Tang Yuan awoke still feeling rather tired. How much of that was it being morning, and how much was it just waking up? That was at least partly the reason, but yesterday was just tiring as well. Only for today to likely become a similar experience.
Tang Yuan, in his half-awake state, squirmed in bed. If today was to be like yesterday. Better to go back to sleep, at least for a while. He closed his eyes and rolled over to the right.
Only to have a shock as he felt the warmth of another beside him. That confusion lasted only an instant before he remembered. Dugu Xin should be to his left, and the other was Bibi Dong. The three of them had taken this large soft bed together.
He moved slightly away from her so they weren't so close. Looking at the sleeping girl with mixed feelings still. He had been surprised at the arrangement, even if it made sense to a degree. Fewer beds that need to be guarded, for more eyes on this one.
Tang Yuan found himself no longer in the mood for sleep. Perhaps it was the surprise that woke him up. Or perhaps it was the slight awkwardness he felt. Yet how to escape this situation at hand?
Tang Yuan carefully drew himself out of the sheets of the bed. It was a trying process not to disturb them. A side effect of being in the middle, he supposed. But finally, after a few minutes, he escaped the inviting bed.
"Well, that was entertaining," a voice said out of nowhere. Practically vibrating with amusement, at Tang Yuan's expense. It was a very familiar voice as well.
Tang Yuan turned to see his mother sitting in a chair. A book in her hand showed what she had been doing. What he hoped she had been doing mostly. "Good morning." Knowing she had observed his struggles was vexing. She certainly had an amused look on her face.
She smiled at his small answer. Knowing the slight embarrassment he felt at the moment. "You did a good job escaping your confines," she teased lightly.
Tang Yuan found himself slightly annoyed. "You were the one to have me in the middle." A small hint of petulancy seeped into his words.
Tang Nuan nodded her head. "Of course, I trust you more than Dugu Xin. Most boys your age would take the chance presented. A young sleeping girl right beside them." She pointed out.
Even if she was unsure if the boy would succumb to temptation. She was simply more sure her son would not. In the past, chances to do so had happened before.
Tang Yuan scoffed. "Then be firmly beaten up either by you or another senior." Honestly, he would prefer another senior; they would be nicer. Without even mentioning the Pope's inevitable wrath.
Tang Nuan nodded; it was the truth after all. If someone had taken advantage, they would suffer. She did not need to worry in that way for her. Though he was precocious beyond normal measure. He could appreciate the forms of women, and not stare
Tang Yuan yawned as he stretched, entering the adjacent restroom. He needed to use the bathroom. Though he made sure to pick up his storage belt, knowing he needed another shower.
Tang Nuan watched him go with consideration. She wondered if she should have asked about another topic. Her son would likely be targeted by a scheme. He could control himself, but what if a girl or woman undressed and threw themselves at him?
Then there was the other matter to consider as she gazed at the sleeping girl. The relationship between her son and Bibi Dong. Bibi Dong was already deeply attached to him beyond friendship, if unknowingly.
Her son had noticed her as an attractive young girl. Before that, she was his best friend for years. Already their relationship was strong, but now it had begun to change. They had already begun to see the seeds of that change.
Tang Nuan knew that such a relationship should be difficult. They were from two different factions after all. Yet it was far from impossible, especially given the situation. Still, she was getting far too ahead of herself. She would let them dance around one another a while longer.
Their group sat around the table in the sitting room. Normally they should have left the room, perhaps. But they could get away with simply staying in the room for a time. Everyone felt like postponing the next meeting as long as possible. Yet all things must come to an end.
A thump came from the door; it was the sound of knocking. Which meant that someone had come looking for them. So it would seem the scheming would continue.
Tang Yuan noticed that everyone became tense at the thought. His mother got up to open the locked door, however much that mattered. Meanwhile, the others kept their gazes on the door. Ready to act if necessary.
As the door opened enough for them to see the one at the door. It was far from a pleasant guest for them. Jiao Zheng, lord of the estate himself, of all people. Tang Yuan knew already this was going to be a rather difficult day.
