Tang Yin stared at her stupidly adorable face, fighting the overwhelming urge to kiss her senseless. He held back—barely. This wasn't the time for that. There was something important he had to say.
He took a breath, then dropped the bomb like a sledgehammer.
"Actually… you're being targeted. Not just by anyone—but by a Titled Douluo."
Boom
Tang Yin had no idea how to soften the blow. So he didn't. He couldn't lie to someone he genuinely loved. Lies led to drama, and drama was exhausting.
Xiao Wu froze, her body going stiff like she'd been hit by lightning.
Seeing her like that shattered Tang Yin's heart. He immediately pulled her into his arms, wrapping her trembling body in a hug.
"It's not as bad as it sounds," he murmured against her ear, trying to soothe her. "The one targeting you is… my useless father. He probably wants Tang San to kill you, absorb your soul ring, and take your soul bone."
Xiao Wu almost choked on her breath. Tears welled up in her eyes as she glared at him.
"Hmph! Stinky Tang Yin! Your dad wants me dead and you're casually telling me this like it's weather news! Are you even planning to stop him?!"
Tang Yin scratched his head helplessly. Should he laugh or cry? His relationship with both Tang Hao and Tang San was… complicated. Ever since Tang Hao abandoned him, he hadn't seen him as a relative or an ally. After all, Tang Yin used to have a real family. One that mattered.
So, he explained—awkwardly—how he was related to Tang Hao and Tang San. The mess, the abandonment, the lack of any emotional connection and the lack of care from childhood
Xiao Wu listened, wide-eyed. The tangled mess of their family dynamics left her speechless. She didn't know what to say, so she hugged him tightly instead. It was a simple, wordless comfort—and that made Tang Yin even more determined.
He would protect her. No matter what.
(Sure, he might have other girls in the future—but someone like Xiao Wu, with her pure and innocent love, was a rare find. In Douluo Dalu, brainless love was common, but this? This was different.)
Moved, Xiao Wu decided to open up as well. She told Tang Yin about her past—about Da Ming, Er Ming, and her mother.
Her voice trembled.
"Tang Yin… I don't want to die. I don't want to be away from you. I—"
Before she could finish, Tang Yin crushed her words with a kiss. A real one. No warning, no buildup. Just lips meeting lips.
"Mmph!"
Xiao Wu's mind went utterly blank. Today had been a wild rollercoaster of emotions, and now this?
Tang Yin pulled back slowly, gazing into her dazed eyes.
"I love you, Xiao Wu. And I know you love me too. But we're heading to bigger cities now… cities crawling with Titled Douluo. You won't go unnoticed."
He hesitated, then said quietly, "So… please, hide in Star Dou Forest with your brothers. When the time comes for me to get my third soul ring, we will go there—and that'll be our goodbye, at least for a long while. For your safety, you have to stay hidden."
He clenched his fists silently. I have to get stronger… to protect the ones I love.
Xiao Wu nodded, though reluctant. "Okay. But don't you dare forget me."
From that day forward, both Tang Yin and Xiao Wu carved out a permanent spot in each other's hearts.
The Journey to Shrek
After six years of training at Nuoding Soul Master Academy, Tang Yin and Xiao Wu—now both twelve and advanced Soul Grandmasters at level 29—prepared to move on to a higher-level academy.
Before their departure, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang handed Tang Yin a letter of recommendation—to a little-known but highly prestigious: Shrek Academy, located in the remote Fasno Province, nestled between the Tian Dou and Star Luo Empires.
Goodbye, Nuoding
Tang Yin gave a quiet nod of farewell to the headmaster and the academy grounds. He showed little emotion, but deep down, gratitude stirred. This place had given him his foundation—tactics, knowledge, and the strength to grow.
Xiao Wu, on the other hand, treated the departure like a grand adventure. With light luggage and savings from odd jobs and wuhun hall incentive, they set off together under the warm summer sun.
They avoided major cities, opting for small towns where they could rest inexpensively. Their journey took them through Silversoul Village, then near Suotuo City—the last major stop before reaching Shrek.
Despite their youth, the duo was formidable. Tang Yin's Blue Silver King and Xiao Wu's Soft Bone Rabbit gave them agility and strength few could match on the road.
The love hotel
As they searched for a place to stay, they came across an inn with a bright red sign, cozy lights, and an inviting name. The owner at the front desk welcomed them with an unusually knowing smile.
"We'd like one room, please," Tang Yin said pretending to be mature.
"Of course, young couple," the innkeeper replied with a wink.
Tang Yin blinked and feigned igonrance "Couple?"
Xiao Wu was already dragging him inside by the arm. "Don't mind that! We're tired, Tang Yin!"
The room they were given was… strange.
The bed was large and round, draped in silky red sheets.
Petals were scattered across the floor and pillows.
A large mirror hung over the bed, and the room was filled with the faint scent of incense.
Even the bath was large enough for two.
Tang Yin stood frozen for a moment, then slowly turned to Xiao Wu. "...I think this might be a special kind of inn."
Xiao Wu, already bouncing on the bed, raised an eyebrow. "What kind?"
Tang Yin coughed. "The kind adults use when they want… privacy."
For a brief moment, Xiao Wu stared blankly. Then her face turned beet red and she stared at Tang yin knowingly who didn't dare to meet her gaze.
"Y-you pervert! Why didn't you say something earlier?!"
"I just realized it!" Tang Yin shamelessly protested. "You dragged me in!"
Despite the awkwardness, they stayed the night—with Tang Yin curled up stiffly in the couch and Xiao Wu claiming the entire bed, muttering about "perverted Tang yin".