496. Shameless Betrayal

"That's right, Mom, it's indeed the hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape."

Qian Renjue smiled and nodded, gently ruffling Xiao Feidie's soft hair to comfort her.
"Don't worry, Xiao Fei Die. It won't attack us."

"Alright, put Mom down now," Bibi Dong said as she adjusted herself, glancing at the swinging Evil Scythe in annoyance, though she didn't voice it out.

"Understood," Qian Renjue replied, setting down the shoe and slowly squatting down.

Hu Liena immediately stepped forward, taking the shoe and carefully helping Bibi Dong put it on.

"Mom, don’t forget, there’s another one here," Bibi Dong began to say, but before she could finish, the Lake of Life in front of them started to boil.

Splash!

Large volumes of water surged upward, cascading off the horns of a massive creature, creating a misty spray over the lake.

"Moo—"

A deep, ancient cow's bellow echoed, carrying a soul power so profound it made hearts tremble.

"What…what a massive cow head!"

Xiao Fei Die’s eyes widened in shock, and Hu Liena was equally stunned.

Bibi Dong’s confident voice broke through their awe:
"The hundred-thousand-year Azure Bull Python!"

Only its massive head emerged, and after glancing at Bibi Dong and her companions, it spoke, its tone direct and imposing:
"Qian Renjue, where is Xiao Wu?"

"It… it spoke?!"

Xiao Fei Die’s eyes sparkled with amazement—it was her first time hearing a soul beast speak. Though Ice Emperor Sister didn't count; she was just tiny and adorably cute.

"Xiao Wu?"

Hu Liena froze at the mention of the name, recalling the little rabbit that had been set free years ago.

"Don’t worry, I’ve brought her with me," Qian Renjue replied with a smile. His ring glowed, and several figures appeared beside him: Qian Renxue, Ling Yuan, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing.

Hu Liena keenly noticed that as soon as Qian Renxue appeared, she shot a glare her way.

"Teacher!"

Two voices called out almost simultaneously, and Qian Renjue nodded with a smile.

Xiao Fei Die quickly ran to Qian Renxue, while Zhu Zhuqing looked at her curiously, a hint of admiration in her eyes. Qian Renxue took Xiao Fei Die's small hand, offering a polite greeting to Bibi Dong. Ning Rongrong followed closely, adding, "Mom (or Aunt Dong)~"

"Hmm," Bibi Dong responded with a gentle smile.

With Qian Renxue’s greeting, the identity of the woman before them became crystal clear, requiring no further instruction from Qian Renjue.

Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward naturally, bowing respectfully to Bibi Dong and Hu Liena:
"Zhu Zhuqing greets Master Ancestor and Martial Aunt."

Hu Liena was startled by Zhu Zhuqing's presence. Her first impression of this martial niece was one of immense threat.

"At ease," Bibi Dong said, examining Zhu Zhuqing with approval.

"It seems Jue has taught you well."

"Thanks to my teacher," Zhu Zhuqing replied respectfully, recognizing the absolute strength of this legendary powerhouse.

"Zhuqing?"

Hu Liena suddenly approached, leaning closer to whisper:
"Did Senior Brother secretly feed you something?"

"Huh?"

Zhu Zhuqing froze, her face instantly flushing red, unsure of how to respond.


This martial aunt was so brazen and direct!

"Haha, little brat!"

Xiao Wu’s playful voice chimed in as she teased with hands on her hips:
"That’s just Zhuqing’s natural talent. You should drink more milk instead."

"You stupid rabbit! I knew it was you!"

Hu Liena turned in embarrassment, glaring at the now-grown, doll-like Xiao Wu.

"I’m not stupid!" Xiao Wu retorted in a sweet voice, adding a playful threat:
"If you dare call me stupid again, I’ll have Er Ming squash you flat!"



"Roar—"

Er Ming immediately stood up, his expression fierce.

"Ah! Senior Brother!"

Hu Liena quickly hid behind Qian Renjue while still taunting,
"Stupid rabbit! You're being disrespectful to your master and ancestors!"