The man had that same smile on his face even now. Tang Yuan wondered how much that smile hid from them. How false a smile was it, or was he just continually amused?
Tang Nuan resisted the urge to close the door in his face. "Lord Jiao, good morning to you. Did you need something?" She tried to keep things distantly polite. Hoping he would simply reveal things, she was already heavily doubting that possibility.
"Lady Nuan, it is indeed a good morning. Especially at the sight of one such as yourself." He said to her in a flirtatious manner. There was a particular hint of something around him.
Tang Nuan merely ignored his pass at her, for now. He kept testing the waters, or he was trying to distract her. Most likely both. "Why did you come looking for us this early?" She asked again, not wanting him to sidestep the question.
Jiao Zheng merely smiled. "I believe that the time has come to clear the air. I know just the place to do so in my territory." He said as if he was talking about something simple and mundane.
Tang Nuan was caught heavily off guard by this offer. She heavily doubted that this offer was actually honest. No, this man was basically inviting them to a battle without outright stating it. Or he planned to trick them into thinking as much.
It took Tang Nuan several moments to regain her bearings. Then she decided, "Very well we would be happy to put this behind us. Give us a few minutes to prepare." She gave her reply to his so-called offer.
Jiao Zheng smiled kindly at her in response. "Of course, of course, I'm certain you all will need breakfast. I shall give you all some time to prepare." He stepped away from the door, leaving them for now.
Tang Nuan closed and locked the door. Her face quickly became a frown once the door closed. "Well, this officially complicated things further." She let out a sigh as she turned around to face her group.
"I definitely smell a snake, and I know snakes well enough. This is without a doubt a trap of some kind." Dugu Bo said what everyone had already considered.
"We were so focused on getting through traps. Now our host chooses to wave it right in the open." Tang Nuan spoke with some annoyance.
It was a devious play to be sure. They had believed they would be enduring days of tricks. Then, on the second day, when they began to adapt. He changed his method of attack. The lord showed up right at their door in the morning. Basically calling them out to a battle, or a trap of some kind.
Tang Nuan actually had to acknowledge that guy's devious nature. He was very cunning; now what form would that take? "I doubt we have much time before he returns. If we don't, will he consider this trap a failure potentially?"
"Or he might choose to make another move today." Dugu Bu pointed out. Even attacking the room directly was entirely possible.
Guan Yue pouted, "It won't be fun protecting the kiddies from that bady." He pointed out the biggest concern for their group. Of course, someone would need to stay to protect them as well.
Tang Nuan considered that fact. They too had a trump card to play in this matter. But of the four of them, one needed to remain here. Otherwise their hand would be tipped right away. In which case, "Dugu Bo, can I ask you to remain here with the children?" She asked the other parent present.
Dugu Bo looked at her with a raised brow. "I see you would trust me, at least partially with your charge and child. Then very well I give my word, no harm shall come to them." His tone was very serious and clear.
Tang Nuan smiled; she had come to better understand this one's character. He was cold and calculating like a serpent. If he disliked you he would look at you coldly. Deciding if he wanted to bite you or not going straight for the neck when hostile.
Yet if he chose to side with you, or if he liked you. Then he would most stubbornly refuse to step away. That was true for his word and if he perceived a debt. Willing to go very far in that case, and he perceived a debt to her son.
Tang Yuan looked at Guan Yue and Gui Mei. "With the two of you with me even at worst victory is not impossible." She said, alluding to their fusion skill. Confident that it would let them potentially beat even a Titled Douluo, conditionally, very conditionally.
With that decided quickly, they began a small breakfast. Not willing to endure further in a breakfast under their hosts' hands. That would mean further interaction with him after all. Better to enjoy a small moment with those they knew and trusted.
The breakfast held little of luxury this time merely silence. Though it did not feel like a heavy or empty silence. No, this was a silence of peace and enjoyment. Little needed to be said now between them that couldn't be said later.
When their makeshift breakfast was completed Tang Nuan and the partners stood up. Tang Yuan could not help saying, "Good luck, be safe. Please punch that smug bastard in the face for me." He told her. Joking a bit on the last one, but only a bit.
