didn't know what was coming might have found it exhilarating, but Tang San and his companions knew better—and it terrified them.

…

If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:

patreon.com/DarkLord621

📖 Explore my fanfiction collections:

🔹 Douluo: Infinite Lottery System - 276+ Chapter

🔹 Douluo: Peerless Gu Master - 177+ Chapter

🔹 My Disciple Are All Dou God - 94+ Chapter

Thank you for your support!