"I am not!"

Xiao Wu pouted, ignoring Hu Liena and instead bouncing over to Bibi Dong with a bright smile.

"Hello, Holy Son's Mother~ Xiao Wu kneels to greet you!"

Seeing Xiao Wu bow her head so dramatically, Qian Renjue, Qian Renxue, and the others looked at her with odd expressions.

This rabbit… When did she become so shameless?

Even Bibi Dong couldn’t help but smile as she raised her hand slightly, stopping Xiao Wu’s knees midair.
"That’s enough. Your sincerity is what matters."

Bibi Dong naturally recognized Xiao Wu, the pink rabbit that had accompanied her son years ago.

"Hehe~ Thank you, Holy Son's Mother," Xiao Wu said cheerfully, standing upright with a flushed face. If it were anyone else, she might hesitate. But when it came to Qian Renjue’s mother, she didn’t even bat an eye.

"Nom!"

Just as Xiao Wu raised her head, her cheeks were grabbed by Hu Liena, who started squishing them mercilessly.

"Stupid rabbit!"

"I taught you for so many years, and now you want to squash me?" Hu Liena scolded while kneading Xiao Wu’s face, her eyes full of playful annoyance.

"Nom!"

Xiao Wu grabbed Hu Liena's hands tightly, her crimson eyes filled with a mix of nostalgia and affection.

"Roar!"

Er Ming was about to intervene, but a beam of green light struck the ground near his feet.

Da Ming glared at his foolish brother, as if saying, Can’t you see they’re just playing?

"Alright, enough! Even rabbits bite if you squeeze them too much!"

Xiao Wu broke free from Hu Liena’s grasp, puffing her cheeks as she playfully bared her teeth. However, her face still carried a bright, cheerful smile, her crimson eyes curving into crescent moons.

The two girls exchanged smiles before opening their arms and hugging each other tightly.

Xiao Wu sniffed Hu Liena and teased in a singsong voice,
"Haha~ You’re still a little kid. I can smell the milk on you!"

"Hmph! Like you’re any smarter!"

"You’re lying!"

Smack!

The argument escalated as the two girls pushed each other away, both huffing in mock anger.

Qian Renjue, holding Ning Rongrong’s small hand, rolled his eyes.
Is this what friendship between girls looks like? It changes so quickly.

Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, watched with curious expressions. Ning Rongrong couldn’t hold back her question:
"Holy Son Brother, why does that hundred-thousand-year soul beast call Xiao Wu 'sister'?"

"Because she’s a hundred-thousand-year Soft-Bone Rabbit in human form," Lingyuan explained with a smile.

"What?!"

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes widened in shock, and even Xiao Fei Die was stunned.

"These are matters you should keep to yourselves," Qian Renjue reminded them sternly.

"Understood! We won’t tell anyone," Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing quickly promised, their gazes shifting to Xiao Wu, who was still playfully chasing Hu Liena.

"Alright, Nana, stop teasing her. Don’t stoop to a child’s level," Qian Renjue said, calling the two girls to a halt before turning his gaze to the Azure Bull Python.

"Da Ming, are you ready?"

"We’re ready," Da Ming replied, nodding his massive head toward Xiao Wu as Er Ming let out a low growl.

Hearing this, Xiao Wu finally stopped playing around, her expression turning serious.

Qian Renjue exchanged a glance with Xiao Wu, smiling softly before addressing the group.
"Very well. We’ll conduct the ritual before dawn."

"No problem," Da Ming replied, nodding.

Qian Renjue turned to Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, speaking gently:
"Mom, let’s enjoy ourselves here for a while."

"Sure. The scenery is lovely," Bibi Dong agreed warmly, glancing at the lively group around her.
She felt younger just being among them.

With her hand linked through Qian Renxue’s arm, she strolled with Qian Renjue toward the lake’s edge.

"Thank you, Holy Son!" Xiao Wu called out sweetly to Qian Renjue before turning to Da Ming, motioning for him to lower his massive head.