Yu Xiaogang had already decided that he would use the information about the Medusa Spirit Beast to gain Dugu Bo's favor in the future. However, their immediate priority was escaping the Medusa's pursuit.
The poisonous mist clearly marked the Medusa's territory. By entering it, they had unknowingly trespassed into her domain, provoking her attack.
The best way to deal with a Spirit Beast like the Medusa was simple—leave her territory as quickly as possible.
Without hesitation, Yu Yuanzhen activated his Martial Soul Possession. Nine brilliant spirit rings rose beneath his feet, radiating immense pressure.
"Xiaogang, take Bibi Dong and retreat first," Yu Yuanzhen said calmly.
"I'll hold her off for a while. Don't go too far. If you encounter any danger, send me a signal immediately."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Yuanzhen turned around to check on them.
Only then did he realize that Yu Xiaogang and Bibi Dong had already run a considerable distance away.
He stood there speechless for a moment before shaking his head with a helpless smile.
"Those two..."
With that, he turned and charged toward the Medusa.
---
Meanwhile, after escaping the Medusa's territory, Yu Xiaogang glanced back at the fierce battle behind him. Although he trusted his father's strength, he couldn't help but worry.
The Medusa was not known for overwhelming physical strength. Compared to truly powerful Spirit Beasts, her close-combat ability was relatively average. Some high-level beasts could probably use her as nothing more than a skipping rope.
Likewise, while her venom was formidable, it wasn't considered the deadliest among snake-type Spirit Beasts.
Even so, the Medusa remained one of the most sought-after Spirit Beasts for poison-attribute snake Spirit Masters.
The reason lay in her extraordinary innate abilities.
Her first racial talent allowed her to petrify her opponents.
Her second ability was even more terrifying—it enabled her to briefly freeze time and space.
These two heaven-defying abilities made the Medusa an incredibly valuable spirit ring.
Very few poison-attribute Spirit Beasts possessed such powerful support abilities.
After putting enough distance between themselves and the Medusa's territory, Yu Xiaogang and Bibi Dong decided not to return to the Crimson Flame Tiger's territory. Instead, they found a relatively safe area and waited quietly for Yu Yuanzhen.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's tense expression, Bibi Dong gently comforted him.
"Don't worry. His Excellency Thunder has been a renowned powerhouse for many years. A mere Medusa won't be enough to defeat him."
Yu Xiaogang nodded and took several deep breaths, gradually calming himself.
"Thank you."
"The Medusa's direct combat ability isn't exceptional, but her special abilities are incredibly dangerous. I've read about many powerful Spirit Masters who lost their lives simply because they underestimated her for a single moment."
"That's why I'm worried."
The two waited quietly.
Not long afterward, Yu Yuanzhen finally emerged from the forest.
His clothes were somewhat disheveled, but he appeared unharmed.
Yu Xiaogang immediately hurried over.
"Father, are you alright?"
Yu Yuanzhen waved his hand.
"I'm fine."
"A Medusa alone isn't enough to seriously threaten me."
"However..."
He frowned.
"That Medusa's poison is rather unusual."
Yu Xiaogang's expression changed.
"Unusual? Were you poisoned?"
"It's nothing serious."
Yu Yuanzhen calmly circulated his spirit power while suppressing the toxins inside his body.
"Fortunately, the Medusa's poison isn't among the deadliest."
"Even after mutating, it's only comparable to the venom of Spirit Beasts that specialize in poison."
Yu Xiaogang frowned thoughtfully.
"Comparable to poison-specialized Spirit Beasts of the same cultivation level?"
"That shouldn't be possible."
"I didn't notice any obvious mutations on her body."
He replayed the battle in his mind but couldn't recall anything unusual about the Medusa's appearance.
Yu Yuanzhen simply shrugged.
"I don't know."
Yu Xiaogang remained silent for a moment before shaking his head.
"Forget it."
"There's no point dwelling on it now."
"The most important thing is getting back to Heaven Dou City."
"Although you're suppressing the poison with your spirit power, you can't continue doing that forever."
Fortunately, detoxifying the poison wasn't the issue.
Heaven Dou City was home to countless talented Spirit Masters.
Healing- and purification-type Spirit Masters were plentiful, and with the influence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, finding someone capable of removing the poison wouldn't be difficult.
The real problem was getting there.
One route back was blocked by the Medusa.
The other was guarded by the Crimson Flame Tiger.
Either way, they would have to fight another powerful Spirit Beast.
Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but frown.
Just then, Bibi Dong gently tugged on his sleeve.
"Xiao Long can fly."
Yu Xiaogang froze for a moment before his eyes lit up.
"That's right!"
"How could I forget something so important?"
Without another word, he immediately summoned Xiao Long.
A flash of light appeared.
The tiny, kitten-sized dragon landed before them.
"Awoo! n(≧▽≦)n"
Its adorable roar echoed through the forest.
Yu Xiaogang couldn't help smiling.
"...No wonder I forgot."
"Ever since obtaining my third spirit ring, I've still been thinking of Xiao Long as the tiny little dragon it used to be."
Before acquiring his third spirit ring, he had tried using Xiao Long to fly.
Unfortunately, the little dragon had been far too small to carry him.
Since then, he had unconsciously dismissed the idea altogether.
Yu Xiaogang gently rubbed Xiao Long's head.
"Xiao Long, I'll have to trouble you to fly us back."
"└(≧O≦)┘ Awoo!"
Hearing the request, Xiao Long immediately puffed out its chest and raised both little arms as if proudly declaring,
"Leave it to me!"
The next moment, its body rapidly expanded.
Within seconds, the tiny dragon transformed into a majestic giant that towered over the forest.
"Roar!"
After stabilizing its enormous body, Xiao Long lowered itself and gestured for the three of them to climb onto its back.
From beginning to end, its face was filled with smug pride, like a child eager to show off.
Yu Yuanzhen laughed heartily.
"I never thought I'd one day ride on Xiao Long's back."
"Excellent!"
"Very impressive."
Receiving the praise, Xiao Long proudly lifted its head even higher.
Yu Xiaogang chuckled helplessly.
"Father, stop praising it."
"It can barely handle a single compliment."
Even so, he couldn't hide the smile on his face.
If Xiao Long wanted to be proud, then so be it.
As long as he was there to guide it, the little dragon would never lose its way.
There was nothing wrong with letting it enjoy a little happiness.
With Xiao Long carrying them safely through the skies, Yu Xiaogang, Bibi Dong, and Yu Yuanzhen successfully escaped the Sunset Forest without encountering any further danger.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)