Chapter 62: Unexpected Twist in the Plan: Lin Gong's Strength

Yang Xiong looked at the two old men bickering and couldn't help but interject: "Elder Dragon, this incident is truly embarrassing; we didn't know you were chasing that Human-Faced Demon Spider—it's just a misunderstanding."

"Teacher Lin, we still have official business to attend to; let's note today's matter first and deal with it face‑to‑face later."

Dragon Elder glanced at Yang Xiong: "Is this kid your disciple? He's not that great either; I guess your judgment isn't that sharp either."

Lin Gong, not to be outdone: "He may be unlearned and useless, but at least he can tell the age of a Human-Faced Demon Spider, unlike you who can't even get that right."

…

After a few casual exchanges, Lin Gong led Yang Xiong deeper into the Star Dou Great Forest again, while Dragon Elder continued searching for a soul beast for his granddaughter.

However, after Yang Xiong and Lin Gong had pursued for a while, they both felt something was off.

Yang Xiong thought for a moment: "Teacher Lin, we haven't taken the wrong direction, have we? We shouldn't lose track of such a massive Titan Giant Ape, right?"

After leaving Dragon Elder and the Snake Lady, Yang Xiong and his group chased for a full two hours, but even Lin Gong was extremely cautious in the Star Dou Great Forest, his speed clearly lagging behind the Titan Giant Ape.

At that moment, the previously puzzled Lin Gong suddenly exclaimed with joy: "Stay here; I think I've sensed the Titan Giant Ape. You're far too far from it. I'll chase it alone; remember, don't move recklessly, and if danger arises, send a signal immediately."

Before Yang Xiong could say anything, Lin Gong darted off at speed, leaving Yang Xiong speechless.

From this location, they should be nearing the Mixed Zone of the Star Dou Great Forest; even if the Titan Giant Ape scares away many soul beasts, it's beyond what a single Great Soul Master like Yang Xiong can handle.

At this moment, Yang Xiong internally muttered: "Lin Gong is so unreliable, leaving himself alone to chase the soul beast. Still, chasing alone is indeed safer than bringing me along."

But in less than ten minutes, Lin Gong was back, his expression extremely solemn.

Before Yang Xiong could speak, Lin Gong said straight away: "Let's head back; we can't get involved in this matter any longer."

Yang Xiong hurriedly asked: "What's going on? Could the Titan Giant Ape be too powerful?"

Lin Gong shook his head: "You're right. When I was about to get close, I sensed a strong killing aura, likely from the Title Douluo who struck Zhao Wuji last time; clearly the other side doesn't want me meddling in this."

"This matter isn't that simple; I sense something odd everywhere. You kid, be honest—what exactly is wrong with your classmate Xiao Wu?"

Yang Xiong couldn't help sighing; he had originally planned to use the chase of the Titan Giant Ape as a cover to have someone abduct Xiao Wu, disappearing without a trace in the Star Dou Great Forest—a perfect double win.

On one hand, he could gain a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring and a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Bone for free; on the other, after the incident, both Tang San and Tang Hao would only go after the Titan Giant Ape, since the person was taken by it.

Moreover, in the vast Star Dou Great Forest, losing a person is quite normal; it was unexpected that Tang Hao would disregard his son's safety and instead secretly follow Xiao Wu.

One must realize this is the best chance to capture Xiao Wu, and her only time away from everyone's eyes, especially within the Star Dou Great Forest.

Yang Xiong seemed to think of something: No, there's a problem. Lin Gong is only a Soul Douluo; only a Title Douluo can detect Xiao Wu's anomaly. He showed no flaw the whole time; Tang Hao couldn't have heard my conversation with Lin Gong, nor would he know my plan. Even if Tang Hao encountered them, he'd only think Lin Gong was the one he asked to rescue Xiao Wu.

It should be noted that in the original work, Xiao Wu also interacted with many Soul Douluo, yet no one ever discovered that she was a Ten‑thousand‑year Transformed Soul Beast.

Yang Xiong remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Teacher Lin, may I ask about your actual strength? How big is the gap between you and a Title Douluo?"

At that moment, Yang Xiong suddenly thought of a question: normally there's a qualitative difference between a Title Douluo and a Soul Douluo; Lin Gong's Purple Emperor Bamboo is special, but how can it block a Title Douluo's detection?

Lin Gong smiled: "What, are you now doubting my strength? I am a Level 87 Soul Douluo; although my soul power is one level lower than Meng Shu's, my spirit power is far stronger than his."

Yang Xiong was also shocked: "How is that possible? You're a Plant-type Soul Master, not a Spirit-type Soul Master; how can your spirit power be on par with a combat Soul Master of the same rank?"

Lin Gong fell silent for a moment before speaking: "Fine, it's not a big secret. I'll tell you, kid; although I'm a Plant-type Soul Master, I possess an Exquisite Spirit-type Head Soul Bone, and my spirit power has already reached Title Douluo level."

Yang Xiong was rather astonished; a Head Soul Bone is among the most precious soul bones, especially a Spirit-type Head Soul Bone, regarded as an exquisite soul bone, its occurrence being exceedingly rare.

Lin Gong continued: "It's fine to tell you. Back then the matter caused a huge uproar; I almost lost my life for that Head Soul Bone, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect all these years."

He added: "You should know this is an Exquisite Plant-type Head Soul Bone, which attracted the covetous eyes of a certain formidable figure. It was relatively safe within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; otherwise I wouldn't have said those words to Meng Shu earlier."

Yang Xiong was also horrified; Head Soul Bones usually appear in soul beasts with relatively high intelligence, while plant-type soul beasts tend to be less intelligent. Historically, the Soul Master World has hardly any records of Plant-type Head Soul Bones.

At this moment Yang Xiong finally understood: Tang Hao probably knows Lin Gong's abilities, especially that Lin Gong's spirit power has reached Title Douluo level. Moreover, Lin Gong's extensive knowledge of soul beasts means that if he gets close to Xiao Wu, he'll likely discover that she is a Hundred‑Thousand‑Year Transformed Soul Beast, which would ruin Tang Hao's plan.

Especially within the Star Dou Great Forest, Lin Gong's Plant Martial Soul gives him superior survivability; even Tang Hao can't be so confident about killing and silencing someone. Moreover, Lin Gong is backed by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; rather than making enemies, it's better to rely on his formidable strength to scare people away.

At this point Yang Xiong couldn't help sighing; it seemed his plan to abduct Xiao Wu had failed, but gaining an External Soul Bone was still decent.

After a round of discussion, Lin Gong and Yang Xiong prepared to head back.

However, after walking for a full two hours, when they reached the Outer Perimeter Zone of the Star Dou Great Forest, they saw a very unexpected scene.

Lin Gong glanced at Yang Xiong: "Kid, I think we should take a detour; I'm afraid that old guy will go mad later."

(End of Chapter)