In an instant, the Blue Silver King responded—its vines erupting like a tidal wave. They surged forward, coiling around the massive Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent from every direction. Thorns stabbed into its scaly flesh, draining blood and sapping its strength.
But the serpent was no ordinary soul beast. It was faster, stronger than a mere century-old beast.
With a hiss, the serpent spun & slithered its body, shattering the vines like dry twigs. Then, in a blur of motion, it lunged at Tang Yin, fangs gleaming.
"Watch out!" Xiao Wu screamed.
Before the serpent could strike, a blur charged forward.
Zhao Wuji.
His fist collided with the serpent's mouth in a bone-jarring crunch. The serpent hissed and was sent flying—straight toward a stunned Zhu Zhuqing.
She froze.
The serpent reared its head, then unleashed a stream of thick, swirling purple mist. The gas cloud rolled in like a wave, warping the air. It wasn't lethal, but it blurred vision, dulled senses, and induced hallucinations.
Tang Yin reacted immediately. Vines shot out again, wrapping around Zhu Zhuqing and yanking her into his arms just before the mist engulfed her.
She blinked up at him, dazed for a heartbeat.
"Don't breathe it in," Tang Yin said urgently, activating his Purple Demon Eye. His pupils glowed with violet light, cutting through the fog. "It's not poison, but it'll make you see things that aren't there. Stay alert."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded sharply, recomposing herself.
Then, like a shadow, she leapt into the air. Her Hell Civet martial soul surged to life, enhancing her agility. She darted toward the serpent's crest, claws gleaming as she slashed at its weak point.
But the serpent twisted mid-air, and its thick tail lashed out in a brutal counter.
CLANG!
Her claws scraped against armored scales, but she barely avoided the blow.
"Let me cook this lizard!" roared Ma Hongjun, his round frame igniting into a blazing inferno. He hurled a straight line of fire—
"Phoenix Fire Line!"
The serpent screeched as flames slammed into its side, blistering its hide. But it still refused to go down.
Now it was Zhao Wuji's turn.
He stepped forward, planting his feet. The air around him warped.
"Gravity Crush!"
A suffocating pressure exploded outward, pressing the serpent down like a mountain. The beast thrashed, barely able to move.
"Now! Hit it with everything you've got!" Zhao Wuji barked.
Tang Yin surged forward, driving his fist into the serpent's exposed underbelly. At the same time, Dai Mubai unleashed a deafening roar and a blazing White Tiger Light Wave, which smashed into the serpent's flank.
The serpent shrieked one last time, then collapsed with a heavy thud, twitching in defeat.
Zhao Wuji turned sharply. "Oscar! Now!"
Oscar approached hesitantly, gripping a gleaming dagger. He took a deep breath, then plunged it into the serpent's head. As its body slackened, a glowing, light-purple soul ring emerged and hovered in the air.
Oscar sat cross-legged and began the absorption process. The others immediately formed a protective circle around him.
Zhao Wuji crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "Not bad. You handled yourselves decently. Your teamwork... passable."
Ma hong jun immediately perked up "say teacher Zhao, you must treat us to a hearty meal after we return back. I worked too hard"
Zhao wuji spun around, eyes bulging. "You damn fatty! Can you think about anything else other than stuffing your mouth?!
The group chuckled, but Xiao Wu stood close to Tang Yin, downcast. She leaned in and whispered, "He's here…"
Tang Yin stiffened. He saw the reluctance in her eyes, and it made his blood boil.
" Tang Hao oh Tang Hao… don't blame me for what's coming. You've plotted against my woman—now I'll make you wear a green hat and your legacy turned to dust"
As Oscar's soul ring fused into his body, a radiant golden glow enveloped him.
He opened his eyes, breathless. "I did it… my third soul ring!"
A quiet cheer spread through the group. But the celebration was short-lived.
Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath their feet.
"Everyone, gather!" Zhao Wuji barked, eyes scanning the trees.
Tang Yin instinctively pulled Xiao Wu into a tight embrace from behind, planting a kiss on her lips.
"Take care of yourself," he whispered. "I'll find you—no matter what." Xiao wu stared at his eyes and hugged him tightly.
Then… the forest parted.
Er Ming had arrived.
The Titan Giant Ape, towering and terrifying, stepped into view with a deep, earth-shaking snort. Zhao Wuji froze in place.
His expression turned serious. He stepped forward, voice respectful. "Esteemed Titan Ape… we have no intention of intruding. Please… allow us to leave peacefully."
Er Ming didn't speak. He just snorted—and punched Zhao Wuji lightly
It was still enough to send the man staggering.
Zhao Wuji activated his martial soul instantly. "Motionless Bright King Body!"
But even with his defenses up, he was no match.
"DAI MUBAI!" he roared. "Take the group and run!"
Dai Mubai hesitated, but the others acted first—attacking the Titan Ape in unison. Claws, strength & speed boost, fire, sausage and vines surged forward.
Er Ming growled, visibly annoyed, and slammed the ground with one enormous hand.
Shockwaves rippled outward. Tang Yin and the others were flung like rag dolls—but Tang Yin recovered mid-air, wrapping Blue Silver Grass around trees and pulling Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong into his arms to cushion their fall. He had deliberately given up Xiao wu to create the opportunity.
At this time, ER ming saw the chance when Xiao wu was mid-air.
A second passed, Xiao Wu was already in Er Ming's clutches. Tang yin immediately showed his Oscar worthy acting skill
Tang Yin's eyes widened in horror
"Nooo!!!" as he frantically began punching er ming lightly like an ant punching elephant. Er ming ignored tang yin as he began running towards the core area. Tang yin also ran after er ming.
"LET HER GO, YOU OVERGROWN HAIRY BASTARD!"
Xiao wu stared at Tang yin dumbfounded and praised his acting skills in her heart.
Er Ming ignored him, running and bouncing deeper into the forest.
"You beast leave my Xiao wu alone! Fight me you ape!!" As he ran frantically.
Zhao wuji shouted running behind " boy come back here!!"
But Tang Yin wasn't done.
He jumped—latching onto Er Ming's back like a desperate madman.
"YOU WANT A FIGHT? FINE! I'LL RIDE YOU TO HELL IF I HAVE TO!"
Zhu zhuqing & Ning rongrong worriedly shouted "Tang yin don't be reckless!!"
Xiao wu leaned on ER ming's ear and whispered something. Er ming stared at Xiao wu and immediately chomped her in his mouth as Zhao wuji and the others looked horrified.
Tang yin shouted like a madman "Ahhh!!! You beast I'm going to kill you!!" As he began bonking ER ming's skull.