Chapter 29:
High in the sky, the Titan Ape's mountain-like body froze. The true dragon was a predator at the top of the soul beast hierarchy, and despite its hundred-thousand-year cultivation, the Titan Ape was not immune to the instinctive suppression.
But in the next moment, it broke free from the dragon's aura, demonstrating the sheer dominance of a king of the forest. Black soul power flared like flames along its thick fur as it reached out and seized Lin Bai. A suffocating pressure followed, suppressing Lin Bai's soul power and forcing his martial spirit back into his body.
"Just a human."
The Titan Ape's voice was laced with contempt, though a hint of surprise crept in. It landed with a resounding crash, creating a three-meter-deep crater while still clutching Lin Bai.
Pain shot through Lin Bai's ribs, but he gritted his teeth, analyzing the Titan Ape's anatomy. If its acupoints were similar to a human's, he might still have a chance to escape using the Ruyi Qiankun Gun.
Or…
A familiar voice rang from the distance.
"Er Ming, let Lin Bai go! He's my friend! You can't do this!"
Xiao Wu's petite figure appeared, rushing toward them. Standing before the towering Titan Ape, she was no larger than an ant before an elephant.
The Titan Ape, Er Ming, lowered its head slightly but made no move to release Lin Bai.
"Sister Xiao Wu, humans can't be trusted. He must have tricked you. Ask him—does he even care about your identity?"
Er Ming's grip tightened around Lin Bai, shaking him roughly. "Human, what are your real intentions toward Sister Xiao Wu?"
Dizziness threatened to overwhelm Lin Bai, but he forced himself to remain conscious. Using telekinesis, he braced against Er Ming's grip, easing the pressure on his lungs. He sneered.
"Intentions? That's none of your concern. Worry about yourself first."
Between his brows, a pink light flared, and a short bow materialized. The bow gleamed with intricate runes, its entire form shaped like a heart, while a taut, transparent string held a golden arrow.
Without hesitation, Lin Bai let the arrow fly. At such close range, Er Ming couldn't dodge. The golden arrow embedded itself in his wrist.
The Titan Ape shook Lin Bai but hesitated, eyes narrowing. "Sister Xiao Wu, see? He didn't even answer and attacked me. He must be guilty of something."
"Er Ming, stop messing around and let him go!" Xiao Wu huffed, hands on her hips.
"No need," Lin Bai coughed, then muttered a command in his mind.
Target: The sun.
A strange light flickered in Er Ming's massive black eyes. He stopped, gazing up at the sky, his voice dreamy.
"The sun… it's so beautiful..."
"Hey, Er Ming, did you hear me?" Xiao Wu stomped her foot, confused by his sudden change.
"Taiyang! Er Ming loves you! Er Ming wants to be with you!"
With a deafening roar, Er Ming released Lin Bai and charged toward the sun, his massive frame trampling everything in his path. Trees snapped, earth cracked, and soul beasts fled in terror.
Lin Bai dusted himself off, barely fazed under the protection of his telekinesis. He smirked as he watched Er Ming's mad dash.
"That's what happens when you mess with me. Stupid ape will run himself to death."
"Lin Bai, what did you do to Er Ming?!" Xiao Wu's eyes widened as she stared at the bow hovering near him.
"What? Just teaching him a lesson." Lin Bai dismissed her concerns and stored Cupid's Arrow back in his mental space. Having an artifact like this gave him the capital to act as he pleased.
Xiao Wu hesitated before sighing. "Fine, I'll admit Er Ming went too far, but he's not in the right state. That should be enough punishment. Let him go, and I'll make sure he apologizes."
"No."
"Why not?" Xiao Wu frowned.
Lin Bai shrugged. "I haven't had enough fun yet. Let him tire himself out first."
His gaze sharpened. "Besides, I think someone still hasn't accepted their identity as my maid. No need to plead on his behalf. Since you found me a soul beast, I'll be kind enough not to let him die."
Xiao Wu's cheeks puffed up in frustration. If she were stronger, she might've lunged at him.
"Fine! I agree to be your maid. Now let Er Ming go!"
She reasoned with herself—it was just words. No contract could actually bind her. Whatever Lin Bai ordered, she would just decide whether or not to listen.
Lin Bai easily saw through her thoughts and smiled. There was no rush. He had plenty of time to train her properly.
"Alright. Deal?" He extended his hand.
"It's hard to chase a promise like a galloping horse!" Xiao Wu slapped his palm, sealing their agreement.
"Now bring Er Ming back to normal!" she urged.
"No problem."
Lin Bai summoned Cupid's Arrow again and fired a golden arrow, followed by a lead arrow. Love and disdain—two conflicting forces—neutralized each other. In the distance, an enraged roar shook the forest as Er Ming snapped out of his delusion, likely realizing the foolishness of his actions.
"Done. Let's go."
Lin Bai stretched, his joints cracking. Though his wounds had mostly healed, his ribs still ached faintly.
As they walked, he stole a glance at Xiao Wu, humming contentedly. If she thought she could offend him without consequence, she had another thing coming.
Xiao Wu cast a glance back toward the forest, hesitant to return to the Lake of Life just yet.
"Thanks for helping Er Ming," she muttered. "Next time, I'll introduce you properly. I'm sure once you two get to know each other, you'll—"
Lin Bai rolled his eyes, tuning her out.
Undeterred, Xiao Wu switched topics. "Hey, Lin Bai, we're both Rank 20 Soul Masters now. Why not graduate early? We can ask the dean to let us leave secretly. Tang San and the others won't even notice!"
Lin Bai scoffed. "And expose ourselves faster? Higher-level soul masters will see through us easily. Also, maids shouldn't address their masters by name."
"Don't even think about it!" Xiao Wu's face burned red. "Rabbit bites when it's cornered! There's no way I'm calling you something that perverted!"
Lin Bai feigned disappointment, murmuring under his breath.
"I've never seen a maid so disrespectful to her master. No charm at all…"
********
if you want to read more there's 15, 30, 50 chapters there of my written fanfictions and translated works in my Pat.Reon.
Here is the link:
https://patreon.com/LordFisherman?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
And if you can't find it just type my name: patreon.com/LordFisherman