Tang Nuan nodded at that smiling at her son as she hugged him. "I will be sure to do so. Listen to Dugu Bo, and don't take risks. Don't let Bibi Dong take risks, or let her get into trouble either." She was more worried about the second one than anything else.
"Hey!" Bibi Dong said as she began to pout. Hearing the non-secret conversation between mother and son. "I'm not that bad!"
Everyone even Dugu Xin looked at her with a small amount of doubt. Remembering some of her previous actions even the last few days. At least when it was only members of their group.
With that final speech, the group left the room to find their host. Ready to step into this trap, and then push through it. Yet they found a slight problem with that plan, the lord was no longer in the building.
Eventually, their group was approached by a supposed guide. Really he wasn't even trying at this point was he? Was the lord that confident they would act how he expected? What if they had chosen to go on a rampage in the mansion in his absence?
Even so, they allowed the guide to lead them along to the waiting trap. They quickly left the manor as they continued through the city. This time they moved with their own speed quickly arriving at the docks.
They found a small boat already ready for their use. As they began across the large expanse of water. As they moved across the water in silence, to keep on guard. Prepared if they came under attack on this boat.
Said wariness came to be for naught, as their boat touched the shore. Stepping onto the shore they found a very different environment from the desert. The green of plants decorated much of the land in sight.
"A swamp no doubt filled with life at that." Tang Nuan immediately recognised the environment. She had glimpsed the green once, but for there to be so much. No doubt this was a core factor in the city's creation. Yet Jiao Zheng intended to act against them here of all places?
Tang Nuan considered what he was thinking in doing so. "Is this simply a small part of the overall area, or are there more than one?" She voiced to her companions. Otherwise, why risk such an invaluable resource as this?
"It's an entire habitat, if my opinion is not off." Guan Yue voiced out agreeing with her assessment. The fact that the city was near even a small soul beast habitat. Many cities had been founded near such locations, even with risk. Even if it was likely a very small one.
Their group moved fast through the swampy forest area. Following a river that branched off from the main source. Their guide finally came to a rest after moving quite a distance from the city.
The guide faced them before bowing at them "Honored seniors, we are near the master. Only a tad further to reach the meeting place." He informed them respectfully as he led them forward.
They grew further on guard at that admission becoming prepared. Before them was a massive rocky hill with a very noticeable opening. Stepping along the river bank they entered a wide half-circle outcropping.
The guide continued moving forward confidently. The three of them grew tenser as they moved forward. Each of them sensed danger, their instincts warning them. It would happen soon they all three concluded easily enough.
The guide glanced at them, but dismissed their unspoken concerns. He had no desire to keep his lord waiting long here. "Come the lord should be waiting in the ruins for us. They are deep inside that cave there." He pointed to said cave.
It was on the other side of the clearing, an ominous open cave mouth. The form of the cave made it seem like a massive gaping maw of a ferocious beast. A number of jagged protrusions like narly sword-length fangs. Drops of water even occasionally fell from it as if saliva from a mouth.
The cave mouth alone was fearsome, would what resided within be worthy of it? Whether that be a trap or a man. Tang Nuan looked at the cave with a great deal of mistrust. Did they intend to trap them in a cave-in or use it to restrict their movement?
Tang Nuan stopped moving not willing to risk going into the cave. If they were going to spring this trap it would be here. Once more that cave gave her a bad feeling. "We will stop here and wait for what is to happen." She told the other two.
Their guide on the other hand looked back at them with annoyance. "We really must continue, to force the lord to meet us." He voiced the picture of a servant annoyed that someone disrespects his master.
Yet seeing them unmoving he merely moved to the cave himself. His master had already told him they might be reluctant. So he was told what to do in that case. The guide took something from his clothing, a tube of some sort. Immediately, he opened it twisting an end off of the thing.
As he did the end of the tube ignited transforming into a bright blaze. And a scent filled the air with the burning. His lord had said it would be able to get his attention even deep in the cave.
