Poor Tang San

Zhao Wuji's rough voice interrupted the tense quiet. "Alright, we have Ning Tian and Tang San back. Let's leave now. We're too close to the ten thousand year soul beast territory—this is a dangerous area, not a place for leisure. We'll search for Tang San's soul ring on the outer edges. As for Xiao Wu…" He paused, and everyone understood. Taken by the Titan Giant Ape, her chances of being alive were very small.

Ning Tian remained calm, though he acted like a concerned friend. "Teacher Zhao, take the others and go. I'm not leaving Xiao Wu behind, not until I find her, whether she is alive or not."

"I'll join you," Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing said at the same time, their voices determined.

"I'll go too," Ma Hongjun added, which was expected. Ning Tian had saved him from a difficult situation recently, and he valued loyalty.

Oscar, seeing everyone volunteer, raised his hand with a quiet groan.

Tang San was unconscious, exhausted from a combination of stomach problems and the aftermath of Ning Tian's Gold-Devouring Beetle swarm being destroyed by the Dragon Duke and Serpent Lady.

Zhao Wuji looked at the group, frustrated. "You all…" He let out a breath. "Fine."

A soft sound from the bushes made everyone alert.

"Who's there?" Zhao Wuji shouted, his eyes narrowing.

Xiao Wu stepped out from the trees, looking worn but alive. Her neat scorpion braid was messy, her clothes torn in places, but she had no major injuries. She had grown taller, her body more mature—more like a woman than a girl now.

She had been hiding nearby, unsure about appearing while the Dragon Duke was present.

Ning Tian's words had reached her, though. From their first meeting, she saw him as someone tough on the outside but caring inside—the person who gave her a blanket without hesitation. Now, when even Zhao Wuji was ready to give up on her, Ning Tian refused to stop searching.

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him. Gratitude had started her feelings for him, helped by his striking appearance, but this moment deepened them. She was growing strongly attached to the one who would risk everything for her.

"Xiao Wu, you're alive?" Oscar said loudly, lacking tact.

She glared at him. "You're the one who's dead. What's that smell…..ugh, Tang San again?"

She held her nose at the sight of Tang San, lying in his own mess.

The others blinked, recalling their unconscious teammate.

"Oscar, Fatty, grab Tang San," Zhao Wuji ordered, frowning. "We're leaving. Some soul beasts are drawn to that smell."

Ma Hongjun and Oscar made faces but obeyed. They each took one of Tang San's shoulders—the only clean part and carried him along.

With Ning Tian and Tang San recovered, and Xiao Wu safe, the group moved at a steady pace, no longer rushing.

As they walked, Zhao Wuji asked Xiao Wu, "How did you escape the Titan Giant Ape?"

She glanced at Ning Tian, then gave a weak explanation: the ape heard a cow's loud call, became frightened, dropped her, and fled, leaving confused soul beasts behind. She reached level thirty, took a ring from one of the stunned beasts, and advanced to Spirit Elder.

Her story had flaws and missing details, but the Shrek team accepted it completely. They didn't know any better.

She also learned Ning Tian had chased after her the moment she was taken, nearly losing his life. Her heart beat faster, her gaze resting on him like he was something precious.

Tang San's effort to follow earned her quiet thanks—he was her brother, after all. It was his duty to try.

Oscar smiled to himself, watching it all. He stayed silent. Tang San had already caused him to lose a soul ring, and speaking up now would only cause trouble.

They traveled ten Km along the forest's edge before stopping to camp. The Titan Giant Ape had ruined their tents, so they built shelters from nearby trees.

Then, Tang San woke with a groan, his voice weak. "Xiao Wu… Xiao Wu…"

His call drew attention, but the smell kept everyone away.

"Lil Blackie, I'm here," Xiao Wu said, her tone flat.

Tang San turned toward her voice, seeing her standing far off, nose wrinkled.

"Xiao Wu… is it really you?" He stood, arms open, but she moved away quickly with a flash of yellow and purple soul rings, appearing next to Ning Tian.

Tang San stopped, unsure if he was imagining things, and sank back into sadness.

"Blackie, go wash and change," Xiao Wu said firmly. "There's a river nearby. And no hugging—we're not children anymore."

She used a line she'd heard from Ning Tian, who had refused to share a blanket at Nuoding Academy. Tang San's appearance didn't help his case.

If it were Ning Tian, she wouldn't mind.

Tang San's face turned red. He remembered his embarrassing collapse and looked for a way out. "Was that your soul skill just now?"

"Yes. Now go. You smell bad," she said, waving him away.

His face darkened with embarrassment before he ran to the river.