"Ah, Mom, it's okay. It's just my friend Lin Fan visiting us. He even brought an older sister with him," Xiao Wu said with an adorable giggle. She glanced at the long-haired woman and then, without a care in the world, started digging a hole beneath a large tree, playing by herself.
Watching Xiao Wu, Lin Fan couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. Despite being a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, Xiao Wu's mentality was still quite immature—just like a little girl. But then again, that fit her character in the original story.
A hundred-thousand-year soul beast didn't necessarily mean it had lived for that long. The age classification of soul beasts was more about their power level, just like how human soul masters were ranked as Soul Douluo or Titled Douluo. It was a realm of strength rather than actual years lived. If longevity alone determined strength, then all hundred-thousand-year soul beasts would be as slow as turtles.
Only soul beasts with exceptionally powerful bloodlines and rapid cultivation speeds could reach this level. The Sky Blue Bull Python possessed dragon lineage, and the Titan Giant Ape also had a formidable heritage, which was why they ruled over the Star Dou Forest. Similarly, Xiao Wu, being a Soft Bone Rabbit, had a strong bloodline that allowed her to reach near a hundred-thousand-year cultivation. However, her actual age was much younger, explaining her immature mindset. After all, even the legendary Ultimate Douluo Qian Daoliu was just over a hundred years old, and the entire history of the Soul Master world spanned only a few thousand years.
The long-haired woman turned her gaze toward Lin Fan and Bibi Dong, her expression shifting slightly as if she sensed something concerning.
Lin Fan quickly smiled and said, "Sister, it's nice to see you again. Sorry to bother you. This is my fiancée, Bibi Dong."
He gently held Bibi Dong's hand, and she nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Her demeanor remained cool and reserved, as she was never one for excessive words.
Xiao Wu's mother studied Bibi Dong once more, her expression growing even more solemn. It was as if she had an instinctive premonition. Lin Fan noticed her subtle change in demeanor and thought to himself, Could she actually sense something? After all, in the original timeline, it was Bibi Dong who would ultimately hunt her down, absorbing her soul ring and soul bone.
Still, Lin Fan couldn't leave just because of that. They had nowhere else to go. He and Bibi Dong were both at their limit, and stepping out of this sanctuary meant facing deadly threats—not only from soul beasts but also from Spirit Hall, which was undoubtedly searching for them.
Right now, this was their only safe haven.
Lin Fan held Bibi Dong's hand a little tighter and said sincerely, "Sister, we're being hunted and have nowhere else to go. This is Bibi Dong, my wife. I hope you can let us stay for a while. We won't cause you trouble, and once we recover, we will leave."
Xiao Wu perked up and excitedly tugged at her mother's sleeve. "Mom! You're not going to turn them away, right? Let them stay! They can play with me!"
The long-haired woman let out a soft sigh, gently stroking Xiao Wu's head. After a brief pause, she nodded. "Very well. You both look exhausted. Come inside and rest for now."
Lin Fan immediately expressed his gratitude and helped Bibi Dong into the wooden house.
Inside, there was only one bed, but it was large enough. Lin Fan carefully laid Bibi Dong down before sitting beside her on a chair.
Xiao Wu's mother placed Xiao Wu down and approached them. Without saying a word, she extended her hand, releasing a pure, gentle energy that flowed into Lin Fan and Bibi Dong's bodies.
Lin Fan immediately felt a warm sensation spread through him, easing his pain and fatigue. Bibi Dong's complexion also looked noticeably better.
"You… have healing abilities?" Lin Fan murmured in surprise.
The long-haired woman withdrew her hand and said, "Your injuries are not severe—just severe soul power depletion, which has placed strain on your bodies. Rest here for a few days, and I will prepare some medicinal herbs for you. You should recover quickly."
"Thank you," Bibi Dong finally spoke, her voice soft but sincere.
Xiao Wu's mother nodded slightly before turning to leave.
Xiao Wu, as energetic as ever, hopped into Lin Fan's lap. "Big brother Lin Fan! Where have you been? Can you tell me more about the human world?"
Lin Fan chuckled and entertained her with some stories. But when he noticed Bibi Dong opening her eyes, he turned his attention to her and asked, "Dong'er, how are you feeling?"
Bibi Dong gazed at him deeply before whispering, "I'm fine… I just… I can't believe we actually survived. After everything, we're still here… listening to the sound of flowing water outside."
Lin Fan felt a surge of emotion and gently held her hand. "Of course, it's not a dream. Dong'er, I promise, I won't leave you. I will always protect you."
Bibi Dong remained silent, simply looking at him before closing her eyes again.
At that moment, a familiar voice echoed in Lin Fan's mind:
"Congratulations, master! You have completed the hidden task: True Confession—Life and Death Bond! As a reward, you have earned five lottery draws!"
Lin Fan's eyes lit up. Five draws?! I'm rich!
He glanced at Bibi Dong, who was still resting, and excitedly thought, Alright, let's start drawing now!
"Congratulations, master! You have received an Honor Crystal! You now possess two Honor Crystals."
Lin Fan was quite satisfied. Honor Crystals were extremely rare. With them, he could upgrade his Shadow Battle Axe.
However, his thoughts quickly shifted. Wait… can I use Honor Crystals to upgrade someone else's martial soul?
"Yes, master!" the system's sweet voice responded. "Honor Crystals can enhance any martial soul, turning it into a far more powerful form. Even already powerful martial souls will evolve to the next level, greatly increasing their potential."
Lin Fan was thrilled. This was even better than he had expected! But instead of using it on his own martial soul, he had another idea.
He turned to Bibi Dong, who was resting, and held out an Honor Crystal in his hand. "Dong'er, I have a gift for you."
Bibi Dong opened her eyes, looking at the glowing crystal in his palm. "What is this?"
Lin Fan smiled. "Trust me. You'll like it."
A moment later, the system's voice rang out again.
"Would you like to upgrade Bibi Dong's martial soul? She possesses two. Please select one."
Lin Fan didn't hesitate. Upgrade her second martial soul, the Death Spider Emperor.
"Upgrade complete! Bibi Dong's second martial soul has evolved into the Destruction Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor! Future upgrades will require ten Honor Crystals."
Bibi Dong gasped as a surge of energy filled her body. She sat up in shock, red markings appearing on her forehead as six crimson spider legs shot out from her back. Her aura had changed—becoming even more powerful and terrifying.
She clenched her fists, feeling the newfound power coursing through her veins. "This… what did you do?"
Lin Fan simply smiled. "I just gave you a little boost. Do you like it?"
Bibi Dong stared at him for a long moment before softly saying, "Yes… I do."