Tang Nuan seeing it, immediately understood part of the trap. That was a signal used to draw attention to oneself in the worst cases. Unleashing a scent that repelled lower-aged beasts. But to those older, it was merely an irritant itself.
"Prepare for battle." Tang Yuan spoke as her companions realized a moment later. She had believed the trap was within the cave. Not thinking of another possibility, not in this unknown forest.
Tang Nuan slammed her foot on the ground possessing her martial soul. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, and Deep Black. Her body grew taller as her body gained compression muscle. Despite her still very feminine form her form possessed compressed physical might.
Guan Yue held his hands together as if to hold something precious in his hands. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, and Black. A golden flower materialised in his hands as a floral scent filled the air. Yet it also was as if formed from unbreakable metal.
Gui Mei seemed to step back, melting into shadows, or becoming them. Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, and Black. His spirit rings appear for only a moment before melting into shadows. As does Gui Mei becoming more and more shadow-like. Only a demonic shadow remains on the ground, surrounded by rings.
The guide stepped back from them, afraid of them. "What are you doing? Do you intend to attempt to assassinate the lord?" his thoughts were thrown into chaos. Scenarios filled his head of them tricking the lord here.
Suddenly, a guttural bellow resounded from the cave. It held a beastly warning to all who heard it. Something was in the cave, something massive. It seemed to be moving towards them.
The guide once more turned to face the cave in confusion. What was a beast doing in this cave that the lord had… a horrible thought came to mind. Did the lord know about this? He looked at the still burning stick in his hand with a dawning, fearful realization.
Just as he was to come to a realization, a shadow appeared in the cave. Hidden partially by the shadows, it charged at him. "My Lord, why?" he let out an aghast scream as he tried to run.
Not understanding why his Lord would have him do this. Nor would he ever understand the why. For even as he was running, fangs came sinking into his body. In an instant, crimson dyed the ground. Even as deathly screams revealed the embers of life.
At the same time, in the city lord's manner, another plot took shape. The beautiful dancer Zhen Xiangling walked with her daughter Jiao Feng. Stepping before a certain door in the building. The mother gently rapped upon the door twice as she waited.
"You may enter," a voice spoke from within the room. Saying no more, nor opening the door themselves.
Cold and powerful, Zhen Xiangling appraised the voice in an instant. As she opened the door to the room. "Excuse us, senior; we are entering." She stepped into the room as her daughter moved a half step behind her. Jiao Feng closed the door behind them.
"Greetings, Senior, young lords, young lady. This is our second meeting. My name is Wu Xiangling; this is my daughter Jiao Feng." she told them respectfully. Knowing she had not introduced herself at the first meeting.
Dugu Bu merely nodded at them both. Not willing to let his guard down at this suspicious event. The question was, how this was going to go. "Your Lord requested a meeting with my companions. So why have you two come here now?"
Wu Xiangling could infer the unspoken question. Along with the suspicions no doubt flowing through his mind. "My daughter and I have been sent to keep company. My lord found that my daughter enjoyed yesterday," she spoke letting them make their own conclusions.
Dugu Bo's conclusion was they had been sent as assurance. Yet the way she spoke, "my" daughter. Nor did she truly acknowledge the guy as a husband or as a father to her daughter. How much were either of them worth to that scheming Lord?
Even still, Dugu Bo did not voice it. "Very well then." Should an attack occur, they would certainly serve a purpose. If only to make them hesitate to strike. Yet now, how would they take action if they did?
Though they sat together with no visible hostility. The only thing remaining was a deep, nervous tension. No one tried to break this divide of silence. They simply weren't in the right mood to be able to do so.
Tang Yuan tried to remain calm even as he worried. His mom was strong, but she was far from invincible. Especially if the normal tropes came into play.
Bibi Dong noticed her friend's hidden worry. Moving a bit closer to him in unspoken support, hoping to help. She wondered if Lady Yuan would actually suffer from trouble.
Dugu Xin simply felt stifled by the tension as well. Watching everyone keep close to his father.
