As the first rays of dawn spread across the sky, Li Si and Xiao Wu had already embarked on their journey toward the Star Dou Forest.
This time, there was no need to worry about the giant ape coming for them. Xiao Wu no longer emitted the aura of a 100,000-year spirit beast. Even if she stood right in front of Er Ming, he might not recognize her.
Li Si had accounted for nearly everything, but he neglected one detail—while Xiao Wu no longer bore the aura of a 100,000-year beast, what about himself?
Shortly after Li Si stepped into the Star Dou Forest, in the true core area of the forest, two figures—a silver one and a black one—opened their eyes almost simultaneously. Their vertical pupils glimmered with confusion.
In their memories, the Water Dragon King and Fire Dragon King should have perished. Yet, this aura... though similar, carried distinct differences. It even included traces of the Golden Dragon and the Holy Light Dragon.
"Di Tian, bring him here," the silver figure commanded.
"Yes, my Lord," the black figure responded, its massive form transforming into a black-robed middle-aged man. His expression was stern, yet his eyes revealed a mix of joy, doubt, and bewilderment.
He distinctly recalled that his uncles had perished together, and their whereabouts had since remained unknown. Unexpectedly, their aura had reappeared.
These were true Dragon King-level beings, far beyond the capabilities of him, the second-generation Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King.
Di Tian, the true ruler of the Star Dou Forest, was in reality the grandson of the Dragon God and a second-generation Golden-Eyed Black Dragon. Compared to the first-generation Dragon Kings, however, his bloodline was undoubtedly inferior.
Meanwhile, the Shrek team had set off for the Star Dou Forest about half an hour after Li Si and Xiao Wu, primarily to accommodate Dai Mubai's feelings. As for Zhao Wuji, his age meant he was unlikely to act recklessly.
Li Si's Perspective
The moment Xiao Wu entered the Star Dou Forest, her demeanor became lively and cheerful, as if she had returned home. Li Si followed her, shaking his head. The current spirit beasts didn't care about her former status as a ruler of the forest—they didn't even recognize her!
"Xiao Wu, be cautious. Things are different now," Li Si gently reminded her.
Hearing his words, Xiao Wu paused, a trace of realization flickering in her pink eyes. Yes, things were different.
She was no longer the 100,000-year Soft Bone Rabbit who once ruled part of the Star Dou Forest. The weaker spirit beasts wouldn't afford her any respect now.
With that in mind, Xiao Wu nodded and reined in her exuberance.
"By the way, Xiao Si..."
"Hm?"
"You're not here to level up your spirit rings. So why are you in the Star Dou Forest?" Xiao Wu paused, her lips curving into a sly smile before continuing, "You're not just here to visit my two younger brothers, are you?"
Da Ming and Er Ming, such ferocious beings, yet their names were so casual. Xiao Wu had mentioned them to Li Si before.
"Exactly. Showing off in front of them with you sounds like a good idea," Li Si replied with a smile.
Hearing this, Xiao Wu playfully tapped Li Si's shoulder with her hand, her cheeks flushing slightly.
At that moment, a terrifying aura swept over them, leaving Li Si momentarily dumbfounded. He muttered, "You've got to be kidding me. I've just stepped into the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest!"
This aura was too overwhelming—it didn't feel like a 100,000-year spirit beast at all! No matter how fearsome such beasts were, they couldn't radiate such power.
Xiao Wu's face turned pale. She had felt this aura before—it came from the depths of the Star Dou Forest!
That place was so dangerous that even Da Ming and Er Ming, after reaching 100,000 years, dared not tread there. She, a mere 100,000-year Soft Bone Rabbit, stood no chance!
Escape was no longer an option.
Instinctively, Li Si shielded Xiao Wu, his eyes fixed on the direction of the core zone...
Moments later, a black-robed middle-aged man appeared before Li Si, his gaze fixed intently on him. As for Xiao Wu, she didn't warrant even a glance.
"Uncle...?"
"No, wait..."
Di Tian shook his head. This "human" before him didn't seem to be the Water or Fire Dragon King. Yet, the bloodline was unmistakable—it was the original bloodline of both Dragon Kings!
From a bloodline perspective, it wasn't out of line for Di Tian to call Li Si "uncle."
"Human, who are you? Where does your bloodline come from?" Di Tian asked, his face impassive.
Li Si: "..."
If his guess was correct, this "man" before him was none other than Di Tian—the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King! The fiercest beast on the Douluo Continent!
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's Discontent
Deep Sea Demon Whale King: "I refuse to accept this!"
Indeed, before becoming the Sea God Dragon—achieving a million-year cultivation—the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was no match for Di Tian. Even with its 950,000 years of cultivation now, it still wouldn't stand a chance against Di Tian with the Dragon God's Claw.
However, in a sea-based battlefield and without the Dragon God's Claw, the outcome might differ. After all, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King had survived Poseidon, the Sea God!
Back to the Story
Li Si eyed Di Tian. The fact that he hadn't attacked outright suggested that there was room for negotiation. If he had acted immediately, it would've been over. After all, Li Si was now facing the strongest being below godhood!
"Di Tian, you've grown up, haven't you? You don't even call me uncle anymore," Li Si said with a smile, patting Xiao Wu's shoulder. Without exchanging any looks, Xiao Wu instantly understood his intentions.
Li Si's expression bore a hint of amusement, like an elder meeting a younger relative. Even if the Silver Dragon King appeared today, he intended to keep up this charade!
Li Si's words left Di Tian dumbfounded. How did this person know his name?
For over ten thousand years, Di Tian had stayed out of the public eye. Could this really be one of his uncles reincarnated?
"Are you the Fire Uncle or the Water Uncle? If I've offended you, please forgive me," Di Tian asked hesitantly, bowing slightly.
"I can't quite remember whether I'm the Water Dragon King or the Fire Dragon King," Li Si replied, shaking his head as if lost in thought.
Di Tian froze. What was this supposed to mean? You don't even remember who you are?
Li Si's demeanor, however, didn't seem staged.
"I seem to be both the Water and Fire Dragon King," he finally said after a pause. "We both perished, but through a twist of fate, we merged into a new entity... Wait, Di Tian, what's with the interrogation?"
Li Si feigned anger, glaring at Di Tian. "As your 'uncle,' I won't tolerate this disrespect from a junior!"
"Uh..."
Di Tian looked awkward. How was he supposed to know who this guy really was? Still, the temperament matched...