Jiao Feng trembled from nervousness. Yet she spoke up shyly, "May I use a restroom in these quarters, Senior." She didn't dare meet the senior's gaze. Nor leave his gaze so easily, considering the current circumstances.
Dugu Bu should have simply let her go. Yet she was such a nervous girl at the moment, unwilling to meet his eye. That drew his awareness and wariness. He could continue playing along with the acting?
Instead, why not stop the acting see what he could squeeze out? Dugu Bo looked at the girl and her mother, his eyes narrowed. He began to put some effort into actually being intimidating. "Why are you, so nervous, child?"
Jiao Feng flinched at the sudden question. Her worries exploded at the feeling of being caught. Along with a tinge of guilt as well at what she had been asked to do.
Wu Xiangling noticed her daughter's very noticeable reaction. It was a bit beyond the normal, unless? "Xiao Feng, did that man ask you to do something more?"
Dugu Bo realized that even the child's mother didn't know this plot. That was especially worrying to entrust the child, but not the mother. Was it perhaps that dangerous? Or was there something else?
Under the gaze of her mother and Dugu Bo. Jiao Feng caved. She brought from her dress a round, circular, pinkish-red object. Holding it like she expected it to be snatched, or that she would be attacked.
Dugu Bo took it from her gently. Examining the pill that was rather large in size. He almost dismissed it as poison, how would it affect one like himself? But it would affect the children, he realized. More than one, with the size of it.
Although it certainly wouldn't really work on anyone besides Tang Yuan. Dugu Bo brought it to his face, sniffing it before licking it. His eyes widened. "An aphrodisiac," he made his assessment in an instant.
Wu Xianling's eyes turned severe at the thought. Only needing to imagine what purpose it served. "Jiao Feng, what did that man order you to do?" she asked, trying to keep herself calm.
Outside the room and down the hall stood a small group of four. Waiting for the beginning of conflict or the signal to move in. Ready to fulfill their lord's order and win the battle.
"It shouldn't be long now. If Brother Zheng's plan is going to come to pass." The strongest of the four spoke. He continued tapping his foot in impatience at the wait. His more tanned skin noticeable compared to the others.
The others looked to him with command as the leader. With him here they might actually be able to win this battle. How many of them would die was in question, of course.
Jiao Zheng glanced at the developing situation with a smile. He had never expected that they would enter the cave directly. Still, his servant had done well in his gullible trust. Bringing them all the way here to this place, helping his planned design.
Jiao Zheng watched unchangingly as he walked right up to the cave. Without even a hint of hesitation taking out what he'd been given. It was a slight shame to lose such a loyal if foolish servant. "Oh well, this is far too important not to use them."
He watched as the three Soul Douluo readied themselves for combat. Paying special attention to Tang Nuan, his gaze heated. He hoped she would be alive after this, it would be useful. Though that merely depended on her.
He watched as the crocodile pulled itself from the cave. Sandy golden scales covered its form. Such was its size that his servant was naught but a larger scrap. It truly was a magnificent specimen.
Its cold reptilian eyes locked on the three meals before it. As it readied for battle one it sensed would be difficult. Jiao Zheng knew the beast was far from likely to win. But it would not be easy for its opponents either.
Now how far it would take them, and whether the other one would appear. Either way, it would be beneficial to him. "Now, Golden Sand Crocodile of more than 90,000 years, show your might. I hope you do the same, Tang Nuan."
Elsewhere in the vast desert, another moved swiftly. Its winding body moved through the sands with predatory desire. Burrowing and digging through all the sand and stone in its path.
Finally having found the trail of those scrumptious meals. Its wrath and hunger merely increased at the long roundabout hunt for them. It aimed for where it sensed its targets. The pheromones led it directly to them. Thought of consumption of growing stronger filled its mind.
The Centipede King continued moving without a care for anything else. Its black carapace stained with red that continued to grow. The Hundred-Legged Centipede King of 97,000 years rampaged freely.
The greed to reach the next stage not abating even a bit. Even as it sensed its age increasing as it moved. Knowing its ascension was naught but a few hours away. The creature accelerated even further in impatience.